Specialized Epic Review | The 2021 Specialized Epic vs Epic EVO - Which Would You Choose?
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- Опубліковано 5 лип 2024
- Specialized has launched a brand new Epic and Epic EVO for 2021. We spent a month testing these two high-zoot bikes back-to-back to fully understand how they've changed, and how they perform on the trail. Also, what would Mick and Wil choose as their own?
Specialized Epic review: flowmountainbike.com/tests/20...
Specialized Epic EVO review: flowmountainbike.com/tests/20...
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2021 Specialized Epic & Epic EVO Review
0:00 - Intro
1:11 - The 2021 Specialized Epic
1:26 - Frame Construction and Stiffness Improvements
1:52 - New RockShox Rear Shock and Brain
2:10 - New RockShox SID
2:24 - Brain Fade Adjustability
2:42 - Epic Frame Geometry
3:43 - 2021 S-Works Spec Overview
4:48 - The 2021 Specialized Epic EVO
5:24 - Epic EVO Frame & Differences to Regular Epic
6:04 - Epic EVO Frame Geometry
6:41 - Mick Ross and Wil Barrett Discuss the New Epic and Epic EVO
6:53 - The Brain, What is an Inertia Valve, and How Does it Work?
9:05 - Using the Brain Fade and its Five Settings
10:24 - Why is the Brain So Divisive?
12:30 - Wil's Epic Highlights
17:12 - Wil's Epic Lowlights
19:21 - Wil's Epic EVO Highlights
24:05 - Wil's Epic EVO Lowlights
26:19 - Mick and Wil's Picks
28:03 - Flow's Verdict
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The most comprehensive reviews delivered in such a professional manner...well done boys!
Thanks for the kind words Gordon, we really appreciate it! [Wil]
You guys are doing the best reviews in MTB history. I ride a 2019 Sworks Epic and it clunks a lot, but still a good bike. Well done, awesome job, cheers from Brazil
This is the best review of the Epic so far.. thanks guys you been really helpful in my new choise! 👍🏻🚀
Love the in-depth discussion - more of this please, in future videos.
Thanks very much for this complete review. Loved it.
One thing about the recording : maybe you could have get the mic closer to you when the both of you are talking next to the 2 bikes. I had to push the volume way higher than during the first part of the video.
Stellar video guys! Thanks for all the info, in depth coverage, and great shots.
Our pleasure Tyler - thanks for watching! [Wil]
Plenty of reviews coming out for these new Epic bikes. This is by far the best one I have seen. Setting a very high standard Wil.
As usual the best review out of all of them, well done. Thank you.
Cheers for watching and for the feedback mate! [Wil]
outstanding review - wouldn't expect any the less from Will 👍
Great work on the review style gents. Really enjoyed it and just the right level of detail for the interested parties. Keep it up.
Cheers Zaak! Mick managed to keep me on track, otherwise the video would have been three times as long :-) Thanks for watching and for the feedback mate! [Wil]
thank you very much for such a complete review. Very helpful for my decision making. I decided to go for the Evo
Thanks for the review, would love to see a 3 way review between the Evo, Scalpel SE and Canyon Lux, I have to admit I've thrown in the towel with Specialized after 20 years and bought a Lux SL7.0, significantly better priced and specced than the new Evo Comp.
Very good walkthrough, especially the explanation about the brain suspension!
I can only add up to the previous positive comments - this is an extraordinarily good an in-depth review, which is hardly to find elsewhere. Two things i‘d like to mention esp.: First i appreciate the very detailed and honest description of the regular epic‘s suspension/brain characteristics and second i think the presentation is brilliant. Because even a non-native speaker is able to understand you boys very easily (despite you being australian!), which is very often not the case with english-speaking presenters. So keep up the good work! Subscribed to your channel! Only thing that‘s „bad“: I already decided to buy an epic evo, but now after this review i am biased again and tend towards the regular epic again...🤔😏
Hi guys. Awesome review. Would this be your bike if you could only have one FS bike that you could do xc racing on but you could also use for some trail riding? If not what would you recommend? I've got pretty flat trail around here
You guys are best on the planet🔥excellent review. Thx
Thanks for the great review. What setting did you find the most ridable for XC on the epic?
Absolutely brilliant review. Thanks!
Cheers Dieter!
