2024 Specialized Epic 8 vs Yeti ASR // Head-to-head Comparison

Salt Cycles in Sandy, Utah has the ASR in stock including more affordable and "ON SALE" options from both Ibis and Cannondale... the Exie and Scalpel SE are also in this exciting XC category and on deep discounts right now! Certainly worth a look if you're on a budget or don't have to have the latest and greatest option. Call Chris and ask him about my crazy light weight carbon YUMYUM wheels or a custom build on your next bike! #801-943-8502
The Specialized Epic 8 is the latest offering in the XC category. With 120mm front and rear, it's a very capable and easy going short travel bike. The Yeti ASR has 120mm fork and 115mm shock making it among the very fastest XC bikes available today!
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[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks to FunFast for sponsoring todays video! Without sponsors I would be unable to publish these videos. Click here to join me and get on the wait list for exclusive offers including the Fun Fast Chain Sauce! Here: bit.ly/4aZVb1b

[@BJKeane-mc6bm]

I really like these head to head reviews. You even matched the tires! well done.

[@mtbyumyum]

Thank you! Glad you liked it... I know they can get a little long but for anyone looking at these bikes as their next bike, I think they're helpful!

[@damiencabirou2785]

Before investing so much money into a bike, high quality reviews and comparisons can't be too long ;-)

[@mtbyumyum]

You want the video to be shorter? What amount of time would be better for a mountain bike video review? Thanks!

[@BJKeane-mc6bm]

@@mtbyumyum I think your overall recipe is really good: 1. quick overview of each bike (hopefully with similar build spec and tires) 2. on the trail realtime compare/contrast 3. wrap up / summary. I personally don't mind the length since the trail footage is entertaining. Those trail look FUN

[@princehumperdink1266]

Welcome back Jason! I'm still chomping at the bit for that Epic 8 vs Mach 4SL Head to Head!

[@bikeste]

Agreed!

[@mtbyumyum]

Thank you! It feels great to be health and back on the bike. Knee is feeling good! Talk more in the live stream!

[@mattlarsen8585]

Thanks for making all of these great videos! I just bought a Mach 4SL based off of your videos. Matter of fact this the third bike I have bought based off of your recommendations

[@mtbyumyum]

Glad you like them! The Mach 4 is an excellent bike and so versatile for a quick short travel bike.

[@samharris82]

Nice work fitting identical tires! 😁👍

[@mtbyumyum]

Yes, thanks... makes a big difference!

[@aaronburela432]

What a great video! Two awesome bikes. One of the most level-headed honest opinion reviewers on the internet that happens to love this style of bike.

[@mtbyumyum]

Thank you! Please like and share with your friends... my channel gets stuck because I don't publish regularly.

[@chadd9637]

It really works great getting Tyler's reviews as well. He really shreds too!

[@mtbyumyum]

Totally! He's a very good rider and excellent filming partner! Thanks

[@carltonholmes8061]

Just got my Epic 8 2 weeks ago. It’s a rocket and i absolutely love it. Great climber, good for trail centres and the natural stuff too. 😊😊

[@mtbyumyum]

Great to hear!

[@johnnnewmex]

Pedal bob is used as a four letter word but really is a positive because it means traction/grip over anti-squat.

[@Artiscrafty]

Love your review !!!! Great info these are the 2 new bikes I’m considering, personally I’m leaning to the epic 8. !!!

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks. Good luck!

[@smrlvb]

Never tried the Epic Evo - very hard to demo different bikes these days. Came from a Pivot Les Hardtail XC bike - rode the Pivot Mach 4 SL and then ended up buying the Yeti ASR and love it! Awesome bike and find myself riding it more than any of my other bikes.

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks for sharing!

[@nigelhagley8942]

Great to see you back Jason! Always looking forward to your videos! BTW I got my new SB140 for a couple of months now, I totally agree with you its such a sweet trail bike, lovin it!

