My Epic Evo Comp is down to 22.7 lbs with pedals. What kicked off the major weight savings were the Roval Control SL Wheels and Fast Trak T7 Front and T7 rear tires. Also went with a Carbon Bar and Carbon GX Crankset. I added an X01 Rear Casette as well. I changed to a Fox Transfer SL Dropper 75mm. Went with lighter ESI Foam grips and a Selle San Marco Supperleggera Aspide saddle (104 grams). Swapped out whatever bolts I could with Better Bolts Titanium. Replaced the Bottle cages with Tune Carbon Cages. Swapped to Galfer 180mm Rotors front and rear. I also upgraded to the Raceday Damper on my Rockshox Sid. With the brake upgrade and transmission upgrades planned for later this year, I might drop close to another 1.5 lbs.
Agree on the pedals. XTRs are lighter … but seal keeps coming off and pedals are more delicate overall,… tend to creek more, etc. XT are more robust, consistent and bulletproof pedals! Very nice build!
Ok, that's my bike except I've gone carbon bars, XT 4pot brakes & drivetrain except SLX cranks, Elite carbon wheels, Oneup dropper, Pirelli Scorpion front, Specz ground control rear & Specialized upgraded the rear shock to a Sidluxe ultimate. I had to change the BB to a Nukeproof Horizon. 2 years in I love the bike except for the shock bushings that keep creaking.. One of those best choice purchase decisions.. That rear shelf dirt collector is always an issue. The reason the cable grommet keeps slipping out is the way you have the cables wrapped. The grommet uses the cable spread to friction hold the grommet in the frame... Stress less, ride more!
@@LoveMTB how's the Fox rear shock working out? At 200lbs the replacement Specz sent really is no better than the OEM one. I'm not really happy with the travel.
Gotta say, if I'm ever wondering or considering anything MTB/components related, you've already got a video covering it. You're the man. Keep up the great work.
Hey man, great video - I’m building up my epic Evo comp and enjoying the process. I wanted to ask what rubber you used on the top tube to protect it? I’m getting a nice scratch/gouge and I’m wanting to replicate your solution! Thanks
Very nice build, inspiring, few questions appreciated if you could answer, did you build wheelsets with earo spokes and how heave were they ? And are there terains that earo spokes have greater advantageous, and did you try cannondales lefty fork and how does it feel ?
Not really aero but these - ua-cam.com/video/yRD_3mf3AW4/v-deo.html And no, for MTB aero spokes won't make any difference but they are use for weight savings like here - ua-cam.com/video/9yQ1D-7iLT0/v-deo.html
That was pretty much custom Ridewrap like you see here - bikecomponents.ca/collections/accessories/products/ridewrap-covered-protection%E2%84%A2-kits Have a discount code in the vid if you end up buying from BC also 😉
did it cost you less on getting the base model and upgrading it along the way rather than buying the top speced one? I am looking on a sale specialized epic evo pro 2022 which cost around 5320 gbp... i was thinking if its a wiser move to get the base and just upgrade the rest just like you did
if you are crazy crazy serious about weight savings i would recommend the Blackburn Cinch Carbon bottle cage, it comes in at 16 grams. it is a little pricey though
Great content! would love to see a fork comparison for this bike, specifically SID ( old and new) vs Pike 120mm. I Wonder if the Pike's performance benefits worth the extra weight over the SID.Moreover, with the new SID release is it even noticeable?
Awesome selection of parts! I like that it is not only top notch XTR parts and it is still impressively light. I've also tried XC RC tyres from Pirelli but my choice now is Hutchinson Skeleton.
Looks nice. That looks like a great modern XC race bike for rougher courses. I'm wondering if the XTR shifter and derailleur have any advantages over XT other than being lighter weight. Are there any performance or longevity improvements?
I think it is about the tensión cable, because un xtr You get a polymerus cable and un the others it is Metallic. But You can install that polymerus in xtr,xt,slx and deore too
I found that the polymer coated cable started shredding the coating especially at any bend. I switched to Jagwire Elite Polished inner cables with no problems.@@luchocatano1772
I bought an Epic Evo Expert - arrived with shipping damage that IMO Spesh isn't providing adequate compensation, so returning. But just pedaling to the end of the driveway the lack of pedal mode on the Rockshock = bad pedal bob. Does the Fox make a huge difference? Even in wide open my Yeti SB5 has a much better pedaling platform.
