Last year I got the opportunity to try this superior race machine as I raced across the Alps as part of The Bike Trans Alp stage race.
During the race the brain technology in the rear shock made for a super comfortable ride without losing power going uphill. The Era is a brilliant bike for marathon and long distance biking being light and agile. I had a wide 680mm handle bar to help with control on the steep alpine descents and ergo grips to help with pushing up hill.
Watch the video and hear about how the bike performed during the Bike Trans Alp https://youtu.be/IYLr1kyj9IQ
The bike is expensive coming in at £3,500 and if you’re looking for a super light bike then there are lighter bikes out there. The Era feels solid and made me feel confident and comfortable. In seven days across the Alps I only had one mechanical, to help with the big climbs I had a 42t sprocket and sometimes my chain fell off, this could have been solved by going to a single ring on the front.
Specification
Brand: Specialized
Model: Era Carbon Comp
Frame: Era, a female-specific full-suspension cross-country bike, which takes many design cues from the Epic range. Compared with the Epic, the Era’s most noticeable difference is in its lower stand over height. The FACT 9m carbon, XC 29 Geometry, M5 rear triangle, carbon PF30 BB, carbon headset cups, 142mm dropouts, internal cable routing, FD mount, PM 160 rear brake, SWAT tool cradle.
Forks: RockShox Reba RL 29, Solo Air spring, S: 90mm travel, M/L: 100mm travel, compression adjust, rebound adjust, tapered alloy crown/steerer, 46mm offset, 15mm Maxle Stealth thru-axle.
FOX/Specialized remote Mini Brain, AUTOSAG, custom women's Brain tune, Brain Fade adjust I-Valve, S: 200x43mm, M/L: 200x48mm,
FRONT DERAILLEUR - Custom SRAM X0, 2x10, high direct mount
REAR DERAILLEUR - Shimano XT Shadow Plus, 10-speed, SGS cage
CRANKSET - Custom SRAM S-1250, 7050 alloy arms, 10-speed double, PF30, 34/22T, 104/64mm BCD spider
FRONT BRAKE - Shimano Deore BR-M506, hydraulic disc, dual piston, resin pads
REAR BRAKE - Shimano Deore BR-M506, hydraulic disc, dual piston, resin pads
Tire: Maxxis Ikon on the back and a Swchalbe Nobby Nic on the front – both tubeless
Saddle: Power Expert road saddle
Price Range: £3000+