I’m gonna buy an xc bike but I’m torn between two bikes:
Option 1:
Specialized Epic 8 Expert frame 2025, custom built with the following components:
Rear derailleur: XTR
Brakes: Magura MT
Front suspension: Fox 34 kashima
Dropper post: Fox Transfer kashima
Wheels: Roval Control SL
Front chainring: XX1
Price: €3,250
Option 2:
Scott Spark RC World Cup 2023
Price: €3,600
by Tjocou
5 Comments
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I vote Specialized!
So the newer bike has a bunch of high level components and the older bike does not but still costs more for some reason?
The Scott is really perfect for xc world cup racing. For anything else, I’d vote the specialized.
You can do marathons on both, the spesh will be more comfortable, the Scott is more direct and feels more racy, but it isn’t necessarily faster because of it.
But to be honest my only experience with either of these bikes is from renting them abroad.
I would not choose that Scott. Between the hidden shock and the headset cable routing—no thanks.