Specialized Epic Evo Review: The Featherweight Champ | 2020 Field Test XC/DC
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- Опубліковано 26 лип 2024
- The Epic has always been a staple in the Specialized catalog but it has never been so aggresive. Is this newest edition of the bike the most epic of all Epics? Mike Levy goes all in on this lightweight weapon.
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More from the 2020 Field Test XC/DC - pinkbike.link/xcfieldtest
The 2020 Field Test XC/DC is supported by Giro - giro.com/
Special thanks to The Backyard in Squamish - backyardsquamish.com/
00:00 - Intro
00:25 - Bike Overview
03:05 - Set Up
03:29 - Climbing
04:41 - Descending
07:05 - Timed Laps
08:13 - Components
09:30 - Pros
10:04 - Cons
10:35 - Verdict
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The new Specialized logo: $
If you insist on their top-of-the-line S-Works model, yes.
Such a well explained review! Super helpful!
That verdict summing up who the bike is for described me perfectly.
Spent a decade looking for a better FS bike and I now own last year's Epic Evo Expert and it is spot on for my needs. :D
Though I'd have liked the swat frame storage you get on the chunkier Specialized bikes.
It should also be a good bikepacking bike. Room for two water bottle cages was another must have for me.
the next field test should be a hardtail field test.
As someone who is trying to decide on a super aggressive hardtail or a trail/enduro bike for trail riding and park days this would be so great
@@anthonywalters7434 for Park, go full sus, your knees and will thank you and your tire sidewalls too
Lukas Bormann The Canyon Strive is at the top of my list, the trail/“xc” mode would be great on some of the easier trails near me and the full on enduro mode would be amazing at my nearest parks.
@@anthonywalters7434 Hardtails are insanely fun though. It will also help you feel the trail better, thus improving your line choice and riding skills. Aggressive hardtails would be great for trails, but if you're riding park primarily then a full sus will be a lot more forgiving.
@@anthonywalters7434 I bought a nice steel hardtail this year. For trail riding it is amazing so much fun. I also use it in the park every now and again it is also super fun but you do get beat up by the lack of suspension I can do maybe 3 laps with the hard tail, instead of all day on the full suspension. If I could only have one bike for both i would go full suspension.
People cry about the price... guys show up the trailhead with a 50k truck and a 3k bike... they never use the truck for anything legit! Your going to ride the bike and be fit...
Others can't afford or justify either.
It's not just the price -- it's the increase. The top-end stuff has way outpaced inflation when it comes to price. It's almost like they're just seeing what they can get away with.
It's true for trucks too, btw.
$5k bike, $2k car! ... and I'm still trying to pay the bike off
Im more the 7k bike with the 5k truck type person haha.
This is the bike I’m going to go buy today… and btw I love ur face on the jumps😂
Love the bike and the test notes but they should have tested the Expert level Epic Evo so it would be the same price level as the Cannondale SE1 and the others. Not fair to compare a $11.5k bike to $6k bikes. It would not have the same weight advantage at the Expert level spec. Pricing equivalency between test bikes seems almost more important than using the same tires between test bikes. I’m sure it is a game Specialized plays by only making the top tier bike available for testing.
Totally agree
Great call out Sean! @ Pink Bike folks, might want to consider changing test protocols to be a bit more apples to apples testing. No one in the auto industry compares a Honda CRV to Porsche Macan in reviews ;-)
Totally agree. Seems a bit skewed to pit an $11.5k bike against $6k bikes. Also, I thought it was curious they argued the 4-piston brakes on the EVO were overkill because the bike is so light. That’s a pretty silly argument when the bike is maybe 3-5lbs lighter than the other bikes and they thought 4-piston brakes were appropriate for those bikes. When a rider weighs 160lbs+, I hardly think shedding 3-5lbs from the bike makes a compelling case to drop down to 2-piston brakes. Those few lbs dropped from the bike are a drop in the bucket of the total weight package with a rider aboard.
Yes that is correct, but your last sentence kind of says it all. There has clearly been some pressure to do more budget reviews (like under. $2500 they had before) which is great. I don't think that Specialized would feel pressured to send an expert instead of an S-Works to a best of the best review though. Pinkbike could do a better job of calling it out, but that doesn't mean it will change.
