I pulled the trigger on one of these. I rode just shy of 70 miles of climbing and flow trails over two days and the Epic Evo just ate it up. I'm so stoked with this thing. I particularly love how it corners.
I’d be interested in knowing the things below if possible. 1) Tire pressure front and rear with rider weight 2) Fork and shock pressure and if you deviated from the standard setup pressures 3) Bar width and if you are running a carbon or alum bar. 4) Weight of bike as you have it built out.
I put 770 bar width, M6 stem and bar high rise, need it to avoid hitting top tube. Freakin feels delicious After that plus Roval Control wheels, e13 XCX cranks, Loam Dropper. About 25 lbs
Curious what size Spur you ride and how it compares feel-wise in the cockpit to the Evo. Also, have you ever ridden the Santa Cruz Blur?...seems comparable to the Evo. Great vid-thanks!
This would be the perfect bike, but there aren't many flowy trails where I live. I much prefer the longer front end and extra cushion of my Hightower on the very steep g-outs in Northshore Loop 6 (Grapevine TX). The extra suspension also gives more room for error on the very steep climbs. Personally, I find XC hardtails more reasonable for me since I mostly ride on the road, and only go to the trails on the weekend because of school. Have you ever tried the Pivot Mach 4 SL? I'm interested in your opinion on it because the geometry makes it similar to the Epic Evo, but the Pivot has optional Fox Live Valve which I am very interested in.
I am a 300 lb. 61-year-old rider and hoping to lose weight. I am thinking the Epic EVO would be the bike for me to have. Is that reasonable, or should I stick with my 2005 Ellsworth Moment?
I’m from the Bentonville Arkansas area. Is this bike capable of handling most of the trails here? I also do a fair amount of road riding with my wife so I am trying to find a bike that is a happy medium between trail and pavement. Thanks!
This vs. Stumpjumper. 6" tall 185 naked weight. Intermediate rider. Like climbing but bombing down both fast flow and especially techy slower is where it's at for me. I am pretty good at picking my lines since I come from years of riding hardtail. The only reason I would pick epic is for PR glory on my local, mellow trails. Currently riding alloy stumpy. That pig is heavy but it's so comfy on downs. I am thinking carbon stumpy, not because of the weight savings but because of a different suspension design and two sets of wheels. Carbon, light tire for PRs near home and OEM alloy with proper heavy duty rubber for real mountains. Thoughts?
Great review! I really can’t decide between the epic or the epic evo. I’m a small guy, only 140lbs and I like to race xc but I don’t like the brain system very much. Would the evo kill my time on the climbs? Maybe I could run the shock a little stiffer? Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.
4:30 Great review! Can I ask what you define as a 'bigger rider'? I'm 6'1 at 200lbs and am looking for an XC bike (I have a 130mm travel bike now and have never bottomed it out, I don't hit gaps or do big jumps, and I feel like I want less bike). Are you suggesting I shouldn't consider this bike? Thanks in advance?
How do you like those tires compared to Ground Controls, Fast Traks or Rocket Rons? How much more perceived/measured rolling resistance and how much more grip? Does the bike loose the pick-up-and- go character? Do you notice it on the trail etc?
I love these tires, but my goal is to have a more “trail worthy” bike. It was a pretty significant distance going to these tires. It does lose that pickup and go for sure, but it’s all relative in my opinion. I’m not going for KOMs, I’m just looking to have fun
@@richdrewtherideseries alright cool! Just gotta see for myself then ! Maybe put them on the stock heavy wheels, and keep racier tires on the carbon hoops. I’ve a base model Reba, and thinking about a Sid or maybe even a Pike at 130mm with some meatier tires (:
Did you ever feel wanting a lock-out leaver when doing the climbs on that bike since it has no brain technology? I'm assuming it would bob a lot during the climbs?
Hey Marcus! I reached down and locked both the front and rear out when I was climbing back up on the road, but I never had an issue with it on the trail. I felt it climbed VERY well!
Hi, I am looking at '22 EE. I am 5'10 and I am stuck between M and L. I always rode M but old geometry and this EE is all new to me. M felt like too short, maybe cause of new geo, and Large, I am not sure about it. Any advice please? Many thanks
Great review Rich. How close are you running your suspension to what the Big S recommends via their online calculator? I’ve got the EE Comp with some upgrades and absolutely love the bike for the same reasons you mentioned. I grab it more often than my Ripmo V2 because of how fast the EE wants to go.
