Specialized Epic v Specialized Stumpjumper

[justinb]

Hi All,

Not sure if this needs to be in parts or here as they are both XC bikes. Mods, feel free to move if you wish.

Well.. I'm confused.. a part from the obviously different rear shock location, what is the real differences between the bikes?

Why would you choose one over the over?
Why the difference in shock location? what is the advantage of either or?

General thoughts?

Cheers

NOTE : Pics added below for the sake of saving everyone going hunting for them.

Epic

Stumpjumper

 

[bingobong]

This is covered in may forums/discussions but anyhow:
Epic = 4 inches travel, lighter, faster, steeper geometry, brain tuned more rigid so behaves more like a hardtail when locked out. Fast, fast, fast.
Stumpy = 5 inches travel, more relaxed and comfy, brain is tuned softer so feels more plush even when locked out. Fast, forgiving and comfy.

Depending on setup there can be alot of overlap between the two. At the extremes Epic is for racing, Stumpy is for lighter DH duties. Both can handle general trail riding fine. Unless you are serious about racing go the Stumpy as it is almast as fast as the Epic but more comfy and forgiving. If you are a racer then you already know the answer.

BTW I couldn't decide so I have both

 

[chops007]

ye well covered nothing more needs to be said..

ive ridden both and would love to own bothe because they are both awesome but the epic is more suited for xc but if ya need help descending the go the stumpy, but if ya wana race the big boys n to be taken seriously jump on an epic clip in and hang on..

my ridehttp://wwwcentralcoastchops.blogspot.com

 

[GOD12A]

Heya JUSTINB!!

I just went through exactly the same predicament as you only a month ago!!
I chose the Stumpy
Thus far i am extremely happy with her!!
I couldnt afford new, but wanted the BRAIN rear end, so i was lookin for an 07/08, coz the 09 only have the BRAIN on the top few carbon models (read: $$$). As much as id love to have one, i couldnt afford em.

I chose the stumpy coz it was a bit more of a basher than the epic. The epic is built to race, nothing else. On thrashy bush riding the epic is solid while the stumpy has a little give (even with the BRAIN, the epic will lockout completely, but the stumpy has some give). If i couldnt get a stumpy with a brain i would have gone for another brand with the same rear end geometry/linkages for alot less, but the BRAIN is what sold me, its a great little bit of gear!!

My only average experience with my Stumpy is that im 6'2" and bought a Large frame. The bike fits well for thrashing (freeride i guess) but for the Mountains to Beach (400km over 5days) i am setting her up for, the seat has a very relaxed angle and throws my saddle WAAAAY back when the saddle is set to the right height. To fix i had to buy a THOMSON post (yes HAD to!! heheee) so i could shift the saddle that little more forward. BUT remember, i was nearly maxing out a 350mm long post... It felt extremely weird to climb in the saddle, the BB is just too far forwards with the setback seatpost extended so far out.

Goodluck with the choice
Hit me with any Qs coz i did a fair bit of research before deciding!!

Mark

 

[cullis]

Also confused



I am also looking at both bikes at present. I currently ride an 06 Giant Reign 1, but have found that I am doing more racing these days. I ride in the Dirtworks, Fling, Doctor and other enduros and have been finishing in around the top 15% of starters.

I started by looking at the Epic as a pure race machine but then got pointed at the Stumpy because they felt that would be a better fit considering the bike I am currently riding.

Does anyone have any advice, or had similar experience?

 

[chops007]

dirtworks 5hrs6mins
the angry doctor 5hrs 25
the fling 100MILE 8hrs 42

all on epic marathon carbon..

my local track is ourimbah,,, some of the steep trails on the central coast would be better on a stumpy... but the epic is so efficient.

i think ur better off turning an epic more friendly by having ur handle bars higher then trying to turn a stumpy into a twitchy race machine..

u make up more time on a climb then a descent..

my LBS will let u test ride both..

 

[bingobong]

Ditto. I did the Angry Doctor on the Epic it was perfect especially for all those climbs and tight singletrack. Am doing both 100km BMCs and the 100km Doctor again this year would still ride the Epic over the Stumpy on all of these.

 

[Nerf Herder]

Dude ... maybe this will confuse even more ... but I'd throw into that mix the Trek EX Fuel ... 8.5 or 9 ? ... the Giant Trance (I'd go the X, but may have a little more legs then you need).

I love my trance ... but would really like to ride a Trek ... but also have a stab at the stumpy ... can you get one of each so I can have a fling

good luck Justin ... happy to come shopping with you if you like.

 

[cullis]

Thanks for the input so far.

I am starting to think the Epic is the way to go (but I swing daily at pres) as I will most likely keep the Reign for AM. But it seems such a waste not to be able to ride the new bike all the time.......

The Trance is a sweet bike, I really like the X0. I should have also mentioned said that I did start off with a list of Scott Spark , Giant Anthem X and Trance X, and Merida 96 and Spec Epic. After years of being a Giant/open standards biggot I must admit that I am becoming a fan of the Brain and the slacker head angles of Specialised.

More input much appreciated.

 

[Oldas]

Hi mate

Everything has been covered but...

I test rode both these bikes before i decided on the Epic. I chose it because i like the feel of a hardtail.

It feels like a hardtail when the PSI is up and the brain is cranked 1 shot down from firm but still lets me hit logs etc without sending me over the bars. It climbs extremely well and is a very fast bike overall.

If you want something more versatile then go the Stumpy. It will be a little more forgiving in the downhills but a little more demanding in the climbs. Has more suspension travel and a different frame shape to allow for more versatility. I did find this a little slower on fast singletrack.

Though, it would be fair to say that the type of rider you are and what suits you should the the factor in your choice. No point buying a pure racebike if it does not suit your riding and style or budget.

Go to a specialized dealer, tell em your keen and get 1 one weekend and another the next if you can.

Cheers

 

[bingobong]

If you plan to keep the Reign for AM then I would definitely get the Epic over the Stumpy. If you are only going to have one bike and still like to do AM with some racing then go the Stumpy with light wheels.