2012 Specialized Epic EVO R

   Started with an 2012 Specialzied Epic EVO R and changed a few things. I am a Shimano guy so I switched to XTR. The wheels are Easton Haven Carbon with the new WTB Weirwolf 2.5 29ers up front. For 2012 WTB went with a deeper more aggressive tread, yes!  In the rear I am running a Bronson 29er. More aggressive treads than stock for sure. Brakes are still the Formula R1/RX. Powerful and light. I went with Easton Haven Carbon low rise bars, 28 inches wide rather than the stock Sworks Prowess flat bars at 26.5 inches. I'm still dialing in the stem length so the stock Specialized bars are still on board. Since this will be my light trail bike rather than an XC race bike I switched the seatpost to a Specialized Blacklite dropper post. These have proven to be a very reliable dropper type of post. 2012 Volt Ti is the hot seat. I also swapped the Brained Rock Shox SID at 100mm for a Fox Float 120 w/QR15. Final weight is 23lbs. That's about 1/2 lbs less than stock with some not so light bits.

   First ride at Annandale State park in Santa Rosa was tons of fun. Single track and fire road climbs with varied terrain. The reward was some ripping single track with rock gardens and swoopy smooth single and double track. This bike really shined. The tires held corners like velcro. While I won't trade in my Santa Cruz Nomad the Specialized Epic really proved to me that a 23 pound 29er is more than a worthy trail bike.