Wil reviews the Specialized Epic 8 EVO

The Specialized Epic EVO was first concocted in 2018 as a spicier offshoot of the Epic race bike. It featured the same frame and shock with the Brain damper, but added a 120mm travel fork, dropper post and chunkier tyres to create a more approachable XC bike.

In 2020 the Epic EVO was redesigned and ditched the Brain altogether. There was a greater focus on comfort and plush suspension performance, though as a side benefit it was also significantly lighter. In fact, the S-Works Epic EVO has been known as being one of, if not the lightest full suspension XC frame on the market for the last four years. That lead to World Cup XC racers increasingly opting for the Epic EVO over the Brain-equipped Epic, especially for more technical courses.

Specialized has taken that feedback on board and has completely overhauled the Epic and Epic EVO platform for 2024, shifting their intentions in the process. The Epic has evolved into a dedicated 120mm travel race bike platform, and in a lot of ways represents an evolution of the previous Epic EVO. Meanwhile the new Epic EVO has been pumped up even more, turning it into a lightweight but highly capable trail ripper.

We’ve been riding both bikes over the past two months, which culminated in a few days of back-to-back testing on the flowy singletrack of the Buxton MTB Park in Victoria’s High Country. Here we’ll be discussing what’s changed with the new Epic EVO, how it rides and how it compares to the Epic race bike.

Watch our video review of the Specialized Epic & Epic EVO:

For those who are less concerned by remote lockouts and place a greater emphasis on having fun on the trail, the Epic EVO is a seriously fast and capable XC bike.

An overview of the Specialized Epic 8 EVO

Like the regular Epic, the Specialized Epic EVO is all-new for 2024. Except technically they’re not 2024 bikes. That’s because Specialized wants to move away from using model years. Instead it’s referring to the new bikes as the Epic 8 and Epic 8 EVO, with the ‘8’ indicating that these are the 8th generation of the Epic platform. It’s an admirable move, and we expect more models will move to this naming system in the future.

Both the Epic and Epic EVO share the same brand new frame and suspension design that sees rear travel increase to 120mm. The EVO then heats things up with a bigger 130mm travel fork, chunkier tyres and more powerful brakes. Add in a wider bar and shorter stem, and it really does start to creep towards the trail bike category alongside the Trek Top Fuel, Scott Spark and Pivot Trail 429.

Another point of difference is the rear shock. It’s the same 190x45mm size, but the Epic EVO is specifically built around the latest Fox Float shock. It features a big volume EVOL air can, a thick MCU bottom-out bumper, and a simple two-position compression lever that provides you with Open and Firm settings. The damper has also been custom-tuned by Specialized’s in-house Ride Dynamics team, which I’ll discuss in more detail shortly.

Alongside the shock there’s an updated suspension kinematic to improve efficiency over the previous Epic EVO. A higher main pivot increases anti-squat, which sits just below 100% at sag before dropping off through the travel to reduce pedal feedback.

Practical frame furnishings

There’s no more need for tube straps or bolt-on accessories, as the new Epic EVO receives internal SWAT storage for the first time. A fatter downtube makes way for a nice and wide opening that can easily swallow a pump, while a low-profile hatch hinges directly into the carbon frame. This new generation design provides a snug and rattle-free fit with a long lever to secure it in place. We’d expect to see this updated SWAT door filter into new Stumpjumper and Enduro models, whenever those might be coming.

Adding to its long distance capabilities, the Epic EVO has room to carry two bottles. The practical approach continues with a threaded BB and internal guide tubes for the cables and brake hose, and you’ll find a bolt-on port underneath the downtube to help you access the cables during replacement time.

Specialized shop mechanics will no doubt be thrilled to see an absence of headset cable routing. There is a hidden steering limiter built into the headset, which prevents the controls from smashing into the top tube in the event of a crash. The Epic EVO adds further security with thick downtube armour and noise-damping rubber protection for the chainstay and seatstay.

Carbon only

Specialized is building the Epic EVO around a full carbon frame that’s manufactured from its FACT 11m grade composite. Each size receives a unique layup and tube shaping, with the aim of hitting a specific stiffness target that aligns with the average expected rider weight. So a Large frame will be stiffer compared to a Small, with the assumption that a rider on a Large will be heavier.

