2015 Specialized Epic Expert Carbon World Cup Review | Bicycle Sports

Turn your go-fast dreams into reality! Specialized 2015 Epic Expert Carbon World Cup is the machine to make it happen. 

(photo from Flowmountainbike.com)

It rocks 95mm of Brain-controlled FSR rear suspension and a 95mm SID fork for unprecedented climbing and confident descending. The state-of-the-art FACT 10M-carbon frame is not only light, it's also super stiff for lightning-fast accelerations and pinpoint handling. Plus, this XC-rocket is equipped with a stellar component package: a full SRAM X01 1x11 drivetrain for flawless, lightning-fast shifting, featherweight Roval Control carbon wheels, and a set of wonderfully powerful Magura MTS disc brakes. And, don't forget about Specialized's grippy tires that keep you hooked up to the trail no matter how hard you rail the turns.


With 29-inch Roval Control Carbon wheels, FACT 10m carbon frame with World Cup Geometry, and Brain inertia valve damping technology in both the FOX/Specialized shock and custom 95mm-travel RockShox SID fork, the Epic Expert Carbon World Cup has the speed to tame any cross-country terrain.

• FACT 10m carbon, 95mm-travel, FSR frame w/ World Cup Geometry for the ultimate XC race machine
• Specialized/FOX Brain shock w/ AUTOSAG knows the difference between smooth and rough terrain
• RockShox SID fork w/ Brain damping and 95mm travel for race-ready XC performance
• Roval Control Carbon 29 wheelset w/ Zero Bead Hook and 142+ spacing for greater control
• 2Bliss Ready S-Works/Control Fast Trak tyre combo for high-traction and fast-rolling speed
• SRAM X01 11-speed, carbon cage rear derailleur for premium shifting performance
• SRAM XX1 11-speed trigger shifters for efficiency and simplicity on the trail
• 11-speed SRAM cassette and drivetrain for ultimate shifting efficiency and simplicity
• Lightweight and compliant Specialized alloy seatpost

CARBON FRAME

 

WHAT The FACT IS carbon frame features a concentric shock linkage for optimal pivot FSR location and suspension movement, two water bottle mounts with SWAT compatibility, internal cable routing, tapered head tube, PF 30 bottom bracket, and 142mm rear hub spacing. The World Cup Epic features 95mm of rear wheel travel, while the standard Epic retains 100mm of suspension.

WHY It’s all about the fastest ride. The frame is lighter than ever, has clean lines, better suspension action, and can carry everything you want right on the frame.

HOW Our engineers and frame designers spent countless hours refining this frame to squeeze every bit of performance from the ride, cut every non-essential gram, and reworked the tube shapes and locations to make room for the ground breaking SWAT technology.

 

 

MINI BRAIN REAR SHOCK WITH XC TUNE

 

WHAT Externally tunable, trail-sensing rear shock with AUTOSAG, pioneered by Specialized and manufactured by FOX.

WHY The only shock that knows the difference between rider and trail induced bumps, the Brain thinks for you and delivers the smoothest, most efficient ride.

HOW When a rider encounters bump forces, the Mini Brain’s inertia valve disengages, allowing oil to flow and the shock to immediately transition from firm (efficient) to fully active (compliant) suspension settings. The external Brain Fade dial allows riders to fine tune their suspension.

 

 

SWAT

 

WHAT Fully integrated emergency repair kit, featuring storage, water bottle holder, air canister, and multi-tool. Stage 3 SWAT standard on Epic Expert and up.

WHY Gives riders the ability to solve any minor mechanical problem on the trail, and eliminates the need to wear a pack.

HOW SWAT items are strategically integrated into the frame at the water bottle and organized by location and weight for easy access.

 

 

XCP COMMAND POST

 

WHAT Designed for specifically for XC racing, the XCP fits 27.2mm seatpost diameters, features a carbon constructions, and has two ride positions, with a 35mm drop position.

WHY Optimised saddle height for XC racing is crucial for maximising output to the pedals when climbing. However, lowering the saddle height with the XCP lowers a rider's centre of gravity for improved handling and control when they need it most—descending technical trails.

