ALL NEW Specialized Epic 8 Evo PRO | NO LONGER A DOWN COUNTRY BIKE! | Test Ride and Review

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  • čas přidán 31. 05. 2024
  • #specializedepicevo #epicevo #downcountry @specializedbicycles
    Join me on my test ride on board the all new Epic Evo.
    Epic 8 Evo Pro:
    www.specialized.com/us/en/epi...
  • Sport

Komentáře • 122

  • @user-rj9ui3sz8u
    @user-rj9ui3sz8u Před 2 měsíci +26

    So many cool bikes so little money lol.

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci +3

      Time to save!

    • @LuisBazan
      @LuisBazan Před 2 měsíci +1

      It makes it harder to choose a bike.

    • @user-rj9ui3sz8u
      @user-rj9ui3sz8u Před 2 měsíci +1

      @@LuisBazan That new Epic looks damn good, the choice might be easy now.

    • @tony5269
      @tony5269 Před 2 měsíci

      @@jctrailsI’ve been looking at the new Cervelo Zfs-5 at Bike Barn currently have a 2012 Niner Rip 9. Haven’t seen to many reviews on the Cervelo

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci

      @@tony5269 what size you looking for?

  • @tomask3040
    @tomask3040 Před měsícem +1

    You nailed one comment on the descent. Add a 130 fork on the "old evo" and a larger shock ( maybe a 42.5 super deluxe or fox float) and it would feel the same! Also a gripper front tire provably. The old evo in a large feels like an m/L whicg is perfect for riders like me who are 5 10!

  • @fmaguire
    @fmaguire Před 2 měsíci +5

    Cool to watch the day after the Blur TR vid and could tell from the vids (and your reactions) how they rode differently. I have both bikes from last year (my son uses the Epic) and we had similar reactions to the bike. Great vids!

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci

      Thanks for watching! Yeah this new Evo feels more like a trail bike!

  • @floridamtb904
    @floridamtb904 Před 2 měsíci

    Thanks for the bike reviews .I trust your opinion and bikes skills.I was able to find a ZFS-5 120 mm XT size medium .The bike is amazing . i ride and do some races in North Florida . The bike weighed 26 lbs. to start. I changed the tires to Racing Ray and Ralph and now it weighs 25 pounds with bottle cage and pedals.

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci

      Dang wish I could find a Large.

  • @renelopezlopez2951
    @renelopezlopez2951 Před měsícem

    Thanks for the review! I want to get your opinion on the Transition Spur as a comparison

  • @CrockettandTubbs100
    @CrockettandTubbs100 Před 2 měsíci +1

    What up brother? Nice review. I picked up an Evo Elite alloy with factory suspension in December for almost 50% off. Only got to ride it once so far because it’s always raining and the trails are closed. Love it though.

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci +1

      Good deals to be had! I need to get to GA to ride the ole stomping grounds.

    • @CrockettandTubbs100
      @CrockettandTubbs100 Před 2 měsíci +1

      Come on down! Let’s go!

  • @funLad80
    @funLad80 Před 2 měsíci +3

    Got the same impressions regarding frame size - I wish they made M/L size as Trek does.

  • @ehvoslef
    @ehvoslef Před 2 měsíci

    Might have missed it in the video, but thoughts on new Fox Float vs DPS? Per Fox it seems more trail oriented vs xc. Riding a reg Stumpy and wondering if it's a worthwhile upgrade.

  • @rocco.mbb.zoccoli
    @rocco.mbb.zoccoli Před 2 měsíci +2

    I appreciate your reviews so much. Crazy to me how the Big S has blurred the line between the Epic Evo and the Stumpjumper but it seems to really work!

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci +1

      It rips!

    • @ehvoslef
      @ehvoslef Před 2 měsíci

      Betcha a new Stumpy is coming 👀

    • @ehvoslef
      @ehvoslef Před 2 měsíci +3

      on second thought ... maybe Stumpy EVO is going away and there will be but ONE Stumpy 😱

    • @tinshield
      @tinshield Před 2 měsíci

      @@ehvoslef I think so. Regular Stumpy makes no sense with the Epic at 120mm. Reg Stumpy and AVO maybe combined to one model?

    • @richchin5163
      @richchin5163 Před 2 měsíci

      @@tinshield Or the Epic EVO makes no sense with the Stumpy at 130mm? Not sure the EVO variants are needed anymore.