So stoked on the new epic evo. I’m getting the epic evo comp in the clay color hopefully soon
NEW AND IMPROVED BRAIN! How many times have I heard that bullshit? Too many times. Great when it works but when it fails it’s a real pain to go through the process of replacement. I absolutely love my 2019 SWorks. Beautiful and bad ass. But the brain has failed three times. If they ever get the brain right, there is simply not a better bike.
El mío se rompió 6 veces y Specialized nunca me dio una solución!! 5600 dólares pague por la bicicleta 😢!! Una vergüenza me estafaron
Making it hard had heart set on the Cannondale but the specialised looking good thanks for the great review
Excellent review. And comments are just as helpful. Just love watching too. Where were you riding?
Thanks Anthony, glad you enjoyed it! We filmed most of the video around Bruce Ridge and Majura Pines during a test session up in Canberra. There's also some GoPro footage that we shot in Bendigo, where the majority of testing took place. [Wil]
I bought the epic Evo comp. I actually think it's the best value and let me tell you why. The comp has the same frame as the expert and the pro models. But the comp comes with the new 12-speed SLX which is a great value. I figured I'll start riding getting in shape and as stuff goes on sale I will maybe upgrade the drivetrain or some parts to XTR as stuff goes on sale. Plus I think the comp is better because I don't want carbon wheels and when you buy the expert or the pro or the s-works models you pay a premium for those new carbon wheelset. I know carbon wheels are great I just think they're not worth the $2,500 premium you pay.
Totally agree. Also the suspensions is highend for mid-upper midrange price.
Only the Sworks gets the new super light and wide wheelset;
the pro and expert get the “regular” 25mm internal diameter rovals.
How do you compare Epic Evo to the Trek Top Fuel? Positive and Negatives and which would you choose between the two and why? Did you ever feel that you needed a remote lockout or that it would be better with remote lockout?
this review it’s epic! i test ri de it myself the 2021 epic sworks and it was a blast
Hi Wil, which is better, the 2021 Epic Evo or the Blur with 120mm fork?
Great video .... shared widely!
Great explantation súper clear. Thanks
Epic review!😆 Scalpel vs Epic field test would be awesome!🚀
Stay tuned to the website Martin, we may have a feature coming soon that I reckon you'll be pretty interested in :-)
@@FlowMountainBikeUA-cam 🙏👌👍🚀
Hi FMB. Another awesome review. How would you compare this EPIC and the new Scalpel? Which one would be your go to bike for XCM races?Even more important, which one you think is better on descents? Does the Lefty and the "four bar system" gives an edge to the Scalpel?
Cheers
Hullo Bruno! We've actually got a detailed comparison review on the Epic vs Scalpel coming very soon that I think you'll be keen to check out. Stay tuned to flowmountainbike.com for that one! [Wil]
Thanks for a great review! Any chance of a comparison with 2021 Trek supercaliber? Or just a review of it?
You bet mate! We've actually got a Supercaliber arriving very soon - stay tuned! [Wil]
Great review, got me to sub!
Remote lockout .....Thanks, great review. Towards the end, you mentioned Epic EVO that it is remote lockout compatible. Is that an error? If not, how would the cable be routed from the rear shock to handlebar lockout? (is there passage through the frame?). Thanks
Yeah they said the frame is remote lockout compatible 🙂
Great review and info... much appreciated !...If the EVO were your own bike... which tires would you switch to ?.
Cheers mate! If I owned the EVO, I'd be looking at putting a Butcher on the front and a Purgatory on the rear. That combo comes on the Stumpjumper and it works really well for my local trails. If I wanted a bit more speed, I'd probably leave the Ground Control on the rear, though I'd fit a tubeless insert to give it a little more pinch-flat protection. [Wil]
Really good job guys and thanhks a lot from France, as I’m testing an epic evo for maybe buying it and was wondering how it compares to the regular epic, so your brillant video helps me a lot… and convinces me the evo si the reasonable choice as î‘m not a racer except against me and my PB’s on Strava and chasing some KOM’s but I`m 52 years old, in great shape but I have to think about the future and the need of confort, and I`m afraid it’s already there 😢😅 best regards 👍🏼
great review. thanks.
Great review.
I have a 2016 sworks epic for racing and an sb100 which is now my go to bike.
Is the evo more fun than the sb100 and what trees would you recommend
Keep up the good work.
