bit.ly/3nWHhX3 This is the Hip Pack I use and trust on every single ride and right now, it's 25% off. Lab Austere Hip Pack: bit.ly/3nWHhX3 Use promo code YUMYUM at checkout.
The Epic 8 is so different than the Evo. For me personally the standard epic with higher rise bars would be where the money is. Those flat bars and long stem were the only thing holding it back. Oh and good call on the big boy brakes! The sram levels that were in the epic I rode were garbage…
Since the time of this recording, I’ve since purchased a rock shox Sid ultimate and Lux ultimate and swap the tires on my bike. It’s now an epic 8… After two rides I can say I much prefer the bike this way. Video coming soon🤘👊
Running Ripley v4 with Bomber Air shock and SiD ultimate. Some may categorize my bike as a trail bike...and they would be 💯 correct 😂 I really enjoy your bike reviews, Jason 👍
I built my Epic 7 EVO on the racier side, stepcast 120 fork, XTR race brakes, and can’t say enough good things about it, definitely would use the word “sharp” over “nervous” to describe the handling though…as an XC race-ish bike it hits waaaaay above its class on the descents.
That hasn’t been my experience with that bike. I’ve ridden the previous epic evo back to back with the Ibis Exie, Cannondale scalpel SE and Pivot Mach 4 SL… even the Exie makes the 7th gen epic evo feel nervous and sketch…
@@mtbyumyum maybe too short of a stem? Maybe size up for more wheelbase?…I’ve been away from short travel XC bikes for a while but I’ve been thru plenty of trail bikes recently so I know what stable handling feels like, no way is this nervous or sketchy. I’m 6’1” on an XL with an 80mm stem for reference.
Hi. I am trying to decide between the evo 8 and the Ripley. I had a Stumpjumper several years ago and I felt that the flex stay made the rear suspension a little harsh. I do a lot of big climbs but also enjoy hitting the downhill pretty hard. I like a plush feel but want the bike to feel very ambitious on the climb. What do you recommend? Thanks
That setup as it is sounds like a really fun setup for a super efficient pedalling trail machine. The slacker seat tube is nice for big pedal days, super steep seat tubes can be a bit much for big pedal days.
I owned the previous epic Evo for 3 years . Purchased the epic Evo 8 , put flat xc bars on , cross country tyres and swapped shock setting to high . My initial impressions. Bike feels heavy and lethargic to rider inputs , especially taking into account rear chainstays 435mm, expected bike to feel more agile . Rear shock feels disconnected to a fantastic front fork . Rear end stiff versus expectations . Yes more planted than old Evo and more confidence inspiring……at expense of feel and fun though . I’ve now spent more time on my epic world cup which is so much more enjoyable to ride and gives me more smiles on trails .
I’ve still never tried the Ibis Ripley 😂Man I’ve noticed SO many people talk about how amazing the Ripley is!😂 I need to try one but since I got the Orbea I feel like I’ve found my perfect bike 🙌🏼
I’ve got my ‘23 Stumpy down to 27lbs with pedals which looks to be just half a pound heavier than this Evo would be with pedals and from your review, it sounds like you’d hold onto the stumpy especially if you swapped out the shock? What didn’t you like about the DPS?
Yeah, if I wasn’t flipping through Bikes as quickly because of the RUclips channel, I think I would’ve kept that stumpjumper and tried it out with the new Fox float shock. That would be a pretty neat option! In any case, I would definitely take the stump jumper over the epic 8 Evo.
It would be a tough choice and it really comes down to how fast you ride what type of terrain but, I’d have a difficult time passing up the Ibis Ripley with 140mm fork and 2 wheelsets… if speeds were higher and terrain more janky, SB140 with 2 wheelsets
@@mtbyumyum awesome 🙌🏼, yeah that Ripley seems like a special bike bro , my local bike shop have Yeti, Ibis, orbea bikes so I’m gonna get a demo on the Ripley and the 140 🙌🏼can’t wait to see how they are compared to my Orbea Rise ( I know it’s an e-bike) but I kinda miss the non ebikes I used to ride sometimes 😂👍🏾
Hey Jason, would you compare this to the RM Element? I have the C70 Element and it's more of a light duty trail bike even though it is listed as an XC bike.
Yeah, maybe. It’s definitely more toward that category than the old epic Evo. The wheelbase on the Rocky Mount element makes it feel like a longer travel bike. Not quite a zippy as even this new Epic 8 Evo.
I dont want to speak for you by any means, but on my new ZFS-5 I have the new fox Float shock and its unbelievably good. I came off a 429 with the old DPS and the new shock is amazing.