Amazing you made it to such a low weight! I have a 2020 Spark RC Pro (large), with some lighter pieces than yours, like a SID 35 Ultimate, some heavier, like downtube protection, Cushcore rear, Fox Transfer SL 150mm, but still light-ish XC tires, and my build is currently 25.9 lbs! As a BC rider, it would be fun to race some of your Ontario courses! Cheers, and great content as usual!
Nice vid. It confirms my opinions on the new Epic WC and their unfounded hype on "lightweight race machine" crap they keep spouting. The thing is heavy and there is NO reason why you would choose it over this bike. the extra travel will help with fatigue and be far more composed on trickier stuff. I have the regular 2021 Epic Large (with brain... ugh) and Im currently shopping for the EVO. (Im going to drop to a Medium too) I have done all the same weight saving things and with a 125mm dropper its 10.34kg.
Have you tried running the flip chip in low and getting a 110mm travel air shaft for the fork? i.e. to drop the ride height, lower COG, while keeping the steering from being too slack for XC. i ride mine like that, and dont have many pedal strikes - this bike is actually a bit higher than my previous xc race bike. i am running 170mm cranks though.
Thank you for another awesome vid!!!That bike looks fast even sitting still in the bike stand...Do you think an xtr cassette would be worth the extra money on a race bike like this?
Great build! I am a fellow weight weenie. Few ideas for dropping some grams: Sid race damper upgrade (will turn the fork into a ultimate Sid and can be done at the end of the season instead of sending the fork into sram for service)
@@LoveMTB I agree. I raced the Sid ultimate for 1 year and then tried the fox and liked it more. It has much more bottomless feel but still offers good mid-support when pushing the bike hard on repeated hits. If you have the budget to get a 34, I would. But keep in mind it’s not as stiff as the rs, not really a limiting factor imo as the travel runs out on both Sid and 34 before stiffness is an issue on anyone under 200lbs.
@@Bench_mark_113that's a common opinion about Sid and Fox comparison. I have Race Day. Huge progression on the bottom but kinda lack of support on the higher part. I wonder how good new Ohlins fork and shock are. Looks like new alternative for downcountry riding
@@LoveMTB it is stiff, and rides high in the travel which is good for XC. However my shoulders are hammered from a lifetime of labor, and untimely getoffs. Headed to the Fox camp - considering over-forking to a 130. Any thoughts on that?
@@paganskier It’s slack enough I wouldn’t overwork it. And yeah a Fox SC would be a good fit for it, so is the Sid. I would prob go for the new 2024 one thought
5:18 - Your 12 sp Quick link is pointing backwards :). The arrow follows the chain rotation. Agree on the XT pedals. I have a bin of XTR's that have shot bearings.
As an owner of the same bike i can say you've made some smart decisions. Like 3-position shock (or whole suspension) suits nicely to this versatile machine. Still thinking about remote lockout or switching to Fox front and rear. Or fly attendant someday maybe... Every time i hit some roots with my cranks i start thinking about changing flip chip position to H (and/or change cranks to 165mm). Never tried but i get why you did it. Especially on racy bike. Could you please tell me, did you ever hit max travel mark on this Sid? I've never seen my o-ring on this mark. I have some thoughts about it, but no actions yet. And what's your dropper travel now? Thanks!
I "might" have a couple of Pirellis waiting for me...😇 No remote for the shock for us, no remotes period. But we do change the shock damper settings when riding.
@@LoveMTBI’ve been blown away by the Pirelli Scorpion XC RCs (in 2.4) since I switched to them following your glaring review, with the only caveat being that I would love a 2.6in version for my hardtail. Which makes me look forward to any insight you’d have on their bigger tire offerings. 😊
@@francoisrdt Haha no 2.6 for us yet just more 2.4s. We're still of the belief that the XC RC 2.4 are the best XC tires we've ever ever used. Now all 3 of us racing on them. Just great tires overall.
@@LoveMTB ok yes I could understand shifting not as good as Shimano and sram too I guess . Iv never ran sram . Good to know if I want to get it or not just for the gearing difference . And this is what makes your vids good you look at so much stuff and give your opinions on them . Now this dropper on this bike I don’t think iv ever heard of them , was the choice just weight , comparable to pnw loam
My Epic Evo Comp is down to 22.7 lbs with pedals. What kicked off the major weight savings were the Roval Control SL Wheels and Fast Trak T7 Front and T7 rear tires. Also went with a Carbon Bar and Carbon GX Crankset. I added an X01 Rear Casette as well. I changed to a Fox Transfer SL Dropper 75mm. Went with lighter ESI Foam grips and a Selle San Marco Supperleggera Aspide saddle (104 grams). Swapped out whatever bolts I could with Better Bolts Titanium. Replaced the Bottle cages with Tune Carbon Cages. Swapped to Galfer 180mm Rotors front and rear. I also upgraded to the Raceday Damper on my Rockshox Sid. With the brake upgrade and transmission upgrades planned for later this year, I might drop close to another 1.5 lbs.