Cheers John! I've not ridden the SB100 myself, so I wouldn't be able to give you an accurate comparison with the Epic EVO. On paper at least, the Epic EVO is a little more modern in its geometry though. The frame is also simpler in its layout, and it's also considerably lighter than the SB100. The Yeti sure does look lovely though! [Wil]
The BB drop is very different between these bikes. How does the higher BB make the Evo feel compared to the 100mm bike?
Entry level rider. In the process in buying first suspension bike. I have a neck issue requiring surgery. Question is Id like to do light trails and XC without pain in neck. Ride on pavement around town as well as Long Island trails. I have deposit on Scott Spark 920 (2021)available now or should I go with the Specialized Epic evo (2021)? Specialized cant be found locally told from rep October 2021.
I removed my fast tracks as they just can’t hang in high speed aggressive cornering. I now use Vitoria Mezcal and have had good luck with no speakable problems.
Very very useful into, much appreciated
Hoy Will, nice review.
Í have a question: can í bougt a remote lockout And install it in The epic evo And modify The head ángel up to The same of The 100mm(67.5)?
Also, its better to chance de rockshox forma The Fox in The rear suspensión?
You perder tris Bike ir an scalpel? Thanks For The help
Hey Wil, when you ride the Epic on smooth terrain or pavement, does the shock still moves? Does it feels efficient? How suspension behaved when stand up and sprint? Can you describe it’s efficiency in these scenarios? Thanks Jose
Hey there Jose! We went into a fair bit of detail in the review about how the Epic's suspension works both while seated and when standing - check it out when you have a moment, as I think it'll help answer all your questions; flowmountainbike.com/tests/2021-specialized-epic-s-works-review/
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?
Top notch review!
Right on Philipp - thanks for watching and for the feedback! [Wil]
Fantastic review. How would you say the Epic EVO compares to the cannondale scalpel SE?
Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it! Good question regarding the Epic EVO vs Scalpel SE - they're quite similar bikes in terms of travel and intent, and the geometry is very close between the two - the EVO is a touch slacker and a touch longer, but not by much. We tested the latest Scalpel Carbon a few months ago in its 100mm XC guise with the Lefty Ocho, and I was really impressed with the quality of the suspension - it's quite plush and it has amazing sensitivity even while pedalling over the chop, likely due to the flex pivot being placed on the chainstays, rather than up on the seatstays. I also dig the dual bottle compatibility along with that neat integrated multi-tool and Dynaplug, it's a nicely finished frame. It's worth mentioning that the Scalpel/Scalpel SE do use a specific asymmetric offset for the drivetrain, which means the rear wheel is dished differently to a conventional wheel (most wheels will be able to fit after being re-dished though) and you need a wider than normal chainline, which is why Cannondale uses its own crankset on the Scalpel. It all works well, and I never had an issue during testing, but it's worth mentioning since the Epic uses a conventional drivetrain/rear wheel setup and it also has a threaded BB. Unfortunately I've not ridden the 120mm travel Scalpel SE yet, so I can't give you an accurate on-trail comparison with the Epic EVO. Hopefully we can get our hands on one in the near future so we can do just that, as I'd love to see how it rides! [Wil]
What funtion has the hole under the top tube (close to the shock's head)? Is it for a remote control? (Hello from Spain 🇪🇦)
Certainly is Eduardo - the Epic EVO is remote lockout compatible, which is something we discuss in the video chat towards the end. There's also a load more info on our experience with each bike in the reviews, which you'll find on the website here: flowmountainbike.com/ [Wil]
Great review, whaiting for the review of the new Spark. I had a epic and now orbea oiz, i prefer the oiz x2. thanks
This presenter provides the fullest learning experience for a viewer who wants to learn about these bikes. Viewers can learn what they need to know from these presentations. This presenter has a teacher's instinct for presentation and explanation, in part because he does not assume the viewer has much prior knowledge. Moving forward for making future presentations even better, I suggest focusing on your gift for the craft of teaching. Learners need lots of different types of ways to access the new knowledge and understanding that they seek. With that in mind, I strongly suggest enhancing instruction by using publicly available diagrams and animation. The workings of the Brain, for example, will be much easier and quicker to comprehend with the use of clear diagrams or animation that SHOWS how it works. A picture is worth a thousand words. Well Done FLOW.
