First Ride: 2024 Specialized Epic EVO 8

Mar 12, 2024
by Dario DiGiulio  
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The Specialized Epic 8 dropped today, hand in hand with the Epic EVO 8. Historically the EVO moniker has fallen to the burlier, more descent-focused version of a given Specialized frame, and to some degree that carries over here. However, unlike the last generation of Epics, both of the 8th generation bikes share the same frame, with the sole differences coming down to build kits and some corresponding geometry changes.

Epic might be the focus of the launch, but EVO shouldn't be ignored, as this trail-ready XC bike will surely be up many people's alley.
Epic EVO 8 Details

• 29" wheels
• Carbon frame
• 120mm frame travel, 130mm fork
• 65.4° head angle (low position)
• 385-495mm reach
• 435mm chainstays
• 75.1° seat tube angle, size dependent
• 5 sizes available
• Weight: 26.7 lb / 12.12 kg (size M)
• US Price: $5,000-8,500 USD
• Frameset: $3,800 USD
specialized.com

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Clean wordmark.
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SWAT has arrived.

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Geometry

Again, very similar to the Epic 8, but slightly different due to the 130mm fork.

There have been some major changes on this front, with the overhauled geometry giving the Epic 8 far more extreme numbers than both the Epic and Epic EVO 7. In broad strokes, here are the key changes from the outgoing EVO to the current EVO: 1° steeper seat tube angle - 10mm longer reach - 1.3° slacker head tube angle - 8mm lower bottom bracket.

The EVO's longer stroke fork on top of the Epic's already progressive geometry gives it full-on trail bike geometry, for the most part. Short rear centers and a slack seat tube angle are a bit behind the times, but the front end geo is still fairly radical for a bike of this weight and travel bracket.

The size range features 5 options, with reach numbers ranging from 385mm on the XS to 495 on the XL. Seat tube angles vary slightly by size, ranging from 76° (XS) to 75.1° (XL). BB drop is also size-dependent, ranging from 48-39mm, with the larger frames getting less drop. Because of the longer fork, the BB height is a few millimeters higher than on the Epic. Stack heights scale well relative to the reach, giving each size an appropriate amount of room to go up or down as your personal fit dictates.

Strangely, the one geometry figure that doesn't change per size is the chainstay length, with a consistent 435mm rear center length across the board. This is likely due to the convenience of keeping a single rear triangle for the whole range, as the kinematics of a flex stay bike would have to be reworked for every increase in that rear end, assuming they didn't just nudge the BB forward, as some brands do. The team at Specialized also emphasized the goal of keeping the rear end shorter to keep the wheelbase from getting out of hand on larger sizes.

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Frame Features

Since the EVO's frame is identical to that of the Epic 8, I'll cut to the chase and plop the same details here as well. One notable exception is the S-Works frame, which won't be coming in an EVO spec at this time.

It should be no surprise that the Epic 8 comes exclusively in carbon fiber, but it's not quite as simple as one single frame offering. As per usual, Specialized is releasing the bike in the standard 11m layup, with the S-Works 12m frames allocated to the Epic builds. Both frames have stiffness profiles tuned to each size's typical rider, meaning an XS will be far more compliant than the XL. This requires some re-engineering with each new layup schedule, and hopefully yields a better ride for each person in the range.

The big news with these new frames is the introduction of SWAT storage to the Epic platform. Where it had been avoided in the past due to weight considerations, the bike's now feature the 4th version of the system. The door is more secure than past versions, the lever is easy to operate, and the door feels very secure and stable, even with a full bottle on top. Apropos of Seb's recent poll, it seems people are split on how passionate they are about the in-frame accessory cubby, but I for one am a fan.

In order to shave some precious grams off the frame (perhaps to make up for whatever gains accompanied the SWAT addition), Specialized co-molded the upper shock mount into the frame, making for an extremely efficient layup. They even went so far as to machine material away from the underside of the toptube at the forward shock mount, removing material and giving better access to shock lockout cables.