100% agree with you. I’ve ridden the fox float shock on the Pivot Shadowcat and Mach 4 SL… it’s very good! Would like to ride the Stumpy again with this float shock
No change in the linkage. just flip the little metal pieces at the end of the shock from the low to the high setting and then put a 120 fork on the front. In fact, next week, I’ll be coming out with my video how I “Epic’d” my EVO….
I’ve had the TB4 for 4 yrs now and love it. Agreed it’s not as efficient as some other DW Link bikes pedaling wise-but it’s not that far off. It is an awesome climber on my technical rock bed climbs here in NY and I’m not sure how one blogger here can say it’s not a good descender? It bombs down stuff on my trails! I just got a new 23’ Epic EVO Pro and while it’s more efficient on the climbs, it’s definitely just a tad squirrely on the descents. I think a rider’s interpretation of a bike is thoroughly dependent on where you live too and your local trails. My impression of the previous gen Epic EVO vs. say a trail bike like my Tallboy 4 was that on fire road climbs it’s very efficient and lightweight, but on rock bed/rooty descents, you want a burlier bike like the Tallboy or say Pivot T429.
Hello quick question. I bought a couple of bike through the yrs based on your opinion, and it's been spot on. I have the flex stays Stumpy and I love it, my question is would you rather ride that bike, or this new Epic Evo for every day trail riding? Thanks
Stumpjumper. The geometry is much better. Although, now that I’ve ridden this float shock a number of times I would swap out the DPS that comes on the stump jumper for this float shock. It’s really good!
@@mtbyumyum thanks. I'll hold off until I see the new SJ. Agree on the shock, although I got mine pretty much dialed. Put in the biggest volume spacer, the little black 3 position comp adjuster on full firm, and run 180 psi. And I'm only 150lbs. It's really good now.
That’s what I was thinking about the stump jumper. I think this is a much better shock than the previous DPS that comes on the stumpjumper. Also, this float shock comes stock on the Pivot Mach 4 SL🤘
@MTByumyum what are your thoughts about taking a 2018 Stumpy LT (convert the yoke), throwing new Fox Factory 130 front and Float 120 rear, keep 2.6 tires and upgrade lite wheel (Roval Control Carbon). Sram XX etc...Feels like that would blow the new epic evo 8 out of the water.
Thanks for the great in depth review!!!! I really want to get an epic evo 8, I think its a great choice for Florida riding as we need something light to bike miles and miles and yet as capable as it can be with that weight. Have you ever rode on the transition spur? Since both are extremely light, would you say the spur is a bit more capable/fun? I am chasing PRs but since I am not a professional rider, fun is a huge part of my pleasure of riding.
Hi Jason, I have the same shock and fork, having a hard time setting them up. Would you be kind enough to share your setup with me? ie PSI, rebound and compression. Thanks in advance.
The geometry has been changed, including a longer reach... What do you think about sizing? I am 5'10 and I am inbetwen M and L. The reach of an M of the Epic 8 approximately corresponds to that of an L from the previous Epic Evo? What would you choose?
how is this epic 8 evo climb ? significantly faster than pivot 429?! XD i know it's different category, but everything so far of epic 8 just reminds me that pivot 429, even the weight
Yeah, I think you’re right. I’m gonna flip mine into the high position this evening and try riding it tomorrow or Thursday if the rain lets up. Thanks!
@@mtbyumyumHey dude. Just received an email back from Allied.. The said for you to reach out to the pr department and they can make it happen in regards to getting u a bc40 to review! Cheers
Orbea use the same rear shock on their M10 ltd top spec bike at £9500 !! I think it’s like the best shock . Great review J , we can always tell what bike speaks to you and we definitely think you’re an Ibis Pivot kinda guy 💯 😂!
That seat post height look way too low, and disproportion. Should go own a size. I’m 5-7” and tried the “M” size, the top tube was rubbing against my thigh.