The head tube angle on the new Epic looks pretty nice. Doesn’t look like the typical XC rig to me.
With Specialized “less is more” much much more$$19000 in fact!🤯
Good to see Mick Molloy back! Hi Mick.
Esdubya 0 Crazy Australian prices! Canada is less.
Fluterra Australia price includes all taxes
First of - I loved this so much even if I'm never going to be able to afford one, I've watched it and enjoyed it a lot. But if at all possible the only gripe I have is the video camera used and the 1080p limit. In youtube even if all you do is upscale the end result to 4K it's going to allow much higher bitrate, and if a new camera was used with better exposure that to go along with that - it would improve the content watching experience. As the content itself is great.
Hello. Thanks for this review. Please tell us which full suspension XC bike you would personally choose for yourself. Any brand. And you have to pay for it, repair and maintain it out of your own income. I think this is the verdict I really want to know. Thank you kindly. Great reviews.
Hullo Sarah-Jane! Ooh that's a fun question, though I'm afraid the answer is going to be pretty boring since it largely boils down to a case of affordability, and the wage of a cycling journalist is perhaps a little less glamorous than you might think :-) My budget would be more around the alloy side of things, which severely limits options in the XC world since most brands use carbon exclusively. I would put the Scott Spark RC on the list, along with the Trek Top Fuel and Orbea Oiz, which are all offered in alloy. We've not tested the Top Fuel or Oiz yet, so I'd be keen to try those out for sure. I'd even consider a hardtail with a dropper post, purely from a cost perspective. I haven't ridden the Specialized Chisel, but that looks like a pretty sweet XC hardtail that I'd also put on the list. That's probably not the response you were looking for, but hopefully it helps one way or another! [Wil]
How would you compare the Epic EVO to the new Stumperjumper? I've got a Epic Expert 2018 model with dropper post now and looking to upgrade.
Yo Peter! Great question on the Epic EVO vs Stumpjumper. There's obviously a few key differences between the two bikes, with the Stumpjumper having 20mm more travel at each end, as well as a slacker head angle (65 vs 66.5), a lower BB and a longer wheelbase. The build kit is also different between the two - the Epic EVO comes with lighter tyres, and it features a lower front end with skinnier, flatter handlebars, and the frame is also quite a bit lighter too.
On the trail, the Epic EVO is very much an XC bike, albeit a very fast and confidence-inspiring one. It's got significantly better pedal efficiency than the Stumpjumper, so it climbs faster, and it feels whippier and easier to throw around. The suspension is great - there's good progression to the rear end, so it's quite supportive, but it still only has 110mm of rear travel. You can ride it ridiculously fast on smooth terrain, but so there's only so hard you can push it when the terrain gets really rough.
In comparison, the Stumpjumper is plusher and smoother overall, and you sit a little more 'in the bike', due to the lower BB and longer wheelbase. It isn't as efficient as the Epic EVO - it's more of a sit & spin type climber, and you have to make use of the shock's compression damping to add pedalling stability. The flip-side is that it's a much faster and more confidence-inspiring descender when things get rough and fast. The bigger wheelbase and slacker front end gives it a lot more stability, and the deeper suspension feel keeps it more connected to the trail.
If you're choosing between the two, I'd consider whether you want more of a fun XC bike for doing big distance rides on, where your priority is on racking up big miles and lots of vertical, or a technical trail bike that you can take to a wider variety of environments and be comfortable on, with less concern about speed and mileage, and more of an emphasis on fun.
Hope that helps Peter!
[Wil]
Hey Guys. Im interested in buying the Epic Evo. Could You tell me if there are any other bikes similiar with geo and 120/130 travel on the market worth consider? I'm not up to date with xc/trail market.
The epic evo geo is almost identical to the giant trance 29 which is 115/130.
How did the Epic Evo compare to the Pivot Mach 4 SL? Was the Epic Evo better with small bump compliance? Did the Epic Evo pedal as well as the DW Link?
