Stumpjumper FSR Comp 29 vs Epic Comp 29

Looking to purchase a new bike. Have a 29 HT which I like a lot, but that's going to my wife. So, I get to get a new bike. Demo'd on the trails a new Stumpjumper FSR Comp 29, overall, liked it immensely over my HT, especially downhill (my back thanked me). My HT probably was better on more wide open cruising. I am the average biker, once a week, like going up, down, and fast. Not crazy aggressive, have not raced, yet. 6'2" 195.
Problem is: they don't have a XL version of that Stumpjumper. Don't want to wait to Nov for the 2011, and I guess they don't want to sell the demo. I found a new one about 1 hour away I could purchase, but looking around, I saw a demo Epic Comp 29 on sale for a good price. I am going to demo it tomorrow (Sun June 6/6). I am hoping this will improve the speed on the flats, but still allow me to hit most of normal mountain trails, without being to much bike for me.
If I can get the Epic for a good price, I think that would be better than paying full for a StumpJumper. Is there much difference between the two?
My favorite trail is Hurkey.
Thanks for any help. There's so much out there it gets frustrating and I probably can't tell the difference between them!
Jim

 

The Path has one or two XL stumpy's in stock. I just bought one. ended up getting the XXL. The epic has a different head tube angle and isn't as good for down hill. it felt like i was close to OTB with it. Although the epic was a good ride. I love my stumpy fsr 9er. call the path. if you want the epic they have (or had) an xl 9er demo for sale under 2k.

 

That's the Epic I was talking about (at the Path).
I did like the Stumper. I wish my local shop would consider selling me their demo. Initially they told me they might sell it, they told me they would call back, they didn't, so I called back and they didn't know and blew me off. It's the weirdest sales job I have ever seen. If nothing else you would think they would try selling me a similar bike (I tried the Rumblefish in the parking lot).
I'm to the point that I don't want to buy from them, so I'll stop by the Path tomorrow. Thanks!

 

I added the wider bars to mine and it made a big difference. After a ride with them I think I might trim them a bit, but it feels a lot better. Good luck.

 

Jim:Here's my 2 cents: Yes, there is quite a difference between the 2 bikes - the Stumpy and the Epic. I have an FSR XC Comp (lowest end model), but similar to the Stumpy's geometry.

Bought a 2008 Epic Marathon for my son. It's designed to be a racing bike, so the geometry is way different as is the feel. Rode it several times and hated it. Front is very squirrel-ly on the downhills,and I never felt confident ripping downhill at my fastest.

Just bought a 2007 Stumpy Pro carbon (today actually) and haven't ridden it yet on the trails, so can't comment on that bike yet as regards to the difference with the Epic.

However, based on what info you provided on your riding style, I would offer that the Epic is NOT the best bike for you, as the Stumpy is a more all around bike, especially if you're not racing.

I should add that the above relates to 26 inch bikes.

So that's what I've got to throw out there for your consideration. Good luck with the demo tomorrow!

Jeff

 

i'm not sure what the deal is with cynergy in santa monica but they have a huge demo/test fleet of bikes. might hit them up to see if they are willing to sell one of their bikes (if they have the one you want). to my understanding shops are allowed to sell the test bikes after 6 months it has been purchased by the shop. so that means now for 2010 bikes

 

Thanks everyone for the info. I think I'm going with the Stumpy, will see what is available at the Path tomorrow and maybe demo a few more, but will check out the Santa Monica shop too. I'm just blown away by the local shop, I'm drooling over a couple of bikes and they lost the deal.
Thanks!

 

Got the local Stumpy 29er comp demo. Not many around, had to wait for owners decision. Can't wait to get out on it! Thanks all for your help!

 

We want pictures...please post up when you can.
(Campout at Hurkey next weekend, come on out!)

PetDRx

 

Why only Specialized?

 

Because they make it REAL easy to make a good decision on a MTB bike purchase.

I have had Blurs, Scalpels etc. I have had just as many other brands in the road category. I have had ups and downs with all of them but the least with Specialized. With todays technology its easy to make a good choice for the most part. With Specialized, it is even easier with their suspension designs, brain shocks and a huge assortment of bikes in a model line up.

 

+1 on that. I demo'd the epic with the brain and then bought the stumoy with out. Can't say as I miss the brain. The stumpy peddles well, rides better than the lose nut behind the bars. 8-[

 

We have some in stock

We have a few Epic and SJ FSR 29ers in stock at Surf City Cyclery, including some demo models we can sell, if anyone else need help finding one. They're becoming extremely difficult to come by.

 

Your questions have already been answered by many. Stumpy it is. But you may want to demo a Niner RIP 9 - just my opinion - it's a better all around bike than the SJ.

Here's a review of the "Expert" model. the main difference between the 2 bikes are shock and fork, but essentially exact same frame. It's seems like a good review, just passing it on: http://www.29eronline.com/blog/?p=1332