Which mountain bike do you think is the fastest? Here’s our expert opinion of the fastest bike in 2011.
Specialized S-Works Epic 29er
For the price of a Tata, you’d be justified in expecting the Formula 1 of mountain bikes. And it is. This is undoubtedly Specialized’s best bike in their stellar range. Without exception, this is the only dual-sus 29er bike in 2011 that’s really raceable, being stiff and light, with their super-efficient FSR linkage and active Brain suspension technology. It’s so capable, it doubles as a trail bike too. Watch out though, Specialized, Cannondale and Scott are right behind you with their 2012 ranges.
R80 000
www.specialized.com
Do you agree? If not, which do you think is the fastest? Comment below.
Neil Gardiner, Gear Editor
The fastest mountain bike. Full stop.
Fastest Mountain Bike In SA
Scott scale 899 and 949 would own this bike any day!
…and so will a Santa Cruz Tallboy!
the Cannondale Scalpel 29er will be all over this bike. It may be the fastest multi-stage racer but in short 40km races, a hard tail 29er like the ‘Dale Flash will kick the ‘Lized ass.
The Epic is essentially a hardtail with benefits. Riding is believing. The Flash is harsh on rocky terrain and the SC Tallboy is more trail orientated. Too plush and lots of pedal bob. No matter how much I increased the air, the bob wouldn’t go away. If you appreciate efficiencies, there is nothing to touch the Epic. I had all 3 on my bucket list, but the Tallboy was dropped within 15km of riding it. The Flash is a great machine, but the Epic does everything it does, with comfort thrown in.
S-Works 29er takes the cake! The only other bike which might be better is the 26″ S-Works dual-sus!
I tried it on every imaginable terrain. S-Works Epic 29er rocks. Buy it if you can live with letting your kids go hungry.