Claimed weight for a Medium-size Epic EVO frame is 2,105g including the Float shock. That’s about 300g heavier than the FACT 12m carbon frame and SIDLuxe shock used on the S-Works Epic. For those interested, here’s how the numbers sit alongside some of the competition;

• Specialized S-Works Epic World Cup – 1,712g
• Cervelo ZFS-5 – 1,718g
• Giant Anthem Advanced Pro – 1,735g
• Specialized S-Works Epic (FACT 12m) – 1,795g
• Orbea Oiz OMX – 1,798g
• Scott Spark HMX SL – 1,870g
• Canyon Lux World Cup CFR – 1,894g
• Cannondale Scalpel Hi-Mod – 1,910g
• Santa Cruz Blur 4 – 1,933g
• Trek Supercaliber SLR – 1,950g
• Merida Ninety-Six RC – 2,064g
• Pivot Mach 4 SL – 2,087g
• Specialized Epic EVO (FACT 11m) – 2,105g

Specialized Epic EVO geometry

With its new frame and 10mm increase in travel, there have been a number of updates to the geometry on the new Specialized Epic EVO.

The head angle slackens out by more than a degree to 65.4°, while the seat angle is half a degree steeper at 75°. Reach also increases by around 10mm, with our Medium size test bike clocking in at 445mm.

Additionally, the rear centre length is a touch shorter at 435mm and the BB sits a bit lower than before.

As with the Epic race bike, the Epic EVO incorporates a Hi/Lo flip chip in the lower shock mount. Complete bikes will come set up in the Low position, though with just a 6mm hex key you can flip it into High to lift the BB by 5mm and steepen the angles by 0.5°.

Specialized Epic 8 EVO price & specs

At the time of launch there will be just two models in the Specialized Epic 8 EVO lineup, with prices starting at $7,500 AUD for the Comp. There’s no word yet on whether there’ll be an alloy version, though we’d love to see one to help bring down the price of entry.

At the other end of the scale, there’s also no mention of an S-Works model. Our guess is that there will be one added to the range in the future, perhaps with an updated trail version of Flight Attendant.

In the meantime, I’ve been testing an actual bike that exists right now. It’s the Specialized Epic 8 EVO Pro, which is the more premium option of the two.

Specialized Epic 8 EVO Pro

• Frame | FACT 11m Carbon, Single-Pivot Suspension Design, 120mm Travel
• Fork | Fox 34, Factory Series, GRIP2 Damper, 44mm Offset, 130mm Travel
• Shock | Fox Float, Factory Series, 190x45mm
• Wheels | Industry Nine 1/1 Hubs & Roval Control Carbon Rims, 29mm Inner Width
• Tyres | Specialized Purgatory T9 GRID 2.4in Front & Ground Control T7 GRID 2.35in Rear
• Drivetrain | SRAM X0 Eagle AXS 1×12 w/32T Alloy Crankset & 10-52T Cassette
• Brakes | SRAM Code Silver 4-Piston w/180mm Rotors
• Bar | Roval Control Carbon, 20mm Rise, 780mm Width
• Stem | Race Face Turbine R 35, 50mm Length
• Seatpost | Fox Transfer Factory Series, 30.9mm Diameter, Travel: 125mm (S), 150mm (M), 175mm (L-XL)
• Saddle | Specialized Power Expert, Hollow Titanium Rails
• Claimed Weight | 12.12kg
• RRP | $14,200 AUD

Specialized Epic 8 EVO Comp

• Frame | FACT 11m Carbon, Single-Pivot Suspension Design, 120mm Travel
• Fork | Fox 34, Performance Series, GRIP Damper, 44mm Offset, 130mm Travel
• Shock | Fox Float, Performance Series, 190x45mm
• Wheels | Alloy Hubs & Specialized Alloy Rims, 30mm Inner Width
• Tyres | Specialized Purgatory T9 GRID 2.4in Front & Ground Control T7 GRID 2.35in Rear
• Drivetrain | SRAM GX Eagle 1×12 w/32T Alloy Crankset & 10-52T Cassette
• Brakes | SRAM Code Bronze 4-Piston w/180mm Rotors
• Bar | Specialized Alloy, 20mm Rise, 760mm Width
• Stem | Specialized Alloy, 50mm Length
• Seatpost | X-Fusion Manic, 30.9mm Diameter, Travel: 125mm (XS-S), 150mm (M), 170mm (L-XL)
• Saddle | Specialized Power Expert, Hollow Titanium Rails
• Claimed Weight | 12.61kg
• RRP | $7,500 AUD

The suspension is supple and active, with both ends eating up square edges surprisingly well for such a short travel bike.

