2017 Specialized Epic Hardtail

Archived: 2017 Specialized Epic Hardtail · Mountain · Published sizes: S, M, L, XL

• Confirm the frame markings and seller description match this archived model. Note every component that differs from the published build.
• Record the frame serial number. It should be legible, unaltered and consistent with the seller’s ownership history.
• Find the size marking on the bicycle and confirm the fit before judging the condition or price.

Archived: Frame: M5 alloy, XC 29 Geometry, tapered head tube, internal cable routing, 12x142mm dropouts, PM 160 rear brake, replaceable alloy rear derailleur hanger · Fork: Custom RockShox Reba RL, rebound adjust, Solo Air spring, tapered alloy crown/steerer, 15x100mm Maxle Stealth thru-axle, 80/95mm of travel, 51mm offset · Aluminum

• Look for dents or shape changes and inspect the edges of welds around the head tube, bottom bracket, seat cluster and suspension mounts for hairline cracks.
• Stand behind and in front of the bicycle to look for obvious frame, fork or wheel misalignment. Ask directly about crashes, transport damage and repairs.

Archived: Fork: Custom RockShox Reba RL, rebound adjust, Solo Air spring, tapered alloy crown/steerer, 15x100mm Maxle Stealth thru-axle, 80/95mm of travel, 51mm offset

• Inspect the fork stanchions for scratches or coating wear, look for oil or dirt rings at the seals, and cycle the fork through its travel while checking for binding or bushing play.
• Ask for dated fork-service records. A clean exterior does not establish the condition of internal seals, oil or bushings.

Archived: Shifters: Shimano SLX M7000, 11-speed · Front derailleur: Shimano SLX 7025, direct-mount, down-swing · Rear derailleur: Shimano Deore XT M8000, Shadow Plus, SGS cage, 11-speed · Crankset: RaceFace Aeffect, 6000-series alloy, 24mm spindle, 49mm chainline, 34/24T · Cassette: SRAM PG-1130, 11-speed, 11-42t · Chain: SRAM PC-1110, 11-speed w/PowerLink

• Shift through every available gear under light load. Hesitation, skipping or inconsistent indexing can reflect wear, damage, poor adjustment or mismatched replacement parts.
• Measure chain wear with a compatible gauge and inspect chainring, cassette or freewheel teeth. A new chain does not rule out wear in the remaining drivetrain.
• Turn the cranks slowly, feel for rough bearings and check for side-to-side play. Inspect crank arms, chainring bolts and pedal threads for looseness or damage.

Archived: Brakes: (F) Shimano M506, hydraulic disc, resin pad, 180/160mm rotor / (R) Shimano M506, hydraulic disc, resin pad, 160mm rotor

• Squeeze each lever firmly. It should feel consistent and return cleanly. Check levers, hoses and calipers for fluid, inspect pad thickness and contamination, and examine rotors for wear or bending.
• Before riding, test every installed brake separately at walking speed. Each should stop firmly and release cleanly without its control reaching the end of its usable travel.

Archived: Rims: Specialized Stout, alloy hookless bead, 32h · Hubs: (F) Specialized disc, alloy, sealed cartridge bearings,15x100mm thru-axle, 32h / (R) Specialized disc, alloy, 6-bolt disc, sealed cartridge bearings, 12x142mm thru-axle, 28h · Front tire: Fast Trak, Control casing, 29x2.2"", 60TPI, Aramid folding bead, 2Bliss Ready · Rear tire: Fast Trak, Control casing, 29x2.2"", 60TPI, Aramid folding bead, 2Bliss Ready

• Spin both wheels and watch for side-to-side and vertical movement. Check spoke tension, rim condition and hub play.
• Inspect both tire casings for cuts, cracking, plugs, bulges or exposed threads and confirm the installed sizes are safe for the rims and available frame and fork clearance.
• Remove and reinstall or closely inspect both wheel-retention systems. Axles or quick releases should tighten correctly with undamaged threads, hardware and dropouts.

Archived: Handlebar: Stout XC, double-butted alloy, 8-degree backsweep, 6-degree upsweep, 10mm rise, 720mm width, 31.8mm · Stem: Specialized XC, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 6-degree rise · Seatpost: Specialized Alloy 27.2mm · Saddle: Body Geometry Phenom Comp, hollow Cr-Mo rails, 143mm

• Apply the front brake and rock the bike to check for headset play or notchiness. Inspect the stem, handlebar and clamp zones, then confirm every fastener and control is secure.
• Check that the seatpost moves for adjustment and that the saddle, post and clamp hold securely without cracks, severe corrosion or damaged hardware.

• Before riding, confirm both wheels are secure, tires are safe, both brakes function, and the headset, handlebar, stem, cranks and pedals have no looseness.
• Begin at low speed. Test steering, braking and shifting progressively, then load the drivetrain and suspension only after the basic safety checks pass.
• Listen and feel for repeated knocks, grinding, skipping, brake pulsation or movement at joints. Stop the test if the bicycle cannot be controlled safely.