ALL NEW Specialized Epic 8 Evo PRO | NO LONGER A DOWN COUNTRY BIKE! | Test Ride and Review

[@fmaguire]

Cool to watch the day after the Blur TR vid and could tell from the vids (and your reactions) how they rode differently. I have both bikes from last year (my son uses the Epic) and we had similar reactions to the bike. Great vids!

[@jctrails]

Thanks for watching! Yeah this new Evo feels more like a trail bike!

[@TomCollins-c4h]

So many cool bikes so little money lol.

[@jctrails]

Time to save!

[@LuisBazan]

It makes it harder to choose a bike.

[@TomCollins-c4h]

@@LuisBazan That new Epic looks damn good, the choice might be easy now.

[@tony5269]

@@jctrailsI’ve been looking at the new Cervelo Zfs-5 at Bike Barn currently have a 2012 Niner Rip 9. Haven’t seen to many reviews on the Cervelo

[@jctrails]

@@tony5269 what size you looking for?

[@IIISentorIII]

First of, this Bike is a dream! But...the crazy thing is, the 2023 Epic EVO is half the price compared to the new 24er 8pro 4000 euro to be precise where I live right now. So waiting one year or the next Black Friday sale will be worth it. I'm Still happy with my Carbon Stumpjumper that I got on a super sale last year :) I did go with a Ground Control grid T7 and Fast Trak T5 Combo on the Stumpy. I also run it 90% in the High position, makes a big difference in those sort of trails! Cheers from Switzerland

[@jctrails]

I would wait for the price drop or maybe wait until they come out with an expert model for cheaper.

[@jctrails]

I’m running a regular stumpy right now too with some fast rolling tires and it rips.

[@IIISentorIII]

@@jctrails Absolutely right. Personally I find that the Carbon Comp and Expert builds are often in the sweat-spot, especially since the frame is the same as the top level. I like to spend around 4-5k on Bikes with some upgrades down the line. Especially if you like to do a a-lot of different sport categories. Rock climbing, owning Husky's and other sled dogs, Inline skating, Snowboarding etc. Cheers

[@IIISentorIII]

@@jctrails looking forward for you video then! :) I just ordered some Elite Wheels Pro36 carbon wheel-set for testing on the stumpy. I had a 20% discount on them. Cheers from Switzerland

[@funLad80]

Got the same impressions regarding frame size - I wish they made M/L size as Trek does.

[@jctrails]

😢

[@tomask3040]

You nailed one comment on the descent. Add a 130 fork on the "old evo" and a larger shock ( maybe a 42.5 super deluxe or fox float) and it would feel the same! Also a gripper front tire provably. The old evo in a large feels like an m/L whicg is perfect for riders like me who are 5 10!

[@rocco.mbb.zoccoli]

I appreciate your reviews so much. Crazy to me how the Big S has blurred the line between the Epic Evo and the Stumpjumper but it seems to really work!

[@jctrails]

It rips!

[@ehvoslef]

Betcha a new Stumpy is coming 👀

[@ehvoslef]

on second thought ... maybe Stumpy EVO is going away and there will be but ONE Stumpy 😱

[@tinshield]

@@ehvoslef I think so. Regular Stumpy makes no sense with the Epic at 120mm. Reg Stumpy and AVO maybe combined to one model?

[@richchin5163]

@@tinshield Or the Epic EVO makes no sense with the Stumpy at 130mm? Not sure the EVO variants are needed anymore.

[@JesseStarrPhoto]

I can’t believe they are still speccing bikes with 175 mm cranks. I’m 6’1” and ride 165. Granted, I have short legs but it’s been pretty well proven that shorter cranks are usually a better choice and most pros have gone that way. Less peddle strikes and faster cadence and opens up hip angles for anyone with any hip impingement issues, which is a lot of people.

