[erastusboy]

What would your choice be between an epic or a blur (about middle of the line for both) If not the two bikes above what about another bike from specialized, giant, santa cruz, cannondale, or maybe lightspeed (cause thats what he can get good deals on). Thanks for the help

 

[spincrazy]

There's not a lot to compare between the two you listed. They have entirely different suspension systems and perform quite differently from what I've heard. read some reviews to get a better idea. Personally, I'd run from the epic....far, far away, but it's not the bike for me. What type of riding does this person do? What do they want out of the bike?

Giant provides serious bang-for-the buck, as does Iron Horse. Look at the VT1 and the Hollowpoint.

 

[claywt]

I have an epic and if your lookin for a xc'er it is a sweet ride. fast smoth and efficiant(i know thats spelled wrong)

 

[BlackhillsBob]

I think the Epic is more of a XC race bike, and the Blur is geared more as a light trail bike that can take a 4' drop, and a shuttle run, SC's race bike is more likey to be the Superlite, not that the Blur cant be raced.

 

[erastusboy]

i talked to hime today and he wants a real race bike i think that is the most important thing, second is that it will be able to stand up to the daily trail rides we do in the summer (just ohio singletrack)

 

[DHS]

um, no the blur is SC XC race bike. i wouldn't be using it for drops since if you run anything longer then a 4" travel fork it breaks the warrenty.
and the trail riding that i've done on both bikes i'd rather have a blur, plus frame weight wise the blur is lighter and has more travel anyway.

 

[oldfart]

Originally posted by DHS
um, no the blur is SC XC race bike. i wouldn't be using it for drops since if you run anything longer then a 4" travel fork it breaks the warrenty.
and the trail riding that i've done on both bikes i'd rather have a blur, plus frame weight wise the blur is lighter and has more travel anyway.

It does not void the warranty. Some come equiped from Santa Cruz with Fox Talas which is an adjustable 85-125mm travel fork.

The Superlight is still a lighter bike and I think the Blur is not intended to be a race bike. But I'd race one. They both were designed to address the issue of excess pedal induced suspension movement. The Epic has a bump activated on/off for the rear shock whereas the Blur uses a VPP, s shaped axle path to limit pedal induced movement. I understand the Blur is lighter than the Epic. From what I've read, the Epic is a bit harsh on the first impact which then opens the shock valve and activates the suspension. The Blur is active all the time and offers a really smooth ride. I have tested a Blur but not an Epic.

I think the deciding factor is rider style and actual trail conditions. Around here the Epic would be on more than off so I don't think there would be much gained. My Superlight does not move very much until I stand up. Same with the fork. Lock outs do not interest me much. On a well designed full suspension bike, a lot can be gained by smoothing out ones pedal stroke, a lot more I think than in simply locking out the suspension while maintaining a poor pedal stroke.

 

[erastusboy]

i am pretty sure the blur is the new sc race bike. seeing as how that is what most of the sc pros ride

 

[MikeD]

5 years ago, the Epic would have been a revolution. Now, however, in the face of better suspension designs, it's a rather anachronistic idea, IMHO. There are better ways to skin the monkey than the Epic design.

VPP seems to be one of these...and in execution, it's lighter, and simpler in a way, seeing as it's just proven technology-linkages- (not more than a lot of other F/S bikes, even) and not some intricate, proprietary shock that makes the design work.

 

[erastusboy]

did you just rip that off of the new mountain bike mag cause thats what the said if not good thinkin

 

[MikeD]

No, I didn't...and I hate agreeing with what the mtb mags say these days, dammit!

MD

 

[FRzealot]

Also, something not mentioned is the vastly different geometries of the different bikes.

In the "large" size of each, the SC has a 23.3 TT, and the Epic has a 24" TT.

For those of us who need the geometry of the epic but want the blur, well, we look like dorks with our 140mm stems.

The biggest issue tho is whether you prefer an all-around bike that you CAN race (Blur) or a race bike that you CAN take most places. (Epic)

 

[MikeD]

The Epic has race geometry, race-oriented suspension...and weighs a freakin' ton compared to some other race frames.

I'd go with a Blur or a Titus RacerX myself.

How does the Intense Spider compare geometry-wise with the Blur? I've been *told* it's a racier bike, but have no clue...

MD