Live out in Santa Cruz looking to get back into mountain biking after a decade. Stuck between two bike at the same price 2018 specialized epic carbon hardtail and 2014 specialized epic comp carbon.
Used to ride full suspension turners and specialized in the past but given the advancements over the past ten years debating between the newer drive train 1-11? and lightness of the hard tail given most rides are 500-1000 ft elevation change out here vs plushy full suspension but older 2-10 drive train. Advice as they are the same price used?
by headchiefdirectorofx
5 Comments
The hard tail looks more well taken care of and has better pictures, which doesn’t mean too much, but it does indicate someone that cares about details. Ultimately they are different bikes for different purposes so whatever you think suits your needs better should be the starting point
I have a carbon epic and love it, but for the riding I do, would probably go hardtail if I was gonna do it again. Simpler setup(no rear shock and joints) plus the bonus of the 1x is nice if you don’t want/need the speed in the flats.
The hardtail is probably the way to go here. Looks to be taken care of, cheaper to maintain too.
Santa Cruz is kind of wild, some of the gnarliest riding in California. If you’re having fun I’d seriosuly consider renting a couple of bikes from the Ibis and Santa Cruz factories.
What’s your budget?
They are an hour in separate directions from me :/