[@floridamtb904]

Thanks for the bike reviews .I trust your opinion and bikes skills.I was able to find a ZFS-5 120 mm XT size medium .The bike is amazing . i ride and do some races in North Florida . The bike weighed 26 lbs. to start. I changed the tires to Racing Ray and Ralph and now it weighs 25 pounds with bottle cage and pedals.

[@jctrails]

Dang wish I could find a Large.

[@CrockettandTubbs100]

What up brother? Nice review. I picked up an Evo Elite alloy with factory suspension in December for almost 50% off. Only got to ride it once so far because it’s always raining and the trails are closed. Love it though.

[@jctrails]

Good deals to be had! I need to get to GA to ride the ole stomping grounds.

[@CrockettandTubbs100]

Come on down! Let’s go!

[@sebastienhakimejdaa9363]

The Trek Top Fuel 9.8/9.9 2024 has also 120 rear/130 fork. Similar geo and weight. Only the suspension kinematics are different. Wondering how they compare. Found the previous Epic Evo too sketchy sometimes on the downhills. The Trek is on a different level compared to the previous Evo.

[@jctrails]

The Top Fuel is a super capable little bike. I had mine with a 130mm pike and 120 super deluxe and I rode trails it had no business doing. This Evo is at the same level as the Top Fuel now. Really stable on the descents and still pedals well. 2 things I preferred on the Top Fuel though were the M/L frame size and it climbed a touch better.

[@sebastienhakimejdaa9363]

I appreciate the feedback!@@jctrails

[@TheJjyoung333]

Would like to see how this compares to a Revel Ranger.

[@jctrails]

Me too

[@phrides]

Run that thing in the high setting and report back. A flip chip on the shock should steepen the seat tube with the head tube. Whether it still rips downhill if another matter.

[@jctrails]

I did run it in the high. I think it would still benefit from a 76.5-77 degree STA. That’s for my body type though, it might be a good fit for you.

[@skinny8019]

@@jctrails i agree with the STA...when i get on my giant trance x...77.2 STA and 65.5 HA feels perfect!...would love to see you review the new giant trance.

[@renelopezlopez2951]

Thanks for the review! I want to get your opinion on the Transition Spur as a comparison

[@marksandoval5361]

I would rather have seen the new Epic Evo come with 77* STA, 65* HTA, and a 140mm Fox 34. However, if you put on a 140mm fork that would steepen the HTA to 65*, then shove the saddle all the way forward, and it would still be very good. A 120/140mm travel, 77*/65* geo, very light, single pivot flex stay, Downcountry bike would be my ideal short travel ripper. I just bought the 2023 Epic Evo which is more of an XC bike. With more travel and more progressive geo the new Epic Evo definitely slides into the Trail bike category. Honestly, I never thought current Stumpy was a very good bike, so they could just discontinue it and nobody would miss it. If they do produce a new Stumpy. it should be a 130/150mm travel bike that eliminates the single pivot flex stay rear suspension and returns to the Horst Link rear suspension.

[@DB-sd3cw]

Dang. You sound like a giant pain in the arse to listen to and be around. Seems like you're the type to expect the world to conform to you rather than the other way. The stumpy is beloved by many so clearly that's an issue with you.

[@Star_lord22]

You pretty much hit the rumor on the nose. Epic evo will fill the trail category, no more stumpy evo and the stumpy will become more burly fulfill the all mountain category.

[@KeoOutdoors]

I built a frame off with the Pearl white, liking the improvements so far!

[@jctrails]

Fox suspension?

[@KeoOutdoors]

@jctrails yup, fox float factory but I have Fox 34 Elite in the fronts

[@jctrails]

@@KeoOutdoors very nice!

[@IIISentorIII]

Awesome frame and color my friend!

[@jctrails]

@@IIISentorIII I like the mint color too.

[@arcadialive4265]

Before relativity there was N+1. I live by this formula.

[@gregwatson7727]

Would love to see your review of an ALLIED BC40! It's right in the category you're looking for - "highly capable 120 w/ efficient pedaling platform" according to their marketing and the reviews I've seen so far. 76 degree STA.

