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Specialized Sworks Epic World Cup -First Ride Impressions
After picking up my new 2014 Sworks Epic World Cup just before Christmas, I’ve had the opportunity over the holiday break to give it a good work out, and thought this an opportune time to share some of my first ride impressions.
for the full review goto:
http://sxcracing.com/specialized-sworks-epic-wor...
But for some early insights:
"....the first thing you notice is the agility of the bike. This being a mix of the slightly more aggressive geometry of the world cup, with steeper head angles and slightly shorter chain stays..."
"...the firmer suspension setting is very evident. On the hardest suspension setting the bike is hard tail firm with no give at all in the rear..."
"...XX1 de-clutters everything and adds to the impeccable smooth lines that the bike already has..."
"In my opinion this bike (world cup or otherwise) is completely purpose built for endurance racing. With the new lines and sculpted frame, the bike now accommodates 2 full size water bottles (yes even on the small frame) and with the suspension system, massive bottom bracket and chain stays is built to get the power down and you moving forward."
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A beautiful bike mate! You can not go wrong with one of those
A very drool worthy bike!
The thing that makes me most jealous is the fact it's a dually that can carry 2 water bottles! Top marks Specialized.
I think if the other brands don't do the same they'll lose out big time. 2 water bottles inside the frame on a dually is a massive plus
They've changed the frame shape to accomodate two water bottles - the down tube has a 'horizontal' section just before it connects to the BB to give more room.
Is it really an advantage to carry two water bottles and not just a 1.5ltr Camelbak or similar? Guess my skills aren't up to using bottles on trails, find it easier to use Camelbak and stay hydrated better through sipping not gulping
. Though use a side entrance bottle holder on my small framed S-works in addition to Camelbak
But Love my 2011 S'Works Epic. Almost laying the money out for the 2014 model.
But whats the opinion on the World cup 1x11 V the 'normal' 2014 S-Works with 2x10 for enduro's. Slightly slacker angles and little weight difference, and wider gear range. Example did a 22% grade (according to Strava) this morning that I would never get up on a 1x11 setup. Is the WC really the better bike of the two for long distance endurance riding with steep grades? (I know rider ability is a factor - but interested in opinions)
I prefer a camelbak but if I could carry two that might sway me to use bottles.
As for 1x11. I have the 2012 Epic Marathon but recently changed to 1x11 and love it. The biggest change for me was I went from grip shift to trigger so I'm still getting use to that.
I've done a loop in the Blue Mountains (http://app.strava.com/activities/102737016) four times with it and haven't had issues when running a 32t up front. Dicko was with me and got up everything easy enough. If you're not familiar with the loop on of the steep bits is this segment (http://app.strava.com/segments/3391152) which have a few steep bits.
The best thing about 1x11 is it just works and is easy to ride with. Makes your bike cleaning easier as well.
Just getting that weight off your back is a big plus, and I run so much cooler I don't need to drink as much.
Going sans Camelbak at the 2013 Mont made a big difference in my view. Would love a dually that can fit two bottles.
I really don't understand these american manufacturers like Ellsworth and some others that don't even bother with room for one drink bottle on the XC 29er duallies. The bike was just brilliant to ride, and I had the chance to pick up the review bike cheap, but that was a deal killer for me. Dumb move Ellsworth.
Firstly - if you go the WC the only option you have is 1 x 11 as the massive rear chain stays dont allow for a front derailuer.
What you get is slightly shorter chain stays and a very stiff rear end. The front geo i dont notice that much difference and after 500km i feel like i am right in the sweet spot on this bike,
1 x 11 - believe me i have been over this many times. But when you get it you work out that all the science and gear ratos are correct. 1 x 11 v 2 x 10 you only loose 1 gear at the very bottom and very top of the range when running a 32T front ring. For me there is nothing i havent been able to climb - even when tired on 1 x 11.
For the northern beaches i am riding 34t and have no issues. I di plan ahead and if riding anything over 20% grade would switch to 32t before the ride.
As for 2 water bottles v camelbak - all i can say go for a long ride or race with no camelbak. I think you will find the answer to your question. The rest is just technique about accessing bottles when riding.
I hope this helps.
D
Holy shit dicko, you must have quality knees. I could only ride 32 /42 up 20% for 20m or so- very tough on your quads and knees because cadence drops so low - running is pretty much just as efficient at those slopes anyway
Plenty of duallies have 2 bottle mounts btw, both my niner and Santa Cruz have 2 down tube mounted cages. You just drink the one near the front wheel first, or if it's muddy, drink the one inside the down tube , then stop and transfer the contents of the dirty one to the clean one. I'm not generally that precious about a little dust or mud, and just wipe it off and down the hatch.
Bloody hell - with my aged knees it would be easier (and faster?) walking up a hill over 25%
.
My 2x10 has 3 lower gears than a 1x11, but I don't have standard XX gearing as I have 11x40 cassette and 36x20 front rings. Currently I have three lower gears than a 1x11 as my lowest four gears ratios:1 are- 0.5; 0.588; 0.690; 0.800 and my highest is 3.273. The lowest 1x11 with a 32 ring is 0.762 the highest 3.20:1, with 34 ring it is 0.81:1 and 3.4:1
So basically a 1x11 in endurance events with 20% grades and longish downhills, is not feasible 'for me'. So like all things it is horses for courses. High power to weight ratio means higher gears can be pulled - low power to weight (i.e. me), lower gearing is required.
Rear the super stiff rear end - I don't generate enough power to worry the chain stays on my 2011 S-works Epic (even if they were bamboo!)
.
I also use the Camelbak as a back protector, and its taken a few impacts over the years. Also for a four hour ride 2 bottles wouldn't be enough fluids for me. But for those that prefer bottles the two cage system is good.
So guess it's know thyself and select which suits you best. Just wish the SW Epic 2x10 was available in SRAM XX.