Come ride some XC with me | 2021 Specialized Epic Evo | Duxbury, MA

[@jctrails]

I know a lot of you are going to ask what happened to your orange Epic Evo Expert? Simple answer. I sold it to my buddy Adam while I was recovering from my ACL surgery. Last October most bike shops had nothing in stock, so I figured I would help out a friend get out on the trail.

[@kentao4]

I def asked that question before I saw this lol.

[@jackso0926]

When was this filmed? I was wondering if there are trails to ride in New England that aren't mudpits or covered in snow.

[@jctrails]

@@jackso0926 yesterday

[@jackso0926]

@@jctrails Jeez, might have to go down there. Southern NH is snowy and muddy, and will be for some time.

[@grapepress]

@@jctrails in the Ham. Thanks for letting us know. May trace that way on Wednesday.

[@markczechalien3592]

Bought mine 3 months ago, love it so much, sold my Hightower LT. This bike is truly amazing, superbly efficient climber, and excellent descended as well, thanks to the 66.5 head tube angle. I bought the expert and upgraded cassette to XX1 and cranks to XO1, as well as carbon bars. Mine is at 24lbs 1 oz

[@suanyang]

What size was your hightower LT? I’m thinking of changing to the Epic evo as well from the LT.

[@rh07]

"Duxbury residents would have this place shut down in about 10 seconds" Nothing has ever been more true. They have halted any building/digging on the trails too, which absolutely sucks.

[@Sachiel235]

All walkers I've come across have been pretty nice but I've heard plenty of stories about people angry that their "hiking" trails are filled with "dangerous bikers"

[@klaymoon1]

Great video. A perfect trail!

[@oliverburke3743]

Hey dude. I currently have an Ibis Ripley V4 which I love and I know you do to. Thing is I'm riding more xc / tamer trails these days and doing the odd xc race. Keen to do some marathon races also. How does the Epic Evo compare to the Ripley for that kind of riding as thinking of changing the Ripley for an Epic Evo. Still need something capable but perhaps with more of an XC edge and can be built up nice and light.

[@wizaxed]

Dude, that bike is soooo quiet! Nice flex with the tech!

[@jctrails]

Thanks

[@jeremyrobinette2563]

Any chance of comparing the epic Evo to the new Pivot Trail 429 Enduro?

[@allocke9446]

That's a beautiful area. We still have a lot of snow out in the Berkshires. Thanks for the video.

[@PredatorDK]

Such a banger of a bike! I'm really hoping to be able to get my hands on one this season.

[@kentao4]

Depending where you are, look at the locator on the spec site! I found a few in pgh even though I’m in Philly. Make sure you call to verify. I did have to upgrade to the expert though to get one anytime soon.

[@VonSC2]

@5:13 The mandatory silent pause to rest and admire the natural beauty. 🤙

[@jctrails]

Sometimes you need to pullover and smell the roses.

[@michaeldevries2482]

Glad you are back riding and making vids. Im in Minnesota and our trails are 60ish days from opening and I am itchin to get out. Thanks for the content!

[@jctrails]

Thanks man. Ugh dang snow. We’re pretty lucky in southern mass snow melts pretty quick.

[@garthfielding2197]

Good to see you back shredding JC!

[@navsnipe]

I'm very jealous that your snow is gone already. Looks like some cool trails.

[@jctrails]

Some fun XC trails

[@chrislyons1296]

That seesaw got me good one time. It got stuck and never dropped. Track stand, track stand, ahhh shit stepped off then it started to drop haha

[@jctrails]

Was it frozen in place? I’ve seen that before.

[@chrislyons1296]

It was. I even tried giving it a little bounce. It wasn’t until I put my foot down that it broke free and down I went haha. All good, I was laughing as I hit the ground

[@ryand121984]

Hi man! I am gonna order my sworks epic evo frameset next week and pretty excited to build it with a gx axs and see how an XCish trail perform as my only mtn bike.

[@Frank-ts9wx]

I had a 19 s works epic and sold it as the 100mm travel wasn't enough for my riding style so now i have a Hightower and love it. I put those same exact tan daddy rekons on it. I felt that the dhr2's were slowing me down.

[@funLad80]

Great bike. Did you have chance to ride Stumpjumper. I am looking at Stump and Epic Evo and cant decide which one to choose. I am gonna use it a lot (apart from MTB terrain like in your video) on fire roads, tarmac and gravel roads. What are your thoughts about Stumpjumper? Would it be overkill for that Kind of trails or you wish you have had Stumpy and more travel?