Frame Weights

Claimed weight for SM and MD S-Works frame + shock: 1795g
LG: 1840g, (45g more than medium)
XL: 1905g, (110g more than medium)

The 11m's frame materials, layup, and steel hardware + alloy shock extension put those frames 170g over S-Works 12m frames.

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Same frame as the Epic.
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But with a beefier shock.

Suspension Design

Bye-bye, brain. The outgoing Epic featured Specialized's longstanding Brain system, which was an inertia valve meant to distinguish between bump and pedaling forces, all in the name of delivering efficiency and compliance when appropriate. We tested that version of the Epic in our XC Field Test, and found that the Brain was the only significant con to that bike's performance, particularly on the descents. Those of you keeping up will recall that the outgoing Epic EVO does not have a Brain system, so it's a bit more useful to compare the Epic 8's kinematics to that EVO model.

The deletion of the Brain isn't even the boldest shift with the new Epic's suspension - that accolade falls to the rear wheel travel. Where the Epic 7 had 100mm of travel, and the EVO 110mm, the new Epic 8 sports 120mm of efficient and capable rear wheel travel.

Like the outgoing models, the Epic 8 is a single pivot flex stay with a linkage driving the little Fox shock through its stroke. The Rx tune of the shock is specific to the bike, and has a firm lock mode for those who want to the stiffest pedaling platform for certain climbs or efforts.

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Build Kits

Two builds, one frame. The simple lineup for the EVO is probably just a start - I'd guess there will be more options down the line. That said, fewer models to parse through is no problem by me.

For those who want to go fully custom with build, there's a frameset available to build to your heart's desire.

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Epic EVO Pro // $8,500. Fox Factory suspension, SRAM Code Silver brakes, X0 T-Type drivetrain, Roval Control Carbon wheels.

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Epic EVO Comp // $5,000. Fox Performance suspension, SRAM Code Bronze brakes, GX Eagle drivetrain, Specialized Alloy wheels.

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Epic EVO Frameset // $3,800. Fox Factory shock, 11m carbon frame.

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Ride Impressions

Things don't differ too greatly from my feelings on the Epic here, though clearly this is a bike more biased towards the descents. The 130mm fork slackens both head and seat tube angles by half a degree, pushing the seat tube a bit past what I'd consider ideal for a trail bike. If you're someone who prefers a slacker seat tube angle, or who doesn't climb much steep terrain, this might not be as much an issue. The bike still climbs wonderfully, even without the remote lockout.

The build kit on the EVO is great, and warrants a place in the lineup. I love the Fox 34, and find the shock tune on the Float shock to match performance well on this bike. On this chassis, neither provides much significantly more grip than the Epic's SID combo, but the damping characteristics are definitely more suited to steep and rough terrain, where the SID can start to feel overwhelmed.

Given the somewhat unusual purview of ultra-light trail bike, I think the builds make sense and prioritize the right things. You get good brakes, solid tires (though a Butcher up front might be nice), and well-tuned suspension. I'll be curious to see if people more end up buying the Epic and EVO-ing it, or buying the EVO and doing the reverse. Probably the former, though I've found myself able to avoid the temptation.

For me, the better solution on the Epic frame's platform isn't to increase fork travel, but instead to bring the cockpit up to the ride height you'd achieve doing so. This keeps the angles in a more balanced place, and still feels like enough travel to handle serious riding, well beyond the cross-country course.

Ultimately I feel as though the current EVO is a compromise, with the Epic positioned as a more solved solution. The EVO will still appeal to a lot of people, but don't underestimate the capability of the XC spec - it might be all the bike you need.

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I'll be EVO-ing my Epic over the next couple months, so perhaps I'll revisit the bike with some long-term thoughts on things with increased fork travel and the like.

