2013 Specialized Epic Marathon: Out Of the Box- by Grannygear
For 2013, if you are shopping for a 100mm, XC type 29er FS, then Specialized is hoping you will look very closely at the Epic’s when you go shopping. And if you do look at the Epic line, then you will find a pretty large selection to choose from…seven models by my count, not including the S Works frameset option. From the starter Epic Comp 29 at $3300.00 to the top of the line S Works bikes (there are two of them) at a cool ten grand each, there should be one here that will work for most buyers and we have on test a 2013 Specialized Epic Marathon.
The Marathon name has been missing from the Epic line since it was a 2010 model. We had a long term affair with that bike…XX drivetrain, carbon Reba, Roval wheels. That was a bit of a showcase bike in its time. It was the first bike I saw with XX 2×10 on it and even with the aluminum frame, it was a pretty amazing bike. Since then, the Epic 29ers have gained a bit more travel in the rear end…100mm up from 90mm…and gone to a lot of carbon, both in the frames and rims of the more costly models. They have retained the Mini Brain rear shock with its tunable platform action and kept the bias toward efficiency over pure comfort but with a moderate geometry and that helps the Epic, depending on the tune and parts spec, cover a pretty wide range of uses on trail beyond just racing.
So the Marathon sits just below the S Works bikes and above the Expert Carbon/Expert Carbon Evo R models and retails for $7200.00. Yeah. But both S Works bikes are $10,000.00 so there ya’ go. It has a slightly eclectic mix of parts and walks the fine line of offering very ‘smart’ spec and a chassis that is most of what an S Works would give you. The Marathon, compared to an S Works, offers the FACT IS 10M instead of the 11M frame (typically this means a slightly less costly carbon construction) and the Marathon has aluminum chain stays instead of being an all carbon frame. Engineering tests showed Specialized that the most gain is in a carbon seat stay so it gets that. It loses the Kashima coating on the Fox Mini Brain shock and drops from the full boat Roval Control SL 29 142+ wheelset and gives you the Roval Control Carbon 29 142+ carbon wheelset. The Marathon is pretty much full XO (w/Type II derailleur) as well as offering XO Grip Shift. Really? Really. How unique! There is a Brain equipped SID but it is not a carbon crown/steerer version that the S Works have. It is OS28 too, no 15mm through axle. The handle bar is carbon but not the seat post.
Ok. So where does the Marathon fall in to play? Why this one and not S Works? Who would buy this over an Expert version? Well when I saw this bike at last year’s press launch, I thought “This is the way I would spec a high-end bike for a discriminating buyer.” It has the new beadless carbon wheels that are slightly heavier (130g) and a good bit cheaper ($500.00) than the SLs, but are still a DT Swiss based star ratchet hub and are a stiffer, stronger wheel than the SLs. Grip shift is a wild card here. You may like it or not. I have been running Grip Shift on bikes since they first came out so I am a fan and the new XO is stunningly good. The carbon SID is not quite as stiff in the crown as an alu one so the Marathon gains some rigidity there, if that is significant. So you give up here and there, but really the core of the bike has the value parts on it albeit really costly ones.
So it has the good stuff, just not the very best or lightest stuff. Still this XL version was 24lbs 8oz with SPDs on it and that is not exactly piggish. It is well under 24 lbs stock. In fact I made two, well, three actually, changes to suit me over the way it came out of the largest bike box I have ever seen. I went tubeless and in the process swapped the S Works Fast Trak 2.0 front tire (the rear tire is a Control casing 2.0 fast Trak) for a Control Fast Trak 2.2. I have enough rocks around me to not feel good about S Works tires tubeless on long trail rides. Note, that is why Specialized spec’d this bike with a tougher rear tire, the one that typically takes the most abuse. Thinking about it, I cannot recall ever tearing the casing on a front tire. Interesting. Plenty of rears, though. I also changed from a 110mm stem to a 105mm stem with a bit more rise to get the cockpit in the zone for me.
So stay tuned as we get this bike set up, play with the Autosag rear shock, the Brain fork, Mini Brain rear, the somewhat controversial ‘beadless’ carbon rims and go riding (as you can see, that is well under way).
Meanwhile, here are some build-up and detail pics for your entertainment.
Note: Specialized Bikes sent the Epic Marathon for test and review at no charge to Twenty Nine Inches. We are not being bribed, nor paid to do this review. We will strive to give our honest thoughts and opinions throughout.
I hate to say it but I highly doubt people who would be racing a bike of this $$$ would benefit from a review anywhere. Those types of people don’t look for info in the same way us regular folks do. I’m not saying the review wasn’t perfect, it just seems so improbable that people on this site would need it. And again, maybe its just me, but I like reviews of products the average guy could afford. Okay, I’ll stop complaining now. Work is making me cranky, sorry.
