What you've read are mostly half truths, ride it for yourself and decide
Common EPIC Questions/Comments
Can't you get the same effect by using a lock-out on the shock ? Yes and no, a fully locked out bike cannot respond to trail changes, the EPIC can - without you having to re-engage the shock. I found this to be of real benefit when climbing loose or rocky sections. The back tire would spin half a turn and then grab - just like a good active FS should.
The EPIC is heavy. Compared to what ? Granted it may be 1/2 pound off of current lightweight FS designs but it's certainly in the range of many FS bikes. Compared to the Giant NRS bikes, which a lot of people compare to the EPIC, the EPIC is no heavier. I recently rode them back to back and the EPIC felt lighter. The NRS is often described as being a lightweight FS bike ? Are you kidding me ? The Giant NRS1 with disc brakes is pushing 29lbs. A Specialized EPIC Comp which runs about the same price is ~27 lbs, depending on size. Granted, to be described as a lightweight XC bike people are expecting at least 24-25 lbs bikes.
I don't want a bike that activates after the first bump - I want something fully active. This is misinformation - the EPIC reacts to every bump - and it certainly moves in reaction to the first bump. I've tested this by placing my baseball glove on the driveway and running over it at various speeds. In every case the rear suspension moved as it ran over the glove. Jumping on this bike is cool as the landing is just like that of a full suspension bike - very smooth.
The EPIC is expensive. Being a large bike company everyone expects to pay less. Is this some mass produced frame ? If so it's top notch and I can only imagine what it would cost if this was coming from Santa Cruz or Ellsworth or some other frame shop. Sepcialized spent the money in the design and that's what your paying for - just the same as with any other specialty built frame. In addition, the design and craftsmanship of the frame is first rate and this is one nicely built, superstiff frame - a point often overshadowed by all the hype over the suspension. Again, if this had a Santa Cruz or Ellsworth sticker on the downtube and no-one would be complaining.
The EPIC frame is overbuilt (i.e. they could have saved more weight). This comes down to personal preference - I'd rather have them error on the side of reliability-dependability and like the reinforcement of the frame. Who wants to be riding a soggy noodle within a year ?
The suspension is harsh - In the parking lot it may feel harsh because it rides more like a hardtail while a fully active FS bike will feel Lazy-boy smooth in comparison. Take it on the trail and it's a different story - it feels just like a XC FS bike in reaction to bumps on the trail. Two key points here - it puts the power to the ground when your peddling yet behaves just like any good active FS bike should. Meaning that the suspension action is isolated from braking or pedling - you hit a bump while braking or pedling the suspension reacts the way it should. This really helps the bike stay glued to the ground and keeps it from hoping around when your descending and braking. This is something that non-active designs that may have reduced pedal-bob can't claim. The key note here is that the suspension action was not comprimised in order to reduce pedal induced bobing. This is something that you begin to appreciate more and more as you ride the bike.
Links - read what others have to say abou the EPIC :