@@pshoeweb I just put Code Rs on my 26.5 pound hardtail. I was looking at Guide RE and then was like, why not just go all the way. It was the right call.
Please review the Specialized EVO Comp for us who cannot afford the $11k price tag
For real
Go big or go home, you only live once! I’m just kidding this bike is absolutely amazing but I could never afford it. The Comp model seems like the way to go and slowly upgrade parts over time.....
Just buy the EVO Comp and upgrade as you progress or things wear? I've only had 1 ride on my personal 2022 Evo Comp but road a rental 4 days straight for early morning and after work rides and they were a ton of fun on my local trails. I've been riding an Ibis Ripmo V2 SLX/FoxFactory build the last 2.5yrs but haven't seen the bike park/or bigger more technical downhill trails in quite a bit of time and glad to have the Epic Evo in my stable now as my daily driver, quick laps bike. Makes climbing/descending techy/chunky terrain a bit more of a challenge since I've been used to making easy work with my Ripmo albeit a slower pace but it's also making me a better rider improving my skill level and the way it gets up to speed is just addicting!
Great video and bike. The Evo is amazing
The best channel 💪🏻😍
Great review. Thank you
Nice job on the video (and all of the other ones!) My Evo Pro arrived between the time I last commented and this video was posted. To me (coming off a hardtail with no dropper, along with somewhat limited exposure to some trail bikes through friends, i.e. SC Bronson, Ibis Mojo SD4, etc..) the bike feels pretty darn capable, particularly with the dropper down. Relative to my hardtail, I am getting less beat up, with more flexibility on line choice and I am also able to ride my typical lines faster. Technical climbing is easier relative to my hardtail, but fire road stuff (no surprise) is not, and is suspect geometry has more to do with this than weight. While still expensive, IMHO the Pro level model is a better value than the S-Works and maybe it's my imagination, but the Pro (with 3 and 4 hour rides on it so far) feels a bit more capable than the S-Works model that I rode for the (3 hour) demo. I agree with your comments about how the bike communicates with you, and the type of rider it is targeted at....I wanted a bike that I can (efficiently) ride tons of miles on and not fear for my life when the trail gets tricky.
Good feedback. I’m still riding my carbon hard tail race bike and looking for something that doesn’t beat me up as much. The Evo Pro is top of my list.
I love how they *all* come with Sid
The ideal EVO owner has extremely deep pockets.
called living in specializedville, AKA silicon valley. You find all sorts of super expensive bikes on the trails around there with 40-50 year old dudes rockin them.
Which is a good thing ... Cause those folks buying crazy expensive bikes they don't need keeps the lights on at brands so we can get pretty good third spec options and used bikes
@@tuftschristopher It's also driving up the price of base models. $4000 USD for entry level with dubious component choices, crap wheels with Shimano Acera hub? A few years ago that money would have bought a decent bike. WTF....
Don't worry, there's an "affordable" 6k model 😉
@@sammcloughlin how generous of them!
nice field test, bro!
What ttt. 11000000000000 !!!!!!!! ............
perfect shock shot
Very good looking bike in my opinion
Will be trading my 2017 Epic for the new Evo.. as a bigger rider (6’2” and 195 lbs) I have to send in the rear Brain shock for rebuild once a season minimum… with a Pike 120, the front writes checks the rear can’t cash.. great video and review!
Nice one 👍👍
that kazmir impersonation is actually on point
Be cool to see this test with hardtails!
FINALLY!
Need a comparison between Specialized Evo and Trek Top Fuel????
Yes please!!!
~1200g wheels is pretty insane, I've got 1500g carbon wheels on my road bike, I can only imagine how good 1200g would feel on the climbs!!!
You mean the $11,000+ bike did better than the $6,000 bikes? Shocking. Actually what's unbelievable is that Pinkbike put the $11,000 bike in the test. Should have used the Epic Evo Expert or at most the Pro.
They don't get to chose which bike they get to test. The manufacturer does.