That's a good question Sean! I'll admit that it's been a while since I tested the Mach 4 SL - it was a little over a year ago when Pivot launched that bike, and I thoroughly enjoyed the three days of solid riding I had on it. I'd have to get the two bikes onto the trail to make a more accurate comparison, but I would say that the suspension performance on the Mach 4 SL is more effective, simply down to it utilising a more sophisticated dual-link system rather than a single pivot layout. Pedalling on the Mach 4 SL is incredibly efficient, but it's also able to pedal over choppy terrain really well, allowing the shock to do what it's meant to. To me, that's the magic of that dw-link setup. However, it does add weight - if that's your main concern, the Epic EVO is definitely the lighter option by a couple hundred grams. [Wil]
Hello. First I want to congratulate you for such a good review capturing all details from the bike. I'm a 45 years old XCO racer. I'm deciding between Epic Pro and the Supercaliber. Just wondering how harsh or as you mentioned unforgiving is the Epic ride? I loved the idea of no cables and no manual lock out but not at the cost of an uncomfortable or punishing ride. Unfortunately I have no test ride near me so I will make my decision on reviews like this one. Any thoughts?
Hello there Jose! Thanks for watching the video and for your feedback, it's much appreciated!
We're actually due to receive a Supercaliber for testing soon, so stay tuned to the website for a closer look at that bike and the full review.
Regarding the Epic, it can be a pretty unrelenting ride if you're not on your A-game, or if you're tired. You can of course turn the Brain off completely, both on the fork and the shock, and it's much more forgiving that way. However, the Epic rides best with the Brain engaged, and in my opinion, with a firmer setting. After all, the Brain is the whole point of this bike. The suspension rides higher in its travel, and the fork doesn't dive under hard cornering - it's very steady and very responsive. The Brain does open quite quickly, and the more assertive you ride, the better the valve responds. Even still, you will get more feedback from the trail. For XC racers, efficiency usually trumps comfort, and the Epic is built accordingly. If comfort and a smoother ride is more your style, I'd highly recommend looking at the Epic EVO. Even though it has a bit more travel, it's still a very fast and very lightweight bike.
If you're considering other options, have a look at the new Cannondale Scalpel, and the Orbea Oiz. I've tested the Scalpel recently (ua-cam.com/video/grmG2An3r4s/v-deo.html) and it's a cracking bike. I'm currently testing the Oiz, and we'll have a review coming in the next couple of weeks - stay tuned for that one!
[Wil]
Flow Mountain Bike Thanks so much for replying. I really think your review are one of the most professional ones. Really appreciate your additional info and guidance it’s very helpful. Actually the bikes I’m evaluating are: Epic Pro, Scalpel Hi Mod 1, Supercaliber and Oiz. I’ll waiting for your review to make a decision and will look now for the Scalpel review you mentioned. Thanks man!
How do you compare the Epic and Epic Evo to the Canyon lux? Would love to know if you guys got the weights of the new Epic models...
Hullo Benjamin! We certainly did get weights for both the Epic and Epic EVO that we tested - did you see those in the video? They're also listed in the full reviews, which you'll find on our website (flowmountainbike.com). As to how the Epic & EVO compare to the Canyon Lux, they are quite different. The Lux is much more conservative in its geometry, and Canyon also builds the complete bikes quite conservatively with narrow 720mm flatbars and 80mm long stems. I would say the Lux is much closer in its ride to the regular Epic (the EVO is quite different altogether). Obviously the Lux uses a regular suspension setup with a 2-position remote, so you have the option of flicking between open and locked settings as you wish. We tested the Lux CF SL 8.0 earlier this year, check out the review here: flowmountainbike.com/tests/review-2020-canyon-lux-cf-sl-8-0-2/ [Wil]
Hi Wil, great video as always, very detailed. I am buying Epic Evo bike and at 5'10 (179 cm) I am stuck between M and L frame. I have older Stumpjumper and this new trail geometry is new to me. Would you recommend going with L? Thank you
Thanks for the kind words Jarek!
At your height, I think the Large frame size is likely to be a better option. You're quite a bit taller than me (I'm 175cm), so I suspect you'd find the Medium to be on the short side.
Hope that helps!
[Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeUA-cam many thanks!
Hi guys new to mountain biking, I’ve been a roadie for years, now my friends are going off road, I’m looking for a short travel bike and I’ve set my sight on the specialized epic evo or Orbea Oiz Tr team or is there anything better than these two bikes thanks
I was just at one of my local trails and a guy showed up with the 2021 SWorks large. He was pretty disappointed. Overall he liked the bike but he was seriously bummed that the breaks and shifter will slam the top tube in the event of a crash. Today I saw a 2021 expert at the local shop and this wasn’t the case. The breaks and shifter ((XO) cleared but just barely, like a 1/8”. Anyone else have this issue?