[@mtbyumyum]

Thank you! Congrats on the new bike… is there a better bike out there than the sb140💪

[@Ecoroof1986]

Wow those trails look amazing. Not the same bike as those but I picked up my new Cervelo ZFS-5 120mm bike on Sunday. It's currently in for paint protection so should be out on it over this coming weekend. I cant wait to give it a go on the trails where we live. Unfortunately living in Saddleworth near Manchester UK we get a lot of rain so it wont stay clean for long. Love your vids and content.

[@mtbyumyum]

Thank you and congrats on the new bike!

[@marcid6527]

So fun to watch you guys ride!! Fun Fast 🎉

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks! Yeah, go fun fast🤘

[@richarddort5889]

I feel like the difference in handling discribed is excactly what I have felt when putting lighter wheels on my MTBs.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, maybe... Ideally we could have had identical builds....

[@chrisdiaz9800]

Great videos and very honest / sincere feedback.

[@mtbyumyum]

I appreciate that! Thank you!

[@billw_mtb3220]

Love these comparison videos! Looks like a great day for a ride.

[@mtbyumyum]

It was! thx!

[@jasperdegroot3360]

Is this a fair test? The Epic 8 is the evo version. There is no lock out on the epic 8 evo while the epic 8 does. And I’m not sure if the specialized on your video has the new Rockshox vork on it while the other one has.

[@mtbyumyum]

I never use the lock out on the shock and the forks are basically identical. I honestly don't think you could differentiate between the two forks...

[@sergeyr9184]

Wait what? They tested epic evo and didn’t say it in the title? Evo 8 and non evo are different bikes.

[@TomCollins-c4h]

I really like the look of that chain lube bottle that's pretty clever!

[@mtbyumyum]

haha thanks! Yeah, pretty rad!

[@brucehumphries6889]

This is why i come to your channel!!

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks dude!

[@DaaamnGina]

Specialized says the Epic 8 has a custom shock tune. Since you put together this bike, are you using the same tune? I wonder how much that contributes to the feel you described.

[@mtbyumyum]

Good question. I purchased this epic as an evo with the fox float shock… it also bobs a similar amount with the Fox suspension….

[@RunRideHikeThrive]

Hope you can ride the new HP Norco Optic & Sight soon 👍

[@ShakaLakaMTB]

I have the Epic Evo 8 and I love it!

[@bevcorser9440]

I am really stuck between a Yeti ASR, Sworks Epic 8 and Santa Cruz Blur CC all with flight attendant. Which would you recommend? Help please!!

[@Japez85]

Love this comparison! Will you be doing one with the Mach 4 as well???

[@mtbyumyum]

I'd like to... time is becoming a more and more precious commodity in my life... kids are getting older and much more busy.

[@JB-uw1pu]

Have you ever reviewed the Intense Sniper?

[@scottfast03]

Looks like Rush trail! Awesome.

[@curtrobertson6799]

He’s back! Let’s go!!😤😤😤

[@mtbyumyum]

Yes, thank you!! Feels so good to be back riding again!!

[@roryveronda9933]

Would be interesting to run a trail stem, breaks and bar (little rise) on the ASR and test against the SB120 or 140 - The ASR numbers seem perfectly suited in the trail category - Seems like a super fun bike

[@mtbyumyum]

it's gets better and better the more I ride it!!

[@timnoonan2349]

thanks for the reviews, Please let me know if you want to sell the Epic 8 frameset!

[@ehess8845]

Subscribed...good stuff.

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks!

[@checoperezugalde22]

hi jason you change the fork of the epic 8 ¡????

[@Artiscrafty]

I got a pivot mach 5.5 I’m also just turned 64 I’m athletic but i really want a lighter bike that’s just faster and fun. Would you recommend the ASR or the 8

[@mtbyumyum]

I would maybe consider the new Scalpel, Exie or Mach4 sl over either the bikes you asked about… their light weight and still easy going with good trail manners. Call Chris at Salt Cycles for best pricing! 801-943-8502 good luck!👊

[@aaronburela432]

I would take the epic Evo for the versatility

[@mtbyumyum]

Yep, it's more versatile like the Pivot Mach 4 and Cannondale Scalpel SE for sure!