Valid point
@@adamcline121 Oh come on. PB can demand the model they want and Specialized does sell those other models.
can you guys do the focus raven please i'm thinking of getting one but i would like to see a detailed review like this
that was a very good review
Hello, what do your think about Epic Evo 2021, and what do you suggest thinking in a more versatile bike between race and trial fun, uphill, flat and downhill? Thanks 🙏🏻
It seems like the choice between the regular Epic and the Evo is a no brainer.
Unless you're racing, I agree.
This comment is very punny. 😆
That is a perfect Marathon MTB rig!!! Breck 100 or bust!
Hi Sarah ,
If you were going to go back and do the BCBR again , is this what you would take ?
If not , what would you pick ????
Thanks
Rich
You should review the Polygon D7 2021. It's truly and XC DC
I wish Specialized still built an entry level Alloy Epic. I’m still rocking my 2011 Epic Comp 29 and love it, especially after adding a dropper. I rode last year’s Epic Evo Alloy and loved it, but sadly I don’t think I’ll ever find one due to the short time they were sold.
THIS. An alloy version of this bike starting closer to $3k rather than the $4k carbon comp would bring it to the masses and still be reasonably light.
I have a 2019 epic evo comp just bought it in January but I realized I’m more suited for something more mid travel and would be willing to sell the epic if you’re interested
There's supposed to be a Base Evo model below the Comp to be released. But I haven't seen any details (probably embargoed).
HELLO I ASK YOU FOR HELP.
My candidate is the Scalpel carbon 2 2021, the one with carbon wheels although its weight is 11kg, the second candidate is the OIZ OMX of approx 10,400. I look for that rigidity, reactivity and explosiveness that gives a stiff when you stand up and ask him to go. Of these two bikes, any have that quality more identified with what I detail? Thanks in advance.
On the evo can you upgrade the forks and shock to lockout
Maybe the seat tube geometry doesn’t allow any more drop for the post???
I love featherweight Camps
I love Lamps.
unholy rollerz I love ur mom.
@@milesh3493 🥰
unholy rollerz 😍
Can you bump up the shock to 120mm - 125mm ?
I love that if you use CC on this video is says (epic music)
@Pinkbike any chance you make those Efficiency test results public? I believe many would be interested :) Many people are asking things like how much slower is Epic Evo vs. Epic or Scalpel vs. Scalpel SE. That would give us more idea about how much speed in a XC/Marathon race we are giving up to get a more capable bike.
Shame that they didnt test SPARK, bicycle of olympic winner and world champion and they chose for test 2 specialized bikes ,but 0 scott bikes. Spark RC 900 SL axs is also bike for 11 000 dollars. I dont know if will spark win or if specialized , but this test is so useless , when you are not testing all big brands and all best bikes. It is the same, like if you test formula 1 cars and you dint test ferrari or mclaren.
We will have a full video on the Efficiency Test in the coming days.
@@mrshadow8244 This may not have been PB's decision. I haven't seen any 2021 Spark field tests. Correct me if I'm wrong....
@@richcole3931 2021 Spark was not released yet. The 2020 is basically the same model as 2017 Spark. I believe they are testing new releases...
Please test some DH bikes, especially those 29 or mullet race bikes.. There aren't many events where you can really test a DH bike.
+ not every magazine has riders with that much skill who can actually umlock some of the potential of a dh rig
What's the max tyre widht can I use on the frame?
That’s sounds like a near perfect bike for the bc bike race
You guys should have told Specialized that if they are not confident that their $5-6K Epic Evo would be competitive in this test that you are going to include the Trek Top Fuel instead--you guys have leverage too with the amount of exposure you are giving Specialized, and many of us viewers would have been curious how the Trek Top Fuel would compare to these bikes.
Agreed, I would have loved to see the TF compared to the Spur and Ranger.
Agreed. Trek Top Fuel would have been a good inclusion to the test.
@@pshoeweb They didn't include the top fuel because they have already tested it
@@fwmtb They could still then make a comparison. Why compare the Spur and the Ranger and not the Top Fuel? They already tested those as well.
@@TheBarnaby25 They haven't tested the Ranger or the Spur, they did first looks on them but not reviews. That Top Fuel was in the field test a few years ago and has not changed since.