HOW By integrating the proven Command Post IR technology into an XC race platform designed for bikes with a 27.2 mm seatpost diameter. The carbon construction saves weight for riders concerned with the added features of the component, while the ability to actuate and raise or lower the XCP on the fly gives riders the optimised positions for both climbing and descending with the ease of a handlebar-mounted lever.

 

 

XC RACE GEOMETRY: EPIC VS. EPIC WORLD CUP

 

WHAT Two uniquely tuned and designed bikes for competitive XC racing and endurance XC racing.

WHY Riders’ needs vary based on terrain. Epic riders demand a race bike that can tackle a variety of course conditions. They are looking for a wide gear range, water carrying capability, and repair item storage. Epic World Cup riders demand explosive power and tight geometry necessary to dominate the race circuit. Weight and stiffness are top-priority for this rider.

HOW Epic models are built around a double chainring chassis and 100mm travel. Epic Expert models and above come equipped with SWAT. For riders looking for the most competition-focused XC race bike, World Cup models are built with a dedicated single-ring chassis featuring short 439mm chainstays, more aggressive geometry, and 95mm of travel. World Cup models are SWAT ready.

 

 

HAND-CRAFTED ROVAL WHEELS

 

WHAT Ultralight Roval Control SL 29 wheelset with Zero Bead Hook technology on S-Works models, Roval Control Carbon 29 wheelset on Marathon and Expert models, and Control 29 alloy wheelset on Elite models.

WHY Zero Bead Hook technology creates a lightweight and impact resistant wheel. The lightweight wheels improve climbing performance and acceleration out of corners.

HOW Roval engineers designed the lightweight carbon and alloy wheelsets with a hookless rim that is stronger and stiffer, so the wheels remain in-true longer, and absorb impact better. Zero Bead Hook simplifies the rim manufacturing process, resulting in a lighter-weight rim that with edges more resistant to sharp rocks and rough terrain.

 

Come in today to see the hottest 2015 Specialized Bikes! We'll even let you take a test ride!
See you soon!




Bicycle Sports
2770 Interstate 10 E
Beaumont, TX 77703
(409) 860-5959
www.bicyclesports.com

2015 Specialized Demo 27.5 - Available in January

All New Specialized FSR Design with Concentric Bottom Bracket Introduced at Crankworx Whistler

(Words and Images by Zach White of mountainflyermagazine.com)

27.5-inch wheels are infiltrating the DH scene for 2015, including one of the industry’s last holdouts of the ‘tweener wheel size in general - Specialized. In addition to their recent 27.5-inch Enduro model introduction, next year’s Demo will now be available with 27.5” wheels, too. And while there have been photos and videos going around for the past few weeks of the new Demo Carbon’s asymmetrical frame design, this week at Crankworx Whistler was the first time media were able to hear the details, and throw a leg over one.


 Zach puts the new Specialized Demo Carbon through its paces on Whistler’s Dirt Merchant trail. - Self Portrait via helper monkeys

Though the latest FSR rendition appears to be an entirely new design at first glance, in reality, it’s just a lower version - with a few tweaks, of course. All pivot points are said to be in the same reference to one another as previous FSR designs, but 3-inches lower. This drop is the culprit for what appears to be a concentric bottom bracket, but Specialized argues shouldn’t be labeled as such due to the pivots on the chainstays.

There will be a slightly less expensive Demo Carbon version available with an aluminum shock link.	Tight tolerances with the carbon frame, concentric pivot point, and frame guard.

Why drop the tried and true FSR pivot design 3-inches? Specialized wanted to see just how low of a center of gravity they could get away with while they were already at the drawing board for a 27.5-inch-wheeled Demo chassis. They also threw out the constriction of needing to design a frame that could be made in an aluminum version as well, which is how the asymmetrical seat tube came about. An added benefit to the single-sided seat support is that shock access is drastically improved for both tuning and removal. Speaking of shocks and accessibility, Specialized and Ohlin have gone to a more standard eye-to-eye measurement that allows use of other shock brands. And, if you’re wondering, Specialized claims the unique design meets all strength requirements.

