Epic EVO Expert
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension crosscountry bike with high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price
$4,199Weight | 25.4 lbs |
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Frame | Carbon |
Suspension | Full, 110 / 120mm |
Fork | RockShox SID Select+ |
Shock | RockShox SIDLuxe Select+ |
Wheels | 29″ Carbon |
Drivetrain | 1 × 12 Electronic |
Groupset | GX Eagle AXS |
Brakes | Hydraulic Disc |
Seatpost | Dropper |
For This Bike
Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.
Compare the full Epic model range
View ComparisonApr 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
Goodbye Brain, hello SWAT and Flight Attendant
Mar 2024 · Tyler Benedict
The new Specialized Epic 8 gets lighter, faster & way more capable with tricky suspension tuning, more travel & clever carbon construction.
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 · Marco Toniolo
Specialized presents the new Epic 8, and with it the Evo version, i.e., the one with more travel. The number can only bring to mind the Tarmac 8, unveiled last year, effectively aligning two of the California brand’s most beloved models. Once again, the race version of the Epic differs greatly from the “downcountry” version, but, contrary to what happened in 2020, the Epic 8 Evo is unlikely to be used in competition instead of the Epic 8, which you see in the photo below. In fact, the latter already has 120/120mm of travel, forgoes the Brain in favor of
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.
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.
Plush & effective short travel suspension package
Compliant ride quality
Impeccable geometry
Highly competent build kit
New generation SWAT storage
Mechanic-friendly frame furnishings
Fox shock bottom-out issue
Dropper post needed rebuilding
Not available in alloy
Oct 2023 · Dave Rome
In believing that full suspension is always the faster choice in mountain biking, the Epic WC is Specialized’s replacement for its top-tier cross-country race hardtails.
Can be set to pedal like a hardtail
Is incredibly efficient on smooth surfaces
Dialled geometry
Lovely frame build quality
Good frame rigidity with no creaks or groans
No fiddly remote lockouts means an ultra-clean cockpit
Solid component spec choices with nice wheels and a powermeter.
Suspension can either feel choppy or have you wishing for a lockout
Poor headset sealing
Minimal weight advantage over a longer-travel full suspension
Brain-equipped fork still has a thunk
No dropper provided
SRAM Level brake lever feel and power.
Frame | FACT 11m Full Carbon, Progressive XC Geometry, Rider-First Engineered™, threaded BB, 12x148mm rear spacing, internal cable routing, 110mm of travel BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Hanger Standard: UDH Colors: Gloss Carbon / Gold Ghost Pearl/pearl; Satin Rusted Red / Blaze/pearl |
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Fork | Rockshox SID Select+, Charger 2 RL Damper, Debon Air, 15x110mm, 44mm offset, 120mm Travel Travel: 120mm Spring Type: Air |
Shock | RockShox SID LUXE Select+, Rx XC Tune, Two Position, Rebound Adjust, 190x40mm Travel: 110mm Spring Type: Air |
Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB, BSA 73mm, Threaded |
Stem | Alloy Trail Stem, 35mm bar bore |
Handlebar | Specialized Alloy, 20mm rise, 35mm, 760mm wide |
Saddle | Body Geometry Power Sport, steel rails |
Seatpost | X-Fusion Manic, 30.9, 100/125/150 Travel, 0mm offset Type: Dropper |
Grips | Specialized Trail Grips |
Rear Derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle AXS, w/ battery cover |
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Crank | SRAM GX Eagle Alloy, DUB, 165/170/175mm, 32t, 32T |
Shifters | SRAM GX Eagle AXS Controller |
Cassette | SRAM XG-1275, 12-speed, 10-52t |
Chain | SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed |
Brakes | Front: SRAM G2 RS, 4-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, 180mm rotor, Rear: SRAM G2 RS, 4-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, 180mm rotor Type: Hydraulic Disc |
Rims | Roval Control, Carbon offset design, 29mm internal width, 4mm hook width, Tubeless ready, 28h |
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Spokes | DT Swiss Comp Race |
Front Hub | DT Swiss 350, 6-bolt, 15mm Thru-axle, 110mm spacing, 28h straight -pull |
Rear Hub | DT Swiss 350 straight-pull, 6-bolt, DT Swiss Ratchet, 12x148mm thru axle, XD freehub body, 28h straight-pull |
Tires | Front: Specialized Ground Control, GRID Casing, T7 Compound, 29x2.35, Rear: Specialized Ground Control, GRID Casing, T7 Compound, 29x2.35 |
Last updated May 11