? about Epic and Stumpjumper

[sundial]

I really like my hardtail BUT my joints are tattling on me. I'm giving some thought to buying a FSR mtb. I don't need a lot of travel ( I think) and I thought about the Epic and hopped on one at the lbs. Then I jumped on the Stumpjumper. The Stumpie feels pretty bombproof and roomy in the cockpit. The Epic seems to be more like my Rockhopper in the cockpit and feels more.......feminine.

I'm looking to ride on gravel roads, packed dirt, and occasionally trails with baby heads. I will need a bike that can climb as we have steep hills around here. I won't be riding really technical stuff because I'm too old to heal fast, lol.

I know there are several TE'ers that have a Stumpjumper and I haven't read about anyone with an Epic. Would you care to share your experiences with your bike? Inquiring minds want to know.

[Alex]

I test rode both the Epic and the Stumpjumper before I bought my Giant Anthem 0. The Epic and the Anthem are cross-country race bikes. The SJ is more of an all-mountain rig. That means it's heavier and has more travel. I don't know what the Epic weighs, but my Anthem is several pounds lighter than the SJ. I think it's about 22 pounds, or maybe 23, but I can't remember for sure. I love my Anthem. DH can't even keep up with me on his hardtail. It is light for climbing and handles like a dream on the downhills.

The Epic, the SJ, and the Anthem 0 are all great rides. For me, the Giant fit better and I wanted light and fast. I decided I didn't need as much travel as the SJ provided and, so far, I have been perfectly delighted with the ride.

Have fun shopping! My friend bought a men's SJ and it is very nice (especially when she keeps the rubber side down). She's, um, a bit new to mountain biking.

Alex

[bounceswoosh]

Are you sure on that weight for a full suspension bike? My Ellsworth Truth is pretty tricked out, and it's still 26 and change. And that's an XS (extra small). That's with disc brakes though ...

The GF Sugar I had before that (medium frame) was over 30! (oof)

[JanB]

I did a 24 hour mtb race in February and planned to ride my Epic. I'm on the newer side to mtb'ing so was in way over my head and crashed twice pre-riding the course. I ended up riding a guys sister's SJ for the race because it was more forgiving and easier to handle. The Epic is a race bike but I bought it used and got a good deal. I've never loved the bike-I'm just not that good. I was thinking I would "grow" into it but I'm not sure. I'm not sure of the weight for the Epic vs the SJ but the Epic can be a bit heavy. The SJ I was just able to handle better and the ride was more comfy.

[sundial]

My lbs mechanic and owner graciously offered their bikes for me to test ride over the weekend. I rode both the Epic Marathon and Stumpjumper S Works. The Epic is very nimble, turns on a dime, climbs well, and the geometry feels more like my Rockhopper. The SJ is longer in the cockpit, has a more relaxed geometry, climbs ok and smoothed out all the bumps. I can see why it's a popular bike as it handled anything I put it through. But I didn't feel as comfortable on it and my lower back started hurting.

I'll get another chance to ride it on another trail today. So far, the Epic is the winner.

[Alex]

SD, I am awaiting the pictures of your new, lovely, full-suspension mountain bike! I know you're gonna get it. It would be impossible to test ride and NOT buy, right? Especially since that Epic sounds so perfect for you.

Just remember that I posted a pic for you of my MTB, and I EXPECT reciprocal pics!

Alex