Specialized Epic 8 & Epic 8 EVO Review
The 8th generation of what's probably the fastest cross country bike in the world is more capable than ever.
Capability Through Geometry
With progressive geometry the EPIC 8 delivers a more capable ride over technical terrain alongside rapid climbing and acceleration performance. Longer, lower and slacker the bike offers a well-balanced riding position that centres the rider in the bike for more confident cornering control.
Both the Epic 8 and Epic 8 EVO share the same carbon frame which is lighter than previous models thanks to a more efficient carbon layup. A flip chip allows you to slacken the head tube angle by half a degree for enhanced descending performance.
Ruthless Efficiency
The Epic 8 is the most efficient pedalling full-suspension bike that Specialized have ever made. Pedal induced bob is 20% lower than the bike Specialized’s XC racers were riding last year. At the same time bump absorption ability is improved to make it easier to ride over rough terrain. This is thanks to the increase in suspension travel - from 100mm to 120mm - alongside improved suspension kinematics.
Whether you’re racing XC or heading out on a long cross country ride pedalling efficiency and traction over rough terrain are key to performance.
Epic 8
Dressed to Kill
A RockShox SID fork and shock take care of the suspension on the Epic 8. The custom tuned rear shock has three position damping adjustment that’s optimised for racing: Wide Open, Sprint, and the Magic Middle. The middle setting offers a firm peddling platform while remaining active in rough terrain, this is ideal for 80% of racing situations. The open setting is for long descents where pedalling isn’t a priority, while the sprint setting is for smooth tarmac sections. RockShox Flight Attendant, fitted to the S-Works Epic 8, adjusts your settings instantaneously as you ride.
Epic 8 Evo
Dressed to Thrill
With a longer travel Fox 34 fork the Epic 8 Evo is slightly more focused on descending but maintains pedalling efficiency. Just what you’d expect from a rapid down country bike. The Fox Float shock has custom tuned damping, this time with two adjustments: Wide Open and Sprint-On-Lock. You get a fun trail bike feel in the open setting, but the bike still pedals efficiently thanks to the suspension kinematics. The Sprint setting is for long smooth climbs as well as those times you really want to put the hammer down.
New Features
For the first time the Epic features a storage compartment in the downtube for carrying ride essentials. The SWAT 4.0 door sits flush with the frame, so you don’t notice it’s even there, and a lever mechanism makes it nice and secure as well as easy to open and close.
There is also an integrated steering stop that prevents the bars from spinning right round, so you can run your bars and levers as low as you like without worrying about them damaging the top tube in a crash.
