2018 Specialized Epic Hardtail Expert

Archived: 2018 Specialized Epic Hardtail Expert · 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: Specialized FACT 11m, XC Geometry, internal split-housing cable routing, PF30 BB, 12x148mm rear end, triangulated post-mount 160mm brake · Fork: RockShox SID Brain 29, Solo Air, 51mm offset, 15x110mm thru-axle (S: 90mm of travel, M/L/XL: 100mm of travel)

• Inspect the frame in bright light, especially the head tube, bottom-bracket area, chainstays and clamped surfaces. Look for cracks, ripples, crushed sections or signs of impact.
• 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: RockShox SID Brain 29, Solo Air, 51mm offset, 15x110mm thru-axle (S: 90mm of travel, M/L/XL: 100mm of travel)

• 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: SRAM GX Eagle, trigger, 12-speed · Rear derailleur: SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed · Crankset: Truvativ Stylo, 6K alloy, Boost™ 148, 175mm crankarm, 30mm spindle; chainrings: SRAM Eagle™, alloy, 32T · Bottom bracket: SRAM PF30 · Cassette: SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed, 10-50t · Chain: SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed w/ PowerLock®

• 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) SRAM Level TL / (R) SRAM Level TL

• Inspect pads and braking surfaces, check the complete cable or hose path, and confirm both controls feel consistent and return cleanly.
• 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: Roval Control Carbon, hookless bead, 22mm internal width, tubeless ready · Hubs: (F) Specialized, sealed cartridge bearing, 15x110mm spacing, torque caps, 32h / (R) Specialized, sealed cartridge bearing, XD driver body, 12mm thru-axle, 148mm spacing, 32h · Front tire: Fast Trak, GRIPTON compound, 2Bliss Ready, 29 x 2.3", · Rear tire: Fast Trak, GRIPTON compound, 2Bliss Ready, 29 x 2.1"

• Spin both wheels and watch for side-to-side and vertical movement. Check spoke tension, rim condition and hub play. Inspect the carbon rims closely for impact marks, cracks, delamination or damage around spoke holes and bead hooks.
• 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.
• Confirm whether the bike is actually set up tubeless, whether both tires hold pressure, and when sealant and rim tape were last serviced.

Archived: Handlebar: Specialized Mini-Rise, 7050 alloy, 8-degree backsweep, 6-degree upsweep, 10mm rise, 720mm width, 31.8mm clamp · Stem: Specialized XC, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 6-degree rise · Seatpost: Specialized, alloy, single bolt, 21mm offset, 27.2mm · Saddle: Body Geometry Phenom Comp, Adaptive Edge design, Hollow Cr-Mo rails, 143mm · Pedals: Specialized Dirt

• 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.