I'm from San Antonio, TX. I have the 2020 Epic Evo Comp in carbon fiber (in Satin Turquoise) - and I fkn love this bike! I've used it at Spider Mountain, and I've hit up the trails in Puerto Rico with it (recently took it to Brazil, as well).
Hey Jason! It did! The beefier tires and Cushcore made a big difference in that regard, but it also took away some of the “snappiness” of the bike. I’m ok with it though.
Best bike review I’ve seen. I’ve watched a LOT. I have a 2021 epic evo comp with GX AXS, xtr brake levers, roval control SL’s raceface riser bars and a funn riser stem. It’s perfect. That ride looked soooo fun
Thanks for the review! Awesome footage. May I ask where you settled on sag and rebound for the rear shock, and what PSI it took to get there for your weight? I'm finding that at 185 I need 235/240 PSI to hit 27.5% sag. This is quite a bit higher that Spec's suspension calculator.
Hey Artem! I'd say go Stumpjumper. Based on my experience, they are both great bikes. However, the Stumpy pedals AMAZINGLY well and has a decent amount more capability. I'm 5'10 and I went with an S4 Stumpy and I run a 40mm stem. You might want to sit on an S3 and S4 to see which one you prefer. Don't hesitate with any other questions.
I'm 6'0 and slightly long in the leg and maybe a bit short on torso. What size S4 or S5 in the Epic Evo for me? I currently ride a 2013 Epic Comp in XL and had to change out the 20mm setback seat post to an S-Works Carbon with only 10mm setback and then changed out the 105mm stem for a Thompson 80mm so reduced cockpit by 35mm to make it fit me, but I think the 2013 Epic XL is on the bigger size of an XL... anyway I cannot find any 2022 Epic's in the flesh to ride and will have to buy online and can't decide on sz??? Thoughts?
Did my first 32 mile xc race. I’m hooked but I definitely need a different bike. Currently on a 2014 diamondback shorty 2 140 travel up front 120 back but 35lb bike (awful) Been looking at the spur, ranger and epic evo. 5’10 200lbs. Any suggestions would be appreciated
I just did a 32 mile ride on mine this morning and I can’t see myself riding anything else for a while. I’m 6’-2” on a XL with the dropper slammed down to the collar.
@@richdrewtherideseries I tried but it slowed the bike down too much. Where I ride in Spring TX the elevation change is maybe 400ft in 33 miles so you’re constantly pedaling. When I go to Colorado I usually swap tires for something more aggressive. The XC Cush core is starting to catch my interest though.
I looked into that when I got mine and the answer was basically no unless you want to change the rear shock and the front damper. I've since lost interest as I don't feel I need it.
Oh and there isn't even the right size sidlux with external lockout available so you'd have to hack one or go deluxe for the rear (at least at that time).
Id be interested to know that as well. if you had to choose one to give you the most versatility for the off marathon event to all day trail. Which would it be between the spur and the evo
At 6'1" am I firmly in XL territory or is there room on that size Large? Is it on the big side or small side for you at 5'10"? I like running a 50-60 mm stem. If I went XL I would probably run a 40. Thanks and keep shredding
I love specialized! But no bikes available, would buy a stumpjumper expert 2021. Now the prices are again +1000€ in each model... So I went with a available spur for the old prices, good luck to me. I'm very impressed how hard you can go with 120mm...its like a mini enduro but pedals so well, even on tarmac. What a machine. But specialized is specialized, I love theire frame details, colors etc. But prices are too high for 2022!!
Prices are out of control, most bike companies have increased prices significantly year over year .. some on the same build!! I know supply chains have been hurting, but dam. Yall ready for the crash for.. everything? Lol
@@djohnson2035 I won't see my Medium until May(fingers crossed) but I demoed one last fall and that felt good for me. Smaller=lighter/more tossable/fun and I don't think it's TOO small for me.
@@derekride hi, I am 5'10 and I am stuck between M and L. I always rode M but old geometry and this EE is all new to me. M felt like too short, maybe cause of new geo, and Large, I am not sure about it. WHat do you think. How is your Medium EE?
