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Today’s Deals2026 Specialized
Epic 8 EVO Comp
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price
$4,724| Weight | 27.6 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Carbon |
| Suspension | Full, 120 / 130mm |
| Fork | Fox Performance Float 34 |
| Shock | Fox Float X Performance |
| Wheels | 29″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| Groupset | Eagle AXS, S1000 Eagle Transmission |
| Brakes | SRAM Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.
Compare the full Epic model range
View Comparison5'1" – 5'6"
5'4" – 5'9"
5'7" – 6'0"
5'10" – 6'3"
6'0" – 6'5"
🐐 Estimated
None yet.
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Summary
The Specialized Epic EVO is a trail bike that excels with its updated geometry, increased travel, and innovative features like the Flight Attendant suspension system and in-frame SWAT storage. It's praised for its handling and suspension performance, making it suitable for technical trails and all-day adventures. However, some reviews note a firm shock tune and limited rear tire clearance as drawbacks.
Updated geometry and increased travel
Flight Attendant suspension system for automatic adjustment
In-frame SWAT storage
Excellent handling on technical trails
Lightweight frame
Firm shock tune at times
Limited rear tire clearance
Flight Attendant adds weight
The Epic is built off a race chassis, whereas the Stumpy is definitely an all-around trail bike.
BIKE MagazineThe new Epic Evo is perfect for the increasing category of riders who want full trail attack capability, but with the agility, punch and efficiency that gives the kind of climbing and acceleration gains you’d otherwise have to get an e-bike to unleash.
FreehubThe Epic 8 handled all of it exceptionally well.
BikerumorFeedback?
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Apr 2026
Eye-watering pricing aside, the Epic 9 makes a strong case as the benchmark XC platform—with one annoying “upgrade”.
Apr 2026 · Alex Hunt
It's lighter and sharper, but the bigger story is how one bike replaces the brand’s XC lineup.
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
| 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: Satin Blue Onyx / California Sunshine; Gloss Pistachio / Obsidian |
|---|---|
| Fork | FOX 34 SL Performance, Grip Damper, 130mm travel, 44mm offset, 15x110mm Travel: 130mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | Fox Float Performance, Evol LV, Ride Dynamics Tuned, 2-position compression adjust, 190x45mm Travel: 120mm |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB Threaded Wide |
| Stem | Alloy Stem, 35mm clamp, 60mm |
| Handlebar | Specialized Alloy, 20mm rise, 35mm, 760mm wide |
| Saddle | Body Geometry Power Sport, steel rails |
| Seatpost | X-Fusion Manic, 30.9, XS-SM: 125mm, M: 150mm, L-XL: 170mm Travel, 0mm offset Type: Dropper |
| Grips | Specialized Trail Grips |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM S-1000 Eagle AXS Transmission |
|---|---|
| Crank | SRAM S1000 Eagle, DUB, 165/170/175mm, 32T, 32T |
| Shifters | SRAM AXS POD Controller |
| Cassette | SRAM XS-1270 Transmission Cassette, 12-Speed, 10-52T |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle Transmission 12-Speed Flattop Chain |
| Brakes | Front: SRAM Motive Bronze, 4-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, 180mm rotor, Rear: SRAM Motive Bronze, 4-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, 160mm rotor Type: SRAM Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | Specialized Alloy 29, 27mm internal width, tubeless |
|---|---|
| Spokes | DT Swiss Elemental |
| Front Hub | Specialized alloy, sealed cardridge bearings, 6-bolt, 15x110mm thru-axle, 28h |
| Rear Hub | Specialized alloy, sealed cartridge bearings, 6-bolt, 12x148mm thru-axle, 28h |
| Tires | Front: Specialized Purgatory, GRID Casing, T9 Compound, 29x2.4, Rear: Specialized Ground Control, Grid Lite Casing, T5/T7 Compound, 29x2.35 |
First added July 26
Last updated May 9
Not listed for 25 days