A look at the bottom bracket without the frame guard.	Specialized is using a standard 10-speed cassette and turning it into a 7-speed on the Demo Carbon’s spec.

An interesting variation from the 142mm industry rear wheel standard is that the new Demo Carbon has 135mm spacing. Specialized says this is for improved heal/ankle clearance that their racers demanded for non-production race bikes over the last couple seasons, so they opted to make it a production spec for 2015.


The new 2015 Specialized Demo Carbon will be available in January.

Specialized says that the chain stay pivot is the reason not to call the latest FSR version a concentric design.	Rear derailleur housing routes through the swing arm.

There will be two versions of the Demo Carbon available this January, though pricing isn’t available, short of being “really expensive” for the S-WORKS version, and “less expensive” for a version that features an aluminum shock link. Both frames and their swingarms will be full carbon, as Specialized states that downhill race bikes are continuously getting lighter and lighter, allowing riders to handle the bikes out on the trail with more precision and less effort.



General consensus out in the bike park was that the latest Demo Carbon design is one sexy machine.

Both brake and rear derailleur housing routes through the main frame via a carbon tube, which should keep mechanic’s headaches to a minimum.	S-WORKS version of the new Demo gets a carbon shock link.

Sizing on the new Demo is now all about length, as the seat tube measurement for a short and medium are the same, and it only grows 20mm for the long and extra-long sizes. For 2015, the current aluminum Demo will carry over, including its 26-inch wheels.

First Ride Impressions

As an ex-downhiller who rarely hops on big bikes these days, it usually takes a few runs to get used to such different beasts when compared to a trail bike. That said, I felt almost too comfortable on the new Demo Carbon in the very first turn of the very first run out on Whistler’s No Joke. All the lowering of pivots and new geometry sounded interesting in Specialized’s media introduction the day before, but what they should’ve done was had us journalists ride the bikes first as it would’ve saved a lot of boring indoor time by letting the bike speak for itself.


The shock’s location gets pushed over to the non-drive side a bit to make room for the asymmetrical seat tube.

The new Demo Carbon is definitely a race bike, as the slack headtube begs to turn into the steepest chutes available, and the tight, low rear end easily whips through tight switchbacks and rock gardens with ease. One noticeable new characteristic is the added contact patch of a 27.5-inch tire that keeps the rear end from skidding quite as easily as a 26-inch version. This isn’t specific to the new Demo, but works well in balancing it’s potentially otherwise too tight of a rear triangle if it did have a smaller wheel. The end result is a very quick handling, yet predictable and precise chassis.


Easy access to the Demo’s Ohlin shock will make racers happy.

Demo’s snappiness also tips its hat to the racers who gave their input into the design as it almost seemed to pout if I didn’t start pedaling out of each turn or throw in a quick spin before a jump. It’s still a big, 37.7-lb DH bike, but one with a focus on speed.

A tapered square rear axle with 135mm spacing keeps the rear wheel on.	With the new frame comes an all new 135mm rear axle.

Ohlin’s TTX shock gives an impressively bottomless and straight-rate feeling out on the trail, yet ramps up nicely when overshooting drops and jumps to avoid a harsh bottom-out. With only a day to ride the bike, it seemed best to keep it out on the trails with the supplied spring, verses trying to fine tune spring rate in 25lb increments. Otherwise, that tight of a graduation in spring options would be greatly appreciated with the time to tune.




Bicycle Sports
2770 Interstate 10 E
Beaumont, TX 77703
(409) 860-5959
www.bicyclesports.com

[PICTURES] 2015 Specialized Road, Mountain, and Commuter Bikes

MORE PICS of SPECIALIZED BIKES

(Originally Posted on BikeRumor)

2015 Specialized Venge LR “Lunch Ride” 1×11 road bike. Photo: Scott Bellecitti

This year, Specialized skipped their major press event where we usually get to weigh and photo everything and get all the nitty gritty. But, their dealers still had their event, and thanks to the legendary Dale Brown over at Cycles de Oro, we’ve got a huge gallery of images and a few details.