I think I am considered that bigger rider. I’m 6’2” about 220 riding the xl expert in blue. No issues so far! Handles moderate jumps well and nowhere near as cumbersome as my stumpy was. Took to jump track, nothing crazy, and it was well above my pay grade. Probably not for a bike park but I wouldn’t be surprised to see one there.
I'm also 6'2" and 220 and have been considering an Epic Evo Expert or Stumpjumper comp carbon. I wish I could try out both bikes on the trail before I decide what to get but most shops only allow a ride in the parking lot lol.
@@norcalchrismeister I went to a shop today. If I can sell the epic Evo quickly, I’m going to consider the stumpy Evo (adjustability) again. Nothing wrong with my experience with the epic Evo and I could be making a mistake. I’m basing it off of why I sold my 2019 stumpy (it sucked to pedal) and the newer models,while not being as good as the epic, are better than the old sj. I also moved so I won’t be doing a lot of pedaling on the way to trails anymore. Im just looking for the best all around Bike. I don’t think you’ll go wrong with either.
It seems to have a more sensible geometry than most bikes these days (bb drop not 2.5", and ST less than 78 degress). But the reach is a bit short for the sizing, at 6'4" you'd be on a 120mm stem. Heavier riders are far better of with a Fox 36 or Z1. I've found that RS doesn't handle riding at max rated pressures very well, goes for forks or rear shocks.
Amazing review. I have the 2021 Stumpjumper, they come with the Butcher front and eliminator back, basically same tires as you. I live in Florida and most of our trails are sort of cross country style. Some people say the Butcher is way too aggressive for cross country but I kinda like the feeling and how grippy these tires are :), am I doing wrong? What are your thoughts on using aggressive tires on cross country trails? Most of the locals I see use Maxxis Arden's, but I don't know I just don't feel safe with those tires, specially in corner
Try adding cushcore xc inserts. They allow you to use lower pressures for more compliance and grip but they also provide more lateral stability during turns.
@@pedalandypedal no, i dont want to use that. That's what my locals use, and I used them before and I dont like them. My question is, aggressive tires on xc trails
Great review Rich! I definitely fall into the heavy rider category, so I'll stick with my Enduro. I look forward to leveling up my skills with you on Monday!
That riser bar you swapped out solved a known Epic/Epic Evo problem - insufficient shifter/dropper remote clearance to the frame top tube with the standard handlebar. You should have acknowledged that fact.
I have had a Spur and Epic Evo, both high-end builds with Roval Control SL wheels and 2.4 Rekons for comparison purposes. After many rides on each bike, I sold the Spur and kept the Epic Evo. I wanted to like the Spur more. To me, it's a sexier looking bike with cleaner lines and my Spur was really sharp looking. Unfortunately, the Spur didn't climb quite as well as the Evo and, interestingly, didn't seem to descend any better and the Spur frame is significantly heavier than the Epic Evo. Both are great bikes, but the nod goes to the Evo for me and my friends who rode each. As a bonus, the Evo is much more comfortable for long rides. After selling the Spur, I upgraded the shock on the Evo to a Deluxe Ultimate 42.5mm stroke and the fork to a 2022 Grip 2 Fox 34 130mm and the feel is amazing. This makes the bike a 130/117mm travel bike that punches above it's weight on descents and still is great for all day rides.
I've watched this video more times that it's healthy to admit! Great editing and great feedback on the bike. Exactly what I need to follow the eBikes of my wife and my bother in law - Come on Specialized, launch the 2022 so I can buy my new bike!!! :)
@@funLad80 I went L and it feels good. You could certainly go with a medium, but it all depends on your reach preference. A M is 436 and a L is 460. My lower end of reach is around 450, especially since the majority of my bikes are 460-480.
@@richdrewtherideseries thank you, yes, I think about L more than M. Is there any simple way to measure your reach? I have heard 2.5 x height in cm work well? If yes, my reach would be about 450. Unfortunately my old bike old geometry, 110 stem, 26 wheels, etc and I can't really compare these values.
I pulled the trigger on one of these. I rode just shy of 70 miles of climbing and flow trails over two days and the Epic Evo just ate it up. I'm so stoked with this thing. I particularly love how it corners.
Would love your opion on santa cruz blur tr 2023 vs epic evo 2023. Thank You Very much!