[@DavidPastore-g5v]

Great review

[@lefthorse1]

So , witch bike have the longest wheel base , or BB height ? Should be compared the geometry of frames , the linkage system , the reach ...

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, you can do that on your own. This channel is a bike review channel. Not a read the specs of the bikes channel … Just hop online and look at the numbers. I try to give the viewer an experience of what the bikes ride like in the event they’re unable to ride them before they purchase.

[@JulianKlein-g7h]

Thanks! Could you tell me which hubs / rims you are using for the yumyum wheelset ?

[@mtbyumyum]

I have several sets of carbon yumyum wheels… 1 set with dt swiss 180 hubs and berd spokes. These are very light and very expensive. Another set with dt swiss 240 hubs and another with I9 hydra hubs. Call Chris at Salt cycles and have him help you choose whats best for you. 801-943-8502 the best value is the 240 hubs… thats whats on my wife’s and my daughters bikes!

[@JulianKlein-g7h]

@@mtbyumyum Great, thank you for your response - would you have specific suggestions for rims and ID, I am considering 26/27mm vs 30mm without a clear reference point on performance for a light build Ibis Riply V4 140mm front fork, for a 175lbs rider in the Santa Curz mountains - maybe you could point me to an existing review or I could tune into tomorrow's live stream to discuss if time allows

[@liegs009]

Thanks for all of your reviews! So helpful! I’ve got a gear setup question - I know you’re a fan of the Enve M6 bars, but what are your thoughts on the Enve M6 stem? Worth the $$$?

[@mtbyumyum]

That’s a pretty expensive carbon stem. Not sure that it weighs that much less than a standard stem. It’s nice if you’ve got the money, but yeah that’s a lot of money😆

[@HelloZwift]

Hey I love your channel. I come from a roadie/gravel background and want to get into my first FS MTB since an 04 hardtail. I'm a small lightweight rider and I'm torn between epic evo 7/8 vs ibis ripley. I'm mostly riding xc trails with some some ups and downs. Not racing XC but like to ride uphill and want to have fun on the way down, with some small jumps and rock gardens. I know you love the Ripley but you've also ridden both epic evo 7 & 8. Which way do you go for a 1 bike entry from a gravel background.

[@trollingthunder152]

composed, confident, buzz words,

[@JustinMaines]

Cool trail/good ride! It sounds like they are pretty similar bikes, and we probably can't go wrong with either. I am going to disagree with you about four piston XC/light trail brakes. In my experience, they don't have more power than two piston brakes and instead of having two pistons that get sticky, now you have four. My theory on why they don't really have any more power is that the four small pistons don't have any more surface area than the two larger ones so they aren't creating any more force on the back of the pad. My $.02!:)

[@imajez1]

Shame you didn't use same wheels on both. Some of the differences you mention could be down to just that. I've found my bikes transformed by lighter/better wheels.

[@samharris82]

I’ve been doing some back-to-back tests between Mach 4 SL and Epic Evo 7 and yeah every little thing has to be identical to truly compare frames. Even the grips, the dropper lever, the shock settings. And when I get EVERYTHING the same, they actually feel like the same bike 🤣

[@imajez1]

@@samharris82 I've put nicer new wheels on an older bike and it's felt like a new bike.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, it would be nice to have the exact same built... bar and stem where the same and those ENVE wheels are still very good and pretty light weight... biggest difference I've noticed riding many different bikes.... first: tires! Then bar/stem/grips..... everything else I feel like I can understand and tolerate the slight differences and sus it out in the user experience and give concessions where needed...

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

Looks perfect for that green trail, now go try it on a black diamond with some rocks and rougher terrain. I’m thinking it will get sketchy quick. For me with only wanting one bike to ride a variety of terrain these are just to focused on XC riding.