[@ehvoslef]

Might have missed it in the video, but thoughts on new Fox Float vs DPS? Per Fox it seems more trail oriented vs xc. Riding a reg Stumpy and wondering if it's a worthwhile upgrade.

[@chrisbanaszak79]

Thanks for the great review! Have you compared it with the current stumpjumper 130/140? To me the current stumpjumper has the slightly steeper seat angle and slightly slacker head angle, more travel and practially the same weight. So I think the current stumpy is the better bike, apart from not being able to take x2 water bottles. Are you able to test both bikes and time yourself climbing and descending? If you can, please keep the tyres and build kit the same on both bikes.

[@jctrails]

I’m actually testing the current Stumpjumper as we speak. Stay tuned for that video.

[@skinny8019]

@@jctrails please test it on high...with 800gram ish tires. (rekons)

[@IIISentorIII]

I have the Stumpy since a Year. Did put on some Ground Control t7 and Fast Trak t5 tyres, set it in the High position. What a dream Bike!

[@jctrails]

@@IIISentorIII it’s a snappy bike for sure

[@chrisbanaszak79]

I just built up an S4 stumpy expert with kovee pro 30 carbon wheels, oneup carbon bar, ground control front tyre and fast track rear tyre, sram x1 carbon crank (not super light weight like xx1) the rest is as per the expert build, where I’ll realise further weight savings as components wear out, weight came in at 12.1kg for a 140/130 trail bike, so why would I bother with a less capable epic 8 evo just to save maybe another 200g?

[@mwild7777]

Great review! I have the same issue with sizing on the specialized bikes. I want to get your opinion on the rocky element as a comparison. It has the geo you are looking for.

[@jctrails]

I’m actually trying to get my hands on one to test.

[@RomeyRome413]

I test rode a Medium on this and it felt big. I'm 5"8 coming for a Stumjumper comp build I currently ride... 🤷🏼

[@jctrails]

I bet if you put a smaller stem on it, you might be more comfortable. Or you just like smaller size frames. For me I like to be a little more spread out for more pedal type trials.

[@RomeyRome413]

@@jctrails got point on the stem. Going to test ride a small this weekend. Tuff choice between this and Stumpjumper.

[@RomeyRome413]

@@jctrails my Stumjumper is an S2

[@KlintonSilvey]

It sounds like what you want is a Giant Trance 🤷‍♂️ mine is 28lbs but seems like it has the geo and characteristics you're looking for

[@clarks888]

Any thoughts on comparison to the SC Tallboy? It’s been my personal front runner for a new bike, guessing it’s a little more descent-focused than the Epic Evo, but then again you’re taking the Evo on bigger hits in this video than most of what I recall seeing in most TB reviews.

[@jctrails]

Tallboy is a fantastic bike. I like to describe as a st trail bike. Very capable, climbs well and good geo. Only draw back, it’s heavy compare to these flex stay bikes. At 120mm, you don’t need such a complex suspension design. (VPP) The Evo being light weight and having good geometry makes it very easy to ride. I can also ride it longer being 2-3lbs lighter with similar spec. Btw the tallboy can handle all the things you saw in this video.

[@ivocolombo6917]

Hi! I built a Tallboy cc with the fox float 34 a few years back after seeing one of @jctrails videos. I use it with this same roval wheels and ground control tires front and back. 12.4 kgs including Shimano xtr pedals. Last week I got invited to the launch of the evo and tested it. They are very comparable bikes. The evo does seem a bit more agile in sketchy corners and I agree it goes down really well. That is Until you get to big drops or fast rock section, then the tallboy shines over the epic 8 evo. I love that my tallboy fork can still be locked manually, it might be a better climber. But there is something about the handling of specialized that gets me. Hope it helps. Great video!

[@jctrails]

@@ivocolombo6917 thanks for the input. Sounds like you have a nicely built TB!