Curious why the control tires in the DC category weren't burlier? It would be interesting to use a gripper control tire on the DC bikes to see how much more capable they are than their XC race counterparts. Especially given the downgrade on tires on bikes like the Spur
The great thing about that: we can compare the DC-bikes to the XC-bikes. Many people are asking themselves, if - and how much - a DC bike needs more effort uphill. (as they are the better allround bikes and still work for marathon races)
Did the size Large feel right at 5'10"? I'm the same and can't tell what would be better for me, M or L.
My Epic Evo was destroyed in a rear-end collision. =(
@9:40 all style
HUCK TO FLAT!
Very very good review.
The only miss is the ideal owner... More than 11K for an bike sounds absurd.
Needs an good rider, a lot of time to spend on a bike like this and more than that, HUGE pockets.
You don't have to buy the top end model, there are plenty cheaper models to chose from
This review is for this specific bike, so i getting that price... More than that, none of the models have really competitive specs for their prices.
I dont know very much about XCO, but in downhill you find the Canyon Sender, YT Tues, Commecal Supreme and other bikes with world cup wins costing WAY less than bigger brands... I think this, and the currend hype of Enduro, drop the prices of downhill market in general...
I bought a YT capra used for under 3 grand and its a great bike, I don't understand paying over 10 grand for a bike like this, is it that much better? The price seems ridiculous to me
Why is the seatangle so slack when enduros get much steeper ones?
On the one hand, you can't directly compare those angles, as an enduro bike will sit deeper in the shock's sag when pointed uphill.
On the other hand, the explanation is simple: the use the same front triangle. Similar issue on Oiz TR and Scalpel SE.
Ibis Ripley V4 is noticably steeper. (76°)
Why wasn’t the Scott Spark included in this test? Work XC champ Nino races in this bike. I am curious what Pinkbike thinks of the twinloc suspension setup.
Mike said the scott spark was not included because it is not a new bike, it came out 4 years ago.
@@fwmtb is there a Pinkbike review of the Scott spark?
@@aldrichtagalog8322 www.pinkbike.com/news/scott-spark-900-review-2017.html
I can't decide if I'm going to buy the Epic or Epic Evo. I want the bike mainly for racing but I'm not sure I want to spend the 6K USD for the Epic Expert when I can buy the Evo comp for 4K that costs 2K less and is only 2lbs heavier, plus the EVO doesn't have potentially problematic proprietary parts. I can use the extra 2K for upgrades down the road if I desire.
Go for the cheapest carbon frame option and make sure the suspension is good enough, rockshoxx SID select + is much better than select and IMO worth the extra investment. You'll thank me later. Ive got a Scott Spark RC 900 Comp with alu frame, upgraded from a carbon hardtail. I miss the stiffness the carbon frame has to offer. You can always upgrade things like wheels brakes and drivetrain later on. in my opinion GX eagle or xt/slx 12 spd is more than good enough for racing. but go for evo, it will be much more comfortable, my 100mm/110mm is Good but i want more, looking at upgrading to a 100/110mm rear and 120mm front with carbon frame with dropper post, better wheels and 4pot brakes. I race marathon style races and like to hit the trail with my trailbike buddies on my chill days.
@@wernervandermerwe8422 The 4K comp comes with the SID select not the +. What about the + do you feel makes it better. If it's only weight I'm not that concerned. I'm thinking buy EVO comp expert and then buy a buget carbon wheeelset and lighter cassette when I have the funds. I'd also swap out the dropper for a light carbon post. I've run droppers in the past but vert rarely drop the seat in a race so why keep it on the bike.
K C all the frames under the sworks are full 11m carbon (the previous gen’s sworks carbon).
Personally, I’d go expert, if your budget can stretch that far. That’s the sweet spot of price, weight and performance
@@TC-hl1ws Hub on the base model Epic Evo wheelset is garbage Shimano Acera. Those belong on a department store bike. Not a 4K bike.
