Specialized 2009 Carbon Epic

Specialized released their Epic line of full suspension mountain bikes in 2003. The new line was well received from the beginning & has become a popular choice for riders looking for a cross-country oriented full suspension bike.

Now, for 2009, Specialized has drastically revamped the Epic line. There's a great review of the bike over at CyclingNews but the nutshell version is that the new 2009 high-end Epic comes in under 22lbs while still retaining a similar ride quality as the 2008 Specialized Epic Marathon Carbon.

However, we hesitate to use the phrase "comparable model" as the 2008 Epic Marathon Carbon was not full carbon but rather a FACT carbon front triangle & an M5 aluminum rear triangle whereas the new 2009 Specialized Epic is going to be a full carbon frame.
Yes, that's right, a carbon front end & a carbon rear triangle.

Specialized didn't stop there though; They've outfitted the 2009 Epic with their proprietary FACT integrated crankset. Please note that while Specialized's road FACT integrated crankset is compatible with the BB30 standard their new mountain FACT integrated crankset is not compatible with the BB30 standard.

Specialized re-engineered the placement of the shock (under the top tube at the top tube & seat tube junction) and the Brain unit (above the rear non-drive axle). Specialized claims that these modifications will produce a more balanced ride. Specialized will be using their Futureshock E100 1^1/2" to 1^1/8" forks on the new 2009 Specialized Epics.

Ever since Specialized took on Mike McAndrews, they've been pushing the suspension envelope. McAndrews has been in bicycle industry for a quite a while now and by looking back on his employment history, he always seems to be working at fork & suspension companies when those companies were breaking the mold.
Remember RockShox and the Mag 21? The Maverick Duc32?
McAndrews was there.


After a 10 year hiatus between the original carbon Epic, Specialized recommitted to carbon fiber in 2004 with the S-Works Tarmac and the Roubaix line. It appears that Specialized's commitment to carbon will only increase into 2009 for the CyclingNews review of the 2009 Epic states: "All of the new Epics and Eras will be carbon-only; there are no aluminum models for 2009 although a slightly less expensive Marathon version will use aluminum chain stays".

If the 2009 Epic is any indication of what other companies are going to bring to the table for 2009 then 2009 promises to be a banner year for new cycling products.