[@marksandoval5361]

I came very close to buying an Epic Evo. However, in the end, I felt that the geometry just wasn't progressive enough, that the rims were a bit narrow, and that the frame didn't have clearance for 2.6 tires. In my opinion, a 76* STA and 66-65* HTA is ideal Trailbike geo, i27-28mm rims would be ideal for a Downcountry bike, and all bikes should accommodate 2.6 tires. In addition, the EE had an overly long seattube and high standover. It's kinda old school. I felt that the Spur comes a little closer to my preferences.

[@jctrails]

For the trails I ride the steeper HTA feels great, nice and snappy.

[@zguitar71]

Nice E Evo, I was wondering if you could tell me the stem length you have on there it looks like about 40mm. I recently put in a 25mm riser bar that is 780mm wide on mine. I love the width but I’m now contemplating a shorter stem too. How did the handling change with the shorter stem? I was getting the “going over the bars” feeling on some of our steeper trails here (Missoula MT) and I changed to the riser to offset that and I think a shorter stem will add to the remedy. I haven’t been able to get on the trails yet to test the riser with our snow but going over drops and small hills in my yard it does feel better. Thanks!

[@jctrails]

Yeah it’s a 40mm stem. It makes the bike feel snappy and it helps you shift your weighed back on steep descents.

[@Roddaculous]

@@jctrails what brand of you don't mind me asking? I was thinking of getting one for my Blur XC.

[@jctrails]

@@Roddaculous what brand stem?

[@jctrails]

@@Roddaculous it’s a Truvaltiv Descendant stem 40mm long 35 clamp

[@zguitar71]

Thanks for the info!

[@nl3712]

Stick a forekaster on the front, it’ll sort the handling and grip out Rolls pretty easily too

[@darksyde988]

Hey JCTrails, enjoy your channel. Just wondering if you've ridden a norco revolver FS2 which is kind of same category. Can't get the epic evo in my country til 2022

[@jctrails]

I haven’t ridden a norco revolver FS2. But, I’ll try to get a demo one.

[@mikecarlino5275]

Hey James, what going on at PineHills ? I haven't been down there since late January, but I hear the features are being taken down all over the place ? What gives....any idea of the real story ?

[@waynemoffat6587]

What tyres are you running there mate? Are they Maxxis Rekon 2.4? or Rekon Race?

[@jctrails]

Yup the normal 2.4 Rekons front and rear.

[@the_maine_line]

Jc is that ride recently!? A small group of us are looking to find some none snow trails coming from Maine

[@Davidskates603]

from NH, wondering the same thing! Its going to be at least 2 weeks before anything here is ridable.

[@briancarlson1364]

Duxbury where JC rode is dry. Lots of other places here in Southeast MA running great

[@paulkumpar352]

Just bought evo comp and thought about upgrading wheels to carbon. Why did you upgrade to the I-9s and not carbon?

[@jctrails]

I really wanted to try I9’s budget wheel-set out. They don’t disappoint, really nice ride quality.

[@oishi1851]

Awesome video! im curious as to what size i should get Medium or Large? im 5'9 btw

[@macdaddy1617]

nice review, on the model that you have, does it bob on steep climbs?

[@dkkim2326]

I didnt read all the comments to see if this was asked but… epic evo or blur tr? Thats my dilemma now. I can get the epic evo comp now. I want the rocket ship that feels confident and fun going down and doing jumps. Thank you!

[@DG-gq6gm]

Sick bike. How durable are those wheels? I'm on a 2019 5010 and occasionally ride some rocky stuff. Do you think those Wheels would hold up well or would you go for something a little heavier duty?

[@jctrails]

I would get the Enduro S wheels with the 1/1 hubs. Those are a really robust wheel set.

[@DG-gq6gm]

@@jctrails thanks!!

[@bigmac8456]

Beautiful trail

[@Detroit3Pistons]

Do you think you could fit more aggressive tread 2.4” tires on there?

[@likeris2]

epic evo or santa cruz blur TR?

[@gam0t0]

That's the bike I'm thinkibg of getting Question : why not upgrade to carbon rims instead of aloy, wouldn't the weight advantage help climing

[@jctrails]

I wanted to try the budget i9 wheel-set

[@ML11988]

Hey JC, was wondering if you have tinkered with bottomless tokens on you EE? I’ve got a large Comp and love the bike but found I was leaving lots of travel on the table (rear) and it was ramping up crazy fast and hard. Called Rockshox and they said it shouldn’t have any tokens/spacers per spec but sounds like there is. So I opened it and found 1 GNAR 2.5T and 2 regular/single tokens in. Took out the 2 singles and it’s feeling much better but still far from using full travel even on bigger hits so will soon remove the 2.5T. Any experience with this, does yours have stock tokens? Does Spesh add these in or something?

