Looking at modern XC racing I think specialized have taken this bike in the wrong direction with the short real travel. I’ve even seen a few pros go back to the evo for this reason. Same story with the trek supercaliber…
Definitely need a dropper post. Probably a Reverb AXS with matching left side control pod. Bike Zone is great. Cody is super nice and can work magic with the prices.
Awesome video! Headset cable routing will end up going the PF BB route with manufacturers ditching it in 5-7 years and proclaiming it as a "new feature".🤬 If you want for just a little more from the Fast Racks and the Renegades without be too draggy or heavy, try the Ground Control GRID T7s 29x2.35s.... best tire I have ever used (front and rear) for my SoCal high desert riding. Think Maxxis Rekon only better in every way, including price!
Very good review, I loved it. I am about to buy this EPIC WORLD CUP EXPERT version bike, I have a new FOX 34 STEPCAST KASHIMA fork, with 3-position remote control. What do you think about replacing the original rockshox brain with my FOX 34? Would it be a good option? Would I lose benefits? The idea is to make a positive change, otherwise I prefer to leave it original from the factory. I still think about replacing the fork because I live 3000 km from any of the official Rockshox services and doing maintenance would perhaps be a headache. Thank you so much
@@LoveMTB Thank you very much for your answer, one question I have is that the FOX 34 has a total length of 510mm and the ROCKSHOX SID 516mm, how does that 6mm difference influence the behavior of the bicycle?
@@mhffox252 my son is one of the best if not the best testers I’ve ever met. He never notices it or mentioned it and that is good enough for me. BTW we run the bike in the high setting, slack enough for the intended use of the bike and sharper cornering as a result of that
My friend just bought the Epic but last years Pro build, just below the S-Works. It was half price at $4K. Personally I don’t race but a lighter weight bike always climbs better, I prefer hardtail’s with bigger tires for my rear suspension.
i have the bike and love it,install the dropperpost from rockshox and upgrade now after 1,5 year riding it the roval carbon stem and handlebar one pice,t-type xx sl chain,cassette,chainring,mirror carbon saddle,galfer brake disc,ceramicspeed bb.and starting now with silca hot wax.
The only thing I don’t like and this goes for all brand bikes when spending this kind of money they should let you pick what length crank arms you want. 170 would be no good for me .
I've just bought a second-hand Epic Expert Carbon of 2016. That's such a nice bike. I had to work a bit on it, but I had the bike for a real bargain, so I'm happy. I'll ride it really for the first time next week.
Does it really matter do i use sram gx, or turvativ carbon crank set? I buy my used s works frameset and take parts to it my other bike kona kahuna, all other deodre 6100 parts and wtb wheels i set to this frameset but crank set i change turvativ carbon boost and it works good. My bike is cheaper but can go enought fast. Does that prise and parts like sram Xx1 makes bike so much different that it is worth of it?
New Epic 120/120 to be released soon!! S-Works model seems to have headset-routed cables, but regular models not! Conclusions taken out just by leaks, not official info tho.
As always great review. I do think specialized copied trek. But, in the industry things get similar. Look no further at cervelo MTB which looks similar to Santa Cruz blur. During my lifetime in cycling and MTB, I have never been into trek or specialized branded bikes. I am not sure why. I do plan to buy the new pinarello XC bike which I have been waiting for I think 7-9 years now (finally pinarello bought the MTB line up back). I do want to point out the rear suspension that specialized and trek are using, the choices of getting a different shock could be challenging. No other option perhaps. I do think trek, specialized, Scott, get into too much adding their own branded equipment. Myself, I like to build my own bikes (I.e. enve wheels, bars, stem, Chris king BB, headset, sram drive train or shimano XTR). Personally I think adding different brands on your bike, it gives the bike your own personality 😊.
Great information. Thank you. What do you think of changing the front shock to Fox factory SC 32? Should drop another 120 or more grams I think. I’m not really a Brain guy. Thanks.