Would love to someone actually measure the head and seat angle. Unconvinced that the communicated angles from Spec are correct. If its the same from as the Epic 8 then its not possible to have a steeper seat angle and slacker head angle. They either are both clacker or both steeper but cant go in different directions unless the frame is broken 😂
With the Olympics coming up this summer, short travel XC/Downcountry bikes are popping up like daisies. The single pivot flex stay suspension seems to be the suspension of choice. XC bikes now have more travel with 120/120 becoming the norm. And, of course, longer and slacker is the norm which in my opinion, is a good thing. With this improved geometry, XC bikes have become more useful as lightweight Trail bikes. The new Epic 8 Evo is definitely pushing into Stumpjumper territory. The Epic 8 Evo is now probably a better Trail bike than the current Stumpy; nearly as capable but much lighter. I expect the next Stumpy to return to the four bar Horst Link suspension and get a bump up in travel to 135/150. Or, they could just combine the Stumpy and Stumpy Evo into one bike and make 140/160 travel bike. I just bought a 2023 110/120 travel Epic Evo Comp at 35% off. I mounted up a set of Pathfinder Pro 700x47 Gravel tires. Now, it is the perfect bike for pavement, gravel, and easy to intermediate singletrack. Even with the Gravel tires, it performs surprisingly well on singletrack while still rolling very fast on pavement. Turning an XC bike into a Gravelbike is my idea of Gravel grinding.
Yeah, it would be fun to ride the epic eight Evo back to back with the stump jumper. I actually really like the stump jumper. I just had problems with that DPS shock. I would imagine with a float shock that Bike could be much better… I prefer the geometry of the stump jumper to the epic 8 evo though
@@mtbyumyum If the Epic 8 Evo had come with a 76.5* STA and 65.5 HTA, that would have been my preference. That way you could put on a 120mm fork or a 140mm fork and still have very good geometry.
That was a good review, interesting to see how specialized is working to redefine their epic line of bikes. As a side note, have you rode the Norco Fluid or optic?
I have not ridden a Norco in many years. I would love more opportunities to ride different brand bikes. It’s just difficult where I have a full-time job and this is just sort of a side hustle, hobby…
Hey, can you please elaborate on how these lightweight bikes handle brake jack? They all look like single-pivot designs and I want my suspension to still work under hard braking. Thanks!
Thanks for the great review as usual. Like you mentioned, this is pretty much the current Stumpjumper with two water bottle mounts and less aggressive geo. Same frame weight too! I have the new Fox Float on my Stumpy and it is significantly better than the DPS. Just a baby Float X that suits the Stumpjumper so much more. I was surprised to see Specialized did not include that shock on the '24 stumpy models.
Interesting. Thanks for confirming the better ride quality of the sj w the float shock. I first rode that shock on the Pivot Shadowcat and was blown away. Feels like a float X! Then again on the Pivot Machine 4 sl and now on this epic 8 evo. For light trail duty its a work horse of a shock! New epic 8 evo is cool but I’d still take the sj over it just for the better trail geo… and my sj was super light weight…
Same setup here with Reg (Med) SJ with Fox Float and is miles better than long Epic EVO 8 (demoed last week in NC). Thanks for another great review Jason even tho SJ is a more capable bike all things considered. Great point on Shimano brakes…similar set up with AXS GX drivetrain. 👊
is the shock switch out pretty seamless? I know the Float DPS had a custom tune for the SJ and just wondering if not having that same thing on the Fox Float has any drawbacks.
It was pretty seamless for me. I did not bother with the RX tune and really enjoying the stock tune on the Float. The DPS is a XC shock and to make it more trail oriented their RX tune was a little too soft off the top to facilitate with small bump compliance. The Float is designed better in that regard so there is no need to further soften the compression. This results in less pedal bob. I run the rebound one click slower to make up for the flex stays spring effect. Highly recommend this upgrade!
I hope to ride those bikes back to back this week. I’ve had two rides now on the epic 8 and I sort of think it’s even more composed than the previous epic evo (7th gen)
I would agree. Seems the new Epic is more the previous Evo The new Evo is more light trail, much closer to Stumpie now. Could nearly eliminate Stumpie now Stumpie Evo is now just Stumpie
I will say though, I agree with Jason that this new Fox Factory suspension like I have on my new 23’ Epic EVO Pro is really awesome. I did have to add more air in the fork and rear shock especially, as I bottomed the shock on s not so big jump a few days ago. That along with slowing down the rebound F/R by two clicks each, helped tremendously.
Yea I know.. just saying that there are 2 different shocks ‘Fox Float DPS Factory’ and new ‘Fox Float Factory’ which is a new one and comes on Epic 8 Evo.. Naming is confusing as both are called Float.. sayaing this as I was not aware of like week ago that Fox introduced this new Float shock in 2023.
I like it but not sure it really does anything better than the Rekon… bought to Forekasters over the summer so I had it laying around. Maybe a little better cornering than the rekon…
I just had my first ride on the Forkaster/Recon combo. I had Recon/Recon last season, Disector/Recon before that. The Forekaster is better than the Recon or the Disector on the front. Just more cornering traction. Disector is fine, but Forkaster seems to roll as well as the Recon. Forkaster is defiantly worth a try.