I’d be interested in knowing the things below if possible.
1) Tire pressure front and rear with rider weight
2) Fork and shock pressure and if you deviated from the standard setup pressures
3) Bar width and if you are running a carbon or alum bar.
4) Weight of bike as you have it built out.
I put 770 bar width, M6 stem and bar high rise, need it to avoid hitting top tube. Freakin feels delicious
After that plus Roval Control wheels, e13 XCX cranks, Loam Dropper. About 25 lbs
Curious what size Spur you ride and how it compares feel-wise in the cockpit to the Evo. Also, have you ever ridden the Santa Cruz Blur?...seems comparable to the Evo. Great vid-thanks!
This would be the perfect bike, but there aren't many flowy trails where I live. I much prefer the longer front end and extra cushion of my Hightower on the very steep g-outs in Northshore Loop 6 (Grapevine TX). The extra suspension also gives more room for error on the very steep climbs.
Personally, I find XC hardtails more reasonable for me since I mostly ride on the road, and only go to the trails on the weekend because of school.
Have you ever tried the Pivot Mach 4 SL? I'm interested in your opinion on it because the geometry makes it similar to the Epic Evo, but the Pivot has optional Fox Live Valve which I am very interested in.
I am a 300 lb. 61-year-old rider and hoping to lose weight. I am thinking the Epic EVO would be the bike for me to have. Is that reasonable, or should I stick with my 2005 Ellsworth Moment?
I’m from the Bentonville Arkansas area. Is this bike capable of handling most of the trails here? I also do a fair amount of road riding with my wife so I am trying to find a bike that is a happy medium between trail and pavement. Thanks!
When you say you wouldn’t recommend this for a bigger rider, what would you recommend then?
This vs. Stumpjumper. 6" tall 185 naked weight. Intermediate rider. Like climbing but bombing down both fast flow and especially techy slower is where it's at for me. I am pretty good at picking my lines since I come from years of riding hardtail. The only reason I would pick epic is for PR glory on my local, mellow trails. Currently riding alloy stumpy. That pig is heavy but it's so comfy on downs. I am thinking carbon stumpy, not because of the weight savings but because of a different suspension design and two sets of wheels. Carbon, light tire for PRs near home and OEM alloy with proper heavy duty rubber for real mountains. Thoughts?
Are you riding your Evo with the flip chip in the low or high setting? Just got one, still getting comfortable on it
Which would you choose to keep a fazzarie signal peek or the epic Evo. I ride tight old school east coast singletrack?
Hey Josh! I’d keep the Signal Peak. I just prefer it more. It might be the four bar rear end, it just seems to work a bit better in my opinion.
Thank you it's a toss between the two
@@joshhalabura7744 I hear you man, both great bikes! I'd go with availability and the better deal.
Rich you mention using the Epic Evo for Breck Epic. Do you still feel that way? What about the Fezzari Signal Peak for that race?
Either would be great! To be completely transparent, it would be whichever company was funding that endeavor.
Great review! I really can’t decide between the epic or the epic evo. I’m a small guy, only 140lbs and I like to race xc but I don’t like the brain system very much. Would the evo kill my time on the climbs? Maybe I could run the shock a little stiffer? Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.
4:30 Great review! Can I ask what you define as a 'bigger rider'? I'm 6'1 at 200lbs and am looking for an XC bike (I have a 130mm travel bike now and have never bottomed it out, I don't hit gaps or do big jumps, and I feel like I want less bike). Are you suggesting I shouldn't consider this bike? Thanks in advance?
Riding bud has one - he’s 6’6” and 237lbs and he LOVES IT
Right there with you. Would love to see some input on this question!
Can't believe you got someone to paint that water tower the same colour as your jacket..that's dedication fella 👌🏻🤘🏻👏🏻😉😅
It's all about the production value Jim ;)
How do you like those tires compared to Ground Controls, Fast Traks or Rocket Rons? How much more perceived/measured rolling resistance and how much more grip? Does the bike loose the pick-up-and- go character? Do you notice it on the trail etc?