  • @arcadialive4265
    @arcadialive4265 Před 2 měsíci +2

    Before relativity there was N+1. I live by this formula.

  • @IIISentorIII
    @IIISentorIII Před 2 měsíci +2

    First of, this Bike is a dream! But...the crazy thing is, the 2023 Epic EVO is half the price compared to the new 24er 8pro 4000 euro to be precise where I live right now.
    So waiting one year or the next Black Friday sale will be worth it.
    I'm Still happy with my Carbon Stumpjumper that I got on a super sale last year :)
    I did go with a Ground Control grid T7 and Fast Trak T5 Combo on the Stumpy.
    I also run it 90% in the High position, makes a big difference in those sort of trails!
    Cheers from Switzerland

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci +1

      I would wait for the price drop or maybe wait until they come out with an expert model for cheaper.

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci +2

      I’m running a regular stumpy right now too with some fast rolling tires and it rips.

    • @IIISentorIII
      @IIISentorIII Před 2 měsíci +1

      @@jctrails Absolutely right. Personally I find that the Carbon Comp and Expert builds are often in the sweat-spot, especially since the frame is the same as the top level. I like to spend around 4-5k on Bikes with some upgrades down the line. Especially if you like to do a a-lot of different sport categories. Rock climbing, owning Husky's and other sled dogs, Inline skating, Snowboarding etc.
      Cheers

    • @IIISentorIII
      @IIISentorIII Před 2 měsíci +1

      @@jctrails looking forward for you video then! :)
      I just ordered some Elite Wheels Pro36 carbon wheel-set for testing on the stumpy. I had a 20% discount on them.
      Cheers from Switzerland

  • @skinny8019
    @skinny8019 Před 2 měsíci +7

    This bike makes no sense. A stumpy sworks frame is the exact weight 5 lbs. but more travel and more capable. You can run a stumpy in high and have 76.5 seat tube angle and 65.5 head tube and 36mm bb drop. Same weight. More capable. This epic evo is in no man’s land. It’s a pig at 27.5 pounds. Everything that is “new” on the evo already existed on the stumpy. Btw stumpy sworks frames are $1800. Fox 34 140mm grip 2 available $800. Move your other parts over. Always fun to see your rides. Nice video.

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci +4

      It depends on what Specialized does with the stumpy this year. This might be the ST rig and their will only be one stumpy with evo type travel🤷‍♂️

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci +1

      Thanks for watching!

    • @skinny8019
      @skinny8019 Před 2 měsíci +1

      @@jctrails makes sense for them to cut back some options. Just like trek cut back 40% of their skus.

    • @JF-oz7gd
      @JF-oz7gd Před 2 měsíci +2

      @@jctrails Yeah that must be what Specialized is planning, no way they can run back that flex stay stumpy, suspect we will see just an updated evo. That fsr design is getting pretty old, maybe something new is coming?

  • @gregwatson7727
    @gregwatson7727 Před měsícem

    Would love to see your review of an ALLIED BC40! It's right in the category you're looking for - "highly capable 120 w/ efficient pedaling platform" according to their marketing and the reviews I've seen so far. 76 degree STA.

  • @mwild7777
    @mwild7777 Před 2 měsíci

    Great review! I have the same issue with sizing on the specialized bikes. I want to get your opinion on the rocky element as a comparison. It has the geo you are looking for.

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci +2

      I’m actually trying to get my hands on one to test.

  • @keosoutdooradventures
    @keosoutdooradventures Před 2 měsíci +1

    I built a frame off with the Pearl white, liking the improvements so far!

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci +1

      Fox suspension?

    • @keosoutdooradventures
      @keosoutdooradventures Před 2 měsíci

      @jctrails yup, fox float factory but I have Fox 34 Elite in the fronts

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci +1

      @@keosoutdooradventures very nice!

    • @IIISentorIII
      @IIISentorIII Před 2 měsíci +3

      Awesome frame and color my friend!

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci +1

      @@IIISentorIII I like the mint color too.

