Guys, I always thought that the Epic was the XC bike and the Stumpjumper was the trail bike. If the MTB action article is right the gap is narrowing with the Stumpy becoming more XC than before.
What say you? Especially those with 2006 or '07 Stumpies. Anyone ridden both?
Are you thinking about getting one of them as well as your new purchase. You are as bad as I am when it comes to bikes.
Just looking at the options for when I replace the GT.
Was at the bike shop last night having this same dicussion. Epic is more ‘race xc’, and the Stupmy is more ‘trail xc’. We weighed the Epic Marathon and it was 26.5lbs while the Stump Pro was 28lbs. I was pretty disappointed with the Epic weight, it’s at least a pound heavier than bikes that are $500-800 less.
The Giant’s are really nice if you are looking for an XC bike.
I’m having a good look at the Rocky Mtn Element for Xterra racing…nice platform at pretty good price point.
I wouldn’t buy a complete Epic as I have issues with various components in the build but am sure I could build it around the 23lb mark pretty easily paticularly off the rotating weight and cockpit. Cheers for the comments though, Shawn.
Shortlist now seems to be Epic, Intense Spyder FRO and Titus Racer X.
Brian, I received my XTR chainset, derailleurs and shifters today from PF, very nice! The EC90 bar arrived yesterday.
Are you talking about the Stumpjumper FSR models? If so, they are awesome, my brother just got either the Comp or the Elite and loves it.
I have ridden them as well and thought it rode great and was very responsive, if I wasn’t buying a new tri frame sometime soon I would be getting the Stumpjumper FSR Elite I think.
I could send you over my Specialized FSR-XC S-Works frame that I will be selling. It is a medium and in amazing shape. Comes with the MRP linkage in the back (allows for adjustable shock length) and has the Vanilla Float R shock.
I will sell it too you for a very good price. The frame weighs in at 2468g which is still lighter than the new carbon version.
All kidding aside and from what I have seen, the Specialized Epic is an amazing frame.
Here’s my FSR (which I love dearly):
I just need to learn how to ride it. At least it looks cool- I call it the Black Widow.
I was thinking about the Stumpy Pro, not sure if its an FSR, what’s the FSR stand for anyway?
I think that I have found a Easton EC90 shipped for $120 US so if it happens, that will be one of the last things that I need. I still have to order two seat post clamps which most likely will be Extralite 9g clamps.
I am glad that your components arrived already. I will still have to wait for my another week I think. Then I have to send back the XO parts that were shipped by accident.
Send me a picture of the parts to my home email address if you get a chance.
Oh and I bought the KCNC Ti Lite Pro posts in 31.6 and will just use the 27.2 cut down on the TCR’s. I did not want to use shims in the end.
Cheers.
Thanks Brian but I would never buy a used MTB, too many variables even for one of known provinance like yours. I was impressed by the Epic I tested in Jan but found the top tube too short for me.
Full Suspension Racing.
Very nice, Katy. Shouldn’t the be the Widow maker for those they you ride over in smackdowns? 
I would say the same for my FSR. I did find the top tube length a bit short on my as well. That is why I went with the Easton EC70 post to get the seat back a bit more than normal.
I’m looking at upgrading to the Stumpjumper FSR women’s comp… in the very near future (when I sell my current bike - which may be tonight!). I’m glad to hear from people who love these bikes!
Interesting, I can see the FSR (thanks Katy for explaining) would be short tt as it’s for trail riding but was surprised the Epic was with it’s XC roots.
Sounds very cool, good luck with your sale, Chris.