I’ve had this question ask numerous times on my channel and I have never had a clear answer. Sometimes the Kashima matches and other times it doesn’t. I don’t know the reason why
I’ve heard too the the DW link is the number one climbing efficient suspension above all the rest and the VPP is second, but I can say from personal experience the VPP is definitely NOT great on the climbs , I tried the Santa Cruz TB and honestly I cannot see the point of the Tallboy … it doesn’t climb efficiently at all , it’s not great at descending, it’s heavy and the spec vs the price is absolutely ridiculous! That’s just my opinion ! It’s still a great time to be a mountain biker 🙌🏼👍🏾🙌🏼😊
Having owned VPP and DW Link, they have a very different feel. The new SC stuff had a damp dead feel. They squat too much on the steep climbs. DW link awards the fit rider who can lay down power…it just stands up and digs in. Tallboy too heavy for sure. Watch the reviews Yum Yum does on that SC stuff, he knows what he’s talking about.
I would say the Ranger feels slightly sharper steering and quicker. Maybe more nimble. It’s been a while since I last rode the Ranger but I remember it feeling like a mini Ibis Ripley…. But still slightly more Bike than the Ibis Exie… it’s just been a while since I last rode the Ranger. Sorry I can’t be more help.
Hey, don't sell yourself short. The answer is great! Your reviews are awesome, and i value your opinions. I think I have watched almost every review on your channel. It's awesome to see reviews from a guy who just loves bikes, not tied to a brand and not an elite athlete, it feels more relatable. I think that you do a great job comparing and explaining the feeling you get of the different bikes. Keep up the good work 😊
Mann I’ve been watching your videos for a while, part of why I even started riding bikes. But you make me want a short travel 29er it’s so tempting to pull the trigger. Great reviews keep up the good work!
bit.ly/3nWHhX3 This is the Hip Pack I use and trust on every single ride and right now, it's 25% off. Lab Austere Hip Pack: bit.ly/3nWHhX3 Use promo code YUMYUM at checkout.
FYI they're also already on sale right now, and you can still take the YUMYUM discount!
The Epic 8 is so different than the Evo. For me personally the standard epic with higher rise bars would be where the money is. Those flat bars and long stem were the only thing holding it back.
Oh and good call on the big boy brakes! The sram levels that were in the epic I rode were garbage…
Since the time of this recording, I’ve since purchased a rock shox Sid ultimate and Lux ultimate and swap the tires on my bike. It’s now an epic 8… After two rides I can say I much prefer the bike this way. Video coming soon🤘👊
@@mtbyumyum awesome!
Yep,i’m going to get one of those i think. 👏
Running Ripley v4 with Bomber Air shock and SiD ultimate.
Some may categorize my bike as a trail bike...and they would be 💯 correct 😂
I really enjoy your bike reviews, Jason 👍
Thanks! Your bike sounds awesome!
I built my Epic 7 EVO on the racier side, stepcast 120 fork, XTR race brakes, and can’t say enough good things about it, definitely would use the word “sharp” over “nervous” to describe the handling though…as an XC race-ish bike it hits waaaaay above its class on the descents.
That hasn’t been my experience with that bike. I’ve ridden the previous epic evo back to back with the Ibis Exie, Cannondale scalpel SE and Pivot Mach 4 SL… even the Exie makes the 7th gen epic evo feel nervous and sketch…
@@mtbyumyum maybe too short of a stem? Maybe size up for more wheelbase?…I’ve been away from short travel XC bikes for a while but I’ve been thru plenty of trail bikes recently so I know what stable handling feels like, no way is this nervous or sketchy. I’m 6’1” on an XL with an 80mm stem for reference.
I went with a Frame build also, loving mine over the last gen so far
Is Epic8 evo climbs and accelerates better than Trail429? Which frame feels more stiff/efficient?
Hi. I am trying to decide between the evo 8 and the Ripley. I had a Stumpjumper several years ago and I felt that the flex stay made the rear suspension a little harsh. I do a lot of big climbs but also enjoy hitting the downhill pretty hard. I like a plush feel but want the bike to feel very ambitious on the climb. What do you recommend?
Thanks
That SRAM transmission is a heavy component group.
good but heavy
That setup as it is sounds like a really fun setup for a super efficient pedalling trail machine. The slacker seat tube is nice for big pedal days, super steep seat tubes can be a bit much for big pedal days.
Yeah, I get that for more flat xc type days but for a trail bike, it's nice to have the sta steeper for steeper terrain climbs....