[@flow2tech]

@50whatnomad for the record a rid an allied bc40 on the north shore with a 130 fork and it shreds..Only gets sketchy when u aim it down double blacks

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, depending on speed and riding style, these bikes could get overwhelmed on more difficult terrain. At the speeds I see so many people riding, something like the Epic 8, Cannondale Scalpel SE or Pivot Mach 4 are plenty of bike....

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

Yes but that Yeti wasn’t meant for much more than XC trails… a 140/150 bike is probably best all around except even the latest trail bikes are pushing 32 lbs unfortunately.

[@flow2tech]

@@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5 I built up the bc40 to 26lbs and some change with a 130 34 , ground control 2.4 tires, 4 pot xtr brakes , one up components cockpit , race face turbine crankset on SRAM eagle 1x12 .. Virtually rides like a modern geo lightweight trail bike..Probably very similar to an epic 8 in evo build. Yes it will take a hit on gnarlier trails but it is surprisingly very capable ..U do pay for that lighter weight tho..

[@alanperrego4720]

Great video! How do you think the bikes would feel if you swapped the wheels? Maybe the Specialized would feel more sharp if it had the lightweight wheels on it instead?

[@mtbyumyum]

Possibly. There’s less than a pound between them…

[@ianstelzner7205]

For the live stream, what should I look and feel for when demoing a bike?

[@mtbyumyum]

Great question and good content for the live... see you Thursday evening!

[@ShinnJeskes]

How would these compare with the Santa Cruz blur?

[@mtbyumyum]

Still haven’t had a chance to ride the blur

[@roddas26]

Would like to hear what Tyler thought?

[@stevejohnson18]

So this is actually an Epic 8 Evo, which is actually quite different from the Epic 8. The Evo is their more fun, trail oriented model and the Epic 8 is a bit snappier, racier. The Evo also comes with a 130mm fork but maybe you swapped it out? The two bikes ride quite differently, even though they don’t seem too different on paper. Curious if you’ve tired both the Epic 8 and the Epic 8 Evo?

[@mtbyumyum]

No, this is the epic 8… with 120mm sid ultimate fork and lux shock… the evo has the 130mm fox fork and beefier fox float shock… both bikes are the same frame

[@stevejohnson18]

@@mtbyumyum ok got it, so you got the Evo frameset but used the shock and fork setup for the non-Evo. Makes sense. Curious though since the Epic 8 builds only include the 3-position remote (or FA) so they’re forcing people into using that to get the most out of the design. Definitely not great for people who don’t like using the twistloc remote. So great to hear what you think when you take all that away.

[@mtbyumyum]

Correct. I purchased the epic 8 evo frame (with fox float shock) and rode it w a 130mm fox 34. Then purchase rockshox suspension and swapped to ride the bike as an epic 8.... no lockout on the rockshox sus

[@erichouck9487]

how would you compare the "new" ASR to the "old" ASR?

[@mtbyumyum]

Never rode the old asr…. It’s pretty different from the sb100/115 tho….

[@nicholashines7686]

Man....I love my Yeti SB140. It is hard for me to not lean towards the ASR.

[@mtbyumyum]

Honestly, the SB140 feels more easy going even compared with other bikes in the 140 category than the ASR does to others in it's category.... even riding the Exie back to back with the ASR, the Exie felt like the more confidence inspiring and easy going bike....

[@smrlvb]

I have the ASR and the SB140 - The ASR is my goto for my local trails - SB feels too big - overkill and ASR is so nimble and light. SB will get used more for Western NC trails near me.

[@mtbyumyum]

Nice quiver!!

[@nowyDEV]

Hey, I'm planning to buy an xc bike soon, it has to be competitive in marathon races and be usable in trails/bike parks after swapping wheels & tires. Considering light weight builds of Spur/Element or Epic8, discounted models are preferred. Any recommendations?

[@IIISentorIII]

Here in Switzerland, Scott Sparks RC are always among the top racers.

