Had this exact bike. Sold for a stumpy because I can only really keep one MTB. I LOVED this bike though. Fast and light and def punches above its weight.
@@HandlebarVentures I got the evo for that exact reason. Pedals very well, better than my 2019 long travel. I’m going to get some dedicated xc wheels for normal riding then use the alloys for the park
Great format, feels an honest opinion about the bike. Let me ask, in terms of COMFORT, and with age is more important that performance to me, do you think the RS SID fork provides it and the 110mm shock is enough?
Thank you! It's all relative. Compared to a hardtail or true xc race bike it is more comfortable, compared to a trail or Enduro bike it is not nearly as comfortable. I can sit and spin on technical climbs with my Enduro on the epic evo I tend to stand and attack more.
I am considering moving on from my Elsworth Moment (it's a 2005 model) to a new Specialized sometime in the Spring of 2024. The trails in my area are not super hard (Eastern Virginia area) but they are challenging enough for me. I thought about the Chisel, but my heavy 61 year old body thinks a Full Suspension would be better. Still on the fence about a Stump jumper of Epic EVO. Looking for a single bike.
Both are great bikes! Stumpjumper will be more comfortable and confidence inspiring on the downhills. Epic Evo will be faster especially uphill and has a more racey personality it wants to go fast. Really just personal preference what you're looking for. Hope that helps! -Chris
I ordered a Epic Evo...i'm still waiting. I continue with my Trek DS3 18, sometimes i'm thinking that my jump on my new mtb will be excellent but not as cum laude as will be with a...Stumpi... Im worried as a ignorant. Thanks for the review
I personally have never ridden the new blur or blur tr, so I can't give much insight unfortunately. However, on paper they are very similar. Both models also use a UDH so you can use future UDH only drivetrains. I'd try to demo both if possible, but I don't think you can go wrong with either one.
Hi guys, nice review, if you compare this bike and Stumpjumper which is better for hobby ride, traily maybe some bike park but only blue and red line none enduro ride?
Thanks! I'd recommend the Stumpjumper over the Epic Evo for your situation. I would not feel very confident taking the Epic Evo to the bike park, the Stumpjumper is a more capable bike which makes it more versatile. Hope that helps!
@@HandlebarVentures Could I ask how comfortable this model is? I've read many reviews of Epic vs. Stump and a lot of people say Stump is more comfortable on a day trip. Is it true?
I don't find the bike to be uncomfortable or harsh. However, the stumpy has more travel so will naturally have a softer more comfortable ride. That softer ride results in a less sporty feel when accelerating, always a trade-off to be made.
hi what is the difference between Specialized Evo, Specialized Evo Comp, Specilized Epic Comp, Specialized Epic Expert, Specialized Epic Evo Expert? which one you sit more upright and which bike is better if you use it mostly for going upwards / climbing?
Hi Gerald, the Epic Evo has geometry that is longer, lower, and slacker this provides more stability at speed which makes it a better descender than the Epic. The Epic has less suspension travel and uses specialized brain shock technology to give an almost hardtail like pedal platform so you can really hammer the climbs. Epic is a xc race bike Epic Evo is a xc/trail bike. Neither put you in a very upright relaxed pedaling position like a trail bike.
Thank you for the video! Is there a difference in performance between the Epic EVO Expert to Epic Expert? I know the EVO don't have a "brain," but in terms of performance, what's the difference? Thank you.
Epic Evo is a better all-rounder in my opinion. I would only buy the epic to use as an xc race bike. The epic evo has slacker geometry, and more travel which makes it more capable when the trails points downhill. However, for all those reasons just mentioned the epic is a more efficient and nimble climber especially with the brain. I'm not a fan of the brain suspension system personally.
Over and over again, this bikes gets great reviews and just the bike I’m looking for.
It is a great bike! And an absolute 🚀 no complaints or plans to replace it with something else. Thanks for watching!
-Chris
Had this exact bike. Sold for a stumpy because I can only really keep one MTB. I LOVED this bike though. Fast and light and def punches above its weight.
Stumpy is a solid choice! Rode my old 2018 SJ everywhere from xc trails to the bike park. I'd do the same if I could only have one bike as well.
@@HandlebarVentures I got the evo for that exact reason. Pedals very well, better than my 2019 long travel. I’m going to get some dedicated xc wheels for normal riding then use the alloys for the park
I've got an 'epic' itch and there are some mega deals about at the moment
I still think this is a great bike especially for the $ right now. I decided to add some upgrades to it this year vs buy the new Epic 8.
