Editor’s Note: Grannygear is in Colorado and has filed this preliminary report with some images from Specialized’s dealer and Press camp. Let’s take a look at some 2011 Specialized 29″ers!

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Well, nothing like traveling since 05:30 in the morning to fuzz up the brain, but here are some pics and notes from tonight’s after dinner cruise through the halls. My notes may me a bit off here, so if I get a details wrong, I will make up for it later.

The EVO program is quite interesting. Imagine an off the rack bike as what it is…normal spec. Then, put it in the hands of a shop rat or a customer with a desire to tweak and you often get either a racier approach…maybe a 1×9 drivetrain with faster tires, etc, or the other way – put a longer travel fork and bigger tires on it, maybe a Command Post and wider h-bars, etc. In a nutshell, Specialized is doing that with many bikes across the line.

For instance, these pics show an Epic in the EVO ‘R” flavor with a 1×10 set-up, etc. The two Epics together show the same bike in Race and Trail form. The EVO Trail has bigger tires, a 120mm fork, and the drop on Command Post. Also, all Epics are 100mm rear sus travel, so I was told. Note: Some bikes shown may not be 29ers, but it applies.

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The show would not be complete without a light bike hanging on a scale somewhere, so here is the S Works 29er Epic in a size medium. Look out Superfly 100!

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As well, the Epic Comps will be available in aluminum frames.

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The Epics all get the 142+ rear hub/axle interface, and although the 142mm will be an industry standard, Specialized took it a step further and widened the hub flanges even more by moving the cassette outboard and the brake side hub flange closer to the rotor. This is found on the Roval wheels, and possibly more…not sure yet. It is not on the Stumpjumper FSRs or HTs IIRC.

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The new carbon seat stays on the hardtail Stumpjumpers are Jenny Craig influenced this year. Note the size compared to my index finger. Svelte, indeed. But, check out the top tube as seen from the riders point of view on the Stumpy Expert 29er. Ooooo!!

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A bike that has really peaked my interest is the Camber 29er, ready to be purchased by weekend warriors everywhere at a starting price of $2050. – $2900.00 dollars in two models.

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Sorry for the grainy pics….my camera is not so hot indoors! Tomorrow the riding begins and we get down to it.

grannygear