I wasn’t sure which bike to buy, but today I bought the 2022 Epic Evo. Not an S-Works like you guys. Cost was $4,499 USD. Mine is all blacked out. I wish the Specialized logo was easier to notice.
Anyone have an idea when the 2021 Turbo Levo’s will be announced? Thanks
Can you put in the brain fork into the evo to make it a better climber ?
I’ve been buying the sworks versions for the last 8yrs (7 of) and now they’re $19k for the sworks 👋🏻 I’m going to look at a canyon
Do you race?
It’s an outrageous price, agreed. Even the Pro is outrageously priced.
man up
7 S works bikes in 8 years! Impressive, you must be a dentist?
@@Happybiker1980 And they only upgrade them every 3 years.
My biggest concern is that from what I read on the brain is Specialized does not support repairs or service on older models. So is it obsolete after so many years? I have a Epic hard tail and love it, I actually have gotten faster on that bike. Does anyone have feed back on the brain?
Comparing to Canyon LUX ?
Do you think you'll be able to review a Specialized Fuse (2021 model) when they come back in stock?
Just got one my friend! Shipped in from across the country to find one in my size. AMAZING bike get one if you can! Rips xc and holds up well in gnarly downhill/real mountain descending!
@@scythe863 There's absolutely no stock of XLs in Australia right now. The 2021 model is listed on the internal Specialized site so it will probably go live very soon. The only kicker is a $300 price rise! That said you do get full Deore 12sp including uprated brakes.
Supercaliber ? When? Thanks four your Test. By Spain
Hey guys thanks for the video. Quick question, I've just sold my 2018 epic comp carbon and looking at updating. I'm really struggling to make a choice between another epic vrs epic evo. I do adventure racing pretty competitively where the bike legs are around 1-3hrs long with generally a mix of fire roads and single track. I think the evo will definitely speed me up through the single track and down hills (probably my weak point of riding) but I'm just worried about how much I might loose on the flats and up hills. Any advice? If you could have a rough guess, what % slower would the evo be vrs the epic on the fast flat and uphills sections? Thanks Matt.
Hey Matt, thanks for watching and for your question!
In our experience, the Epic EVO isn't dramatically slower on the climbs - it's still very lightweight, and its pedalling efficiency is excellent.
The real difference between the two can be found when sprinting hard and when standing up to hammer on the pedals. In this situation the Brain-equipped Epic is super solid, responsive and highly efficient - more of your pedalling power is translated to the wheel thanks to its firm platform. For short-track racing, XCO and the like where you're regularly in and out of the saddle and putting in harder efforts, the regular Epic is the sharper and more efficient option out of the two.
For longer distance adventure and marathon racing though, that sort of thing is less of an issue. You're generally seated a lot more of the time, and if you're on a long fireroad section, you can of course still lockout the suspension on the Epic EVO. The flip-side is that you'll have a more comfortable riding position on the Epic EVO, and when the trail gets rough, you'll have more control too - both good things for longer distance events.
If you do go for the Epic EVO, one thing to consider is switching up the suspension to a remote lockout setup - that would give you fingertip control of the lockout if you wanted it.
Hope that helps Matt!
[Wil]
Hey guys one more question, how would you compare the specialized epic comp carbon vrs the giant anthem advanced pro 1 29er for racing?
@@mattcoutts3796 - For XCO or adventure racing?
There are quite a few differences between those two bikes - the Epic will take two water bottles (BIG advantage for marathon/adventure racing), the geometry is far more up to date, it also gets a 30.9mm seat tube that's much easier to source a dropper post for (compared to the 27.2mm seat tube on the Anthem).
The Anthem is still a great XC bike - it's lightweight and comfortable, though the geometry is starting to show its age, and the active suspension design does require you to use the remote lockout a lot more.
In comparison, Specialized takes care of that with the Brain, which automatically locks out the suspension for you. That leaves a cleaner cockpit, and it means you have less to concentrate on.
Hope that helps!
[Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeUA-cam really great info thanks heaps. Too many options ha ha. Also looking at the scott spark rc 900 pro, any thoughts on those?
@@mattcoutts3796 - That's ok Matt, we charge a very reasonable rate for our consultancy fees ;-)
I heard a rumor that Specialized are not making a Stunt jumper ST model for 2021, is that true ?.