Author Info:
dariodigiulio avatar

Member since Dec 25, 2016
167 articles

109 Comments
  • 151 5
 Specialized, our lord and savior. Cables in the right place. My goodness.
  • 5 0
 I see two entry ports on the drive side. Is it internally guided?
  • 13 45
flag RedBurn (Mar 12, 2024 at 7:44) (Below Threshold)
 still will not buy !
  • 40 0
 As soon as this review dropped I was scrambling for the head tube photo so I decide if I needed to be grumpy today
  • 40 3
 Pinkbike commenters summarised perfectly: approves of a bike but then still doesn’t buy it
  • 14 1
 @Hazzas: I mean, despite our hearts' desires, we can't buy every bike that we'd like to ride at some point
  • 2 0
 @BuntyHoven1: Guy on the webinar said yes, it's internally guided, which is also why you shouldn't try to add headset routing to any of these that don't come with it.
  • 3 1
 No cable tourism indeed
  • 62 0
 Finally an affordable EVO 8!
  • 42 0
 and no salvage title!
  • 7 30
flag handynzl FL (Mar 12, 2024 at 10:14) (Below Threshold)
 A $14000 NZD bike ain't affordable, bruv. Specialized and value proposition cannae be said in the same sentence, unless you happen to say this sentence, in which case you can say Specialized and value proposition in the same sentence, but nay for the reason that ye may be thinkin'!
  • 29 0
 @handynzl: I'm referring to an EVO 8 with 4 wheels and a triple-diamond logo.
  • 2 0
 @the-lost-co: So funny. Saw one yesterday on my way home from an urban ride. It was so clean, low but functional, full stormtrooper look, perfect
  • 3 1
 Too bad for EVO owners, there are so many good modern AWD models that it’s becoming a bit overrated.

I’ll take a Mk IV Supra any day.
  • 2 1
 @handynzl: he’s talking about the car.
  • 3 0
 Freaking loved my Evo 8. Bought her new. Track days, ice racing, auto cross. Such a direct and intuitive car. Sold it at 85,000 miles and miss it often.
  • 42 1
 I'll wait for the Evo 9. That will surely be the high point before things will get worse with the Evo 10.
  • 5 0
 NIce
  • 3 0
 I did enjoy my EVO X quite a bit, though.
  • 5 0
 @the-lost-co: The X definitely grew on me, but never, ever letting go of my VIII.
  • 30 0
 Crazy that Pinkbike not discussing frame weight here as that's the show stopper. From Bike Rumor, frame weight w/shock and hardware is 3.99lbs. Unreal light for a bike that can be ridden as a trail bike and has frame storage. Major outlier in the market right now with that weight. (also posted on other Epic article since it's the same frame)
  • 28 2
 Non-Sworks frame is 3.99lbs with shock and hardware! With frame storage compartment and door. For a frame that is intended to be used up to the category of 'trail bike'.

Some frames for comparison:
Santa Cruz Blur (100/110mm): 4.4lbs
Scott Spark (120mm): 4.1-4.4lbs
Transition Spur (120mm): 5.3lbs
Ibis Ripley V4 (120mm): 5.6lbs
Rocky Mountain Element (120mm): 5.35lbs
Yeti SB100 (100mm): 5.5lbs
Revel Ranger (115mm): 6.1lbs
Trek Fop Fuel (120mm): 5.96lbs*
Evil Following (120mm): 6.9lbs
*Denotes frame has storage compartment
  • 6 0
 Specialized’s website says 2.21kg (4 lb, 14 oz) for a medium. It’s under the Technical Specifications section.
  • 4 2
 Sorry, correction, the S-works frame w/non Flight Attendant shock is 3.99lb, the standard Epic frame is still a feathery 4.87lb.
Even the heavier normal frame crushing everyone but the Spark frames.
  • 3 0
 @btjenki: Toss the Allied bc40 on that list as well ..4.2lbs size L.. Helluva bike!
  • 5 0
 @btjenki: pretty sure the carbon stumpy frame is lighter than most of those bikes too
  • 6 0
 @arrowheadrush: It is.

From a different post of mine:
“Specialized lists the medium Epic Evo 8 frame weight as 2.21kg (4 lb, 14 oz), and Fanatik lists the medium Stumpjumper SWorks as 2225 grams (4.91 lbs aka 4 lb, 14.56 oz) so essentially the same weight but the stumpy is currently $2k vs $3.8k.”