@@richcole3931 Oh, not good. What a joke that is what they spec a 4K bicycle with. With that said the stock wheels would primary be training wheels until I buy or build some racing wheels. On a side note, I've had issues with carbon wheels and aluminum nipples which I imagine the Roval wheels will also have in time. For me after about two seasons the nipples start to fatigue and break or corrode. I'd like to build my own set with brass nipples.
This is the bike that survives all the elimination rounds but also eliminated due to cost. I’m thinking Giant Trance would be a solid choice.
There's always the Specialized Epic Evo Pro.
Even going "down" to the Epic EVO Comp level The Trance is harsh in comparison. It even has more travel but feels like it has way less. Cant argue with the value of a Giant even if its price isnt as sharp as a few years ago. Definitely not a bike in the same league though when it comes to feel and performance.
Did he say that he did or did not lockout the suspension on the efficiency test for the Epic Evo?
Lockouts were left off for the Efficiency Test.
Hi @Pinkbike did Mike test Medium or Large frame please (I am same 5'10 and on photos there is a Medium sticker on the frame). Thank you
Yes I would love to know this also!
Rode the 8k EVO Pro. Damn good bike, but in my head I thought it would ride somewhat like a Stumpjumper since the geometry is very similar. Nope it’s a cross country bike. Nothing wrong, just wasn’t right for me. Really lightweight makes it appealing, but when it points down, it will run out of travel pretty quickly. Maybe it’s me, but I don’t know what “Down Country” is suppose to be. Fire road going up and down? Seriously, anything beyond buff single track, I don’t agree with the review. Yes wider handlebar!
Not everyone needs a long travel bike to ride their trail system.
i’m stuck between buying spur or evo. ordered spur but i ride tight east coast trails..
@@janeandraka599 Both are good bikes, so you won't be disappointed with either one.
How raceable is this bike? Efficient enough to keep pace with most proper xc steeds? Not sure I want the brain so this seems like appealing option.
I'd say at around 21 lbs it would be a great xc or marathon bike if your looking for a bit more travel. I guess it also depends on where your racing an I'm assuming your talking xc/marathon racing. Enduro, I'd say probably not.
Yeah cool, but we want grim donut 🍩
Wow
Hi, you mentioned you're 5'10 and you're riding size Large, isn't that over sized for you according to manufacturer size guideline?
Medium is for riders 5'5 too so I think it is due to personal preferences. I have always ridden Medium size bikes and I am 5'10 too and I am between M and L according to Specialized. When tested Medium it seemed a little bit too small, I felt like I am over the handlebar, it would definitely slow me down on downhills. Large felt better to be honest. When I measured my shims length and put it in Specialized calculator it came out that I should have Large frame, even if I was 5'9 tall.
Where is the Grim Donut?
The real question is if these bikes are that much faster than a ibis ripley which climbs amazing and probably descends way better
That depends on what you mean by *climb*. Climb, as in XC race here in Colorado Rockies? If you were doing Breck 100 or Telluride 100, I'd suggest a faster bike than the Ripley. #differenthorsesfordifferentcourses
I was asking myself the same thing in every test.
I can tell you I'll descend slower in a 11k$ bike, just in case...
Wider handlebars? It has 760mm wide bars. How bad of a rider do you have to be if you want to ride with wider bars?
Specized is cool but grim donut is faster
I wish that I could buy this shit so bad😎
Hi, i dont know if you answer in comments on previous videos, but why you didnt test SPARK? Saw that a lot of people ask you the same question, but no answer. You have there big brands and great bikes, but you dont have there im my opinom one of top 5 XC racing bikes. I dont think so, that lot of great XC riders are riding this bike just for money.
Have the 2021 Scott Sparks been released yet? I can't find any info online.
@@richcole3931 ua-cam.com/video/2KdkTCUkPeM/v-deo.html canyon lux is also not brand new , they didnt mention, that they are going to test 2021 models.i think spark should be there.
@@mrshadow8244 I agree that the Spark is a necessary benchmark for XC. Gotta wonder if there is an embargo on the release of their new updated model.
@@richcole3931 we will see, rummors are about some upgraded model ,not just minor changes. maybe they come with new frame with slightly more progresive geometry.
Jacob Bannon twin? :)
id get this bike but for a resell value nobody would want to pay 10k so i;; probably end up getting a epic evo pro or epic pro.