Not even a remote lock out on the evo🙈
Amazing video btw!
Totally agree. If they dropped the brain it needed to be replaced with a remote lock out.
How does the the Evo compare to the SC BLUR? Blur rear suspension better?, geometry?
Hey Leon!
The Blur's VPP suspension is a little more neutral under pedalling, and it also handles square-edge hits a little more smoothly. Remember that the VPP suspension design is a proper dual-link platform with alloy links and four pivot points, which does mean the frame is heavier as a result. The back end is also stiffer too - the Blur has a really stout and solid feel front to back.
In comparison, the Epic EVO is both lighter on paper and it feels lighter and whippier on the trail. It still pedals well, being a single pivot design, and the suspension is effective, just not quite as reactive as the Blur's VPP design. Also noticeable is the higher progression on the Epic EVO - even with just the standard single volume spacer inside the SIDLuxe shock, there's excellent bottom-out support for bigger hits and landings. And you can add a 2nd volume spacer if you wanted it to be even more progressive. This differs to the Blur, which I've found can be bottomed out more easily on bigger/harder landings. The tiny 170x35mm shock on the Blur is limited with how progressive you can make it, so you can only really rely on adding more air pressure if you find you're bottoming it out all the time.
Hope that helps mate!
[Wil]
I have two Epics and as far as the knock goes, it doesn’t bother me. To me, it just lets me know it’s working properly. This coming from my mechanic self that can’t stand my bike making creaks, clicks, etc.
Bruce Ridge! @Will, can I ask how much 'bike' you would want for Canberra trails?
Not being a Canberra local, I wouldn't be the best person to ask :-) We enjoyed riding at Bruce Ridge and Majura with both the Epic and the Epic EVO, though we only scratched the surface of what's on offer in the region. Definitely keen to get back and explore some more next time! [Wil]
Such a good review gents tough decision both great bikes.
I bought the new epic 2021 13 months ago, after two months oozing oil from the brain tube, 2 weeks without a bike while on vacation ... after another 10 months same problem in the top of the tube ... a real shit
Great video guys! Do you think the new evo is stepping into Stumpjumper ST territory now or does it still make sense for them to have both bikes? The evo is almost a trail bike now
Great question Barry! I've been thinking a lot about that myself, as I've previously tested the Stumpjumper ST and really enjoyed it. The two bikes are different - the Stumpy frame is noticeably more solid than the Epic EVO, which you notice when pushing the bikes hard. The Epic EVO is ludicrously fast and fun, but it is still an XC bike, despite the slack geometry. I'd call it more 'fun XC/light trail', whereas the Stumpy ST is a more dedicated aggro trail bike. The Stumpy ST does, after all, use the same frame as the long travel Stumpy, so it's quite a bit beefier and heavier than the Epic EVO frame. All that said, the Stumpy ST seems to have pretty much disappeared from the Specialized website, so the decision may have already been made! [Wil]
Evo is the new camber (which used to be a shorter travel stumpy)...that’s my take
I just don't get why you wouldn't take issue with the rear hose routing. I run Moto and had a small crash mid race on a bike set as in the video and the hose (where it enters the frame) got destroyed when the bars rotated anticlockwise. You either have to run a stupid amount of hose that sticks out in front of the head tube or risk the above. I wouldn't buy a bike that with non-drive side rear hose routing for that reason.
Do you know if there will be an aluminum version of the evo ?
Specialized hasn't said anything just yet, but given there is an alloy version of the previous Epic EVO, we suspect there will be Elias - stay tuned. [Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeUA-cam thanks, allways good reviews 🤟🏻👍🏻👌🏻
Yeah well done 👍 just bought the 2022 SwORKS EPIC Evo 🙁
Help Me !
Which One ?
Epic EVO Comp 2021 (
bottom gamma) VS Canyon Lux 8.0 2020 (top gamma) ??
Hey there Juan! While they do have similar amounts of travel, the Lux and Epic EVO are quite different bikes on the trail. The Lux is more of a traditional XC bike - the suspension is very efficient with a great natural pedalling platform that means it doesn't bob a whole lot. It also means it's relatively firm, so it's less comfortable on rougher trails. The geometry is also sharper and more XC-oriented, so it's not the most stable descender at speed. In comparison, the Epic EVO is much more progressive in its geometry, particularly the head angle (66.5 vs 69 on the Lux). The suspension is less efficient, but it is smoother and more progressive, giving it stronger bottom-out support. Additionally, the Epic EVO doesn't come with a remote lockout - you'd have to add that separately if you wanted fingertip control. Hope that helps mate! [Wil]
Nice review, how epic evo compares to trance 29 ?