Great format, feels an honest opinion about the bike. Let me ask, in terms of COMFORT, and with age is more important that performance to me, do you think the RS SID fork provides it and the 110mm shock is enough?
Thank you! It's all relative. Compared to a hardtail or true xc race bike it is more comfortable, compared to a trail or Enduro bike it is not nearly as comfortable. I can sit and spin on technical climbs with my Enduro on the epic evo I tend to stand and attack more.
I am considering moving on from my Elsworth Moment (it's a 2005 model) to a new Specialized sometime in the Spring of 2024. The trails in my area are not super hard (Eastern Virginia area) but they are challenging enough for me. I thought about the Chisel, but my heavy 61 year old body thinks a Full Suspension would be better. Still on the fence about a Stump jumper of Epic EVO. Looking for a single bike.
Both are great bikes! Stumpjumper will be more comfortable and confidence inspiring on the downhills. Epic Evo will be faster especially uphill and has a more racey personality it wants to go fast. Really just personal preference what you're looking for. Hope that helps!
-Chris
I ordered a Epic Evo...i'm still waiting. I continue with my Trek DS3 18, sometimes i'm thinking that my jump on my new mtb will be excellent but not as cum laude as will be with a...Stumpi... Im worried as a ignorant.
Thanks for the review
You're welcome! Enjoy the new bike when it arrives!
I’m curious on your opinion santa cruz blur tr 2023 vs epic evo 2023. Thank You very Much!
I personally have never ridden the new blur or blur tr, so I can't give much insight unfortunately. However, on paper they are very similar. Both models also use a UDH so you can use future UDH only drivetrains. I'd try to demo both if possible, but I don't think you can go wrong with either one.
Hi guys, nice review, if you compare this bike and Stumpjumper which is better for hobby ride, traily maybe some bike park but only blue and red line none enduro ride?
Thanks! I'd recommend the Stumpjumper over the Epic Evo for your situation. I would not feel very confident taking the Epic Evo to the bike park, the Stumpjumper is a more capable bike which makes it more versatile. Hope that helps!
@@HandlebarVentures Could I ask how comfortable this model is? I've read many reviews of Epic vs. Stump and a lot of people say Stump is more comfortable on a day trip. Is it true?
I don't find the bike to be uncomfortable or harsh. However, the stumpy has more travel so will naturally have a softer more comfortable ride. That softer ride results in a less sporty feel when accelerating, always a trade-off to be made.
@@radektrompisch you’re also a bit more upright on the stumpy. It’s def more chill for pedaling around.
hi what is the difference between Specialized Evo, Specialized Evo Comp, Specilized Epic Comp, Specialized Epic Expert, Specialized Epic Evo Expert? which one you sit more upright and which bike is better if you use it mostly for going upwards / climbing?
Hi Gerald, the Epic Evo has geometry that is longer, lower, and slacker this provides more stability at speed which makes it a better descender than the Epic. The Epic has less suspension travel and uses specialized brain shock technology to give an almost hardtail like pedal platform so you can really hammer the climbs. Epic is a xc race bike Epic Evo is a xc/trail bike. Neither put you in a very upright relaxed pedaling position like a trail bike.
@@HandlebarVentures thanks for your fast reply - you say a trail bike is better for setting more upright?
Yes they tend to have more relaxed and upright pedaling positions vs an xc bike.
Thank you for the video!
Is there a difference in performance between the Epic EVO Expert to Epic Expert? I know the EVO don't have a "brain," but in terms of performance, what's the difference? Thank you.
Epic Evo is a better all-rounder in my opinion. I would only buy the epic to use as an xc race bike. The epic evo has slacker geometry, and more travel which makes it more capable when the trails points downhill. However, for all those reasons just mentioned the epic is a more efficient and nimble climber especially with the brain. I'm not a fan of the brain suspension system personally.
@@HandlebarVentures Thank you very much! This is super helpful, and finally made me understand the actual difference between the two.
No problem! Happy to help!
Standard weight?
Mods I have add up to around 1lbs of weight savings vs stock. Enve m5 carbon bars, Fox transfer sl dropper, schalbe racing ray and racing ralph tires.
@@HandlebarVentures Right at 25 lbs for this model from the factory.