ALL-NEW Specialized Epic vs Epic EVO Review | Brainless, But All The Better For It!

For 2024, Specialized is introducing the 8th generation of the Epic and Epic EVO. There are some big changes with both models receiving all-new carbon frames and boosted suspension. The Epic evolves into a dedicated 120mm travel race bike platform, while the Epic EVO has been pumped up even more to create a lightweight but highly capable trail ripper.

We've been riding both bikes over the past couple of months, which culminated in a few days of back-to-back testing on the flowy singletrack at the Buxton MTB Park in Victoria's High Country. In this video we'll be discussing what's new with the Epic and Epic EVO, the differences between them, and whether these stand as the best XC bikes we've tested.

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Specialized Epic 8 Video Review Contents

0:00 - Intro
1:01 - Specialized Epic 8 Overview
2:07 - Specialized Epic 8 EVO Overview
2:58 - SWAT Storage
3:25 - RockShox Flight Attendant XC
4:21 - Specialized Epic Pricing & Specs
5:36 - Specialized Epic Weight
6:02 - The Buxton MTB Park
6:41 - Specialized Epic Strengths
10:14 - RockShox Flight Attendant Performance
12:03 - Specialized Epic Downsides
13:22 - Specialized Epic EVO Strengths
16:29 - Specialized Epic EVO Downsides
18:02 - Specialized Epic vs Epic EVO
19:52 - Flow's Verdict

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[paulhusby]

I know this presenter's work - ten seconds in and its already the the thumbs up, I can't wait.
Great work from Flow as always, and many thanks.
I own the 2022 carbon Epic Expert. Now I now what I am missing by using this 'old' stuff.

[spinthatup]

Fantastic in-depth review! Damn these bikes sound fun!!

[nigelhagley]

As always the best reviews!!! Keep it up!

[casparwhittey]

great review - detailed and informative. Love the inclusion of downsides. Would have loved to hear more from Jo. Seemed like she didn't get to share much of her opinion

[JDM]

Hey Will! Late to the game and hoping you might see this. But, how would you compare these bikes to the new Canyon Lux Trail? It looks like the canyon is quite a bit heavier at comparable specs but the price difference with occasional sales from Canyon makes for a very compelling option. Thanks for your thoughts if you see this!

[PrisonerNChristJesus]

I didn’t have any confidence on the trails and I really didn’t know how to ride a bike very well until I spent $24, 000 on a specialized and it changed everything now I’m awesome !!!!

[jonasbielskis]

head tube angle is almost the same as my trail bike from 2020. That's crazy

[oskarstaudte]

That epic evo looks like a great trailbike

[kponeone]

Great review guys. I recently got an s-works epic evo, and can confirm they are hands down the best longer travel xc bike on the market. Until you ride one yourself, it is impossible to describe how well they ride. Expensive, yes, but I love riding my mtb and don’t regret buying it for a second.

[leonshanahan]

Hi Wil, thank you for making the time to provide your expert comments. Looks forward to the comparison. :)

[mioumitsou]

as a structural engineer speaking, whenever I see cut outs in carbon frames (for storage) it gets me worried about the integrity of the frame. These cut outs are introducing stress concentration points on the frame. Im sure that simulations and CAD has aided to iron out these problems, but still does put me on the edge.

[jessezarate]

Hey Will, excellent as always review! What size S works were you riding?

[pascaladl]

Got the base level Epic Evo prev gen on discount for AUD 4900 and pimped with parts i already got, like a SID Ultimate. Love it, but would never spend 10k on a bike, let alone 24k

[Mockle]

Absolute gold standard review as always, especially for XC / trail bikes. You are always (rightfully) pretty clinical about pricing and high end bikes in general but your sheer giddy enthusiasm for the S-Works speaks volumes for how good it must be!

Does the Epic Evo essentially render the current Stumpjumper obsolete?

[usmceric]

Very cool. Hopefully, the tech trickles down to bikes most mere mortals can afford.

[johnmccool]

Great I'm now torn between the Stumpjumper and the Epic EVO, I'm a 57 year old intermediate rider that will never race, but do hit the intermediate trails along the Colorado front range 2 to 3 times a

[thegherkin]

Brilliant review as always. With the Epic Evo now so close to the Stumpjumper I wonder if Specialized will simplify their lineup and split the difference between the standard model Stumpy and the Stumpy Evo with one model when refreshed (surely due soon).

[billyhamrichard]

Excellent review, very comprehensive, well done!!

Loved the sleek athletic design of previous Epics. And glad I did not wait for Epic 8 and bought Epic WC last year.

[傅培銘]

Thanks for such a good review!
How do you compare Orbea Oiz to the new Specialized Epic 8?