My pro large weighs 10.3kg as well. Tubeless. There were about 3 weeks of sun here in Vancouver so I rode it a few times. Stock brake is horrible. Sometimes even when I pull them all the way in, still not slowing down. Got G2 with HS2 rotors for 100g increase. Worth it. Rear shock is very fun to play with, at 75% gulp or more, it feels just like a normal FS very plush. Lots of traction up and down. Full gulp is just too much. Started raining before I can test out all the gulp settings. Right now on 50% / half gulp. 0% / no gulp it feels super efficient and I love that feeling. It’s very skittish on descent and not much traction on technical climb. Tire pressure has a big effect on how the bike feels since it has so little travel. Find your perfect tire pressure first before tinkering with the shock.
@@LoveMTB I think even tho it has the same head angle, but because this bike has less sag, you “sit higher” while the fork compresses, you actually end up with a steeper head angle than Evo at sag. Another thing I find is that if you set the fork up according to specialized pressures, it’s a lot firmer than it should be, ie: less than 20% sag. Maybe that’s designed by specialized to maintain geometry since the shock sags less than 10%. Together, it means less capable on the downhill. I had to go 17psi lower than recommended pressure in the fork to get 20% sag.
This bike is versatile as a gravel bike and a baby down country bike. I think for 2025 Epic 130 will replace the epic evo. I'm actually considering an Epic WC, because of it's versatility
Dropper aside, I'd swap out that crank for one that isn't a boat anchor. We reached peak crankset with XX1 Dub, this transmission lineup is step backward across the board.
10 grand for a bike with no engine! I had to sit down and take a minute to digest it,TBH it is really nice though,i would actually feel bad paying that price. But you get what you pay for there is a lot of technology in this bike,but i still think it’s massively overpriced.
10000 for a bike with XO and DT 350? Pure crazy prices 😢
Bikes are so expensive.. I know it's "pro" bike, but even the cheaper models are unaffordable for a lot of people.
Yes, bikes in general are expensive. But it's also a Specialized, which is always too expensive. Some other brands are a lot more reasonable.
Bike manufacturers are just doing it to themselves at this point 😂😂
true
Holly cow, the gap in the headset bearing cover is humongous (at 1:26), in a 9.999,99 CAD $ is absolutely outrageous!
It's not uncomon, they use something similar on road, and not just Specialized! Definitely designers know little about MTB...
That medium comes with 170mm cranks stock?
Yup it is in the geo numbers online
@@LoveMTB wow. The industry is starting to listen. I’m going to try 165 mm cranks on my next bike.
I would say you're pushing it...😊@@marekzmazur2077
Looking at modern XC racing I think specialized have taken this bike in the wrong direction with the short real travel.
I’ve even seen a few pros go back to the evo for this reason. Same story with the trek supercaliber…
That’s a spicy meatball. Those prices are insane.
Definitely need a dropper post. Probably a Reverb AXS with matching left side control pod. Bike Zone is great. Cody is super nice and can work magic with the prices.
Yup😎
Awesome video! Headset cable routing will end up going the PF BB route with manufacturers ditching it in 5-7 years and proclaiming it as a "new feature".🤬 If you want for just a little more from the Fast Racks and the Renegades without be too draggy or heavy, try the Ground Control GRID T7s 29x2.35s.... best tire I have ever used (front and rear) for my SoCal high desert riding. Think Maxxis Rekon only better in every way, including price!
Thanks for the feedback my friend hope you’re back on the bike!
@@LoveMTB Thanks and I am!!
@@ThunderStruckMTB awesome happy trails😎
Does the epic 8 also have routing through the headset now?