How do you find the race day damper upgrade?
Agree on the pedals. XTRs are lighter … but seal keeps coming off and pedals are more delicate overall,… tend to creek more, etc. XT are more robust, consistent and bulletproof pedals! Very nice build!
Ok, that's my bike except I've gone carbon bars, XT 4pot brakes & drivetrain except SLX cranks, Elite carbon wheels, Oneup dropper, Pirelli Scorpion front, Specz ground control rear & Specialized upgraded the rear shock to a Sidluxe ultimate. I had to change the BB to a Nukeproof Horizon.
2 years in I love the bike except for the shock bushings that keep creaking.. One of those best choice purchase decisions..
That rear shelf dirt collector is always an issue.
The reason the cable grommet keeps slipping out is the way you have the cables wrapped. The grommet uses the cable spread to friction hold the grommet in the frame...
Stress less, ride more!
Hmm...you might be right about the cables, I'll try that. Thanks!
@@LoveMTB how's the Fox rear shock working out? At 200lbs the replacement Specz sent really is no better than the OEM one. I'm not really happy with the travel.
@@AndreLaurentMTB Very well. We have ordered the FOX with the Specialized tune on it though.
Let me ask you, what didn't you like about the Garbaruk cassette?
Shifting is not up to par with Shimano, I will probably post a short vid about that.
Gotta say, if I'm ever wondering or considering anything MTB/components related, you've already got a video covering it. You're the man. Keep up the great work.
Cool, thanks!
Hey man, great video - I’m building up my epic Evo comp and enjoying the process. I wanted to ask what rubber you used on the top tube to protect it? I’m getting a nice scratch/gouge and I’m wanting to replicate your solution!
Thanks
Hi there, yeah we need that protection. It is scotch rubber mastic tape, 2228
@@LoveMTBbrilliant, thank you very much!
extrimly light like for this bike and this setup i think the whels make big diferent
Very nice build, inspiring, few questions appreciated if you could answer, did you build wheelsets with earo spokes and how heave were they ? And are there terains that earo spokes have greater advantageous, and did you try cannondales lefty fork and how does it feel ?
Not really aero but these - ua-cam.com/video/yRD_3mf3AW4/v-deo.html
And no, for MTB aero spokes won't make any difference but they are use for weight savings like here - ua-cam.com/video/9yQ1D-7iLT0/v-deo.html
Have same bike, one year older and similarly modified. Recently swapped fork. Found the Sid select+ to perform very poorly.
Thanks for your feedback, We're most probably going to use a FOX34 SC next year, should be a step up from that fork.
@LoveMTB Thanks for the video! I see you got a lot of 3mm tape on the frame and crankset, what’s the name of the set? I need to wrap my bike too 😅
That was pretty much custom Ridewrap like you see here - bikecomponents.ca/collections/accessories/products/ridewrap-covered-protection%E2%84%A2-kits
Have a discount code in the vid if you end up buying from BC also 😉
@@LoveMTB tank you!
did it cost you less on getting the base model and upgrading it along the way rather than buying the top speced one? I am looking on a sale specialized epic evo pro 2022 which cost around 5320 gbp... i was thinking if its a wiser move to get the base and just upgrade the rest just like you did
I am very specific on how I want my bikes so it made sense to buy the base😊
Do you feel like you would like a remote lockout on it?
Nope no need. Fork one doesn’t do much and shock can be easily reached on the Fox
if you are crazy crazy serious about weight savings i would recommend the Blackburn Cinch Carbon bottle cage, it comes in at 16 grams. it is a little pricey though
Well we're not😆
Great content! would love to see a fork comparison for this bike, specifically SID ( old and new) vs Pike 120mm. I Wonder if the Pike's performance benefits worth the extra weight over the SID.Moreover, with the new SID release is it even noticeable?
Thanks! Pike most probably not going to try on this bike, new SID hmm 🤔
Not my sort of ride (I like AM bikes), but a sweet build none the less.
Awesome selection of parts! I like that it is not only top notch XTR parts and it is still impressively light. I've also tried XC RC tyres from Pirelli but my choice now is Hutchinson Skeleton.