  • @marksandoval5361
    @marksandoval5361 Před 2 měsíci +2

    I would rather have seen the new Epic Evo come with 77* STA, 65* HTA, and a 140mm Fox 34. However, if you put on a 140mm fork that would steepen the HTA to 65*, then shove the saddle all the way forward, and it would still be very good. A 120/140mm travel, 77*/65* geo, very light, single pivot flex stay, Downcountry bike would be my ideal short travel ripper. I just bought the 2023 Epic Evo which is more of an XC bike. With more travel and more progressive geo the new Epic Evo definitely slides into the Trail bike category. Honestly, I never thought current Stumpy was a very good bike, so they could just discontinue it and nobody would miss it. If they do produce a new Stumpy. it should be a 130/150mm travel bike that eliminates the single pivot flex stay rear suspension and returns to the Horst Link rear suspension.

    • @DB-sd3cw
      @DB-sd3cw Před 2 měsíci

      Dang. You sound like a giant pain in the arse to listen to and be around. Seems like you're the type to expect the world to conform to you rather than the other way. The stumpy is beloved by many so clearly that's an issue with you.

    • @Star_lord22
      @Star_lord22 Před 2 měsíci

      You pretty much hit the rumor on the nose. Epic evo will fill the trail category, no more stumpy evo and the stumpy will become more burly fulfill the all mountain category.

  • @phrides
    @phrides Před 2 měsíci +1

    Run that thing in the high setting and report back. A flip chip on the shock should steepen the seat tube with the head tube. Whether it still rips downhill if another matter.

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci +1

      I did run it in the high. I think it would still benefit from a 76.5-77 degree STA. That’s for my body type though, it might be a good fit for you.

    • @skinny8019
      @skinny8019 Před 2 měsíci

      @@jctrails i agree with the STA...when i get on my giant trance x...77.2 STA and 65.5 HA feels perfect!...would love to see you review the new giant trance.

  • @TheJjyoung333
    @TheJjyoung333 Před 2 měsíci +3

    Would like to see how this compares to a Revel Ranger.

  • @clarks888
    @clarks888 Před 2 měsíci

    Any thoughts on comparison to the SC Tallboy? It’s been my personal front runner for a new bike, guessing it’s a little more descent-focused than the Epic Evo, but then again you’re taking the Evo on bigger hits in this video than most of what I recall seeing in most TB reviews.

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci +1

      Tallboy is a fantastic bike. I like to describe as a st trail bike. Very capable, climbs well and good geo. Only draw back, it’s heavy compare to these flex stay bikes. At 120mm, you don’t need such a complex suspension design. (VPP) The Evo being light weight and having good geometry makes it very easy to ride. I can also ride it longer being 2-3lbs lighter with similar spec. Btw the tallboy can handle all the things you saw in this video.

    • @ivocolombo6917
      @ivocolombo6917 Před 2 měsíci

      Hi! I built a Tallboy cc with the fox float 34 a few years back after seeing one of @jctrails videos. I use it with this same roval wheels and ground control tires front and back. 12.4 kgs including Shimano xtr pedals.
      Last week I got invited to the launch of the evo and tested it. They are very comparable bikes. The evo does seem a bit more agile in sketchy corners and I agree it goes down really well. That is Until you get to big drops or fast rock section, then the tallboy shines over the epic 8 evo.
      I love that my tallboy fork can still be locked manually, it might be a better climber. But there is something about the handling of specialized that gets me.
      Hope it helps. Great video!

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci

      @@ivocolombo6917 thanks for the input. Sounds like you have a nicely built TB!

  • @sebastienhakimejdaa9363
    @sebastienhakimejdaa9363 Před 2 měsíci +1

    The Trek Top Fuel 9.8/9.9 2024 has also 120 rear/130 fork. Similar geo and weight. Only the suspension kinematics are different. Wondering how they compare. Found the previous Epic Evo too sketchy sometimes on the downhills. The Trek is on a different level compared to the previous Evo.

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci +5

      The Top Fuel is a super capable little bike. I had mine with a 130mm pike and 120 super deluxe and I rode trails it had no business doing. This Evo is at the same level as the Top Fuel now. Really stable on the descents and still pedals well. 2 things I preferred on the Top Fuel though were the M/L frame size and it climbed a touch better.

    • @sebastienhakimejdaa9363
      @sebastienhakimejdaa9363 Před 2 měsíci

      I appreciate the feedback!@@jctrails

  • @clintondavies8098
    @clintondavies8098 Před 2 měsíci

    Cool bike neat video how did the new sram brakes perform?🤔

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci

      Felt like the old codes. The brake lever ergonomics is a little bit nicer.

