After the Specialized Epic made the shift to single pivot at the end of 2017 and it was a huge talking point for the MTB world. The first full sus bike to start winning XC races at the highest level. The epic boasts more World Titles and olympians than any other bike in it’s class, it’s hard to see where the upgrades will come from. But now introducing the Specialized Epic Evo – pitched directly at the long, marathon style races over technical terrain – the Specialized Epic Evo is set to have a big impact.
What’s New?
A new progressive geometry and upgrades to the Brain shock are among the new upgrades to the Epic Evo. A 120mm travel fork, dropper post, wider bars and more meat on the tires offers a lot of control over the bike when you’re flat out. Steep & chunky trails are like a childrens play ground with this weapon underneath you. It’s still kept all the race course speed but has now seen upgrades that will allow you to undertake those back country missions!
— SPECIALIZED STUMPJUMPER FSR PHOTO GALLERY —
Upgraded traction on the tyres mixed with new dropper posts give you extra confidence that when you’re peering over the top of the drop into the descent. You’re not panicking that the tyres are going to slide away from under you or get bounced off a saddle higher than the trees around.
— SPECIALIZED ENDURO 2018 RANGE —
The handlebars are low and racey, with some extra width thrown in for good measure. This makes the whole front end feel roomier to ride, with a lot more control over the bike. The 120-millimeter travel Fox and Rockshox forks allow you to handle everything the trail has to offer, even when you’re at the end of a long day.
Brain-equipped shocks feature in both the Epic and the Epic Evo. They can distinguish between force from the pedals and force from the terrain. This allows it to keep the pedal strokes smooth when you’re on the flat and open up when things get rough. A reinvention of this technology sees it come closer to the axle offering more response, control and speed. The damping is more consistent on the new models, smoother when it needs to be and firm even firmer.
— HOW TO STAY HYDRATED ON THE BIKE —
Throwing it Back
Specialized are paying homage to the ancestry of the Epic with this bike. The majority of Epics feature dropper posts, wide set tyres and bars, with slightly elongated forks. Fast off the start – and consistent until the end. Battling through long days over unknown terrain. It’s always been a great companion for multi-day stage races or all day back country battles.
As bikes have evolved through the years, so has the epic to keep up with the demands of the elite. This truly progressive geometry is the culmination of generations of riders feedback and engineering to give the complete package.
— AVOIDING COMMON TRAINING MISTAKES —
But cross-country will mean something different to everyone – and this version of the Epic EVO allows you to explore that.