I love these tires, but my goal is to have a more “trail worthy” bike. It was a pretty significant distance going to these tires. It does lose that pickup and go for sure, but it’s all relative in my opinion. I’m not going for KOMs, I’m just looking to have fun
@@richdrewtherideseries alright cool! Just gotta see for myself then ! Maybe put them on the stock heavy wheels, and keep racier tires on the carbon hoops. I’ve a base model Reba, and thinking about a Sid or maybe even a Pike at 130mm with some meatier tires (:
If you had to choose one, would you go epic evo? Or spur? Curious what “down country” bike you like more.
Evo
@@fengcarlos evo
Did you ever feel wanting a lock-out leaver when doing the climbs on that bike since it has no brain technology? I'm assuming it would bob a lot during the climbs?
Hey Marcus! I reached down and locked both the front and rear out when I was climbing back up on the road, but I never had an issue with it on the trail. I felt it climbed VERY well!
@@richdrewtherideseries Nice! Thanks for the prompt reply. Ride safe!
Hi, I am looking at '22 EE. I am 5'10 and I am stuck between M and L. I always rode M but old geometry and this EE is all new to me. M felt like too short, maybe cause of new geo, and Large, I am not sure about it. Any advice please? Many thanks
Great review Rich. How close are you running your suspension to what the Big S recommends via their online calculator? I’ve got the EE Comp with some upgrades and absolutely love the bike for the same reasons you mentioned. I grab it more often than my Ripmo V2 because of how fast the EE wants to go.
dude you shredded the F outta that trail. look forward to seeing you around bentonville and taking a class soon.
I'm from San Antonio, TX. I have the 2020 Epic Evo Comp in carbon fiber (in Satin Turquoise) - and I fkn love this bike! I've used it at Spider Mountain, and I've hit up the trails in Puerto Rico with it (recently took it to Brazil, as well).
Awesome!! By adding the Cushcore XC, did that make the bike feel more trail esque?
Hey Jason! It did! The beefier tires and Cushcore made a big difference in that regard, but it also took away some of the “snappiness” of the bike. I’m ok with it though.
@@richdrewtherideseries Awesome Rich!! I think I'll do that with my Epic Evo too
Best bike review I’ve seen. I’ve watched a LOT. I have a 2021 epic evo comp with GX AXS, xtr brake levers, roval control SL’s raceface riser bars and a funn riser stem. It’s perfect. That ride looked soooo fun
Thanks for the review! Awesome footage.
May I ask where you settled on sag and rebound for the rear shock, and what PSI it took to get there for your weight? I'm finding that at 185 I need 235/240 PSI to hit 27.5% sag. This is quite a bit higher that Spec's suspension calculator.
Fantastic review - this or a new Scott 900/910 (2022)?
Hey there! I'd say whichever you can get sooner and for a better price. Both great bikes!
@@richdrewtherideseries thanks, i will speak to my local suppliers (and Santa)
I’m trying to choose between stumpjumper and epic, please help me!))
I more ride in Auburn,CA
Hey Artem! I'd say go Stumpjumper. Based on my experience, they are both great bikes. However, the Stumpy pedals AMAZINGLY well and has a decent amount more capability. I'm 5'10 and I went with an S4 Stumpy and I run a 40mm stem. You might want to sit on an S3 and S4 to see which one you prefer. Don't hesitate with any other questions.
I'm 6'0 and slightly long in the leg and maybe a bit short on torso. What size S4 or S5 in the Epic Evo for me? I currently ride a 2013 Epic Comp in XL and had to change out the 20mm setback seat post to an S-Works Carbon with only 10mm setback and then changed out the 105mm stem for a Thompson 80mm so reduced cockpit by 35mm to make it fit me, but I think the 2013 Epic XL is on the bigger size of an XL... anyway I cannot find any 2022 Epic's in the flesh to ride and will have to buy online and can't decide on sz??? Thoughts?
hi, what size did you choose and how you like it?
How is that SID holding up for you? Any warranty issues?
Did my first 32 mile xc race. I’m hooked but I definitely need a different bike. Currently on a 2014 diamondback shorty 2 140 travel up front 120 back but 35lb bike (awful) Been looking at the spur, ranger and epic evo. 5’10 200lbs. Any suggestions would be appreciated
I just did a 32 mile ride on mine this morning and I can’t see myself riding anything else for a while. I’m 6’-2” on a XL with the dropper slammed down to the collar.
It's a great bike Sean! Did you change up the stock tires?