Testing the Specialized Epic EVO at the Buxton MTB Park

Having spent several weeks getting to know the Specialized Epic EVO on home trails, we decided to bring it out to the Buxton MTB Park in Victoria’s High Country for a few days of in-depth testing alongside the new Epic 8.

I brought along my friend Jo Wall, who as well as being an ex-World Cup XCO racer is a full-time MTB skills instructor. She also owns the last generation Epic EVO, which would make for a useful point of comparison against the new bikes.

We had a load of fun chasing each other around Buxton’s flowy purpose-built singletrack, including the speedy Off Camber descent, and the jump-filled Cathedral trail. Of course our were entirely powered by enormous Buxton burgers from the iconic Igloo Roadhouse. If you’ve not been there yet, be sure to check out our feature on the Buxton MTB Park for everything you need to know.

Sizing & fit

I’ve been riding a Medium size in the Specialized Epic EVO to suit my height of 175cm. It’s a great fitting bike, though despite sharing the same frame as the regular Epic it does feel quite different when perched aboard.

The taller fork lifts the stack and shortens the effective reach slightly. That’s accentuated by the stubby 50mm stem and 780mm riser bars, which provide a broader and more trail-oriented position. Along with a chunkier front tyre and a 150mm travel dropper post, there are numerous clues that indicate this bike is designed for a different style of riding compared to the regular Epic.

As with many Specialized mountain bikes, I found the Epic EVO to be totally comfortable from the get-go. The Power saddle is fantastic, the lock-on grips are agreeable, and aside from chopping the bars down to my preferred width of 760mm, there was nothing that needed changing.

Suspension setup

When it comes to setting up the suspension, it’s recommended to run the Specialized Epic EVO with 25-30% sag. Because the Float shock has a higher air volume compared to the SIDLuxe on the Epic race bike, operating pressures are notably lower. To suit my 67kg riding weight I ended up with just 120psi to hit 26% sag, and I set rebound damping a little quicker than halfway at 8/14 clicks.

Inside the Float shock is a 0.2³ volume spacer fitted as standard. That means you’ve got options to go bigger or smaller depending on how much progression you’re after. I did end up experimenting with this, though not for the right reasons. More on that in a bit.

It’s worth noting that the Float shock features a custom compression tune with a preloaded shim stack. This works in tandem with the low-speed compression adjuster, which offers three positions for the Open mode. If you set the black dial to the firmest position (3), the shock will generate more low-speed compression damping to boost pedalling support. In the lightest position (1), the shock feels considerably more open. As such, it’s worth experimenting with this dial to find the best setting for your riding style and terrain.

I set up the 34 GRIP2 fork as usual, which is pretty close to Fox’s recommendations. For more info, see our Fox 34 vs RockShox Pike review.

Specialized Epic EVO weight

Our Specialized Epic 8 EVO Pro test bike weighed in at 12.1kg without pedals and with the tyres set up tubeless. That’s nearly 2kg heavier than the S-Works Epic race bike, which is considerable though understandable given the $10K price difference.

Some of the added weight is due to the frame and shock, though it also comes down to the burlier build kit that includes the excellent Fox 34 GRIP2 fork (1.83kg confirmed). Specialized specs much more powerful SRAM Code brakes with thick HS2 rotors, as well as a custom wheelset that utilises the same Control carbon rims laced to Industry Nine 1/1 hubs. The wheelset is still pretty light at 1,571g.

You’ve also got beefier tyres with a Specialized Purgatory T9 (1,032g) on the front and Ground Control T7 (903g) on rear, both of which feature more robust GRID casings.

As usual, I fitted a CushCore Trail insert in the rear wheel and set pressures between 18-20psi on front and 20-22psi at rear.