I would take the Stumpjumper. It has a slightly more aggressive HA too.
  • 2 0
 @kdiff: Stumpy also has a steeper STA + shorter stays. Such a fun short travel trail bike.
  • 16 3
 Very pleased to be keeping my gen 7 epic Evo for XC racing, but also general fun having. Slightly less suspension, no brain, fast af.

I don’t want more travel and I don’t want to buy a pure XC race bike.
  • 1 0
 I agree. I have an epic 7 xc, and wish I would have gone for the 7 evo. Maybe I'll find someone casting one off to get the new new.
  • 2 0
 The new one is so close, and the only reason the old one was shorter travel is because the shock travel was limited... If you have to, just get a new one, shorten the shock stroke, run it in the high position to set the BB back to where you want it and the HTA as well.... and you'll basically only have to deal with a slightly longer reach... which is pretty XC. TBH, I think this new frame is still a fantastic option for going the other direction.
  • 2 0
 If I had all the cheese in the world, I'd trade my gen 7 epic evo for a new S-works epic frame and be very happy with the extra rear travel and swat box - but mainly I'd be after the new kinematics. Sadly, this little mouse only has so much cheese, so I'll happily keep racing my evo, which weighs less than any of these bikes.
  • 3 1
 Same...keeping mine...this Gen 8 is toooo enduro like the trek top fuel.
  • 12 0
 was looking an news on pinkbike for transition spur udh upgrade, instead saw epic evo with geo pushed more than spur. would be great to see comparison of those two. and tallboy as third option.
  • 10 1
 I don't consider 75°-ish to be a slack angle for a seat tube. I still ride a 73-ish seat tube angle bike like we all did before these last years and am able to climb any incline -- it comes down more to gearing and lung/legs power than anything else. I think this bike checks pretty much all the boxes when it comes to downcountry. Well played, Specialized!
  • 3 1
 The seat angle alone only tells part of the story. Many riders these days (myself included) prefer a longer reach and taller stack, both of which helps with descending capability. If seat angles would have stayed in the sub 75 degree range, this would result in bikes that are too stretched when seated, and with a front that is eager to lift because the rider's way is too far back. I agree that a bike with a slacker seat angle can also climb just fine - but not in conjunction with a longer reach and taller stack
  • 9 0
 As a Specialized fan and owner of a few of their bikes, I’m a disappointed with the Epic Evo 8. You can buy a SWorks Stumpjumper frame for $1,800 (USD) less and build a reliable stumpy for the same weight as this bike.

For reference my large Stumpjumper SWorks is 26.7lbs with 203mm rotors front & back, 2.5 & 2.4 Maxxis DHF & DHR, Shimano XTR drivetrain, brakes, BikeYoke 185 dropper, Tenet 30mm rise carbon bars cut to 760, etc.

Specialized lists the medium Epic Evo 8 frame weight as 2.21kg (4 lb, 14 oz), and Fanatik lists the medium Stumpjumper SWorks as 2225 grams (4.91 lbs aka 4 lb, 14.56 oz) so essentially the same weight but the stumpy is currently $2k vs $3.8k.
  • 3 0
 your stumpy is what i've been thinking about and the specs are rad.. nice. keeping my 4 year old sb130 and adding some goodies. will see what next year looks like for these epic bikes.
  • 2 0
 That's because that frame is on sale, normally ii is in fact $800 less. That $800 difference is R&D for proper geometry and the EVO is an Epic trying to be a Stumpy. The Epic Evo is also much more niche than the stumpy, so less units sold usually means a higher price per unit to cover manufacturing, R&D, etc. Besides that, I don't work for them, so I don't have much else info to give you, you've made a fair point, but there is a bit of x y and z philosophy that goes with XC bikes and their intended audience, I'm sure they have a secret kool aid formula for that or something.
  • 2 0
 It is because next gen Stumpjumper probably will be something between current one and Stumpjumper Evo (which would be probably discontinued).
  • 2 0
 @ace9: Are you me? I have the bug for a new bike so bad, but I can't find anything that is significantly better than my SB130 - especially since it's beefy enough to take on some of the bigger stuff I travel to ride a couple times a year, while still only slightly overkill for my local trails.
  • 2 0
 @big-red: JYNX