[@sheevthewireless110]

Cool review! Do you think it would be wise to go for Stumpy 15 instead of Epic Evo if I want to hit bike parks but also do a lot of pedal trips? I don't do big features but I am afraid that I would bottom out regularly even on medium drops and stuff. Lighter, pedal efficient bike would feel great though.

[@jctrails]

@@sheevthewireless110 if your getting a stumpy pro and up model, I would get the stumpy. Those models weigh just a couple of lbs more than an Epic Evo and the capability of the stumpy is worth it.

[@sheevthewireless110]

@@jctrails I will most likely go for the S-works Stumpy 15 frameset and build the rest then. I guess you really can't go wrong with that platform. Thanks for the quick response mate!

[@beardoweirdo3187]

Nice review. Still think my Sj Evo is the best bike for those trails. Well for my slow ass that wants to hit the med to large stuff out there.

[@jctrails]

Haha! The SJ Evo for sure shreds those trails too!

[@clintondavies8098]

Cool bike neat video how did the new sram brakes perform?🤔

[@jctrails]

Felt like the old codes. The brake lever ergonomics is a little bit nicer.

[@redlegds_adventures]

Is the Epic Evo really the exact same geometry as the Epic 8?

[@step1idiomas]

Great video. It would be great to see you review the new Chisel Full Suspension and the Trek Roscoe 9. Many thanks!!

[@shawneggers4484]

I went from my ‘21 Stumpjumper to the Top Fuel because I felt the SJ was too slack…. Does the new evo feel as slack as old SJ? Because head angle is about the same……

[@jctrails]

Even though the HTAs are similar the Epic feels snappier and more eager to change direction. Could be due to the light weight of the Evo

[@chewchew74]

Are you xxxx kidding me.. I just got S-works Epic Evo last week... it was on sale $7800 with old version AXS. New AXS with longer slacker light trail bike.. this is.. I feel like I got ripped off... Shtty..

[@samharris82]

I have a last-gen Sworks epic evo and think it’s the better bike for my trails. Much much lighter than this one and a steeper HTA. I did upgrade to Transmission and sold my “new old AXS” on Facebook marketplace. Probably going to upgrade to Flight Attendant this summer when those kits come out.

[@samharris82]

Your Epic Evo is 446g lighter than this thing. It’s like saying “I should’ve got a Stumpy” This new one is a totally different genre.

[@ayyggss]

Maybe i missed it but what trail is that ?!? Great review btw .

[@jctrails]

Various trails in pine hills

[@skinny8019]

This bike makes no sense. A stumpy sworks frame is the exact weight 5 lbs. but more travel and more capable. You can run a stumpy in high and have 76.5 seat tube angle and 65.5 head tube and 36mm bb drop. Same weight. More capable. This epic evo is in no man’s land. It’s a pig at 27.5 pounds. Everything that is “new” on the evo already existed on the stumpy. Btw stumpy sworks frames are $1800. Fox 34 140mm grip 2 available $800. Move your other parts over. Always fun to see your rides. Nice video.

[@jctrails]

It depends on what Specialized does with the stumpy this year. This might be the ST rig and their will only be one stumpy with evo type travel🤷‍♂️

[@jctrails]

Thanks for watching!

[@skinny8019]

@@jctrails makes sense for them to cut back some options. Just like trek cut back 40% of their skus.

[@JF-oz7gd]

@@jctrails Yeah that must be what Specialized is planning, no way they can run back that flex stay stumpy, suspect we will see just an updated evo. That fsr design is getting pretty old, maybe something new is coming?

[@rgeniec]

Leaves the price tag on for the test ride. 🤷🏻‍♂️🤣

[@jctrails]

One less thing I have to remember 😁

[@clozner]

What helmet is that?

[@TallGuyTrails]

Would you get this bike if you were somebody who hobby races XC? (For reference, I currently ride a BMC Twostroke AL One aluminum hardtail for racing.)