What do we dig about the Specialized Epic EVO?

It’s amazing how just a few components can alter the character of a bike, and you’re unlikely to find as apt of an example as the Specialized Epic EVO.

As well as offering a more relaxed riding position than the Epic race bike, the bigger fork and shock provide a noticeable improvement in sensitivity and control. The suspension is supple and active, with both ends eating up square edges surprisingly well for such a short travel bike. Along with the compliant carbon frame, the Epic EVO conforms to the terrain to deliver excellent comfort and grip.

I’ve been particularly impressed by the tyre spec, with the new Purgatory being a highlight. It has the same sticky T9 compound as Specialized’s heavier duty gravity tyres, just in a faster-rolling package that’s ideal for ripping around hardpack and rocky trails. It clings to the ground to boost front-end damping, allowing you to push confidently into turns.

Little bike, big personality

The Epic EVO feels mighty comfortable when being pointed down steep and technical descents, though it’s not that big of a surprise given the 65.4° head angle, which is very slack for an XC bike

The Fox 34 gives the front-end a sturdy feel, and the GRIP2 damper offers refined control when under load. Combined with the big volume Float shock, the Epic EVO feels plusher and calmer on rowdy trails compared to its racier sibling.

It’s also considerably more capable than the old Epic EVO, with the extra 10mm of travel at each end providing more cushioning over rocky terrain. The shock’s MCU bottom-out bumper softens the end of the travel really well, and thanks to the progressive rebound tune you’re not met with an ugly recoil on heavy landings. It inspires a lot of confidence for such a lightweight and short travel XC bike, and it makes it a load of fun to jump with.

This burlier character sees the Epic EVO edging closer towards the Stumpjumper, albeit with a more agile and responsive feel on modern flow trails.

Effective efficiency

It’s also more responsive at the pedals compared to the Stumpjumper and the old Epic EVO. Specialized has lifted anti-squat from 90% to 100% at sag, which gives a snappier feel to the rear end when you’re on the gas.

If you’re just cruising along however, the suspension’s excellent small-bump sensitivity does mean it can feel a little bobby. For riding along the road, I regularly made use of the blue compression lever to switch the shock into the Firm mode, which nearly locks out the suspension.

Alternatively, you can also adjust the low-speed compression dial. Running this in position three is ideal for riding flowier singletrack, as it increases support underneath your feet while also lifting the overall ride height. While delivering a noticeably firmer pedalling platform, the shock is still able to break away easily on bigger impacts.

In use, it’s not dissimilar to the Magic Middle setting on the Epic race bike. It’d certainly be the setting to go for if you were going to be doing some racing aboard the Epic EVO, and it also worked wonders on the swoopy singletrack of the Buxton MTB Park. For riding on my chunkier home trails, I’ve preferred leaving the low-speed compression dial in the softest position for maximum grip and compliance. I’ll then flip the main compression lever into the Firm setting for longer and smoother climbs.

What didn’t we like?

Honestly, I feel like I’m clutching at straws to come up with any downsides of the new Specialized Epic EVO.

There are times where the confident demeanour can get you into a bit of trouble on rowdier trails. In these situations you’re reminded that 120mm isn’t a heap of travel, with less of a safety net compared to the bigger Stumpjumper. I do think that’s part of the Epic EVO’s charm however. It loves to have a crack, and like an overenthusiastic Jack Russell it’s not shy in committing to a fight with a bigger and scarier trail.

On the other side of the coin, XC traditionalists may find the tough spec to be a little porky for their liking. You could easily drop some weight and rolling resistance by swapping to a set of lighter duty tyres, which would be worth doing if you were shaping up for some marathon racing or a multi-day event. Flipping the geometry chip into the High position would also be a good idea to provide some additional ground clearance while also sharpening up the angles.

Then again, if you’re conscious of weight and are racing XC on a regular basis you should really just look towards the standard Epic. As well as being lighter, the Epic features a remote system for adjusting the suspension on-the-fly. This helps to boost pedal efficiency on the climbs and makes it the better option for racing duties.