Cool, thanks!🤘
Hi, what's the name of this rubber protection on the top tube?
The mastic tape? It’s Scotch
Looks nice. That looks like a great modern XC race bike for rougher courses.
I'm wondering if the XTR shifter and derailleur have any advantages over XT other than being lighter weight. Are there any performance or longevity improvements?
Hard to tell, XT is a solid groupset. And XTR lasted for us as long as others.
A lot of people use XTR Shifter with XT DR. The shifter is a bit ore "positive" with its clicks and shifting. Just a bit more refined.
I think it is about the tensión cable, because un xtr You get a polymerus cable and un the others it is Metallic. But You can install that polymerus in xtr,xt,slx and deore too
I found that the polymer coated cable started shredding the coating especially at any bend. I switched to Jagwire Elite Polished inner cables with no problems.@@luchocatano1772
I bought an Epic Evo Expert - arrived with shipping damage that IMO Spesh isn't providing adequate compensation, so returning. But just pedaling to the end of the driveway the lack of pedal mode on the Rockshock = bad pedal bob. Does the Fox make a huge difference? Even in wide open my Yeti SB5 has a much better pedaling platform.
That's why we went to FOX, have ot all here - ua-cam.com/video/gn7s4uGNTW4/v-deo.html
Just for trail riding RS is fine.
Yikes, sorry to hear that. I almost ordered an Epic Evo straight form specialized a few months ago. I hope you get fully compensated for that.
Amazing you made it to such a low weight! I have a 2020 Spark RC Pro (large), with some lighter pieces than yours, like a SID 35 Ultimate, some heavier, like downtube protection, Cushcore rear, Fox Transfer SL 150mm, but still light-ish XC tires, and my build is currently 25.9 lbs!
As a BC rider, it would be fun to race some of your Ontario courses!
Cheers, and great content as usual!
Thanks for sharing and enjoy your Spark! We do enjoy riding in BC every opportunity we have!
its in the wheels! And XC tyres are not always XC tyres as they can weight 650 or 800 grams easily
Nice vid. It confirms my opinions on the new Epic WC and their unfounded hype on "lightweight race machine" crap they keep spouting. The thing is heavy and there is NO reason why you would choose it over this bike. the extra travel will help with fatigue and be far more composed on trickier stuff.
I have the regular 2021 Epic Large (with brain... ugh) and Im currently shopping for the EVO. (Im going to drop to a Medium too)
I have done all the same weight saving things and with a 125mm dropper its 10.34kg.
Yeah this is an amazing platform to build from. After all some of the Specialized riders chose this over anything else.
Have you tried running the flip chip in low and getting a 110mm travel air shaft for the fork? i.e. to drop the ride height, lower COG, while keeping the steering from being too slack for XC. i ride mine like that, and dont have many pedal strikes - this bike is actually a bit higher than my previous xc race bike. i am running 170mm cranks though.
Not a bad idea! One day maybe, problem is we need the stack height my son is all legs!
Great review, what is the rider height with M frame please, thank you
You know bike sizing based on height is very relative...5'9" in this case
@@LoveMTB yes I know, just testing the water :) thank you
Great video - I need to check if there is an equivalent to the dirt skirt available for other bike brands. I very much like the idea and concept
From what I know version 2 should cover more than just Specialized.
@@LoveMTB thanks a lot. I have a Canyon….
XT casette 350gr? Where did you find that?
It's not XT is a Garbaruk - ua-cam.com/video/taUVlMUYedE/v-deo.html
Ahh, ok! Thanks.@@LoveMTB
1:25 Where do I get or how did you make that top to protector? ..if you don’t mind please
That's 3M 2228 Rubber Mastic Tape, 1' x 10', Black, couple of layers of it
@@LoveMTB Thanks man, ordered on Amazon! Even with full invis wrap, that top tube area has me worried 😧
@@USCyclist Yeah have full wrap and I was nervous...
Thank you for another awesome vid!!!That bike looks fast even sitting still in the bike stand...Do you think an xtr cassette would be worth the extra money on a race bike like this?
Hi Glenn it could be worth it if going all in for weight savings otherwise…
Great build! I am a fellow weight weenie. Few ideas for dropping some grams: Sid race damper upgrade (will turn the fork into a ultimate Sid and can be done at the end of the season instead of sending the fork into sram for service)
We kind of like the behaviour of this damper though, might as well move to FOX for both weight savings and damper feel??