  • @shawneggers4484
    @shawneggers4484 Před 2 měsíci

    I went from my ‘21 Stumpjumper to the Top Fuel because I felt the SJ was too slack…. Does the new evo feel as slack as old SJ? Because head angle is about the same……

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci +1

      Even though the HTAs are similar the Epic feels snappier and more eager to change direction. Could be due to the light weight of the Evo

  • @chrisbanaszak79
    @chrisbanaszak79 Před 2 měsíci +3

    Thanks for the great review! Have you compared it with the current stumpjumper 130/140? To me the current stumpjumper has the slightly steeper seat angle and slightly slacker head angle, more travel and practially the same weight. So I think the current stumpy is the better bike, apart from not being able to take x2 water bottles. Are you able to test both bikes and time yourself climbing and descending? If you can, please keep the tyres and build kit the same on both bikes.

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci +5

      I’m actually testing the current Stumpjumper as we speak. Stay tuned for that video.

    • @skinny8019
      @skinny8019 Před 2 měsíci +2

      @@jctrails please test it on high...with 800gram ish tires. (rekons)

    • @IIISentorIII
      @IIISentorIII Před 2 měsíci +4

      I have the Stumpy since a Year. Did put on some Ground Control t7 and Fast Trak t5 tyres, set it in the High position.
      What a dream Bike!

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci +2

      @@IIISentorIII it’s a snappy bike for sure

    • @chrisbanaszak79
      @chrisbanaszak79 Před 2 měsíci +1

      I just built up an S4 stumpy expert with kovee pro 30 carbon wheels, oneup carbon bar, ground control front tyre and fast track rear tyre, sram x1 carbon crank (not super light weight like xx1) the rest is as per the expert build, where I’ll realise further weight savings as components wear out, weight came in at 12.1kg for a 140/130 trail bike, so why would I bother with a less capable epic 8 evo just to save maybe another 200g?

  • @beardoweirdo3187
    @beardoweirdo3187 Před 2 měsíci +2

    Nice review. Still think my Sj Evo is the best bike for those trails. Well for my slow ass that wants to hit the med to large stuff out there.

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci +1

      Haha! The SJ Evo for sure shreds those trails too!

  • @TallGuyTrails
    @TallGuyTrails Před 2 měsíci

    Would you get this bike if you were somebody who hobby races XC? (For reference, I currently ride a BMC Twostroke AL One aluminum hardtail for racing.)

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci +1

      I would just put some light weight tires, flat bars, and go have fun!

    • @TallGuyTrails
      @TallGuyTrails Před 2 měsíci

      Appreciate the reply. Also appreciate that you are showing it on some proper jumps. My fun bike is a Stumpy Alloy. This seems like it might be a good split between what I like about my current two bikes.

  • @ayyggss
    @ayyggss Před 2 měsíci

    Maybe i missed it but what trail is that ?!? Great review btw .

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci

      Various trails in pine hills

  • @user-rj9ui3sz8u
    @user-rj9ui3sz8u Před 2 měsíci

    Dont hurt that kashima!

  • @taunir713
    @taunir713 Před 2 měsíci

    And now… the stumpjumper 🙏🏻

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci +1

      We will see!

    • @taunir713
      @taunir713 Před 2 měsíci

      @@jctrails 26 of March? Seems like a nice date

  • @RomeyRome413
    @RomeyRome413 Před 2 měsíci

    I test rode a Medium on this and it felt big. I'm 5"8 coming for a Stumjumper comp build I currently ride... 🤷🏼

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci

      I bet if you put a smaller stem on it, you might be more comfortable. Or you just like smaller size frames. For me I like to be a little more spread out for more pedal type trials.

    • @RomeyRome413
      @RomeyRome413 Před 2 měsíci

      @@jctrails got point on the stem. Going to test ride a small this weekend. Tuff choice between this and Stumpjumper.

    • @RomeyRome413
      @RomeyRome413 Před 2 měsíci

      @@jctrails my Stumjumper is an S2

  • @_al_ex
    @_al_ex Před 2 měsíci

    Is the Shock Extension carbon?

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci

      Nope it’s aluminum

    • @_al_ex
      @_al_ex Před 2 měsíci

      Thanks@@jctrails

  • @chewchew74
    @chewchew74 Před 2 měsíci +3

    Are you xxxx kidding me.. I just got S-works Epic Evo last week... it was on sale $7800 with old version AXS. New AXS with longer slacker light trail bike.. this is..
    I feel like I got ripped off... Shtty..