Love your reviews and videos!! Keep em coming!
I owned the previous epic Evo for 3 years . Purchased the epic Evo 8 , put flat xc bars on , cross country tyres and swapped shock setting to high . My initial impressions. Bike feels heavy and lethargic to rider inputs , especially taking into account rear chainstays 435mm, expected bike to feel more agile . Rear shock feels disconnected to a fantastic front fork . Rear end stiff versus expectations . Yes more planted than old Evo and more confidence inspiring……at expense of feel and fun though . I’ve now spent more time on my epic world cup which is so much more enjoyable to ride and gives me more smiles on trails .
Wow, interesting. Thank you so much for the ride impressions and feedback!
Maybe try riding something other than fire roads
Should have got the Epic 8 non evo.
@@MarioXcore1😂
@@MarioXcore1didn’t see you out there …….on the single track 😏
I’ve still never tried the Ibis Ripley 😂Man I’ve noticed SO many people talk about how amazing the Ripley is!😂 I need to try one but since I got the Orbea I feel like I’ve found my perfect bike 🙌🏼
The Pearl white looks much better in person
💯👊
I’ve got my ‘23 Stumpy down to 27lbs with pedals which looks to be just half a pound heavier than this Evo would be with pedals and from your review, it sounds like you’d hold onto the stumpy especially if you swapped out the shock? What didn’t you like about the DPS?
Yeah, if I wasn’t flipping through Bikes as quickly because of the RUclips channel, I think I would’ve kept that stumpjumper and tried it out with the new Fox float shock. That would be a pretty neat option! In any case, I would definitely take the stump jumper over the epic 8 Evo.
Dude your reviews are the best. Would love to hear thoughts on shorter cranks.
Thank you!
Jason If you could own just ONE bike would it be the 429 the Yeti or the Ripley ?
It would be a tough choice and it really comes down to how fast you ride what type of terrain but, I’d have a difficult time passing up the Ibis Ripley with 140mm fork and 2 wheelsets… if speeds were higher and terrain more janky, SB140 with 2 wheelsets
@@mtbyumyum awesome 🙌🏼, yeah that Ripley seems like a special bike bro , my local bike shop have Yeti, Ibis, orbea bikes so I’m gonna get a demo on the Ripley and the 140 🙌🏼can’t wait to see how they are compared to my Orbea Rise ( I know it’s an e-bike) but I kinda miss the non ebikes I used to ride sometimes 😂👍🏾
Hey Jason, would you compare this to the RM Element? I have the C70 Element and it's more of a light duty trail bike even though it is listed as an XC bike.
Yeah, maybe. It’s definitely more toward that category than the old epic Evo. The wheelbase on the Rocky Mount element makes it feel like a longer travel bike. Not quite a zippy as even this new Epic 8 Evo.
I dont want to speak for you by any means, but on my new ZFS-5 I have the new fox Float shock and its unbelievably good. I came off a 429 with the old DPS and the new shock is amazing.
100% agree with you. I’ve ridden the fox float shock on the Pivot Shadowcat and Mach 4 SL… it’s very good! Would like to ride the Stumpy again with this float shock
What would it take to convert it to a standard Epic 8? New shock, reduced fork travel, new linkage?
No change in the linkage. just flip the little metal pieces at the end of the shock from the low to the high setting and then put a 120 fork on the front. In fact, next week, I’ll be coming out with my video how I “Epic’d” my EVO….
I’m hearing the Stumpy with the flex stay is going away , maybe this is sort of it’s replacement.
Interesting. I haven’t heard anything. It would make sense. The Epic 8 evo is far more capable than I was expecting it to be.
What do you prefer for going downhill. The epic evo or the pivot mach 4 sl?
This is the question! Should have a video coming out soon!!!
I’ve had the TB4 for 4 yrs now and love it. Agreed it’s not as efficient as some other DW Link bikes pedaling wise-but it’s not that far off. It is an awesome climber on my technical rock bed climbs here in NY and I’m not sure how one blogger here can say it’s not a good descender? It bombs down stuff on my trails! I just got a new 23’ Epic EVO Pro and while it’s more efficient on the climbs, it’s definitely just a tad squirrely on the descents. I think a rider’s interpretation of a bike is thoroughly dependent on where you live too and your local trails.
My impression of the previous gen Epic EVO vs. say a trail bike like my Tallboy 4 was that on fire road climbs it’s very efficient and lightweight, but on rock bed/rooty descents, you want a burlier bike like the Tallboy or say Pivot T429.