@@LoveMTB I agree. I raced the Sid ultimate for 1 year and then tried the fox and liked it more. It has much more bottomless feel but still offers good mid-support when pushing the bike hard on repeated hits. If you have the budget to get a 34, I would. But keep in mind it’s not as stiff as the rs, not really a limiting factor imo as the travel runs out on both Sid and 34 before stiffness is an issue on anyone under 200lbs.
@@Bench_mark_113that's a common opinion about Sid and Fox comparison. I have Race Day. Huge progression on the bottom but kinda lack of support on the higher part.
I wonder how good new Ohlins fork and shock are. Looks like new alternative for downcountry riding
Wow that ls a nice build, its more ligther than my enduro HT that comes with 14.9 kls😅
It sure is!😅
Super Nice.
Like the evo. Wanted one for my latest build.
Just a bit pricey for my taste.
Right on
Sweet build
Love that bike.
Why SID over Fox 34 Step Cast Factory?
Thanks
Just strong mid support and overall stiffness. And if ain’t broke why fox it?🤓
@@LoveMTB lol
@@LoveMTB it is stiff, and rides high in the travel which is good for XC. However my shoulders are hammered from a lifetime of labor, and untimely getoffs. Headed to the Fox camp - considering over-forking to a 130. Any thoughts on that?
@@paganskier It’s slack enough I wouldn’t overwork it. And yeah a Fox SC would be a good fit for it, so is the Sid. I would prob go for the new 2024 one thought
5:18 - Your 12 sp Quick link is pointing backwards :). The arrow follows the chain rotation. Agree on the XT pedals. I have a bin of XTR's that have shot bearings.
Eagle eye! Believe me that chain quick link direction is the least of it's problems... You have not seen the SRAM power link that's right next to it😊
@@LoveMTB I only know this because I always put them on backwards. :)
@@dougdewar7896 Tell me about it... 😂 Reality is I haven't seen any issues on Shimano, SRAM you get in trouble if backwards.
Is it just me or is the master link at 5:17 pointing the wrong direction?
Indeed and in my experience with Shimano it doesn’t matter SRAM definitely does matter
As an owner of the same bike i can say you've made some smart decisions. Like 3-position shock (or whole suspension) suits nicely to this versatile machine. Still thinking about remote lockout or switching to Fox front and rear. Or fly attendant someday maybe...
Every time i hit some roots with my cranks i start thinking about changing flip chip position to H (and/or change cranks to 165mm). Never tried but i get why you did it. Especially on racy bike.
Could you please tell me, did you ever hit max travel mark on this Sid? I've never seen my o-ring on this mark. I have some thoughts about it, but no actions yet.
And what's your dropper travel now?
Thanks!
Thanks the Evo is a fine race machine. We never use full travel on the SID the way it is setup but that's ok...dropper is 160mm
@@LoveMTB any thoughts about trying 190x45 shock? I've seen many reports that it works without any issues
@@EpicEvolution 42.5 no problem I think 45 you’re pushing it. And …Stumpjumper better?😊
@@LoveMTB no no, it will be too heavy to race 😁
@@EpicEvolution Definitely!
Crazy mine is 23.2 as well!!
Brothers in arms…😎
looks ace, have you tried any more aggressive pirelli tyres? thoughts on remote lockout for the shock?
I "might" have a couple of Pirellis waiting for me...😇
No remote for the shock for us, no remotes period. But we do change the shock damper settings when riding.
@@LoveMTBI’ve been blown away by the Pirelli Scorpion XC RCs (in 2.4) since I switched to them following your glaring review, with the only caveat being that I would love a 2.6in version for my hardtail. Which makes me look forward to any insight you’d have on their bigger tire offerings. 😊
@@francoisrdt Haha no 2.6 for us yet just more 2.4s. We're still of the belief that the XC RC 2.4 are the best XC tires we've ever ever used. Now all 3 of us racing on them. Just great tires overall.
What about the garbaruk Cassatt? You did not like
The shifting or the gear ratios
Shifting, not up to Shimano standard and for us that was important. Can work fine for a lot of folks though
@@LoveMTB ok yes I could understand shifting not as good as Shimano and sram too I guess . Iv never ran sram . Good to know if I want to get it or not just for the gearing difference . And this is what makes your vids good you look at so much stuff and give your opinions on them . Now this dropper on this bike I don’t think iv ever heard of them , was the choice just weight , comparable to pnw loam
@@wallyedmonds8199 weight and drop mostly
How would you compare it with the Tallboy you had?
Still have, different animals👍
@@LoveMTB you should do a video about them :)
Epic rig 👍
True that👍
Nice👍🏻
Thanks ✌