    • @samharris82
      @samharris82 Před 2 měsíci +1

      I have a last-gen Sworks epic evo and think it’s the better bike for my trails. Much much lighter than this one and a steeper HTA. I did upgrade to Transmission and sold my “new old AXS” on Facebook marketplace. Probably going to upgrade to Flight Attendant this summer when those kits come out.

    • @samharris82
      @samharris82 Před 2 měsíci

      Your Epic Evo is 446g lighter than this thing. It’s like saying “I should’ve got a Stumpy” This new one is a totally different genre.

  • @Andyange
    @Andyange Před 2 měsíci

    This or the 2022 top fuel 9.8 xt on sale?

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci

      How much is the Trek going for?

    • @Andyange
      @Andyange Před 2 měsíci

      Hi it’s 30% off

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci

      @@Andyange what size are you looking for?

    • @Andyange
      @Andyange Před 2 měsíci

      XL

  • @rgeniec
    @rgeniec Před 2 měsíci +1

    Leaves the price tag on for the test ride. 🤷🏻‍♂️🤣

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci +2

      One less thing I have to remember 😁

  • @JIBBING_1980S
    @JIBBING_1980S Před 2 měsíci

    When u look at your bike 4 years later...

  • @RomeyRome413
    @RomeyRome413 Před 2 měsíci

    EVO 8 or Stumjumper? Asking for a friend who lives in Florida 😂

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci +2

      Tell you in a little bit. Testing out the stumpy now.

  • @wallyedmonds8199
    @wallyedmonds8199 Před 2 měsíci

    Nice , but ya much money lol

  • @NocSuKow
    @NocSuKow Před měsícem

    looks like my levo sl but no motor and same price.

  • @andrewpm2
    @andrewpm2 Před 2 měsíci +2

    $8K? Specialized needs to lay of the crack pipe. At least it has Fox Factory.

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci +1

      Then how would the crack dealers afford their bikes 🤔

  • @gweflj
    @gweflj Před 2 měsíci

    You’re having an issue with the seat angle because you’ve got no hip hinge. That’s clear to see from the amount of spacers under the stem. An athlete would have no issue with that seat angle.

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci

      Ever heard of a Top Tube measurement?

    • @gweflj
      @gweflj Před 2 měsíci

      @@jctrails So you got the wrong size?

    • @jctrails
      @jctrails  Před 2 měsíci

      @@gweflj I don’t fit on traditional sized large or medium bikes. With a slacker seat tube angle that extends the top tube measurement. With the size large I’m stretching out a little too much to reach the bars while pedaling. On a medium the top tube is too small. That’s why I’ve been riding Trek bikes because they have the M/L sizing which fits someone like me in between sizes. There’s only so much you can do with stem and bar size, I’d rather have a frame that fits and then do small tweaks to dial in the fitment. So I guess I’m not an athlete because I don’t fit a large or medium frame.

    • @gweflj
      @gweflj Před 2 měsíci +1

      @@jctrails But there were hundreds of XCO world cup races won with 73 degree seat angles. How was that possible? You're not able to stretch out because you've lost flexibility. Have a look at the bar to seat height ratio on Nino's bike. With a traditional bar height the guy would have zero issues with a 70 degree seat angle. I honestly don't think you would have an issue if you spent some time working on hip flexibility.

  • @kevinburns00
    @kevinburns00 Před 2 měsíci +1

    fuck bikes that cost over $4000

  • @sultanabran1
    @sultanabran1 Před 2 měsíci

    ruins the shock after 2 rides. i know a dude with a stumpjumper whose shock failed and replaced 3 times in less than 12 months. i know chick riding a status whose shock's coating is wearing off because it's obviously putting side loads into the shock. i heard of a dude's shock snapping. never buy specialized. plus they charge retarded prices.

  • @pepeanza6187
    @pepeanza6187 Před 21 dnem

    Just ride a agresive hardtail whit 65-64 HT and 75-76 STA whit 130m fork like a Fox 34 or Marzocchi Z2 whit Recon Race tires on you have a XC beast that goes downhill pretty good i have that set up in a Rocky mountain Growler and you save a lot of cash