Just to be clear, the ‘23 is very different from the new bike.
Hello quick question. I bought a couple of bike through the yrs based on your opinion, and it's been spot on.
I have the flex stays Stumpy and I love it, my question is would you rather ride that bike, or this new Epic Evo for every day trail riding?
Thanks
Stumpjumper. The geometry is much better. Although, now that I’ve ridden this float shock a number of times I would swap out the DPS that comes on the stump jumper for this float shock. It’s really good!
@@mtbyumyum thanks. I'll hold off until I see the new SJ.
Agree on the shock, although I got mine pretty much dialed. Put in the biggest volume spacer, the little black 3 position comp adjuster on full firm, and run 180 psi. And I'm only 150lbs. It's really good now.
So should I skip the Epic EVO 8 and just go with the Epic 8 SWORKS???? Money is prob.
What would happen if you install the float shock on other bikes? Hmmm🤔
That’s what I was thinking about the stump jumper. I think this is a much better shock than the previous DPS that comes on the stumpjumper. Also, this float shock comes stock on the Pivot Mach 4 SL🤘
@MTByumyum what are your thoughts about taking a 2018 Stumpy LT (convert the yoke), throwing new Fox Factory 130 front and Float 120 rear, keep 2.6 tires and upgrade lite wheel (Roval Control Carbon). Sram XX etc...Feels like that would blow the new epic evo 8 out of the water.
Thanks for the great in depth review!!!!
I really want to get an epic evo 8, I think its a great choice for Florida riding as we need something light to bike miles and miles and yet as capable as it can be with that weight.
Have you ever rode on the transition spur? Since both are extremely light, would you say the spur is a bit more capable/fun? I am chasing PRs but since I am not a professional rider, fun is a huge part of my pleasure of riding.
What bike do you enjoy the most right now? Which one comes to mind first when you go riding?
For me here in Switzerland Stumpjumper and I own alot of bikes 8-)
Scott Spark is 2nd.
Short travel bike, the Pivot Mach 4 SL is a lot of fun and for trail bikes, Yeti SB140 LR🤘
@@mtbyumyum Nice! I haven't ridden either but sounds like an ultimate combo.
Hi Jason, I have the same shock and fork, having a hard time setting them up. Would you be kind enough to share your setup with me? ie PSI, rebound and compression. Thanks in advance.
Quick question... I'm thinking of building an 8 Evo as well. Did the frameset include a headset?
Glad to see you on a Sram AXS drivetrain 😎
A little out of the ordinary for my builds, but I wanted it to be as close to the Pro build as possible….
The geometry has been changed, including a longer reach... What do you think about sizing? I am 5'10 and I am inbetwen M and L. The reach of an M of the Epic 8 approximately corresponds to that of an L from the previous Epic Evo? What would you choose?
how is this epic 8 evo climb ? significantly faster than pivot 429?! XD i know it's different category, but everything so far of epic 8 just reminds me that pivot 429, even the weight
If you flipped that chip it would also improve the seat tube angle ?
Yeah, I think you’re right. I’m gonna flip mine into the high position this evening and try riding it tomorrow or Thursday if the rain lets up. Thanks!
Spez SJ carbon frame $1800... Epic evo frame $3800. Hmmm.
Thanks for the Lab Austere discount, just ordered one!
Nice! You’ll love it🤙👊
@@mtbyumyumHey dude. Just received an email back from Allied.. The said for you to reach out to the pr department and they can make it happen in regards to getting u a bc40 to review!
Cheers
Orbea use the same rear shock on their M10 ltd top spec bike at £9500 !! I think it’s like the best shock . Great review J , we can always tell what bike speaks to you and we definitely think you’re an Ibis Pivot kinda guy 💯 😂!
That seat post height look way too low, and disproportion. Should go own a size. I’m 5-7” and tried the “M” size, the top tube was rubbing against my thigh.
Great review. Maybe I missed it but how does the bike climb? I ride on trails with a lot of hills and would value your opinion on this. Thanks!
Would love to someone actually measure the head and seat angle. Unconvinced that the communicated angles from Spec are correct. If its the same from as the Epic 8 then its not possible to have a steeper seat angle and slacker head angle. They either are both clacker or both steeper but cant go in different directions unless the frame is broken 😂
With the Olympics coming up this summer, short travel XC/Downcountry bikes are popping up like daisies. The single pivot flex stay suspension seems to be the suspension of choice. XC bikes now have more travel with 120/120 becoming the norm. And, of course, longer and slacker is the norm which in my opinion, is a good thing. With this improved geometry, XC bikes have become more useful as lightweight Trail bikes.
