Brain Technology

Brain technology is featured in the rear shock of all Epic models.  Brain technology offers a stable pedaling platform and quickly reacts to absorb impacts from the trail.  Five settings of Brain adjustment available on the rear shock, allowing you to tune the ride to your style. 

For 2019 and 2020 models, Position-Sensitive Brain was introduced to the fork.  Position-Sensitive damping eliminates the split-second “spike” or hesitation between your front wheel hitting a rock and the Brain inertia valve opening. Pure smooth.  We’ve changed when the inertia valve kicks in, but that race-proven, firm Brain pedaling platform is there for you when you need it most. Get out of the saddle to sprint and it’s pure fast.  Previous Brain forks were firm, right at the beginning of their suspension stroke. At times that meant your front tire would bounce off rocks and roots, instead of tracking smoothly over them. Position-Sensitive forks are more compliant in the initial inch of travel, greatly improving traction and control.  Some riders felt that our earlier Brain-equipped forks sit a bit high in their travel. The new Position-Sensitive forks ride at a typical “sagged in” level—this improves chassis balance and better positions riders, particularly on climbs.

Geometry

We made a geometry for today's XC courses, which are bigger and badder than ever. This means that we increased the reach to make for a longer, more stable front end. And to keep your position consistent and your handling quick, we shortened the stem length. It is common to use stem 20mm shorter than on the previous generation of Epic.  The head angle, meanwhile, was slacked out by 1.5 degrees for even more stability and better handling.

SWAT

All Epic models are equipped with a third water bottle mount on the downtube, making them compatible with the MTB XC Box, 53217-1000.  The MTB XC Box offers a solution to carrying a spare tube, CO2 inflator and tool.