Only the most expensive, S-Works
Very good review, I loved it. I am about to buy this EPIC WORLD CUP EXPERT version bike, I have a new FOX 34 STEPCAST KASHIMA fork, with 3-position remote control. What do you think about replacing the original rockshox brain with my FOX 34? Would it be a good option? Would I lose benefits? The idea is to make a positive change, otherwise I prefer to leave it original from the factory. I still think about replacing the fork because I live 3000 km from any of the official Rockshox services and doing maintenance would perhaps be a headache. Thank you so much
I would definitely put a 34 SC on it! No reason not to. They messed up too much with the current and last generation of SID.
@@LoveMTB Thank you very much for your answer, one question I have is that the FOX 34 has a total length of 510mm and the ROCKSHOX SID 516mm, how does that 6mm difference influence the behavior of the bicycle?
@@mhffox252 my son is one of the best if not the best testers I’ve ever met. He never notices it or mentioned it and that is good enough for me. BTW we run the bike in the high setting, slack enough for the intended use of the bike and sharper cornering as a result of that
My friend just bought the Epic but last years Pro build, just below the S-Works. It was half price at $4K. Personally I don’t race but a lighter weight bike always climbs better, I prefer hardtail’s with bigger tires for my rear suspension.
That’s a great price! And if the terrain is right that’s hardtail is definitely the way to go!
i have the bike and love it,install the dropperpost from rockshox and upgrade now after 1,5 year riding it the roval carbon stem and handlebar one pice,t-type xx sl chain,cassette,chainring,mirror carbon saddle,galfer brake disc,ceramicspeed bb.and starting now with silca hot wax.
You can buy a brand new Toyota sedan with 9999. JK, I speak stupid, I love bikes so I say this is reasonably priced. 😅
Specialized fuze geometry…. Nice
The only thing I don’t like and this goes for all brand bikes when spending this kind of money they should let you pick what length crank arms you want. 170 would be no good for me .
Believe they only offer 170 and 175 depending on the size
and 99 cents)
Right🤓
@@LoveMTB dream bike
I've just bought a second-hand Epic Expert Carbon of 2016. That's such a nice bike. I had to work a bit on it, but I had the bike for a real bargain, so I'm happy. I'll ride it really for the first time next week.
Maiden voyage😊 let us know how you like it!
Love specialized tyres now. Kept them on my epic evo. Bought a second set. Definitely converted from maxxis recon.
Right on! What combo are you using?
@LoveMTB Ground Control t5 as a rekon replacement, and Fast Trak as lighter weight option. Usually very good pricing on them too.
Bike Zone 👍🏼 and that’s a crazy technology bike for sure .
Does it really matter do i use sram gx, or turvativ carbon crank set? I buy my used s works frameset and take parts to it my other bike kona kahuna, all other deodre 6100 parts and wtb wheels i set to this frameset but crank set i change turvativ carbon boost and it works good. My bike is cheaper but can go enought fast. Does that prise and parts like sram Xx1 makes bike so much different that it is worth of it?
It does not, enjoy your new build!
I picked this bike up for $4899 went tubeless with pedals weighs 23.52 lbs. Brakes are weak im planning on upgrade for brakes
great price! whoa
New Epic 120/120 to be released soon!! S-Works model seems to have headset-routed cables, but regular models not! Conclusions taken out just by leaks, not official info tho.
Looking forward to doing a comparison then
Great video! Exactly that I was looking for. Just a question, a suspension pump is included in the box or not? Thank you!
Only what you see in this video
As always great review. I do think specialized copied trek. But, in the industry things get similar. Look no further at cervelo MTB which looks similar to Santa Cruz blur. During my lifetime in cycling and MTB, I have never been into trek or specialized branded bikes. I am not sure why. I do plan to buy the new pinarello XC bike which I have been waiting for I think 7-9 years now (finally pinarello bought the MTB line up back). I do want to point out the rear suspension that specialized and trek are using, the choices of getting a different shock could be challenging. No other option perhaps. I do think trek, specialized, Scott, get into too much adding their own branded equipment. Myself, I like to build my own bikes (I.e. enve wheels, bars, stem, Chris king BB, headset, sram drive train or shimano XTR). Personally I think adding different brands on your bike, it gives the bike your own personality 😊.