Cheers mate! Compared to the Giant Trance 29, which is a short-travel trail bike, the Epic EVO is more of a burly XC bike. It's quite a bit lighter overall, with a more snappy and sprightly feeling compared to the Trance 29. The components also reflect the difference in ride quality - the Trance gets a 130mm travel fork and bigger Maxxis Minion tyres. There's also a pretty hefty price difference too, with the Epic EVO being quite a bit more expensive than the Trance. Hope that helps mate! [Wil]
I added this new Roval control wheelset to my bike (Trance adv. Pro 1 29) 😉🤫
Further proof that Will is indeed the best bike reviewer on the planet.
Awwww thanks mate, appreciate the kind words! [Wil]
what are your thoughts on the $6700 Epic Evo Comp? better value for money?
For sure - the Epic EVO Comp gets the same suspension design and geometry as the S-Works model, but it has the slightly cheaper FACT 11m carbon frame, alloy wheels and an SLX groupset, and the price is obviously waaay lower. I've not ridden the SID Select+ fork, but the chassis is basically the same as the SID Ultimate and they both use the same DebonAir spring. The main difference is in the damper (Charger Race Day vs Charger RL). Even then, you could always upgrade to the Charger Race Day damper down the line (around $400 AUD from memory). Same thing with the shock - you could always upgrade to the SIDLuxe shock, or a Fox Float DPS shock if you fancied. That, along with an upgrade to some lighter and nicer wheels would be the only things I'd think about with the Epic EVO Comp. [Wil]
Good review guys but you certainly can upgrade the brakes , the AXS everything is sensational and smashes D12 out of the park , but the levels are very ordinary brakes Shimano xtr crush them .
The knock you are talking about can probably be described as being similar to water hammer in a houses water pipes i guess
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the epic evo just seems like what specialized built in the early 2010s called the camber. Which I had for the exact reason that it was a longer travel xc bike
My camber just cracked. Sad day. It was a great bike. The evo is looking good!
Do they live in nsw
When will the 2021 Specialized Epic Hard Tale be released?
Not sure mate, though usually most of the new season bikes are made available around July-September, depending on the brand and availability. The Epic HT was overhauled last year, so for 2021 the frame is likely to be unchanged with just be a new spec - would be pretty cool to see the new SID SL fork and Control SL wheels on the Epic HT! [Wil]
Thanks
Am I the only one who wonders how they get the beer can with that huge opening!?
It’s a tool you can buy that removes the top of the can.
@@seandooley4881 I need this tool
Will, 2021 Epic Evo or 2021 Scalpel SE ?
Great question Richard! I've not ridden the Scalpel SE yet, only the 100mm Scalpel, which is a bloody marvellous XC bike. I'm in the process of putting a head-to-head feature on the 100mm Epic and Scalpel, which might help answer your question - stay tuned to the website for that one coming soon! [Wil]
Look at the excellent slo-mo at 13:34. Look at the rear suspension. Might as well buy a hardtail!
are you stupid? just listen
Came for the bike, stayed to figure out why you are holding a can with top cut out
good catch
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought 29 mm outer diameter on the rims, and 25 mm inner diameter...
You might be thinking of the cheaper Control Carbon wheels? Or the previous Control SLs? The new Control SL wheelset was only launched a couple of weeks ago, and these get a brand new rim that measures 29mm internally, and they get really wide and flat 4mm thick beads. They also use the new DT Swiss 180 hub internals, with a Ratchet EXP freehub mechanism. Exceptionally lightweight wheelset - our test wheelset came in at 1278g for the pair with tubeless tape. Pretty bonkers hey! [Wil]
the trend for xc tires is going wider + dropper post + bigger fork + lighter = i don't understand how to prefer the epic even for a xc racer
How about the brakes?.. Are they better than a full XTR ?
Guillermo Hoffmann xtr kill the levels they are shite
I have Levels and had xtr prior. XTR are way better.
Its very very nice! But the price went really up tho
Okay. This is Epic!
Frame size?