Spotted: Did Specialized Just Soft-Launch a New Epic?
In a recent Instagram post from Specialized Factory Racing, it shows their team rider, Sina Frei, on what appears to be a new Epic Evo. The bike in question looks to have a complete cross-country race setup and is even using non-Blackbox Rockshox Flight Attendant suspension, which could mean the SID Flight Attendant is on its way to production.
In the Instagram post it also shows Sina’s teammate, Victor Koretzky, riding the current Epic World Cup, which doesn’t feature the Flight Attendant SID suspension. Given the size of the Flight Attendant SID shock, a new frame design may have been necessary for XC-race scenarios.
The current Epic Evo uses a flex stay with a rocker link-driven shock whereas the Epic World Cup frame is a single pivot suspension design with an in-line shock.
Just last spring, Specialized dropped the Epic World Cup with its inline shock.
Specialized released the Epic Evo back in 2021.
The most noticeable change is the larger head tube/down tube junction and cross-section of the downtube, likely to create room for SWAT storage. There’s also a very low stack height and a top cap that is recessed into the top tube, possibly allowing for internal headset routing.
When asked for more information, Specialized referred us to their Project Black statement:
 | Specialized relies on feedback from professional athletes in both developing and testing advanced pre-production products in real-world applications. With this top-level feedback, some of these design elements and products eventually show up in future retail product offerings. We call this Project Black. |
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I know I sound like a nerd but after 2 years with my Stumpy Evo (alloy, boo on you YT for locking frame storage behind carbon) I will not buy another trail bike without it. A whole liter of extra water goes in there for long hot days with the dog, and packless riding without the dog. Weight down low not on my back or hip.
Evo seems like a great RIDING focused bike and should get the storage. But the non Evo should stay light.
I only use my XC bike for racing and with limited exceptions I don't carry anything on that bike except water. If I flat or break, I'll DNF (which is extremely rare for me).
* some frame bags can look quite nice
I have learned to put that in back pocket, Spare tube from Tubolito (45grams), tools from Wolf plus mount lever , that all packed into tiny sachets and it all weights around 150grams and fits in one pocket. If I ad plugs tool its another 25grams. Don't need to get frameset heavier by around 200grams. 1,7liter water at frame. Plus I ad some foot like banana into my second pocket. Important is to have stretched pockets, that I don't need to carry anything even for 4hours rides. I guess people will downvoted me but I everyone should try before making judgement. It took me several years of experimenting with different hip backs as well before I learned this.
That said, the market should be flooded with lightly ridden Epic EVOs... I just scored a hell of a deal on one last week.
Is the cable separator grommet so bad? I've read about that somewhere
My Epic HT doesn't have that, just the hole molded into the frame at the same location. I wonder if they have come up with a better design on the new Epic (if rumors are true and the non S-Works models will NOT have through-headset routing)
Bummed to see the move to thru the bearing headset routing, but as mentioned here… it might not be a whole lot worse. It will be interesting to see if the rumored longer travel Epic model gets this too.
The one other thing I was wishing for was longer dropper insertion - it’s hard to tell whether that has been improved.
No but seriously, isn't it quite clearly visible on the last picture? Unless the cable is just squashed by the numberplate, I think we'll see cables running through the headset
The term "gaper" is rooted in 2 different sources as well as a third generally unspoken but not in this case description. With added detail for modern situations.
A gaper is someone who stares in awe at the surrounding mountains and beauty (likely while standing in the landing zone of a natural jump type feature) hence Gapeing in awe.
A gaper is a person who gas a "gap" betwixt their goggles and hat (or these days helmet)creating an interesting sun burn/tan above the racoon eyes
Lastly a gaper is a person who uses or owns(!) skis...with rental adjustable bindings. Creating an opportunity to slide that binding a "gap" back for those who are disrespectful and rude to any staff who serves them, resulting in general hilarity at the top of the gondola as the boot just barely fits, but releases on the first and every subsequent turn. Adjusting One ski only is standard.
In a mountain biking specific context, a gaper could be described as someone in full body armour, drinking energy drinks, and riding mild terrain on a downhill class 5 rated bike. (With a coil, dragging brakes and burnt tires cause it is a rental)
In a road bike context, anyone in a leotard riding to a coffee shop on a 10k dollar bike. After damanding transport to a distance ride by hotel shuttle. ( and a pick up)
In a restaraunt context, a gaper is a plaid shirt wearing long bearded person serving 14 dolla beers and 30buck burgers/fries extra/ in a garage styled location with visible brewing equipment. Frequent iphone checking and giveaway infow to all clowns seated for best stashes and hidden trails...that have been heard about but never tested in person.