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Today’s Deals2024 Specialized
Epic 8 Comp
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components.
Manufacturer Price
CA$6,499($4,708)| Weight | 25.8 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Carbon |
| Suspension | Full, 120 / 120mm |
| Fork | RockShox SID Select |
| Shock | RockShox SIDLuxe Select+ |
| Wheels | 29″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | GX Eagle |
| Brakes | SRAM Level Bronze Stealth Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
5'1" – 5'6"
5'4" – 5'9"
5'7" – 6'0"
5'10" – 6'3"
6'0" – 6'5"
🐐 Estimated
Summary
The Specialized Epic is a high-performance cross-country bike praised for its lightweight frame, advanced suspension technology, and versatile handling. It excels in both climbing and descending, offering a plush ride quality and efficient pedaling. The RockShox Flight Attendant suspension system is frequently highlighted as a game-changer, adapting seamlessly to terrain. However, its premium features come at a high cost, and some models lack the Flight Attendant system.
Lightweight and efficient frame design
Advanced RockShox Flight Attendant suspension
Versatile handling suitable for both climbing and descending
Excellent ride quality and comfort
Innovative internal storage solutions
High cost, especially for models with Flight Attendant
Some models lack the Flight Attendant suspension system
Premium features may not be necessary for all riders
Specialized has thrown down a very impressive, maximum velocity benchmark with the new Epic 8.
Bike PerfectThe end result is a bike that’s purported to be both more efficient and more compliant than its predecessors, making it 'the most capable 120mm bike on the planet.'
Flow Mountain BikeThe S-Works Epic 8 is a real climbing machine.
Mountain Bike ActionFeedback?
View all reviews
Dec 2024 · Ron Koch
The result is a single-frame design that, depending on the components added, can be either a competitive XC racing rig or a confident trail bike that is ready for anything thrown its way.
Apr 2024 · Spencer Astra
During the darkest part of the Northwest winter, I found myself aboard the new Specialized Epic 8 Evo Pro, a short-travel speed demon. After a nasty broken elbow, the Epic Evo and I seem to be sharing new titanium hardware. With 130 millimeters of travel up front and 120 at the rear, the new Epic is a cross-country bike that leans more toward gnarlier terrain than a true race bred rig as it seamlessly blends efficiency with just enough grit to tackle unforgiving trails. Even as I pedaled slow and muddy singletrack, this bike remained remarkably zippy—a testament to its short travel, low build weight, and efficient frame kinematics. Specialized has managed to shave off a few grams from the previous model iteration while producing a stable, refined ride. As I climbed, the Epic Evo’s main standout feature was efficiency. Despite the slow winter dirt, I was usually climbing with enough speed to generate a slight wind on my face. The rear shock platform felt taught and supportive under pedaling load. One of the most notable qualities of the Evo, while both climbing and descending, was the frame’s ability to eat high-frequency vibrations from the trail. My left elbow is fairly sensitive as it recovers from the break and, even with only 120 millimeters of travel, the Evo maintained a soft touch while clambering over roots and rocks.
Mar 2024 · Tyler Benedict
The new Specialized Epic 8 is a downcountry ripper disguised as a race bike. Or maybe it's the other way around. Either way, this bike is fast and fun!
Mar 2024
Goodbye Brain, hello SWAT and Flight Attendant
Mar 2024 · Guy Kesteven
Specialized’s cult favorite rowdy XC winner jumps up a whole weight category to burly downcountry, but does it still have the race speed our expert tester loved before?
Excellent tech taming longer, lower mainframe geometry
XC weight frame with punchy pedaling leaves trail competitors standing
Fox Factory Grip2 fork, Float shock and Transfer dropper
Puncture reducing rims and grippy T9/T7 Grid tires
Generous internal storage, SWAT stem and two bottle cage mounts
Nearly a kilo heavier than the previous Epic Evo Comp
Shock feels too firm at times
Limited rear tire space
Mar 2024 · Simon Kohler, Robin Schmitt
We tested the 2024 Specialized Epic 8 EVO. But what is the big brother of the XC race bike capable of? Read on to find out.
