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2024 Specialized

S-Works Epic WC Frameset

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension crosscountry frameset.

Manufacturer Price

NZ$10,000($5,871)
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 75mm rear
ForkRockShox SID SL Ultimate
ShockRockShox SIDLuxe WCID
Wheels29″
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Reviews

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.

Pros
  • 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

Cons
  • 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

Key Quotes
Specialized has thrown down a very impressive, maximum velocity benchmark with the new Epic 8.
Bike Perfect logoBike Perfect
The 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 Bike logoFlow Mountain Bike
The S-Works Epic 8 is a real climbing machine.
Mountain Bike Action logoMountain Bike Action

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Mountain Bike Action
LONG TERM REVIEW: SPECIALIZED S-WORKS EPIC 8 - THE EVOLUTION CONTINUES - Mountain Bike Action Magazine

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.

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Freehub
Bike Review | Specialized Epic 8 Evo Pro

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.

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Bikerumor
Review: Specialized Epic 8 S-Works & EVO XC bikes

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!

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BIKE Magazine
Specialized announces new Epic and Epic EVO 8

Mar 2024

Goodbye Brain, hello SWAT and Flight Attendant

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Bike Perfect
Specialized S-Works Epic 8 review – is this ultra high-tech, superlight but trail-tough XC race superbike the new Olympic champion in waiting?

Mar 2024 · Guy Kesteven

With an Olympics to win 2024 is going to be a big year for XC bikes. Specialized has thrown down a serious challenge to the rest of the pack with its ultra-tech, ultra-fast, and freaky fun S-Works Epic 8

Highs
  • Superlight sub-1,800g frame with awesome geometry

  • Stiff, tough and practical enough to ride really hard

  • New kick-ass pedaling kinematics

  • Up to 1.7 liters of internal storage

  • Ultimate SRAM/RockShox AXS XC equipment

  • Excellent Specialized/Roval wheels, tires, and finishing kit

Lows
  • High tech is high-cost

  • Flight Attendant means more batteries, whirring, and weight

Read Review

MBR
I hate to admit it, but the AI suspension control on the new Specialized S-Works Epic 8 works better than a brain ever could - MBR

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 »

Highs
  • • Superlight yet impressively controlled and practical frame

  • • Automatic Ai suspension

  • • Perfect race componentry

Lows
  • • Premium performance comes at a premium cost

  • • Flight Attendant is bound to be an opinion divider

Read Review

Pinkbike
First Ride: 2024 Specialized Epic EVO 8

Mar 2024 · Dario DiGiulio

The Epic EVO gets a longer travel fork and a burlier build kit compared to its more XC race oriented sibling.

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Flow Mountain Bike
Specialized Epic 8 EVO Review | Watch out Stumpjumper, the new Epic EVO gets SWAT storage & more travel

Mar 2024

Featuring an all-new carbon frame and an increase in travel, the latest Specialized Epic EVO has morphed into a lightweight trail ripper.

Highs
  • Plush & effective short travel suspension package

  • Compliant ride quality

  • Impeccable geometry

  • Highly competent build kit

  • New generation SWAT storage

  • Mechanic-friendly frame furnishings

Lows
  • Fox shock bottom-out issue

  • Dropper post needed rebuilding

  • Not available in alloy

Read Review

Specs
Build
Frame

S-Works FACT 12m Carbon, WCID suspension design, Progressive XC Race Geometry, Rider-First Engineered™, threaded BB, 12x148mm rear spacing, internal cable routing, 75mm of travel

BB StandardBSA, 73mm, Threaded

Hanger StandardUDH

ColorSatin Smoke Granite / Metallic White Silver

Fork

RockShox SID SL ULTIMATE BRAIN, Top-Adjust Brain damper, Debon Air, 15x110mm, 44mm offset, 110mm Travel

Spring TypeAir

Shock

RockShox-Specialized SIDLuxe WCID Ultimate, Ride Dynamics Developed, Independent negative spring, Rebound Adjust, 215x40mm

Travel75mm

Bottom Bracket

BSA, 73mm, threaded

Seatpost

Roval Control SL carbon seatpost, Two-bolt clamp, 0mm offset, 415/370mm x 30.9

TypeRigid

Rider Notes
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First added April 21

Last updated April 29

Not listed for 1,135 days