$7100
25.1 pounds
3.9-inch rear wheel travel
Specialized, (877) 808-8154
Maxi test: January 2006

Highlights: The S-Works Epic receives the same FACT Az-1, pseudo-monocoque treatment as the Specialized Tarmac that Levi Leipheimer took to 6th place in last year's Tour de France. Az-1 takes all the advantages of a monocoque chassis and elevates them to the next level. It allows full control of the shape, thickness, tapering and weave of each tube, specific to each frame size. Specialized's claim of the new Epic being 20% stiffer is no hyperbole; you can feel it at the crank.

Best quote: "The Epic is no longer the wandering, overcorrecting climber of past. It still has the quick steering, narrow flat bar, but now it's connected to a wheel that stays more in control up steep pitches."

Bottom line: The 2006 Epic handles far superior to last year's model. It responds to the demands of the most talented pro-level cross-country racer, but it does all this at a price. Specialized's decision to use the Brain Fade shock has forced them to use exotic materials in other areas to get the bike's weight in line with the competition, and this puts a premium on the bike.