[@jctrails]

Hey Matt, I haven’t messed with the tokens in the shock. I usually use 90% of the travel on a normal ride with drops and jumps. Nothing too crazy. Specialized tunes the shock along w/ RS. So they definitely put the spacers in it.

[@ML11988]

@@jctrails thanks for the reply! interesting... I’m 6’ and about 205lbs geared up. Using only 60-70% travel. Feels like it hooks up a lot on chunky stuff. I will try removing the 2.5 Gnar and maybe leave 1 single token. Hopefully that smoothes things out. Otherwise the bike absolutely rips, though. Geometry is spot on

[@alumpalum]

How does the epic evo compare with the 2021 stumpjumper? How big is the difference?

[@rocco.mbb.zoccoli]

How do feel the fork/shock compares to your higher spec’d model? I ask as my LBS (like all ) has no idea if any expert models will come in this year... but they have a cement gray comp... I believe it has a Yari instead of a SiD. Thanks JC

[@jctrails]

The cement grey is the standard Epic Evo which has the Reba fork. The SID fork that comes on the comp in my opinion is much better. It’s stiffer and plusher. The shocks on both bikes are comparable.

[@rocco.mbb.zoccoli]

Ah! Thanks for the info, my mistake. I’ve concentrated so hard on the expert that the sub-models have me confused. Either way, I’m glad I held out. My 19’ Stumpy expert will be fine until I get a higher end model epic evo.

[@ML11988]

JC thanks for the informative videos. Your review on the EE Expert you had convinced mE to pull the trigger. I got the Comp and like the spec but plan to upgrade wheels. Was wondering how youR alloy I-9’s compare to the stock carbon Rovals on the expert. Big difference in weight, stiffness, compliance and engagement? Is carbon worth the premium $$? Thanks!

[@nl3712]

The issue with the rovals is that they are only 25mm internal diameter. I’d prefer a wider wheel, tbh, like the traverse (which is a lot heavier tho)

[@miguel146diaz]

Have you ever ridden a rekon on the front and rekon race on the rear? Considering it for my ripley in the hopes of some marathon races in the summer and fall.

[@jctrails]

Never ridden the Race but I’ve heard it’s great for long races.

[@miguel146diaz]

@@jctrails thanks for the fast reply! I think I’ll go for it. I’m just a bit hesitant to put a tire on my MTB that I’d consider for my gravel bike. We’ll see how it goes!

[@stin987]

How does the shorter stem affect the handling. I'm between a L and XL frame and was thinking about getting the XL and a slightly shorter stem.

[@paulgrundy1501]

I’m 6’2 with a 90cm inseam and 72kg. I’m on the XL. Large was way too small. Handling is spot on with the stock stem imo. It’s an amazing bike.

[@stin987]

@@paulgrundy1501 I ended up getting a 2021 Epic Evo in XL. Couldn’t be happier.

[@kentao4]

Wait what happened to the orange?! I just got my expert a few weeks ago (blue). Can’t wait to ride! (Ok so now I see what you said).

[@jctrails]

Haha

[@kevinweston7529]

awesome video!!

[@allenkvextreme]

how is this fork in comparison to fox factory 36?

[@jctrails]

The RS SID fork is a XC fork with a max travel of 120mm. It’s designed to be light yet capable, a perfect compliment to a light ST bike. The fox 36 is an aggressive trail / enduro fork meant to provide a plush and stiff ride.

[@brianmclaughlin4399]

@jc trails (or anyone else) - Since you have the bike in your possession you can likely judge... what do you think the max tire size is on the Epic Evo? Will it take 2.4s or larger? Thanks in advance.

[@jctrails]

I wouldn’t go bigger than a 2.4 low profile tire like the Maxxis Rekon. You could probably squeeze a 2.6 but rocks and mud could jam up in the chain stay.

[@brianmclaughlin4399]

@@jctrails Thank you for the quick reply. Enjoy the new ride!

[@jeffreydzialo]

Ticks already? Glad i watched this!

[@tva6ett]

Would this be a good compliment to a Ripmo v1 when the terrain is more mellow or could they be too close in some way? Thanks for sharing.

[@jctrails]

Oh heck ya this bike would be a perfect compliment to the Ripmo. It’s about 5lbs lighter and pedals really well.

[@lonewolf30531]

The wheel set how much? Did you install yourself ? FYI - MAXXIS DHR FRONT / DISSECTOR REAR works for me . Thanks for content .

[@jctrails]

industrynine.com/wheels/mountain/trail-1-1/ $750. I might try the Dissector for my next front tire.