Starter bikes at $3,300? Almost makes Formula One Racing, Polo, Yacht Racing, horse back riding, seem inexpensive……
Mountain bikes need the same long term accountability as to “what parts fail when and how often” as do automobiles. My guess is the Epic would have a poor record. I know because of personal experience owning one. I call it my “shop bike.”
I was interested when I saw that it was a Specialized, but the price led me to stop reading the article.
I’ve had two epics. First one was a 2010 comp 29er. I had a brain installed in the fork in 2011. Although kinda heavy, it was very durable and never gave me a bit of trouble. Last year (2012) I got myself an expert. I like it a lot better because its a lot lighter, but I’ve had trouble with both the fork and shock.
@all…my my.
Well, we get all kinds of readers and the ‘average guy’ is a hard thing to pin down. That guy in some parts of California (to keep it in my neck of the woods) is making easy 6 figures and a bike like this is not a stretch. As well, if might be what a person with more moderate resources would aspire to and dream about owning. He or she would certainly like to read about it before they lay down that kind of cash. So until we take a reader’s poll of incomes and buying habits, I will assume that we get all kinds clicking our links.
Now a lot of the time (most of the time, actually) we try and test more moderately priced bikes and often defer from the ‘best’ models when talks are happening between ourselves and the bike company. But we have to try to represent the upper level buyer. As well, we gain perspective just riding a bike like this. For instance, if you do not ride carbon wheels how can you know if they are significantly better than a ‘good value’ wheel set that is more likely to be on your bike?
Ok, some perspective on cost. Trek Superfly 100 Elite SL: XT build, no carbon wheels = $5569.99. Superfly 100 Pro SL XX Carbon SID WC, no carbon wheels = $9,029.99. Santa Cruz Tall Boy C: XTRXC292x10 kit w/WTBi19 wheel set = $8045.00 Add Enve wheels to get carbon hoops = $9716.00.
SO you might as well say “I was interested when I saw that it was a ______________, but the price led me to stop reading the article” and fill in Trek or Santa Cruz or whatever in there. Yeah, I am not defending the cost of the bike and it is not the level that I shop at either, but it is also not out of line with the marketplace from what I see.
As far as reliability, there is only one thing on an Epic that would make it different than any bike with the same parts bolted on it irrespective of brand and that is the Brain F/R. However, that is a big deal if it is a problem. If.
The Brain will always be controversial, both from the performance characteristics and the lingering concerns from past Brain issues, but I have had good results with the one I have long term use on.
gg
‘I saw the price and stopped reading’… sounds exactly like your strategy in high school. Can’t afford a bike like this, then maybe you should have put the weed down and picked up a book, gone to college, gotten a real job… now quit gripping and finish bagging my groceries…
(lol, I had to save for 6 months to be able to afford my first mountain bike, a $700 gt karakorem – back in the day. But now the average cost of the bikes hanging in my garage is around $5k – thank you higher education and good work ethic). The big advantage to reviews like this is upgrades. Most people can’t afford the full meal deal high end bike, but they can afford the entry level bike with the same frame. Reviews like this let people know where to put their money when they want to upgrade.
Maybe it is time to raise taxes??????????? Again
I see the price police have infected this website as well.
That’s a shame.
On topic, this will be my bike this year (In the not as awesome USA colors). I’ve spent a decent amount of time on one and it’s crazy fast and perfect for the trails around where I live.
There is a noticeable improvement in the suspension performance of the brain in comparison to my (sold) 2011 Epic Comp Carbon.
Yes the 2010 brain and shock combo has been my reliability issue and unfortunately happened just past warranty period. Twice and hundreds of dollars. Even that is not the issue however, as I can easily afford it. The issue is trust and piece of mind….that parts fail has become too big a part of my thinking.
I’m a huge fan of the brain in back for xc race-style bikes, and smoother trail applications, too.
But the Big S has been building them a long time now (or having them built). It’s time for the reliability issues to end.
Not a rant at Big S, at all. It’s also time for Trek to get the Superfly 100 frame issues resolved once and for all.
Different strokes for different folks! Great read so far, definitely look forward to the full article. I can’t stand when people get mad about price, the brain, specialized (big S) brand etc… Specialized makes amazing products! The brain technology is freaking awesome!!! I wish the Marathon was cheaper, I wish BMW, Porsche and Ferrari’s we’re cheaper too… Granny run the bike ragged and let us a read an awesome article about a killer bike 🙂
I’m with Kosmo. Why is it that we constantly hear that this year will be better than last year concerning reliability on the Brain shocks? We hear this every year. Not impressed.