[@samharris82]

Unfortunately, in the USA, Scotts are rare. And even if you can find one, if anything on the frame ever breaks, it can be months waiting for parts.

[@mtbyumyum]

I don't think I would put the Epic in the same category as the Element.... overall, it's the better bike for sure. As far as "do everything" bikes go, the Element is on the short travel side of the equation and really still works.... I think it's because of the longer wheel base on that bike. I guess to answer your question, if I had to choose 1 bike to have as my only bike and had to choose from the 3 you listed, it's easy, Element all day! Other good comps would be Ibis Riply and Pivot Mach 4 SL.

[@marksandoval5361]

I would go with the Transition Spur because of the geometry.

[@IIISentorIII]

Fair enough, definitely something to consider.

[@scottaw]

Have been watching your videos for years, and always appreciated your thoughts and ride reviews. However, I think a mistake is made in not running the same wheels and tires when comparing both bikes. Having swapped wheels and tires on the same bike over the years, they make a HUGE difference. Not just in spin-up speed and such, but also affects bike handling, response, and composure. I think your viewers would appreciate a follow up review where you swap the wheels/tires between these two bikes to see if you still feel the same, or if you find the lighter wheels/tires is contributing more than you thought. Thank you for putting together great videos and reviewing so many bikes, it’s a great resource, and enjoyable to watch.

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks for weighing in. If more people would go over to my Patreon and actually support the channel I would have enough money to buy control wheels to have for the bikes. Unfortunately, I just have the wheels that I have for each bike…. I thought putting on the same tires would be a step forward and helping the review.

[@scottaw]

@@mtbyumyum Can the wheels just be swapped to the Epic? I am assuming same brake rotor size and boost axles on each. Buying a second set of wheels would be every riders dream…. 🤣

[@scottaw]

@@mtbyumyum Also… I did NOT catch that in the video that each bike has the same rubber. So kudos there! Thanks for taking the time to respond!

[@bikeste]

I couldn't make the live stream that followed this video. Are you planning on posting it?

[@mtbyumyum]

I didn’t end up doing it… 🤷‍♂️

[@duffyrides]

Coming from an Enduro bike (Megatower ) and looking to step down significantly as far as analog bikes go (will have E-Enduro for the Enduro stuff ). I like the looks of the new Epic 8 Evo. But in your videos it almost seems like I might be disappointed with the climbing ? Or is that just compared to the very best XC bikes ? I definitely don’t want an XC race bike either , looking more for an efficient Downcountry bike that can still shred and have fun in the air with. What do you think ? Thanks bud !

[@mtbyumyum]

You might be more happy with the Ibis Ripley honestly!

[@duffyrides]

@@mtbyumyum I;m just worried that the Ibis Ripley hasnt changed in what ,4 years? That bike is long overdue for an update isn't it?

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, you’re not wrong. There will likely be a new Ripley this year I’m guessing. But even still, the current Ripley is excellent!

[@nicholasthiery9542]

How many world cups has the yeti ASR won?

[@nicholasthiery9542]

Point is I think we mistake “twitchy” with fast in the same way we used to pimp 19c road tires to 120psi. Great review though.

[@woodydixon2427]

How about Epic 8 Evo vs Trail 429?

[@mtbyumyum]

that could work....

[@sampah89]

Damn I really did wonder when you began talking about the FunFast why would a chilli sauce brand be sponsoring a mountainbike video lol

[@mtbyumyum]

Haha that’s awesome! Click the link and join the wait list… trying to get a baseline of interest in a chain lube. Thank you!!

[@LucienDohmen]

How would you compare both the epic and asr to the ibis Ripley. Are they in general faster on mellow trails? They have all 120 mm in the back. Thanks.

[@mtbyumyum]

I’m assuming you’re talking about the V4 Ripley… both the ASR and Epic feel more XC than the Ripley…

[@LucienDohmen]

Thanks. You are right about the v 4. I like this bike very much but consider one of the two contenders to speed things up especially on the ups. Thanks for the review.