More confidence inspiring than the Epic 8
Short-travel bike with an integrated storage compartment
Shock tune
Lack of comfort on rough gravel roads
Mar 2024 · Robin Schmitt, Benedikt Schmidt
What makes a true champion?Hanging out with Peter Sagan, Martín Vidaurre, and the new Specialized Epic in Chile
Mar 2024 · Guy Kesteven
Specialized’s new S-Works Epic 8 is possibly the fastest XC MTB ever made and definitely the most high tech. It’s not just the latest RockShox Flight Attendant Ai suspension that makes it radically rapid. This rad new superlight but steezy racer is also fully loaded with the ultimate race spec. It joins the Epic 8 Evo as one of two new Epics launched by Specialized; we’ve got all the details on both new Specialized Epics right here if you want to check out the details, prices and spec. I’ve also had the chance to ride the Epic 8 Evo, and witness first hand the bike’s transition from XC race machine to down-country weapon, check it out right here. Specialized S-Works Epic 8 Need to know Sub 1,800g yet impressively stiff 120mm travel XC frame RockShox SID Ultimate Flight Attendant Ai suspension technology Progressive XC race/downcountry geometry Top line SRAM AXS SL transmission with power meter Superlight Specialized/Roval wheels and kit High volume internal storage and titanium bolts Epic is in it’s eighth generation as Specialized’s flat out full suspension race bike. Epic 7 had already been overtaken by the slacker, longer travel but lighter Epic 7 Evo as the World Cup winning weapon of choice for the Specialized pro team. No surprise then that Epic 8 is effectively a progressive evolution of the Evo then, with a 66.4º or 65.9º head angle, 75.5º seat angle, 15mm longer reach (475/480mm in large) and 120mm of rear wheel travel to match the fork. The S-Works frame also uses top spec 12M carbon fibre, a carbon shock linkage and titanium bolts to keep it one of the lightest race frames available, at 1,795g for frame and conventional SIDLuxe shock. That’s 150g more than the previous ultra light Evo but the bigger, stiffer down tube now has full SWAT internal storage. You also get chainstay and belly armour, a removable steering stop and fully plumbed head tube routed controls. Suspension The S-Works is the first production bike to debut with the latest version of RockShox’s Flight Attendant Ai suspension. This uses sensors in the SID Ultimate fork, SIDLuxe Ultimate shock, Quarq XX SL power crank, XX SL rear mech and XX shifters to build a comprehensive ride ‘picture’. It then automatically switch the fork and shock between open, pedal and lock modes depending on incoming impacts, bike orientation, pre-emptive shift signals and rider referencing ‘effort states’. You also get a RockShox Reverb AXS seat post to complete the wireless kit out. With the hoses of the Level Ultimate Stealth 4 pot brakes hidden by the bars, the one piece Roval SL down swept ‘stem’ carbon bars look super clean as well as being very light and stiff. That also describes the sub 1,300g Roval Control SL rims, but the Specialized FastTrack and Renegade tyres use a tougher Control carcass than the ultralight S-Works options used on the Epic World Cup. You also get proper Trail grips and a comfortable Body Geometry S-Works Power saddle, …Continue reading »
• Superlight yet impressively controlled and practical frame
• Automatic Ai suspension
• Perfect race componentry
• Premium performance comes at a premium cost
• Flight Attendant is bound to be an opinion divider
| Frame | FACT 11m Carbon, Progressive XC Race Geometry, Rider-First Engineered™, SWAT downtube storage, threaded BB, 12x148mm UDH compatible rear dropout, internal cable routing, 120mm of travel BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Hanger Standard: UDH Colors: Gloss Dune / White Smoke; Satin Metallic / Sapphire White |
|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox SID Select, Ride Dynamics developed 3 position, TwistLoc remote adjust, Debon Air, 15x110mm, 44mm offset, 120mm Travel Travel: 120mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | RockShox SIDLuxe Select+, Ride Dynamics developed 3 position, TwistLoc remote adjust, Solo Air, 190x45mm Travel: 120mm |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB, BSA 73mm, Threaded |
| Stem | Specialized, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise |
| Handlebar | Specialized Alloy Minirise, 10mm rise, 750mm, 31.8mm clamp |
| Saddle | Body Geometry Power Sport, steel rails |
| Seatpost | X-Fusion Manic, 30.9, 100/125/150/175 Travel, 0mm offset Type: Dropper |
| Grips | SRAM Slip on with Twist-Loc |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed |
|---|---|
| Crank | SRAM X1000 Eagle, DUB, 170/175mm 32T, Steel, 32T |
| Shifters | SRAM GX, trigger, 12-speed |
| Cassette | SRAM XG-1275, 12-speed, 10-52t |
| Chain | SRAM NX Eagle, 12-speed |
| Brakes | Front: SRAM Level Bronze Stealth, 4-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, 180mm rotor, Rear: SRAM Level Bronze Stealth, 4-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, 160mm rotor Type: SRAM Level Bronze Stealth Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | Specialized Alloy 29, 28mm internal width, tubeless |
|---|---|
| Spokes | DT Swiss Industry |
| Front Hub | Alloy, sealed cartridge bearings, 15x110mm thru-axle, 28h |
| Rear Hub | Alloy, sealed cartridge bearings, 148mmx12mm thru-axle, 28h |
| Tires | Front: Specialized Fast Trak, Control Casing, T7 Compound, 29x2.35, Rear: Specialized Renegade, Control Casing, T5 Compound, 29x2.35 |
First added March 12
Last updated May 9
Not listed for 25 days