[@jctrails]

@@jt3366 I’m going to do the same combo once these tires wear out

[@terrymtbnurse4760]

Nice ride and whip. Got a question for you. I'm taking on a travel nurse job and I'll be traveling all over the U.S. at 13 week intervals. Right now I own a Surly Karate Monkey steel hardtail 27.5, 3" tires. I live in Michigan so that's fine. However, now that I'm going to be traveling; I was wondering with your experience could you recommend a bike that would handle a wide range of trails across the U.S.? I'm a good rider, but not looking to do big jumps and super gnarly double black trails. Been watching your video's for awhile now, good stuff man.

[@jctrails]

Well Terry sounds like you appreciate an efficient bike, but still want something that can handle some chunk. I would recommend a short to mid travel 29er. I loved the Ibis Ripley, new Stumpjumper, or maybe a Tallboy. These are fun bikes that pedal well and don’t weigh too much.

[@terrymtbnurse4760]

Thank you for the reply, sounds great. Probably will base my purchase in availability. All three sound great.

[@walterkasper467]

Is your epic almost as capable as you Ripley. Thanks for the great videos

[@jctrails]

Yeah I’ve done everything on this Evo that I have done on my Ripley.

[@Detroit3Pistons]

@@jctrails Which one do you like more?

[@Matt-Wolf]

How does this climb? I am a bit worried because there is no lockout?

[@nl3712]

All evo models have manual lockout, but no brain

[@Matt-Wolf]

@@nl3712 that was pretty clear already, but how does it climb?

[@nl3712]

@@Matt-Wolf in the pinkbike group test, Spur vs Ranger vs Scalpel vs SB115 vs Epic EVO, the evo lapped and climbed the fastest out of all (IIRC)...see below quote "And if I had to choose one of the five to be my down-country bike, the winner is going to be the Epic EVO. Sure, it being an S-Works bike means that it's mega-light and mega-pricey, but it's the handling that won me over, not the amount of carbon fiber. Specialized has put together an oh-so-right combination of climbing and descending balance, and the result is a bike that can be ridden incredibly quick almost everywhere. Yes, the Spur is better on rough and fast downhills; yes, the Scalpel is better on tight singletrack climbs; and yes, I probably laughed more when I on the Ranger. It's not perfect, but the Epic EVO does a damn good job of combinng the best traits of all five bikes into one tremendously versatile package. "

[@2easy518]

Hmmm, i check the web n the evo's those not came in that color, what yrs is it n also what type of evo?

[@jctrails]

They don’t advertise this color yet but it’s the 21 comp

[@2easy518]

@@jctrails omg looks beautiful i got epic evo expert blue froze love it, always thinking to get oranges color, but i can found anywhere, u so lucky

[@kentao4]

You have the rekons front and rear? 2.4?

[@jctrails]

Yup

[@sanchez714]

Im from MA maybe we could meet up one day so we could shred the trails✊🏼

[@paulkumpar352]

Would like to get bike weight down to 25 or so from 27

[@connorbettencourt1125]

@ 7:24 - on your left THATs the fastest hill in duxbury. Built a few trails there last year.

[@ukyo6195]

Man, That trails can you ride with an 1800 $ XC hardtail.

[@DrBummers]

Such a nice bike

[@jctrails]

Thanks dude!

[@ddswordsaint5]

Very Nice bike!!!

[@jctrails]

Thanks 🤩

[@gerrydilucchio4375]

What width bars do you have please?

[@jctrails]

770mm

[@gerrydilucchio4375]

@@jctrails thanks!

[@duanesamuel8741]

Bruh, how did you get a new bike already??? (Inside job) J/k. That yellow is fire, tho! Did you say aluminum rims?

[@jctrails]

Yes aluminum. Consider me a peasant.😁

[@duanesamuel8741]

@@jctrails Man I've noticed how dinged up my stock rims are and I'm not sure if I want to splurge on carbon rims either. I don't even ride that hard, so light aluminum with a good hub sounds legit to me.

[@jctrails]

@@duanesamuel8741 what kind of bike you riding?

[@duanesamuel8741]

@@jctrails '19 Niner Jet 9 RDO, so a trail bike that I race xc/marathon on. Very interested in that Epic Evo, but I know it's a drastically different bike than the one I have now. But I have other bike wishes to fulfill before I upgrade this one.

[@kentao4]

You know he upgraded everything. Lol. He his hardly stock!

[@jsantana1971]

Rekon 2.3??

[@jctrails]

2.4 front and back

[@waynemoffat6587]

@@jctrails Thanks mate, appreciate it. Cheers for the quick reply from Australia

[@waynemoffat6587]

@@jctrails and... sweet vids. Love your content, keep it coming bloke!

[@gudaysirlol9520]

Hey, I'm in mass as well! Maybe one time we could ride together!

[@garagesale5948]

Is that a custom yellow painted frame

[@jctrails]

It’s the stock comp yellow. It’s not on the website yet.