The new Epic 8 Evo is definitely pushing into Stumpjumper territory. The Epic 8 Evo is now probably a better Trail bike than the current Stumpy; nearly as capable but much lighter. I expect the next Stumpy to return to the four bar Horst Link suspension and get a bump up in travel to 135/150. Or, they could just combine the Stumpy and Stumpy Evo into one bike and make 140/160 travel bike.
I just bought a 2023 110/120 travel Epic Evo Comp at 35% off. I mounted up a set of Pathfinder Pro 700x47 Gravel tires. Now, it is the perfect bike for pavement, gravel, and easy to intermediate singletrack. Even with the Gravel tires, it performs surprisingly well on singletrack while still rolling very fast on pavement. Turning an XC bike into a Gravelbike is my idea of Gravel grinding.
Yeah, it would be fun to ride the epic eight Evo back to back with the stump jumper. I actually really like the stump jumper. I just had problems with that DPS shock. I would imagine with a float shock that Bike could be much better… I prefer the geometry of the stump jumper to the epic 8 evo though
@@mtbyumyum If the Epic 8 Evo had come with a 76.5* STA and 65.5 HTA, that would have been my preference. That way you could put on a 120mm fork or a 140mm fork and still have very good geometry.
💯
Hi, Im getting this one, Which model of bottom bracket did you use in this frameset?
That was a good review, interesting to see how specialized is working to redefine their epic line of bikes. As a side note, have you rode the Norco Fluid or optic?
I have not ridden a Norco in many years. I would love more opportunities to ride different brand bikes. It’s just difficult where I have a full-time job and this is just sort of a side hustle, hobby…
I understand. I was just curious. You have good content though. @@mtbyumyum
This IS a trail bike. That’s why you didn’t like the XC tires.
I would probably would get the Stumpjumer for cheap from Jenson. Great review.
Wait a minute, isn't this the same bike as previous gen, just with a longer fork to slacken it?
Hey, can you please elaborate on how these lightweight bikes handle brake jack? They all look like single-pivot designs and I want my suspension to still work under hard braking. Thanks!
Thanks for the great review as usual. Like you mentioned, this is pretty much the current Stumpjumper with two water bottle mounts and less aggressive geo. Same frame weight too! I have the new Fox Float on my Stumpy and it is significantly better than the DPS. Just a baby Float X that suits the Stumpjumper so much more. I was surprised to see Specialized did not include that shock on the '24 stumpy models.
Interesting. Thanks for confirming the better ride quality of the sj w the float shock. I first rode that shock on the Pivot Shadowcat and was blown away. Feels like a float X! Then again on the Pivot Machine 4 sl and now on this epic 8 evo. For light trail duty its a work horse of a shock! New epic 8 evo is cool but I’d still take the sj over it just for the better trail geo… and my sj was super light weight…
Same setup here with Reg (Med) SJ with Fox Float and is miles better than long Epic EVO 8 (demoed last week in NC). Thanks for another great review Jason even tho SJ is a more capable bike all things considered. Great point on Shimano brakes…similar set up with AXS GX drivetrain. 👊
is the shock switch out pretty seamless? I know the Float DPS had a custom tune for the SJ and just wondering if not having that same thing on the Fox Float has any drawbacks.
It was pretty seamless for me. I did not bother with the RX tune and really enjoying the stock tune on the Float. The DPS is a XC shock and to make it more trail oriented their RX tune was a little too soft off the top to facilitate with small bump compliance. The Float is designed better in that regard so there is no need to further soften the compression. This results in less pedal bob. I run the rebound one click slower to make up for the flex stays spring effect. Highly recommend this upgrade!
Is it a fair to say…Epic 7 EVO = Epic 8
I hope to ride those bikes back to back this week. I’ve had two rides now on the epic 8 and I sort of think it’s even more composed than the previous epic evo (7th gen)
I would agree.
Seems the new Epic is more the previous Evo
The new Evo is more light trail, much closer to Stumpie now.
Could nearly eliminate Stumpie now
Stumpie Evo is now just Stumpie
@@Jacob99174 right, with the introduction of the epic WC, every bike in the line up just trended to be a bit more capable as to not overlap as much.
I will say though, I agree with Jason that this new Fox Factory suspension like I have on my new 23’ Epic EVO Pro is really awesome. I did have to add more air in the fork and rear shock especially, as I bottomed the shock on s not so big jump a few days ago. That along with slowing down the rebound F/R by two clicks each, helped tremendously.