[@jctrails]

I would just put some light weight tires, flat bars, and go have fun!

[@TallGuyTrails]

Appreciate the reply. Also appreciate that you are showing it on some proper jumps. My fun bike is a Stumpy Alloy. This seems like it might be a good split between what I like about my current two bikes.

[@taunir713]

And now… the stumpjumper 🙏🏻

[@jctrails]

We will see!

[@taunir713]

@@jctrails 26 of March? Seems like a nice date

[@_al_ex]

Is the Shock Extension carbon?

[@jctrails]

Nope it’s aluminum

[@_al_ex]

Thanks@@jctrails

[@Andyange]

This or the 2022 top fuel 9.8 xt on sale?

[@jctrails]

How much is the Trek going for?

[@Andyange]

Hi it’s 30% off

[@jctrails]

@@Andyange what size are you looking for?

[@Andyange]

XL

[@JIBBING_1980S]

When u look at your bike 4 years later...

[@TomCollins-c4h]

Dont hurt that kashima!

[@jctrails]

Scratch!!!

[@TomCollins-c4h]

@@jctrails Nooooooooooo!

[@RomeyRome413]

EVO 8 or Stumjumper? Asking for a friend who lives in Florida 😂

[@jctrails]

Tell you in a little bit. Testing out the stumpy now.

[@frankschock9981]

For a trail bike I'd rather save money and get a used Ripley with a little steeper 76° seat tube or the new Chisel FS.

[@jctrails]

That new Chisel looks rad!

[@NocSuKow]

looks like my levo sl but no motor and same price.

[@ragged9242]

This or a tallboy ?

[@jctrails]

@@ragged9242 if your trails are a little more aggressive than what you see in the video I would go with the tallboy.

[@ragged9242]

@ appreciate it 👌🏻💪🏻

[@wallyedmonds8199]

Nice , but ya much money lol

[@andrewpm2]

$8K? Specialized needs to lay of the crack pipe. At least it has Fox Factory.

[@jctrails]

Then how would the crack dealers afford their bikes 🤔

[@kevinburns00]

fuck bikes that cost over $4000

[@sultanabran1]

ruins the shock after 2 rides. i know a dude with a stumpjumper whose shock failed and replaced 3 times in less than 12 months. i know chick riding a status whose shock's coating is wearing off because it's obviously putting side loads into the shock. i heard of a dude's shock snapping. never buy specialized. plus they charge retarded prices.

[@pepeanza6187]

Just ride a agresive hardtail whit 65-64 HT and 75-76 STA whit 130m fork like a Fox 34 or Marzocchi Z2 whit Recon Race tires on you have a XC beast that goes downhill pretty good i have that set up in a Rocky mountain Growler and you save a lot of cash

[@gweflj]

You’re having an issue with the seat angle because you’ve got no hip hinge. That’s clear to see from the amount of spacers under the stem. An athlete would have no issue with that seat angle.

[@jctrails]

Ever heard of a Top Tube measurement?

[@gweflj]

@@jctrails So you got the wrong size?

[@jctrails]

@@gweflj I don’t fit on traditional sized large or medium bikes. With a slacker seat tube angle that extends the top tube measurement. With the size large I’m stretching out a little too much to reach the bars while pedaling. On a medium the top tube is too small. That’s why I’ve been riding Trek bikes because they have the M/L sizing which fits someone like me in between sizes. There’s only so much you can do with stem and bar size, I’d rather have a frame that fits and then do small tweaks to dial in the fitment. So I guess I’m not an athlete because I don’t fit a large or medium frame.

[@gweflj]

@@jctrails But there were hundreds of XCO world cup races won with 73 degree seat angles. How was that possible? You're not able to stretch out because you've lost flexibility. Have a look at the bar to seat height ratio on Nino's bike. With a traditional bar height the guy would have zero issues with a 70 degree seat angle. I honestly don't think you would have an issue if you spent some time working on hip flexibility.