2014 Specialized Sworks Epic World Cup
What a beauty. Just when I wonder how can they possibly improve on a bike, the Specialized enigneers comes up with a sox knocker offer. Herewith the completely redesigned 2014 Specialized Sworks Epic World Cup.
Caveman in action on 2014 Epic World Cup at XTERRA Worlds in Maui.
Whats new:
Awesomer suspension! The front and rear Brain systems are the most finely tuned of all suspension systems I’ve ever ridden. Even better than the “old” Epics. I like plush suspension and platforms (Brains) which unlock with very small impacts. The front and rear do this perfectly in sync. Of course, the blue Brain adjuster knob lets you choose you own settings. Its 95mm travel front and rear- I dont miss the extra 5mm we had on the previous model.
Specialized website for more details.
New geometry:
Shorter chain stays, steeper head angle, lower head tube, 1×11 specific, two water bottle cages.
Squirt lube- lube of champions.
Did I mention the Mega chain stays! (behind the QX1 34T Qring at the height of the tubing is Mega!) Out of the saddle climbing was never my thing, but now it so efficient and fast, I “dance on the pedals” all the time. Squirt chain lube keeps the drive train clean, smooth and just about maintanance free.
The new geometry is custom made for XC racing and the “Epic World Cup” does not disappoint. With sharper handling, a lively rear end (uphill and down hill) and faster excelleration, this bike is built for the rider who knows his/her way around the race track.
If you dont have the stomach for the World Cup handling or the legs for the single chainring, the more traditional geometry Sworks Epic with 2 chain rings is still available.
Nice, clean internal cabling everywhere. Brakes, gears and Command Post. Looks good but also saves pounds in muddy races- esp with the 1×11.
SWAT (Storage, Water, Air, Tools) technology:
Removable storage box for tube, CO2, tire lever and tire plug. Or sandwitches. Clean, quiet and with a low centre of gravity.
SWAT EMT tool storage cradle next to the shock mount. Slides in and out of place with a reassuring “click.” Its Caveman proof- I checked.
Brand new 27.4mm diameter Command Post with 5cm saddle drop (for me, not sure on stock spec) with internal cabling.
Roval Controle wheelset. New, wider rim design (bigger tire volume and more stable sidewalls) with low spoke count 24fr/28rr, new bearings and yes you guessed it- even lighter wheelset. Carbon, but Caveman proof.
Specialized Brain inside RockShox fork with sturdy & light thru axle.
Slippery/loose, powdery and grassy surfaces here in Maui- put the velcro of XC tires on the front- Specialized 2.3 Ground Control Sworks at 22psi.
This astonishing bike also comes with build in air conditioner,
and mini bar stocked with the best beer in Belgium…
More about this incredible bike soon.
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Great review Conrad. I’m a 56 year old age group 100 mile racer. I’ve had this bike for 2 months and have ridden it extensively. I weight 180 pounds, and I notice that the front end is flexy on fast rough descents. Have you noticed this? Perhaps it’s related to the light weight carbon crown on the fork? Thanks, andy Forbes
Hi Andy. The front end cant be flexy. This is by far the most rigid XC bike we’ve seen.
What makes the Sworks Epic’s front end rigid:
– Thu axle & oversized drop outs.
– Oversized, tapered steerer tube.
– Completely redesigned new wheelset. Stiffer, lighter & stronger- sounds crazy, but its what you get when you design a wheel without a bead hook.
Troubleshoot:
– Are you using Specialized Roval Control SL wheels? (Some other brands has a 180lbs weight limit)
– Check spoke tension.
– Check fork compression (psi) & rebound (+and -). Too soft and fast fork will feel soft and divey on high speed, rough stuff.
All the best
C
Hi
Sweet, sweet ride for sure … my WC S-Works just arrived last week, I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, still below zero, am itching to get it outside!
I hope you can help with two questions – I need all the help I can get; I’m getting a bit older and trying to keep up/beat the 20/30 year olds is getting more ‘interesting’ so anything I can do to gain an edge must be tried you know 🙂
1 – I have used a dropper post for years, but now the Epic has a 27.2mm seatpost diameter so my options are limited, especially since I need some (~20mm of set back). You say your is a Command Post – how/where can I get my hands on one?
2 – I use Rotor Q rings on my road bike, how are yours fitted to the Epic, yours are bolted to the front of the spider (maybe you have a completely different crank set up than the stock Epic?). Looking at my Epic, the stock SRAM ring is bolted to the back of the spider arm, thus if I have to change out the Q-Rings I would have to remove the crank to change out – is that correct? Please let me know how you made this work.
Any help would be appreciated,
Cheers and continued success!!
Howzit Dario. Come ride in Africa! Its sunny & hot.
1) You’ll have to wait. Its coming…
2) My Specialized cranks and Rotor QX1 is stock standard – the chainring just bolts right on.
Just a tip to really bring the best out of your Epic WC: (Or any Specialized Brain technology equiped bike)
Take your time to really set the suspension up properly. Set the proper Compression,(air valve) Rebound (red dial) and the Brain (Blue dial) on both your shock and fork to get optimal performance. To me, the suspension is what really pust this bike appart from any other.
If you dont have the know how to set it up, your Specialized dealer will do it when he sells you the bike. Take your time and learn from them. Its not hard to learn.
Once you have your settings and like them, write it down so you can replicate it after a service or check up before a race. (Compression = psi, Rebound= number of clicks + or -, Brain the blue dial on the new 2014 Epic works great fully locked out)
Happy trails!
C
Hopefully my S-works Epic WC will be here soon! Question for you Conrad on the front tire. How often do you race with the heavier Ground Control vs the Fast Trak? Thanks.
Howzit Rich. The Ground Control 2.3 is a great tire when traction is hard to find. I use it on the front when the course is muddy or otherwise loose and slippery. Its only slightly heavier than the Fast Trak and rolling is only slightly slower. I’d rather be sure(er) and safe(er) and ride with more confidence than try save 30 or 40g.
Experiment & enjoy!
C
Hi Conrad; My Epic World Cup be coming along soon! I’ve ridden a dropper post for 8 years and with the 27.2mm change there are not many droppers on the market that can accommodate, and none that I know off that can extend the full height I need. I’ve heard rumor of a 27.2 Command post but this is the first I’ve seen of it! I sure hope I can get a hold of one soon! And I hope it can extend high enough for my needs! Last year’s Epic was fantastic. I can’t wait to check out the World Cup version. Your bike looks extra Specialized! with the QX1 !! WoW. I hope I can get that too!!!
Jesse- then new Sworks Epic World Cup is an awesome racing machine. Try to be patient:)
Cheers
C
wowee. work of beauty!
Man….. As I told you b4 (because of my short height) I was Sure I needed either a 26” or at the most a 27.7. You change that……. I will go with a 29er….. This is for Boulder….. But After seeing this incredible Bike Now I want full Suspension…
Good Luck Tomorrow Caveman!