@@richdrewtherideseries I tried but it slowed the bike down too much. Where I ride in Spring TX the elevation change is maybe 400ft in 33 miles so you’re constantly pedaling. When I go to Colorado I usually swap tires for something more aggressive. The XC Cush core is starting to catch my interest though.
Nice ride. I love doing long rides w/ mine. 6-1 here on a large. I hate being at the upper end of large/lower end of XL lol.
Is it possible to use a remote lockout for the shock? I saw a photo of one using it but never seen anybody talk about it
I looked into that when I got mine and the answer was basically no unless you want to change the rear shock and the front damper. I've since lost interest as I don't feel I need it.
Oh and there isn't even the right size sidlux with external lockout available so you'd have to hack one or go deluxe for the rear (at least at that time).
how good is it if you uphill a lot? im not jumping much anyway going downhill...
Id be interested to know that as well. if you had to choose one to give you the most versatility for the off marathon event to all day trail. Which would it be between the spur and the evo
Hey Oliver! It's certainly a tough call, but the the second bottle cage might bias me to the EVO for those longer days.
@@richdrewtherideseries Would you so its the more versatile bike in that regard covering a wider range of riding?
@@richdrewtherideseries What about the weight difference? Also which is the better technical climber?
At 6'1" am I firmly in XL territory or is there room on that size Large? Is it on the big side or small side for you at 5'10"? I like running a 50-60 mm stem. If I went XL I would probably run a 40.
Thanks and keep shredding
Hey Tim! I'd say FIRMLY in XL territory! I'd have to check the reach numbers, but I'd think you'd still run a 50mm on an XL.
I’m 6’2 & 160lbs - I ride the XL and absolutely love it - Large was way too small, for me anyway.
@@paulgrundy1501 thanks for that - very helpful
what size did you get please?
I love specialized! But no bikes available, would buy a stumpjumper expert 2021. Now the prices are again +1000€ in each model... So I went with a available spur for the old prices, good luck to me. I'm very impressed how hard you can go with 120mm...its like a mini enduro but pedals so well, even on tarmac. What a machine. But specialized is specialized, I love theire frame details, colors etc. But prices are too high for 2022!!
Prices are out of control, most bike companies have increased prices significantly year over year .. some on the same build!! I know supply chains have been hurting, but dam. Yall ready for the crash for.. everything? Lol
How does this bike compare to Orbea Oiz trail
Did you flip the chip to the high setting?
Could you tell what pedals do you use please?
Hey there! I use HT T1 pedals.
Which do you ride more, your epic evo or your transition spur?
5' 8" enduro rider here, I've race expert men.....Size M or L... I've sat on both. Can't make my mind up. What do you think?
Hey James! Tough to say man, I think a M or L would work. What bike do you ride enduro on? Or is this going to be your only bike?
what size did you choose?
You Shred!!
I am 5'9" and just ordered a medium. Should I have gone with the L?
Hey there! I don’t think you’ll have an issue with the medium. I’ve spun around on one and it was fun! Great bike, enjoy it!
How did that medium work out for you?
@@djohnson2035 I won't see my Medium until May(fingers crossed) but I demoed one last fall and that felt good for me. Smaller=lighter/more tossable/fun and I don't think it's TOO small for me.
@@derekride hi, I am 5'10 and I am stuck between M and L. I always rode M but old geometry and this EE is all new to me. M felt like too short, maybe cause of new geo, and Large, I am not sure about it. WHat do you think. How is your Medium EE?
Great video!
Did you sell it?
I still have it, but it isn't mine. It's a demo from Specialized.
Like your kit!
I think I am considered that bigger rider. I’m 6’2” about 220 riding the xl expert in blue. No issues so far! Handles moderate jumps well and nowhere near as cumbersome as my stumpy was. Took to jump track, nothing crazy, and it was well above my pay grade. Probably not for a bike park but I wouldn’t be surprised to see one there.
I'm also 6'2" and 220 and have been considering an Epic Evo Expert or Stumpjumper comp carbon. I wish I could try out both bikes on the trail before I decide what to get but most shops only allow a ride in the parking lot lol.
@@norcalchrismeister I went to a shop today. If I can sell the epic Evo quickly, I’m going to consider the stumpy Evo (adjustability) again. Nothing wrong with my experience with the epic Evo and I could be making a mistake. I’m basing it off of why I sold my 2019 stumpy (it sucked to pedal) and the newer models,while not being as good as the epic, are better than the old sj. I also moved so I won’t be doing a lot of pedaling on the way to trails anymore.