5 seconds behind the normal epic, but the brain wasn’t used....
I’m still riding a 2002 trek 8500 and I bought it for $250
Good for you lol
Aarón E when it was brand new it was around $2000 and it’s very light and it’s also aluminum
A lot of naked kings out there. Bikes are getting bigger, heavier, easier and less fun, and of course, not cheaper.
1sth our of 5? 🤔
Goddamn Price🤑🤑🤑
I heard they break
That’s cool but I’d rather the grim donut
Good XC marathon bike I guess?
XC Marathon racer here. Evo aint it. Gotta go with the Epic. Brain is beast after the first 4 hours.
@@shajardror Marathon pros would still use epic + brain, why people advertsing Evo as marathon bike I dunno.
It defeats me on why weights are given without pedals, they are an absolutely cruitical component to be able to ride the bike! (and its no argument to say its becasue there are a wide choice of pedals, there are a wide choice of saddles, tyres etc, but they are included)
Wait what 11.525$ that worst more than my car
jeez a bikes a bike this channel is anal to the point that its clinically induced bike mania
Great bike , rides smooth ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L I added a bigger spring loaded seat to it . Takes a bit of adjusting cables to get brakes and shifting to perfect . I've owned quite a few bikes in the past that were absolutely uncomfortable to ride and they always ended up as garage wall decor . I'm not seeing that with this one. It's pretty light I've only ridden it a few miles but I like it . As for the pedals falling off in the other reviews , the pedal arms are aluminum along with the pedal studs look to be also . I would not overtighten them. I can see it would be very easy to overtighten them and strip the threads right off . All in all I think it's pretty good quality besides the aluminum pedal thing
this is M size. writen on frame it self.
$11,500? Next review, please.
I ride a 150 mm travel bike and I run two piston brakes. Four piston is really only good for super enduro and dh.
Small rotors though?
nic louw 203 in front 180 rear
Depends on where you live, how long and steep your descents are, and how your riding style is.
I run Magura MT5s 200/180 on my 140/120mm Ripley. Lighter (!) than XT or SLX 2pot, outright cheap and great performance.
s0 foR 5 years big OEMs double the price of the bikes....what the hell is this 12k bike...after 5 more years the will come to 20k....and probbly you will chose between a Ducati super bike or Epic Evo s....P)
It's a bit like the evolution of the American pony cars (Mustang/Camaro/Challenger). Customers and magazines complained that they were too crude, so manufacturers slowly but surely improved the vehicles so they perform as well as their Euro competitors, but now you can pay upwards of $90k for the best Mustang. Be careful what you ask for - you may get it.
Third
11g that’s ridiculous
Agreed, but all the top end bikes cost that now
nic louw I mean in general 11g should be illegal for a bicycle can buy a motorcycle for that much.
@@1bojanbojan You can spend over $100k for the best motorcycles.
Roger Sears zx10r is only $16,000
Bmw S1000 RR $17,000
So 11,000 for a bicycle is still overpriced
I just spent $4500 on Specialized Roubaix and imo bicycles in general are overpriced
@@1bojanbojan I've owned motorcycles for over 50 years and there's a Ducati sitting in my garage right now. If you want the "best" Ducati that's the Superleggera V4 for $100k. No one says you have to buy the Evo S-Works (I have an Evo Expert on order, which is the model they should have tested).
This isn't the Grim Donut though.
holly shit is a pagan belive
Sworks evo is not the specialized epic evo…
It’s lighter than my gravel bike...
Looks amazing, but turned off the review add soon as I heard down country ...
Levy is wearing sketchers
Why would u waste ur money on a xc bike that cost 11k when u could buy a good enduro or a trial bike that are far more capable on the down and still very good on the up hill
I'm 5.10 and I ride a M...
Manuel, I´m too 5.10 (178cm). How is the Medium feel on the trail comparing to a Large? have you tested them both before ended on a Medium?
WAANT
These reviews of 12k bucks bikes that nobody can afford are really getting tedious amd pointless... just review the Expert. Isn't a 7k usd price tag enough??
So many poor people
First?
sad man