If it feels like Specialized just launched a new Epic, you’re not wrong. It launched two new models in the past 15 months of its existing Epic platform– the Epic World Cup and the Epic EVO (without the Brain). But the American brand’s last primary Epic platform was launched in 2020 and its now time for an update. Here’s a look at the new Epic along with what’s new on one of the most successful bikes in mountain bike racing.

By Sean Badenhorst

We know the Epic is Specialized’s XCO and Marathon racing model. What we sometimes get confused with is the different sub-models. Until today, there were three versions of the previous Epic available – the Epic, the Epic World Cup and the Epic EVO. Here’s how they mainly differed:

Epic – 100mm travel front and rear, including Brain system

Epic EVO – 120mm travel front and 110mm travel rear with no Brain system at the rear

Epic World Cup – 110mm travel front and 75mm travel rear with no Brain system at the rear

The new Specialized Epic 8 S-Works will retail for R295 000!

Over the past four years, the Specialized engineers took all the best features from those three models to design the new Epic 8 and Epic 8 EVO. There’s a range of improvements, including:

It’s lighter – The FACT 12M carbon frame is 76g lighter than the previous S-Works Epic frame

It’s more efficient – There’s 20% less pedal bob compared to the previous Epic EVO

It’s smoother – It’s a smoother ride compared to the previous edition, absorbing 12% more bump and vibration forces than its predecessor

It’s more practical – Both models now include SWAT in the downtube for spares storage

It’s more precise – there is now titanium hardware at all the suspension pivots

It’s more protected – an integrated steering stop prevents the bars from scratching the toptube in a fall

It’s more versatile – the Epic 8 uses a three-position rear shock to ensure control and efficiency on any surface – Sprint, Magic Middle and Wide Open. The Epic 8 EVO uses just two – Sprint and Wide Open.

It’s adjustable – both the Epic 8 and the Epic 8 EVO have a flip-chip so you can adjust the headtube angle by 0.5 of a degree and the BB height by 5mm

It’s practical – the Epic 8 and the Epic 8 EVO come with different suspension, from different brands (RockShox for the 8 and Fox for the 8 EVO) and different model Specialized tyres to best suit the type of rider and riding each will be faced with.

Those are the main differences on the new Epic compared to the previous one. Oh, the Epic 8 S-Works, Specialized’s flagship, no-budget-limit model, comes standard with Flight Attendant, RockShox’s revolutionary automatic suspension compression damping system that adjusts while you are riding!

The new Specialized Epic 8 EVO – specced to shred more gnarly terrain – at speed

Both models also come with dropper seatposts – pretty much standard these days, but still not widely embraced by South African endurance junkies…

There are a few other improvements which the tech-heads are more likely to be concerned with, but you can read about those on the official website. Oh, and if you’re wondering why the name Epic 8; it’s the eighth iteration of the Epic since it was first launched 2002.

The following models are already available in South Africa:

Specialized Epic 8:

S-Works: R295 000

S-Work Frameset: R105 000

Pro: R190 000

Expert: R150 000

Comp: R105 000

Specialized Epic 8 EVO:

Pro Evo: R190 000

Comp Evo: R105,000

The incorporation of SWAT in the new Epic 8 and Epic 8 EVO means no more heavy jersey pockets!

We’re scheduled to be test-riding the Epic 8 and Epic 8 EVO in the next few weeks, so will give more in-depth feedback from a South African-rider experience perspective.

For more information, photos and pricing, click here.

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