From what we’re seeing, there’s a bit more excitement on the road side, even with the new 650B version of the Enduro that was just shown in detail. The pavement, or, rather, off-pavement, side is being led by the Diverge gravel bike. At least for those two, we have some pretty solid information and spec.

There’s plenty more to see though, starting off with the new Venge LR (Lunch Ride), shown above. It’s built up with SRAM Force CX1 mechanical shifters for a 1×11 build around Specialized’s carbon crank arms. Retail is around $5,500. That pic’s from Scott at Mike’s Bikes, everything that follows is from de Oro…




Many more 2×11 Venge aero road bikes remain in the line.


The Tarmac line is headed by the limited edition McLaren version that comes with it’s own matching helmet, shoes and stand.


It’s spec’d with some high zoot bits like eeBrakes.


The new Tarmac Disc was also announced earlier this year and has a few different models available.


The whole “rider centric” design is largely based off entirely different tube, layup and shape designs for every size frame. This cutaway shows just how different they really are. Click to enlarge and you can just make out the text.


A matte black Roubaix S-Works Disc with Di2 and hydraulic brakes joins the lineup.


A new S-Works Dura-Ace mechannical/rim brake Roubaix is also available.


The Allez S-Works D’Aluisio Di2 model combines electronic shifting with their top of the line alloy road racing frame.


An alloy race bike for eight grand? Yep. After all, there was already a $7,000 mechanically shifted model for 2014, so why not?


For young espoirs just starting out (or really short folks), the new Allez 650 combines a straight 1-1/8″ steerer with and 650c wheels with their A1 premium butted, formed alloy tubing for a great entry to the sport. The complete bike’s only $770.


The new Diverge gravel/adventure/all conditions road bike got an informal debut already, but here are a few extra looks.


Nice to see rack/fender mounts on a high end carbon bike.



How much do you want to spend to get away from it all?


Fortunately, the design trickles down to less expensive carbon…


…and alloy versions. Note the hydroformed head tube with Smartweld-looking design. Not quite as smooth as the Allez, but still pretty.


Lots of disc brake Crux cyclocross bike options. Graphics scheme looks the same as before, just different colors, and a new Di2/Hydraulic brake build at the top of the heap.


Pretty colors.


The 2015 Shiv Elite gets a budget friendly Shimano 105 build with plenty of adjustability built into the handlebars. Note the drinking tube coming out of the frame and up toward the front, making it easier to drink while in the aero position. Just mount your favorite aero wheels and you’re ready to race.

2015 SPECIALIZED MOUNTAIN BIKES

The S-Works Epic FSR 29 World Cup might seem like the top of the line…


…what with this spec and all. But it’s not likely to be the most expensive:


That honor almost assuredly goes to the S-Works Epic 29 with the new Rockshox RS-1 inverted fork with their Predictive Steering hub laced to Roval Control SL carbon, hookless rims.


It also gets their new XCP short travel dropper post that’s borrowed by the Diverge. It has 35mm of drop with a carbon body and internal cable routing only. That valve at the top is likely to adjust air pressure to affect return speed.


Ultimate.


The new Camber Grom brings their FSR suspension and all-mountain travel to a 24″ wheel for the kids. It’s running Maxxis Snyper tires, a 24″ dirt BMX tire with a 1x drivetrain. Kids these days – they’ve got all the best toys.


Just ignore all that stuff about 29er geo and wheels.


The Crave 29er hardtail gets some new colors and likely the usual spec updates.

COMMUTER, E-BIKE AND MORE

The Specialized Turbo e-bike gets a lower priced model.


This new version comes in $2,100 less than the original and likely sees smaller batteries and less powerful motors. (We’re getting details and will update shortly)


The Vita Carbon Disc provides the ladies with a lightweight, fast and modern city bike.


The Sirrus Disc Carbon does the same for the gents and ladies with the added comfort of Zertz inserts on the fork and seatstays.


If you’re gonna ride to work, you may as well do it in comfort and style.


Lastly, we have a throwback to the early days of Specialized bikes. This steel, lugged Allez has obviously seen some hard miles over the years.






 

Bicycle Sports
2770 Interstate 10 E
Beaumont, TX 77703
(409) 860-5959
www.bicyclesports.com