Specialized Epic Marathon

This bike has everything you could want in a XC full suspension bike. It is fast, agile, and lightweight. It takes corners like a dream, and climbs efficiently and well. It is a super race bike, but works well for weekend rides, too.

The Marathon exhibits Specializeds usual agility along with the Epics classic handling. The Brain works just as well as advertised, and the Flow Control adjustments are excellent.

The wide range of options means you can dial in your chosen setting to suit the terrain you are riding on. Turn it up firm for straight racing, and down to a plushier feel for trails. It is almost like having two bikes. The “automatic” switch goes from locked when sprinting to awesomely agile over bumpier terrain. Apparently, the internal inertia valve is able to “feel” the difference between the pedaling of the rider, which is when it remains locked, and the thump from the bike hitting bumpy ground, which is when it allows the shock to move as much as 100mm (3.9in). That is definitely race-worthy.
Unlike previous mechanisms, the Flow Control Shock relies on the flow of the oil itself to keep the valve open. If you are bumping, the oil is moving. When the ground smoothes out, the oil does not rebound, and the valve closes in a smooth transition.

The frame is much like previous models, very lightweight, with a 25in wide carbon riser bar, and a lifetime frame guaranty. It feels quite light in the front end, which is not a bad thing but does take a little getting used to. The frame has great stiffness, but does not pass the bumps on to the rider.

The Fox F100RLC fork means that the front end handles the suspension well, as is expected from this bike. It works well in all kinds of conditions and circumstances. Even on an 18” drop it did not bottom out severely.

The Magura Marta hydraulic discs do a great job of stopping the bike, and are solid and progressive, with a motocross vibe. They will not let you down.

The rear tires are tubeless, which is a good point, although you may need to add air more often than you like.

This bike is recommended for more experienced riders. It is not the cheapest bike on the market, but if you are a serious rider and racer, then it is well worth the money to purchase this bike. It will give you a great ride, superb performance, and make you feel like you are soaring.

2007 Specialized Epic Marathon Full Suspension Bike
	Price: $1,900.00 Buy It Now: $2,250.00
2010 Specialized Epic Marathon Carbon Frameset 200miles
	Price: $1,750.00
2010 Specialized Epic Marathon 29r M
	Price: $3,000.00 Buy It Now: $3,750.00
Specialized Epic Marathon Large 2004
	Buy It Now: $1,170.00
2009 Specialized Epic Marathon Mountain Bike Large 19"
	Price: $2,149.99 Buy It Now: $2,399.99