I appreciated this review, I’ll look forward to reading about this bike again in the long term review as well.
I think sometimes being specific helps and here it goes. Twice I lined up on starting lines of 6 hour solo races and began the event thinking somehow my seat post had fallen. Both times it was brain/shock colapse and oil leaks. Lost my entry fee and a month of riding in events with no refunds. Now you doubters….what do think has my mind captive at the race starting line? It isn’t easy writing negative stuff about the bike company I most admire.
Bicycle companies need to stop smoking bath salts! I know that people will and do pay that much for a bike, but it is time for a reality check for the bike industry.
All bikes and components are way over priced! for 500 more you could have this! Do not tell me Special Ed spends more on R&D than Kawasaki!
http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/Product-Specifications.aspx?scid=8&id=675
Haters gonna hate yo..
Epics on my hooks 2004, 2011(9r), and this one in review with 500miles on the odo, Yes all brains need @max 100 hour PM’s just like any fork. Loss of compression issues seemingly stem from too low air pressures vs. your area. Usually hard to believe this is still only 4″ travel.
But it’s all relative, if you ride 4-5x a week, these bikes are the biz, and with the carbon wheels upgrade, every apex will come sooner than before. Loose the front derail/etc, and put a CrankB11post on it with all Swork tires = 22.5 lbs.
Weak link my be the Magura carbo-masters. Mine did already get warrantee’d. BTW, OS28 is just as solid as 20mm on blackFlagPro’s.
TheTodd….Lots of educated folks work hard and can’t afford a $7k toy. If that floats your boat and you can afford it, more power to you. I will suggest that bikes like this and the price creep they produce on down the line do a good job of keeping new riders out of the game. If the perceived cost of entry when you walk into a real bike shop is well north of $1.5k, a lot of folks will walk rigtht back out the door.
I guess these unobtainable bikes are kind of fun to look at in the same way I gazed at the Ferrari and Lotus posters on my wall when I was a kid. But all in all I think you just have a lot of light parts that will be a PITA to keep up if that’s going to be your one bike. Just not super interested in that.
But who wants to read reviews of aluminum hard tails every week, right?
In other words, its called a recession.
Thanks for the info.
Blah blah blah. You can’t take it with you. Buy a good bike that you love because we ride for a reason. Do you have an iPhone or a digital. Why. ?
Good stuff. I ride a sworks hardtail. 51 hrs old and wanting the relief of the duel suspension. 8 hr racing is awesome and I have done well on the hardtail but time for the epic marathon. Based on employee pricing. $4200.00
So there you go. Thanks mike.
Im an average guy and am glad someone has reviewed this bike in such a manner. I also get my Marathon delivered next Fri.. Now Im smiling!!!
@Buckwheat…I predict you will be a happy person. If this bike is not the next rung up in the ladder from a racing hard tail then I do not know beans about stuff.
gg
Yep rode an epic 29 Sunday. Incredible with roots as if the aren’t even there.
I got the 2010 comp to get me started in endurance riding. It’s been the perfect bike and bombproof. I was not aware and surprised that (seemingly) so many have had problems with the brain. I have never touched mine except to add air and turn the dial.
Now I’m endurance racing and looking for some (lighter) upgrades. This is the only suspended bike I would consider. I certainly have no loyalty to Specialized other than they are making products that just flat-out perform. If you are racing 100 miles a day, you need a bike at this level; with the brain. I make an honest living with an average paying job and frankly I work and live where I do specifically for mountain biking. I hate the price as much as anyone else, but to be cliche, I can’t afford not to have this bike.
P.S. I would challenge that Specialized spends as much or more time and money in R&D than say Kawasaki. The bike industry is continually and constantly changing by leaps and bounds with new technology in materials, performance, efficiency, etc. The motorcycle industry? Fuel injection; then not so much. I would definitely bet that they spend more than any other bike company.
@AA…well, I will tell ya’ based on my impressions so far, that this bike is racing or at least high performance (fast XC) biased and it very, very rewarding when ridden like the devil is on your tail. It is more ‘niche’ than any Epic I have ridden so far. The Brain fork adds to that feeling, for sure. Not a casual trail bike IMO.
Very fast bike.
gg
Is the rear hub a true 142+ or is it a 135 hub with the adapter cups that come with the Roval wheels? Not aware that the lower end carbon Rovals come with the 142 hub.
@Nick…I went to the source. Here is what Specialized said: “We made a special OE version of the Control Carbon that is a true 142+ rear hub.’