must be... thought about prior years epic evo, then i rode one and that was an immediate NO. felt like a weird XC bike that did not like airtime. then i rode the Spur, and that was waaaay better. I've had the spur on my mind but honestly i dont think i'm going to have a better time riding that over the 130... i'll lighten up the 130 with some gucci wheels, better cranks & DT and call it a year. then maybe transfer over to a new frame. but TBD.
  • 2 0
 @ace9: I'm doing the exact same thing. Gonna put a new 12spd XT drivetrain and new handlebar on my 5 year old SB130 and see what next year holds. No new bikes are really calling my name this year and I think my next bike will be a capable short travel, lightweight machine.
  • 6 0
 "Specialized co-molded the upper shock mount into the frame, making for an extremely efficient layup"

Isn't this pretty normal? The previous Epic Evo didn't use bolt-on mounts, nor do most (any?) Specialized frames.

"They even went so far as to machine material away from the underside of the toptube"

Did they really machine it away? Or did they just mold it that way? Considering they're already doing fancy molding with the mounts, why would they stop at molding in clearances and instead go back and cut fibers?
  • 5 0
 "as the kinematics of a flex stay bike would have to be reworked for every increase in that rear end"

Yet they specifically tuned the front-end flex for each size...but somehow almost $4000 bucks in frame cost doesn't account for tuning the rear-end per size. Strange.
  • 3 0
 The stumpjumper has two seperate rear triangles, on for the S1-4 and one for S5-6. Suprised they didnt do something similar
  • 5 0
 I wonder if, perhaps just taking that lovely Fox34 Grip2 and lowering it back to 120 might be the move?

It sounds like the ‘feel’ of the Float Shock and Grip2 damper are desirable… and the lack of lockouts may appeal so some (myself included)

But the geometry change created by the extra fork travel doesn’t feel as balanced. Seems like this burlier, nicer fork set to 120mm might just be the ticket… And that’s a really easy change to make.
  • 3 0
 Stay tuned.
  • 1 0
 Less travel? Sacrilegious!
Although sounds like the job for people who would just have the epic but want a burlier kit without the horrible grip shift lockout I.E everyone who liked the last Evo
  • 1 0
 Great idea. I'm seriously considering this bike, but a super novice on suspension travel adjustments. Evo with Grip2 120mm option would be primo. I'll do a quick search on that one.
  • 7 0
 Did they really reverse the colors between the anti-squat and leverage charts just to f&^% with us?
  • 4 0
 Anti-squat is probably mis-labelled. The red graph goes to 120mm, which should be the epic 8, and you'd expect higher AS numbers compared to 4 years ago.
  • 7 0
 It's mislabeled, corrected version in there now.
  • 1 0
 when I see a Fox 34 used in 130mm, I think to myself, what if we used a 140mm 34 fork ... even better Light Trail / Down-country?
(But heck I also think about using the new 110mm SID SL flight attendant, instead of 120mm SID Ultimate. BTW I'm a lighter rider, 140 ish lbs)
  • 6 1
 91 degree STA only for Dario please. Thank you.
  • 5 0
 decent build for 5k... i said DECENT
  • 3 0
 Specialized realized the Epic EVO 7 was the perfect XC race bike so had to make the new Epic the old EVO (mostly). Love my Epic EVO!
  • 2 0
 What's up with the ugly-ass cables on the test bike? The stock photos for the two builds are much much neater, while the test build makes those stealth brakes look absolutely stupid.
  • 1 0
 I just got last years model back after swapping the fork and shock for the three position. Took the 120 fork down to 110 and left the rear 110.
I don’t see spending the money (lots of it) on this bike, although I like the thought of flight attendant.

The changes I made to the previous Epic Evo model have really helped me fall in love with the bike again.

