Trail Test: Specialized Epic Elite M5 World Cup, for getting to the finish line first
The 2015 Specialized Epic Elite M5 World Cup’s strength is that it’s a straight-up cross-country race bike. It doesn’t pretend to be anything else.
reviewed by Stuart Kernaghan
Specialized Epic Elite M5 World Cup (as tested)
Components: SRAM X1
Suspension: RockShox SID 29 Brain fork, Fox/Specialized shock
Wheels: Roval Control Carbon 29
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Price: $5,949
Website: specialized.com
The 2015 Specialized Epic Elite M5 World Cup’s strength is that it’s a straight-up cross-country race bike. It doesn’t pretend to be anything else. The Epic series is all about going from Point A to Point B efficiently and in the shortest amount of time possible. Each of the Epics sport 29″ wheels, 95 mm/3.75″ of front and rear travel and a host of proprietary technology, such as the Brain inertia valves, the fSR suspension design and Specialized-brand components.
This particular Epic is one of two aluminum models in the nine-bike series; the frame features internal cable routing and a 142-mm rear end. Suspension duties are handled by a Fox/Specialized Mini-Brain rear shock with Autosag and a RockShox SId 29 Brain fork. The Magura MtS hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm/160 mm rotors are mated with a SRaM X1 shifter and rear derailleur, XG 1180 10–42 tooth cassette and X1 1000 32–tooth crank.
Specialized parts round out the spec. You get Roval Control carbon rims with S–Works Fast Trak Control 29×2.0 tires on both ends, along with handlebars, grips, stem, saddle, seatpost and bottle cage with built-in multi-tool from the Big Red S. The total weight for a size XL bike with pedals and tubes is 26.4 lb. It’s a solid parts mix for racing, but the overall package isn’t featherweight.
The Brain inertia valve isolates the damping circuits in the suspension from rider input, but makes them active when the suspension encounters trail input. In other words, firm when you’re pedalling and active when you hit a bump. It’s a smart pedalling platform, hence the Brain moniker.
It’s possible to dial in the amount of force required to activate the suspension and set it anywhere from ultra-efficient and somewhat harsh to firm and efficient without the sting. Don’t expect plush here, even when the Brain settings are off. The firmer settings are ideal for smooth race courses, but made for a rough ride on coastal B.C. trails, so I spent most of my time with the Brain dialed all the way back. That minimized rider input while still allowing the suspension to do its thing on roots and rocks. I was able to clean a 2-km section of technical uphill singletrack that has been my nemesis for years.
There’s a lot to like about the Elite. Handling is snappy without being twitchy. The 1×11 drivetrain will work well on the racecourse, but strong riders may want to swap the 32-tooth chainring for something larger. The Fast Trak Control tires worked surprisingly well, even in wet, technical conditions.
I did have a few issues, including noticeable harmonic resonance coming from the rear end under heavy braking. The Magura brakes may be light, but the lack of modulation leads to hand fatigue. The small internal cable port on the downtube and the 27.2 mm seatpost size will limit your choice of height-adjustable seatposts, if you want to run one. One last quibble: it’s not possible to adjust the Brain settings while riding.
The Epic Elite tears up climbs, handles singletrack very well thanks to the headtube angle and big wheels, and can be a competent descender under a skilled rider. The parts mix is good for XC racing, with one or two minor exceptions. The Brain suspension works as advertised, and makes for a very efficient ride. All in all, this is a seriously capable bike for people who are serious about ending up on the podium.