“The aftermarket version of the Control Carbon wheelset is based on a 135mm hub and includes adapters to convert to 142. There is no 142+ option of the Control Carbon wheelset available aftermarket.”
gg
That’s good to know, thanks for finding that out. For me, its a bummer. I have some nicer Rovals that I would swap to this bike (were I to get it), I could not use these wheels on another non-142+ bike that I have. #firstworldproblems
@Nick…no, I think you could. 142+ only denotes a wider hub flange spacing, not the axle/hub face width. You would need to adjust the rear der position when you swapped a 142+ wheel onto another bike, regardless of 135mm or 142mm end caps, but the wheel would bolt up fine.
Pretty sure on this.
gg
GG- you can fit the 142+ wheels into any 142mm dropout, but you might have some interference on a frame not designed for the ‘+’ offset of the cassette. I installed the 142+ Rovals onto my Kona Raijin with 142 dropouts, but the cassette lockring scrubbed on the frame. I eliminated a cog and spaced the cassette a bit from the spokes and it works with 1 gear locked out… yeah it takes some effort.. worth it? who knows.
anyways, is that the ‘production’ color on the Marathon? everything i’ve seen just has that bike with black/white/silver with no red..
@OBD…oh, yeah, I can see that happening. Good call. Is it truly worth it? Dunno. I don’t think I would go out of my way to do it on another bike, but if you already have the wheels, then…
Yeah, I believe it is a stock color. If you look on the Specialized website, you will see a color option mentioned but not shown.
gg
Update
This bike is amazing!
I took it out for my first blast on my usual route. A 20 mile forestry loop with a blue trail included. My Strava results said it all.
4 koms, 13 top 10s and 12 prs. This on some sections that have been ridden by 400+ people. ( 3rd of 435 for example ).
It’s obviously not just the bike, I had a pretty good record previously but I must say that switching from 26 to 29s, the addition of the rear brain shock and the lighter frame has enabled me to attain faster times.
I can’t give enough kudos to the rear shock setup. It’s flawless, I have it set 2 clicks from hard and it rides like a dream. It’s as stiff and rigid as my hard tail when I’m peddling and seems to glide over bumpy terrain that shook my teeth out on a hard tail.
It’s fast.. Very fast.. The only biggest restriction now is wind resistance, but I’m not sticking one of those cone head helmets on 🙂
I can’t praise this bike enough, it’s a ridiculous amount of money but if its your passion you will be rewarded. For reference my other bike is a BMC TE02 2012.
Love love love it!
Mint review, including the first ride impressions too.
Probs the best thing I did was the 2012 expert carbon then upgraded to X0 shifters when they blew up and to roval control SL wheels as on the sworks version. Then carbon Easton ec90 bars and truvativ carbon seat post. Puts it just under 24lb with pedals and tubeless.
This marathon seems to cater well to those that would upgrade an expert pretty well.
Crazy fast bikes. I will warn tho, stay on top of the fork and shock services. I’m on like 2000miles a year on mine and when the forks or shock with brain go… They just go. There isn’t an early warning.
Do that and they’re dream bikes!
At the guys crying about 5k+ toy bikes well if you race at any level or make sacrifices to have one of these bad boys as a serious trail bike then fair play.
My misses got a new car, I drive a beat up car to have a nice bike. I’m happy with my pen1s thanks too 🙂
There are also pretty good £500 !!starter!! Bikes and £1000 entry trail bikes my first was 500… I don’t know of anyone starting on a £5k+ bikes :/
Its a sweet ride…alot of eye candy for the “middleoftheroad” guy. Looks like a sponsored racer rig. I ride a Scwhinn Homegrown with a SS converstions kit. Old school Vbrake, Black Ops. orgin 8 carbon fork, Thompson bar, stem, speedplay wheelset, 61″ gravel gear…with the Mavic wheelset its 8kg. with 1,500 total up grade. Ned Said the best hardtail of its time!
Nice review, i just ordered one and can’t wait for it to arrive. I see myself as an average guy and saved money up for it, and at 36 years of age all tied up with kids, house and work there is long between those gadgets that really make you feel like a kid at christmas.
The specs sheet has only one flaw: The PG1050 cassette. This alu cassete body chewing piece of heavy steel has no place on this bike. It needs XO1080 or at least XT. Sram does not have the equivalent of the XT cassette for 10speed. XT has the first 6 cogs on spiders and the last 4 cogs are individual so even if they chew you can remove them.
after the 8th chin stroking potification about the cost, who might buy, whats wrong with the buyer, whats wrong w/ the price, social woes of rich bastards, i say keep your innane comments to yourself. I also can not afford this bike, but it represents the cutting edge of efficient full suspension off-road cycling technology. If that interests you, comment. If not, discuss your bone elsewhere. Does anyone know that the weight differences between Epic S-works, Marathon, and Expert are?