Shock & dropper issues

A more obvious issue I encountered early on during testing was a pretty horrible metal-on-metal sensation when bottoming out the shock on flat landings. I figured I needed more progression, so I moved to a larger 0.4³ and then a 0.6³ volume spacer. This helped to reduce the number of bottom-outs, but it didn’t totally eliminate them and they were still very harsh.

After opening up the shock, it turned out the MCU bumper had actually squeezed its way around the bottom-out plate, rendering it ineffective and leading to that violent clunk.

While apparently not super common, Fox is aware of this issue and has a rolling update for the Float shock with a new larger bottom-out plate to prevent this from happening. I ended up sending the shock off to Fox Australia to have it rebuilt with a new bottom out bumper, and it’s been sweet ever since.

It wasn’t the only warranty issue I encountered, with the Transfer dropper exhibiting a sluggish action that meant it wouldn’t always return to full height. This isn’t the first time we’ve had this happen with a Transfer dropper, and it also needed to be sent back to Fox to be rebuilt.

Needless to say, this wasn’t a great experience to have on such a premium bike. But at least we were able to get both issues resolved under warranty.

Component highs & lows

Other than the faulty shock and dropper post, our Specialized Epic 8 EVO Pro test bike has been flawless.

There are some cool touches including the trick CNC machined Race Face stem and US-made Industry Nine hubs, and overall there is very little to complain about. The Fox Factory Series suspension is supple and packed with useful adjustability, the Specialized tyres deliver awesome traction across a wide variety of conditions, and the SRAM X0 Transmission has been bulletproof throughout testing.

The Code brakes are hugely powerful, and the increased bite took me some time to get used to on such a lightweight bike. They’re quite noisy, but that’s typical of the metallic brake pads. Switching these out for organic pads would be a good move for dry and dusty Aussie conditions, as you’ll benefit from quieter and smoother performance.

This makes it much easier to fit a pump and bulkier tools inside, and there’s plenty of room for a lightweight jacket and a full-size kebab.

I’ve also been impressed with the overall frame quality on the Epic EVO. Sealed bearings are employed at all key pivot points, and I appreciate the ease of servicing with the threaded BB and guided cable routing. The subtle steering limiter does its job while being totally unnoticeable when riding. The headset did develop some creaking, though it was super easy to pull apart for cleaning, and after applying some fresh grease it’s been silent since.

There’s plenty of practical frame protection throughout, and I love that you can carry two bottles while packing tools and spares inside the cavernous SWAT compartment. It’s worth noting that the downtube opening is considerably bigger than the competition, measuring 160x54mm. Compare that to the opening on a Trek Top Fuel (133x40mm) and a Canyon Spectral (100x50mm). This makes it much easier to fit a pump and bulkier tools inside, and there’s plenty of room for a lightweight jacket and a full-size kebab.

Value for money

At $14,200 AUD the Specialized Epic 8 EVO Pro isn’t a cheap bike, but it is comparable with other high-end XC bikes including the Scott Spark ST 900 Tuned ($13,999 AUD) and the Santa Cruz Tallboy X0 RSV ($13,999 AUD). You can spend a bit less on a Canyon Lux Trail CFR LTD ($13,079 AUD including shipping), or a bit more on a Trek Top Fuel 9.9 X0 ($15,999 AUD).

On that last comparison, the Top Fuel does come with a wireless Reverb dropper post and a one-piece carbon cockpit, but otherwise the spec sits at a similar level. Even still, the Top Fuel is significantly heavier (12.95kg vs 12.1kg).

For those who are chasing maximum performance for their dollar, the Epic 8 EVO Comp takes the cake given it comes in at almost half the price at $7,500 AUD.

The frame is identical to the Pro model, and you’re still getting Performance Series suspension and the same top-notch Specialized tyres as standard. There’s a down-spec to SRAM Code Bronze brakes and a GX mechanical drivetrain, but it’s all solid and serviceable stuff. The alloy wheelset and cockpit add some weight over the fancier carbon parts on the Pro model, but it isn’t that much heavier. If I was spending my own cash, I’d go for the Comp model and set some money aside for a nice wheel upgrade down the line.

Specialized Epic vs Epic EVO

With the new Specialized Epic and Epic EVO sharing the same frame and 120mm of rear travel, some riders may face a difficult choice between the two.

