? 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

[Alex]

BS,

My Anthem's all stock, except the saddle and the LizardSkin. Oh, yeah, and I put pedals on it. With a saddle bag and CO2 cartridges and whatever else is in the bag, it's 24.2 pounds. It's a 16" and it has disk brakes.

Hope that helps! It really is a lovely ride!

Alex

[sundial]

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

Alex, LOL!

I'm now tryin' to figure out if I want '09 or '08. Rumor has it the Epic will drop a few pounds for '09. On the other hand, the price will be up at least 12%.

[Alex]

Do you know if they plan to change the geometry for '09? When I test rode the SJ, Epic, and Safire earlier this spring, I wanted to like the '08s, but they didn't fit me. The '07s felt so much better. The LBS told me that I was not the first person who was between sizes on the '08s. A medium was too small and a large was too big (in the Safire and the WSD SJ). I'm just about 5'8" and that was the height of the other folks who were having the same problem.

If they are going to change a lot, it would be a bummer to wait only to find out that it doesn't fit. Especially when you could have had the perfect bike right now! I don't know anything about bike manufacturers, though, and maybe they don't change designs every year?

Given your previous issues with the weight on your current bike, it sure might be worth the wait for the '09s.

Gosh. I'm so helpful. Not!

Alex

[sundial]

Do you know if they plan to change the geometry for '09? If they are going to change a lot, it would be a bummer to wait only to find out that it doesn't fit. Especially when you could have had the perfect bike right now!

That's a good point. I know Specialized made changes to the Flow Control so that it engages quicker for the '08 bikes, but I'm not sure about recent changes to the geometry. I will have to ask my lbs if they know if they know of any major changes for the '09's. As for the weight, I believe the Epic currently weighs the same as my Rockhopper (with the Mavic rims and lighter cranks), so it's not so much an issue. When I get the Epic I plan on switching the rims out for my Mavics and maybe the cranks too. I'll chat with the mechanic about this when I return the bikes.

[sundial]

After consulting with my financial advisor, aka hubby, he called the lbs and ordered the Epic comp in Ti. Woot woot!!

[Alex]

What an EXCELLENT financial advisor!

Congratulations!

Alex

[sundial]

Yeah, he's a pretty good guy.

[sundial]

Tomorrow I pick up my new Epic. Woo hoo!!