Epic Evo Pro 23’ comes with DPS as rear shock, not new Fox Float.. if you didnt change ih afterwards.. it still can be very good.. just saying..
@@ivankuhar9953 It is a Fox Float DPS Factory shock though with Kashima coating. Still labeled a Factory.
Yea I know.. just saying that there are 2 different shocks ‘Fox Float DPS Factory’ and new ‘Fox Float Factory’ which is a new one and comes on Epic 8 Evo.. Naming is confusing as both are called Float.. sayaing this as I was not aware of like week ago that Fox introduced this new Float shock in 2023.
Thank you for your reviews! How this bike compare to the yeti sb120 ?
how would this compare to s works enduro bike
Hi, how do like the Forekaster as a front tyre?
I like it but not sure it really does anything better than the Rekon… bought to Forekasters over the summer so I had it laying around. Maybe a little better cornering than the rekon…
I just had my first ride on the Forkaster/Recon combo. I had Recon/Recon last season, Disector/Recon before that. The Forekaster is better than the Recon or the Disector on the front. Just more cornering traction. Disector is fine, but Forkaster seems to roll as well as the Recon. Forkaster is defiantly worth a try.
Have the lab austere hip pack for more than 3 years now, its durable, practical, washable, I can only recommend it 👌👍
💯👊
To say a 25 lb bike feels heavy I think we’re getting a little spoiled 😅😂
Haha yeah, the problem is I’ve been riding a 21 1/2 pound yeti ASR for the last three weeks😆🤦🏻♂️
You ride the Cervelo ZFS-5?
Dude that is a good looking machine!
💯👊
I’m making a tight fart noise with my mouth. That’s what I think about this bike.
😆🤪
Thanks for the great review!
My pleasure!
Rocky Element?
Yeah, similar, but the Rocky Mountain feels slightly longer and maybe more capable
Genuine question, not so related to the bike specifically: why is it that the shocks are not the same kashima color as the forks?
I’ve had this question ask numerous times on my channel and I have never had a clear answer. Sometimes the Kashima matches and other times it doesn’t. I don’t know the reason why
Can you buy me a one !!
This or Stumjumper?
Would love to try the sj with the fox float shock that comes on this new epic evo… like the geo better on the sj…
@@mtbyumyum Have you heard any news on a new Stumjumper this year?
Yeah, I’ll pass and keep riding my good ole Ripley. Still my favorite bike. DW link is just better in my opinion
💯💯💯🤘 bingo!
I’ve heard too the the DW link is the number one climbing efficient suspension above all the rest and the VPP is second, but I can say from personal experience the VPP is definitely NOT great on the climbs , I tried the Santa Cruz TB and honestly I cannot see the point of the Tallboy … it doesn’t climb efficiently at all , it’s not great at descending, it’s heavy and the spec vs the price is absolutely ridiculous! That’s just my opinion ! It’s still a great time to be a mountain biker 🙌🏼👍🏾🙌🏼😊
Having owned VPP and DW Link, they have a very different feel. The new SC stuff had a damp dead feel. They squat too much on the steep climbs. DW link awards the fit rider who can lay down power…it just stands up and digs in. Tallboy too heavy for sure. Watch the reviews Yum Yum does on that SC stuff, he knows what he’s talking about.
Do you remember Camber ?
100% of course I do! Honestly, I wish they would’ve just called the regular stumpjumper the camber and the stump jumper Evo the stumpjumper…
@@mtbyumyum agreed
Hi, if you are going to compare this to a Revel ranger what are your thoughts?
I would say the Ranger feels slightly sharper steering and quicker. Maybe more nimble. It’s been a while since I last rode the Ranger but I remember it feeling like a mini Ibis Ripley…. But still slightly more Bike than the Ibis Exie… it’s just been a while since I last rode the Ranger. Sorry I can’t be more help.
Hey, don't sell yourself short.
The answer is great!
Your reviews are awesome, and i value your opinions.
I think I have watched almost every review on your channel.
It's awesome to see reviews from a guy who just loves bikes, not tied to a brand and not an elite athlete, it feels more relatable.
I think that you do a great job comparing and explaining the feeling you get of the different bikes.
Keep up the good work 😊
8:46 its called DOWNCOUNTRYYYY category 🤯
Never heard of it
😂
Mann I’ve been watching your videos for a while, part of why I even started riding bikes. But you make me want a short travel 29er it’s so tempting to pull the trigger. Great reviews keep up the good work!
Thanks! And glad you’re getting out riding!!
Will you do a review of the non Evo Epic?
Yes. I hope to publish that video next week!
cute color