Specialized Epic Review | Epic vs Epic Evo - Head-to-head comparison against the clock

This is a head-to-head comparison where we pitted the new Epic 8 against the new Epic 8 Evo in Jonkershoek Stellenbosch.

[@romeromf]

Nice review!, good work!… coming from an 7 EVO.. wishing there was a 130mm FA fork option

[@bikenetwork_SA]

I can't see why they wouldn't have one at some stage

[@Rompish1]

I`m 181cm, should i go for a L Epic?

[@funLad80]

Nice review! You have tested size L frames, could you tell me how tall are you? I am 5’10 and I found myself in between M and L on previous gen Epic Evo. I am looking at Epic 8 (non-Evo) now and I wonder if the sizeing is similiar

[@bikenetwork_SA]

I'm 1.74m - sizing is perfect.

[@funLad80]

@@bikenetwork_SAand you tested Large, both Epic and Evo?

[@kentao4]

So do the brake levers still hit the top tube?

[@bikenetwork_SA]

@@funLad80Yes

[@bikenetwork_SA]

@@kentao4The bike now has a steering stopper.

[@Stickybutton]

So why shouldn't there be an S-Works version for the EVO?

[@bikenetwork_SA]

Good question. Maybe it features a component that is still to be released... I'll ask and come back to you on this

[@curveball9999]

Did he mention cost anywhere??

[@bikenetwork_SA]

Pricing wasn't finalized when we did the video. It's R295k for the S-Works Epic 8.

[@checoperezugalde22]

HI IM NOT DECIDE THE SIZE FOR EPIC OR EPIC EVO IM 6'0 TALL DO YOU THINK SIZE L IS GOOD TO ME?

[@bikenetwork_SA]

Yes - sounds about right

[@tombeck129]

The EVO is a short travel trail bike. There is not much “XC” in a 12.5kg bike so a head to head comparison makes little sense. Maybe a comparison against Transition Spur or Rocky Mountain Element would be more informative?

[@benbrindle8165]

Sure there is, 12.5 kg is alright for most wallets and cross country isn’t just racing; it’s trail riding, xc, novices often using one bike for everything. Switch out a couple tyres and that weight is going to be acceptable for any non-pro, esp. mid to low pack. It’s certainly not going to determine podium or not.
What makes little sense is all these sworks epic 8 reviews basically turning into flight attendant reviews.
What I want to know is how the comp/expert/pro ride as the sworks is 1) way out of average riders budget 2) way more tech and price for the capability of the average rider/racer. There’s a reason the comp and expert are called that. And the pro. If you’re not racing XCO world cups, not working for a shop with insane trade discount, or not old to be financially stable enough that you’re realistically past the age of racer this is designed for…really use it to win a living off it…
I’d love more of the affordable, and I mean “affordable” in a good way not as cheap or bad.

[@tombeck129]

@@benbrindle8165thank you for the thoughtful response.

[@nl3712]

Cape Epic 2024 Results appear to support your final conclusions about the new spez epic.
Shame about the price tho, for us mere mortals.

[@bikenetwork_SA]

Agreed. Was chatting with an industry insider last week about local pricing. Everyone misses the R10 to the USD of 2014. At that exchange, this new S-Works would be a somewhat more palatable R170k as opposed to R295k. Either way I agree, it's still a ton of loot for anyone. The top spec is a dream to ride and wasn't made as a value model. It's an F1 level performance bike.

[@rob5521]

Myles don’t feel worthy ( if could afford it ) of the Epic and would probably feel more confident on our trails on the Evo……

[@bikenetwork_SA]

Didn't get a ton of riding done but the Evo is a more planted package - especially when things get techy and rocky. - Myles

[@kevinmanzo862]

Too bad the evo is in a broad color

[@ASquires-wc8ii]

Tooooooo expensive

[@bikenetwork_SA]

Very!