Cervelo/ BLUR IS the same bike 😉 same owners encouraging collaboration 😊
Great information. Thank you. What do you think of changing the front shock to Fox factory SC 32? Should drop another 120 or more grams I think. I’m not really a Brain guy. Thanks.
It’s a matter of preference. As for the 120 grams…😊
Specialized must rename their headset bearing cover to dirt collector cover 😂😂😂😂
No kiddin...
For that price. Im surprise it doesn’t come with Dt Swiss high end hubs.
Very few wheels come with that. And they ad to cut cost somewhere, there's more expensive bikes in this lineup😉
💸💸🤦♂️
I would switch to shimano brakes,….
Oh yeah from day 1!
Top!!! 🚀
My pro large weighs 10.3kg as well. Tubeless. There were about 3 weeks of sun here in Vancouver so I rode it a few times. Stock brake is horrible. Sometimes even when I pull them all the way in, still not slowing down. Got G2 with HS2 rotors for 100g increase. Worth it. Rear shock is very fun to play with, at 75% gulp or more, it feels just like a normal FS very plush. Lots of traction up and down. Full gulp is just too much. Started raining before I can test out all the gulp settings. Right now on 50% / half gulp. 0% / no gulp it feels super efficient and I love that feeling. It’s very skittish on descent and not much traction on technical climb. Tire pressure has a big effect on how the bike feels since it has so little travel. Find your perfect tire pressure first before tinkering with the shock.
I would definitely love to tinker with that shock/ gulp settings. Interesting that downhill is not as good as that epic Evo with similar geo!?
@@LoveMTB I think even tho it has the same head angle, but because this bike has less sag, you “sit higher” while the fork compresses, you actually end up with a steeper head angle than Evo at sag. Another thing I find is that if you set the fork up according to specialized pressures, it’s a lot firmer than it should be, ie: less than 20% sag. Maybe that’s designed by specialized to maintain geometry since the shock sags less than 10%. Together, it means less capable on the downhill. I had to go 17psi lower than recommended pressure in the fork to get 20% sag.
@@jiajianhou426 thanks for sharing! It is built to be a very efficient pedaling machine after all so maybe that was goal #1
"Looks like a Session."
BTW such a shame it's not THE S-works...
The 7999 frame only?🤓
@@LoveMTB Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's! :)
Grats on the new bike and wow what a bike it is!Cheers!!!!
Thanks!
never liked specialized bike, always complex, weird geometrie, suspension linkage, 30.9 seatpost.............
Actually not that much custom on the Spesh bikes these days aside from that cable through headset mess…
go tubeless!
💯
This bike is versatile as a gravel bike and a baby down country bike. I think for 2025 Epic 130 will replace the epic evo. I'm actually considering an Epic WC, because of it's versatility
Why not the current/ old Epic EVO? Not for gravel though but MTB you can make it do whatever you want
I’m running that same tire combo on my XC rig. They’re really great for the loose-over-hard single track here in southern Denver.
Interesting I might try them this summer. Thanks for sharing!
The headset cable routing is the only thing I don’t like about this bike. But it’s enough for me not buy one. Such a shame.
You and me both🤓
Silly.
Very nice bike. I guess there still a market for a $10k plus bike.
Apparently like you won’t believe!
Can put a 20mm rise bar with a 50mm stem
Definitely but it comes down to fit
Dropper aside, I'd swap out that crank for one that isn't a boat anchor. We reached peak crankset with XX1 Dub, this transmission lineup is step backward across the board.
Weight wise I agree
10 grand for a bike with no engine!
I had to sit down and take a minute to digest it,TBH it is really nice though,i would actually feel bad paying that price.
But you get what you pay for there is a lot of technology in this bike,but i still think it’s massively overpriced.
Like everythng these days... 😏
Yes, I am thinking that I'd rather buy a BMW scooter.