Hump
  • 1 0
 After falling years behind the supercaliber copy specialized designer is told to get that top fuel clone done ASAP. In their hurry designer fails to note geometry is now reported by trek for 130mm fork. Fast forward 18 months to this review …
  • 3 0
 Is the right call to underfork the Evo to 120mm to improve the STA angle, but then also have the burlier parts?
  • 3 0
 Copy & paste from the regular Epic review. Job done.
  • 3 0
 Too enduro will keep my gen 7 epic evo
  • 1 0
 Everyone going on about the weight of the frame.! If it’s that big a deal then have a nice fiber dinner. Egotrip the big ride day and see what that does for you!
  • 1 0
 How does the Epic Evo compare to Top Fuel with a 130mm fork? Bought a 9.8 XT (with the 130mm Pike) last year and really enjoying it but a second waterbottle would be handy...
  • 2 0
 Clean. Might be my first XC bike purchase!
  • 3 0
 looks like my yeti sb4.5
  • 3 0
 It actually does, guess my 2016 SB4.5 is now a XC bike.
  • 1 0
 Dario, which size are you riding? I’m curious which one a tall person might opt for. Surely not the medium.
  • 3 0
 I think in the other review he said he is on the XL
  • 2 0
 XL
  • 1 0
 @dariodigiulio: I wish you guys would all state this in every review, first ride, ride report etc. I see your heights and weights usually but it seems like the size bike you tested isn't always mentioned.
  • 1 0
 @dariodigiulio: Also- what about the steering stop? Wasn't mentioned in the frame details. Can it be removed? Why is it there since it doesn't seem like the fork crown would contact the down tube and the brake levers wouldn't contact the top tube.
  • 2 0
 @pdxkid: it’s so your brakes don’t hit the tube if you have a low stem. It is removable.
  • 1 0
 I've got an Evo 7 and its blimmin great!..........of course now there's a new one
  • 2 0
 Time to drop the price of my "for sale" 2023 Epic Evo by 30%
  • 1 0
 Ouch, they are blowing them out right now, same happened to me with the Spur so I ended up just keeping it.
  • 1 0
 @Caliwcm: except nothing is in stock and hasn't been for months.
  • 1 0
 @stevemokan: I guess they are about all gone now.
  • 1 2
 Well, I sold my 2022 Epic Evo SW because 1) no SWAT and 2) a little short on the wheelbase/reach. Looks like they solved that, added 3/4" (20mm) to overall wheelbase and 10mm more reach in size Large. Win/Win.
  • 1 0
 I’m liking the muted colours and subtle branding on that EVO Pro. A shame the non-EVO models are all sparkly billboards.
  • 1 3
 "Epic might be the focus of the launch, but EVO shouldn't be ignored"
These are products, not people. I get that maybe Specialized asks the press to do this sort of thing, but it's also just jarring since you refer to it as "the EVO" at every other point before and after this line.
  • 2 0
 Perhaps it's just a typo then.
  • 1 0
 I will buy this frameset next year when they are blowing them out from less than $2k.
  • 1 0
 For me, a bit low on the anti-squat, and not a fan of 2-position dampers. Not a customer anyhoo.
  • 1 0
 can you only ride this bike if you have a steazy stache?. asking for everyone.
  • 1 0
 id still rather get a spur but its nice to see
  • 1 0
 @dariodigiulio were you riding in Pismo for these pics?
  • 1 0
 Does the Fox shock on the Evo have the same Magic Middle thing?
  • 1 0
 Where were you ridding Dario? Those beach shots look sick.
  • 1 0
 So it's basically a 2020 Stumpjumper now?
  • 1 0
 why is this not S sizing?
  • 1 0
 Hate the matte colorways. So boring
  • 1 0
 When are they available?
  • 2 0
 Saw some at a local Boise shop last weekend. Disappointed in the steering stop which isn't mentioned in this "review"
  • 1 0
 Cool bike Hansel!
  • 1 0
 Weird no "S" sizing?
  • 1 0
 Simple. Clean. Like.
  • 2 2
 i'll take 2 please
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