Dina's Hot Rod

     As I promised a few posts ago, here are some pictures of Dina's new Epic. She bought this 2016 Specialized Epic Expert Carbon 29 World Cup near the end of May. It's a carbon main frame with the integrated SWAT technology, so it features the chain tool and quick link hidden in the stem cap, the multi-tool mounted above the rear shock, and the SWAT box for storage of tube, tire lever and CO2 inflator. The rear triangle is aluminum. The World Cup geometry is a bit more aggressive compared to my S-Works. Her bike rolls on 29" Specialized Roval Control Carbon rims and hubs laced up with DT Swiss Revolution spokes. The suspension is made up of a Rock Shox SID 29" fork with Brain technology, and a Fox rear shock also with Specialized's patented Brain technology and the new Autosag feature for easy set-up.

     The bike also features Shimano XT hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, an XT shifter, a SRAM S-2200 carbon single-ring crank with PF30 press-in bottom bracket, and an 11-speed 10-40T rear cassette with an XTR rear derailleur. The bike comes stock with Specialized Fast Trak tires. It also includes a 3T carbon seatpost, Specialized Phenom Expert saddle with hollow titanium rails, Specialized Stout XC alloy stem and Specialized 7050 alloy handlebars with Specialized Sip Grip lock-on grips. She has added a pair of Crank Brothers Egg Beater 2 pedals.

XTR rear derailleur with the clutch to eliminate chain bounce

SRAM S-2200 carbon crank with Race Face chainring

SWAT multi-tool hides under the top tube just above the rear shock mount

XT brakes with adjustable lever

XT disc caliper and rotor

Non-drive side

     Dina is liking the bike so far. She is still adjusting to the different feel of the bigger wheels, stiffer frame and wider handlebars. She came off of a 2004 Specialized Epic Pro, which was a 26" aluminum frame with the first-generation Fox Brain rear shock that was not all that great. That bike is more than worn out, especially the drivetrain. The change in bikes for her was probably bigger than my change over from the Titus earlier this year. This Epic is a sweet ride and I am glad to see she is excited enough about mountain biking to buy such an awesome bike. I'll get her on some Maxxis tires soon!

     Thanks to Jeremy Chambers at MOAB Bikes in Franklin, TN for hooking her up with a good deal just like he did for me. I cannot say it enough, MOAB is a great shop and they will treat you right. I have now directly sold three of the Epics since I bought mine, each of which were purchased from MOAB. I've also indirectly sold another from there and one in Georgia. And that's just the ones I know about! These bikes are fast and everybody is taking notice! Now we just need some sponsorship from Specialized...