Put simply, the regular Epic is a lighter bike with a greater focus on racing. It features a more aggressive riding position with a longer and lower cockpit, and it drops a fair bit of weight thanks to its 120mm travel RockShox SID fork and faster-rolling Fast Trak/Renegade tyre combo. The result is a significant difference in weight between the Epic 8 Pro (10.87kg) and the equivalent Epic 8 EVO Pro (12.12kg).

On the trail, the Epic feels notably sharper and more responsive. One of the biggest differences is its 3-position suspension system that utilises the Magic Middle tune. This firms up both the fork and shock to provide a stable pedalling platform for amplifying your accelerations, while still being able to open up smoothly on harder impacts. Most Epic models feature a RockShox TwistLoc remote for adapting the suspension on-the-fly, which is ideal for racing.

In comparison, the Epic EVO skips the cables and remote lockout for a simpler cockpit. If you’re not fussed by remotes or a bit of extra weight, then it’s for sure the more versatile option.

Yes it’s a little softer on the climbs compared to the Epic race bike, which comes down to the extra weight, stickier tyres and more active suspension. But it handles rough terrain more comfortably, and it inspires a load of confidence for bombing technical descents. It’s easier to get your weight back down steep chutes, and the suspension offers improved high-speed control when copping bigger hits.

For those who are after an all-rounder and aren’t necessarily gunning for XC podium positions, the Epic EVO is the better choice out of the two bikes.

Specialized Epic EVO vs Scott Spark

Just as the Specialized Epic and Epic EVO share the same frame, so too does the Scott Spark RC and Spark 900.

The Spark RC features a 120/120mm travel platform with a lighter and more race-oriented spec, while the Spark 900 models pump things up with a 130mm travel fork and a more trail-oriented build kit. Both are otherwise built around the same frame with a TwinLoc remote for controlling the suspension. This links up to a proprietary Fox-manufactured Nude shock that sits inside the frame, and provides the rider with Descend, Traction Control and Lock settings.

In terms of spec, the closest model to our Epic 8 EVO Pro test bike would be the Spark ST 900 Tuned, which has a similar retail price of $13,999 AUD. It’s claimed to weigh 11.95kg, making it slightly lighter.

The two bikes are comparable in terms of geometry, though the Spark does incorporate modular headset cups that allow independent head angle adjustment. Both are quite plush and active bikes on the trail, with the TwinLoc remote system offering a notable advantage on the climbs. In the Traction Control mode, the clever Nude shock shrinks its air volume to limit rear travel and firm up the suspension. This improves pedalling response and lifts the BB height to provide more ground clearance, making it the better climber.

It’s a brilliant descender too, being one of the plusher and more active XC bikes on the market. It’s still quite sharp, with the huge monocoque carbon frame delivering direct handling that is great on flowy trails. However, the stiff chassis does pass on more feedback to the rider. In comparison, the Epic EVO is quite a bit smoother and more compliant, especially on rockier terrain.

For many riders the choice between these two bikes will likely come down to their preference for or against a remote lockout and the associated cables that come with it. The Spark’s unique carbon frame with its internal shock design and integrated cockpit will also be a deciding factor. It looks incredible and offers some advantages, but it is a significantly more time-intensive bike to work on compared to the relatively simple Epic EVO.

Flow’s Verdict

The new Specialized Epic EVO is a brilliant example of a modern XC trail bike. It offers a significant boost in capability over the previous model thanks to the geometry updates and increase in suspension travel. Despite the improved grip and high-speed control, it’s a more efficient pedaller too.

We love the addition of SWAT storage, and the fact that you can carry two bottles gives it proper long-range potential. Combined with the threaded BB, straightforward cable routing and generous frame protection, it’s a pleasingly practical bike to live with day-to-day.

The asking price is high, even for the entry-level Comp model. For that reason, it’d be great to see an alloy version to help lower the entry point.

It is an exceptionally high performance machine though. For those who are less concerned by remote lockouts and place a greater emphasis on having fun on the trail, the Epic EVO is a seriously fast and capable XC bike.

ABOUT THE REVIEWER - Wil Barrett

Hometown

Bendigo, Victoria

Height

175cm

Weight

65kg