Who cares if it is the best if you can't get it?

2013 Specialized S-Works Epic with SRAM drivetrain  (Source: http://www.specialized.com/ca/en/bikes/mountain/epicfsr/sworksepiccarbon29sram)

According to the May 2011 issue of Mountain Bike Action, "This is the best mountain bike we have ever ridden". A friend of mine who writes for Pedal magazine came to a similar conclusion. So, why can't I find one, or even look at one?

And not just the fancy S-Works version of the Epic, the local Specialized dealer does not stock any Epic models at all. The staff seemed completely uninterested in helping me. This could be a sale of more than $10,000.

So, even though the Epic is winning awards all over, and tons of races, the local Specialized dealer does not seem to have any interest in even answering any questions about the bike.

With the Specialized Epic out of consideration, my choices are down to the Rocky Mountain Element 999 RSL and the Scott Spark 900 RC.

All I need is for the financial fairies to bestow their magic and fill my bank account with cash. The fingers are still crossed.