[@kentao4]

Ok for a one bike quiver basically on the trails you’ve shown us: Stumpy pro (T-type) or epic 8 evo? And then does the $2k price drop on the stumpy pro (now $6.5k) have any influence? Still searching for the perfect bike but my stumpy evo is a bit much for what I do 90% of the time. Looking to sell it now but it’s been tough to get some decent bites.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, the SJ is a great bike for trails like the ones you see in my videos... that said, I really struggled with the DPS shock on the SJ. I like the geo on the SJ better than the new Epic 8 EVO but the EVO has the new Float shock and is just so much better than the DPS. Honestly, if you're enjoying the SJ, I'd buy the new Fox Float shock and through it on the stumpy and see how it goes.... my guess is it would be incredible!

[@marksandoval5361]

I would go with the Transition Spur.

[@TomCollins-c4h]

There are rumors a new Stumpjumper is coming out this summer.

[@kentao4]

@@TomCollins-c4h yeah I heard but it won’t be as nimble. Horst link is what I’m hearing.

[@TomCollins-c4h]

@@kentao4 Interesting going more towards the SJ Evo I guess.

[@jamesbailey1828]

Was your Epic 8 an evo ?

[@mtbyumyum]

It was originally, but I converted it to the standard epic

[@DM-jh5rs]

Have you tried these on trails where you actually have to pedal?

[@mtbyumyum]

Yes of course.

[@marksandoval5361]

What tire combo are you using on those bikes?

[@mtbyumyum]

Rekon/rekon race

[@marksandoval5361]

@@mtbyumyum Thanks!

[@solaradam7470]

gotcha with the like and sub, yum yum

[@mtbyumyum]

Thx🤙

[@AOL0321]

Speedy recovery on your knee surgery Jason!

[@mtbyumyum]

Thank you!

[@StillZenki]

The lighter wheel set on one bike, kind of throws off the comparison

[@RomeyRome413]

Did you sell your Stumpjumper?

[@mtbyumyum]

Yes

[@RomeyRome413]

@@mtbyumyum I did see it for sale, forgot the website though. Do you still have the Stumpy Evo?

[@mtbyumyum]

Sold the sj evo.... haha I have to sell bikes to free up new bikes to review for the channel

[@RomeyRome413]

@@mtbyumyum Yeah true you do review a lot of bikes. New Stumpy coming soon, another week or two 😎

[@BoiliniAdventures]

Hey Jason, I sent you a message on Patreon. I wasn't sure what platforms you check most. Need some help choosing between a Mach4 SL and an ASR for my kids. - Michael

[@mtbyumyum]

Hey! Just saw your msg on Patreon... will reach out to you tomorrow!

[@Azman.]

I'm more prefer Yeti. Wish have in my mtb collection. Rider from KUL.

[@samd6405]

Did I miss the live stream??

[@mtbyumyum]

I didn’t end up doing it🤦🏻‍♂️

[@samd6405]

@@mtbyumyum well hopefully you can do one in the near future…was hoping to hear any further thoughts on ALL the XC bikes you’ve been riding as of late…

[@mtbyumyum]

I'll make it happen soon! Thanks for the support

[@33Nickanator]

Ari Signal Peak vs ASR!!

[@mtbyumyum]

Tell ari to send me one…

[@antonego8356]

Mach 4 SL vs Yeti ASR- I’m torn.

[@mtbyumyum]

If you race, ASR for light trail duty, M4

[@chewchew74]

how many people could choose between those two... NEver have chance ride back to back... It's high priced premium bike and it won't be the bike, it will be you who's hold you back.

[@GOmotorsports]

Let’s swap wheels?

[@mtbyumyum]

Bet🤙

[@irockuroll60]

Why does any big time bike brand put 2 piston brakes on any bike unless it’s a World Cup race bike. 4 piston brakes are so much better and the average rider will be better off with em

[@airtioteclint]

Sounds to me like the ASR is the clear winner. Everything you added about the Epic was to help their owners feel better. 😅😅