Im just looking for the best all around Bike. I don’t think you’ll go wrong with either.
What’s the Weight of the bike?
It seems to have a more sensible geometry than most bikes these days (bb drop not 2.5", and ST less than 78 degress). But the reach is a bit short for the sizing, at 6'4" you'd be on a 120mm stem. Heavier riders are far better of with a Fox 36 or Z1. I've found that RS doesn't handle riding at max rated pressures very well, goes for forks or rear shocks.
Eco or Spur for XXC?
Amazing review. I have the 2021 Stumpjumper, they come with the Butcher front and eliminator back, basically same tires as you. I live in Florida and most of our trails are sort of cross country style. Some people say the Butcher is way too aggressive for cross country but I kinda like the feeling and how grippy these tires are :), am I doing wrong? What are your thoughts on using aggressive tires on cross country trails? Most of the locals I see use Maxxis Arden's, but I don't know I just don't feel safe with those tires, specially in corner
Try adding cushcore xc inserts. They allow you to use lower pressures for more compliance and grip but they also provide more lateral stability during turns.
@@pedalandypedal Thanks but that is actually not my questions, but thanks anyways
@@fengcarlos you questioned the safety of ardents in corners. Gave you an option to make them feel more substantial. Keep rockin.
@@pedalandypedal no, i dont want to use that. That's what my locals use, and I used them before and I dont like them. My question is, aggressive tires on xc trails
@@fengcarlos seems like you just answered your own question. If it’s what makes you confident then keep ripping on them.
Great review Rich! I definitely fall into the heavy rider category, so I'll stick with my Enduro. I look forward to leveling up my skills with you on Monday!
That riser bar you swapped out solved a known Epic/Epic Evo problem - insufficient shifter/dropper remote clearance to the frame top tube with the standard handlebar. You should have acknowledged that fact.
Defo, the original bars pinged back and the brakes scratched the top bar of mine 😢
handlebar and stem, what are they?
Though you did touch on it, I'd love to see a comparison video of this vs. the Spur.
Hey William! Coming soon 😉
I have had a Spur and Epic Evo, both high-end builds with Roval Control SL wheels and 2.4 Rekons for comparison purposes. After many rides on each bike, I sold the Spur and kept the Epic Evo. I wanted to like the Spur more. To me, it's a sexier looking bike with cleaner lines and my Spur was really sharp looking. Unfortunately, the Spur didn't climb quite as well as the Evo and, interestingly, didn't seem to descend any better and the Spur frame is significantly heavier than the Epic Evo. Both are great bikes, but the nod goes to the Evo for me and my friends who rode each. As a bonus, the Evo is much more comfortable for long rides. After selling the Spur, I upgraded the shock on the Evo to a Deluxe Ultimate 42.5mm stroke and the fork to a 2022 Grip 2 Fox 34 130mm and the feel is amazing. This makes the bike a 130/117mm travel bike that punches above it's weight on descents and still is great for all day rides.
I've watched this video more times that it's healthy to admit! Great editing and great feedback on the bike. Exactly what I need to follow the eBikes of my wife and my bother in law - Come on Specialized, launch the 2022 so I can buy my new bike!!! :)
Thanks Jorge! I agree, come on Specialized!! ;)
Is a new evo due already?
For 5ft10 M size would be better
I politely disagree. I rode both and felt the L was much better. I think it's a matter of opinion.
hi, I am 5'10 too, what size did you get?
@@funLad80 M size without a doubt. The bike has a long reach
@@funLad80 I went L and it feels good. You could certainly go with a medium, but it all depends on your reach preference. A M is 436 and a L is 460. My lower end of reach is around 450, especially since the majority of my bikes are 460-480.
@@richdrewtherideseries thank you, yes, I think about L more than M. Is there any simple way to measure your reach? I have heard 2.5 x height in cm work well? If yes, my reach would be about 450. Unfortunately my old bike old geometry, 110 stem, 26 wheels, etc and I can't really compare these values.
Why is it $6400? It’s just a tubed frame with pre built, non-factory components. The bike industry is robbery
To bad you can't buy one.