THE SELL: The ultimate big-wheel rig. THE TEST: As blindingly fast and seductive as every S-Works Epic before it, this top-shelf, race-ready 29er should end the debate over whether big-wheelers are sluggish. The carbon Rovals were incredibly light and rigid—”stiffer than my 26er wheelset,” noted one rider—and laced in a sexy asymmetric color pattern. The four-inch Brain shock and fork are better than ever, keeping the bike as firm as a steel frame until you need them to activate. And the SRAM XX components are sleek, fast-shifting, and accurate. The only (but not insignificant) drawback: you’ll have to choose between the bike and a good chunk of your kid’s college fund. THE VERDICT: “I wish I had never ridden this,” lamented one reviewer. “There’s no going back.” 22.1 lbs
Climbing: 5
Descending: 5
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