Specialized Epic EVO 8 Pro for € 9000 on test: High-end trail bikes compared - the new Epic

The evolution of cross-country full-suspension bikes continues. Specialised has given its Epic racing file It also has 120 millimetres of suspension travel and a long, flat geometry. It thus occupies the former territory of the more downhill-orientated Epic Evo. But the Americans are not giving up on the Evo model. On the contrary, with even more travel at the front, powerful brakes and grippy tyres, the Specialized Epic Evo 8 Pro 2024 has moved up into the trail bike category and can therefore prove itself directly in our comparison test.

The facts about the Specialised Epic Evo 8 Pro

• Price: 9000 Euro
• Area of application: Trail
• Frame material: Carbon
• Suspension travel: 130 mm front / 120 mm rear
• Wheel size 29-inch
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Weight: 12.31 kg in size L (BIKE measurement)
• Weight of wheels: 4470 g
• Acceleration wheels: 3481 kg x cm² (BIKE measured value)
• Guarantee: for life
• Special features: two bottle cages, storage compartment in the down tube, SWAT tool

The new Epic Evo - sporty & in love with detail

The fact that our test bike Frame shared with the Epic race bikebecomes clear as soon as you sit on the bike. You sit on the Epic Evo stretched out and with a lot of pressure on the front wheel. To coax a little more comfort out of the speedster, we fitted all possible spacers under the stem. But even then, the bike still exudes an extremely sporty character. The Specialized is correspondingly fast uphill.

Meanwhile, the rear suspension hardly bobs at all. The Evo converts every watt from the legs into propulsion almost without loss. Reaching for the platform lever seems mostly superfluous. In the gripping duel for the uphill classification, the candidate still has to admit defeat to the Trek. Why? Because the Specialized stretches its rider over the frame in a very sporty manner, even on tricky climbs, and the handling suffers. Balancing movements are more difficult and there is a lack of freedom of movement for technical manoeuvres.

On the other hand, the Epic Evo secures top marks for equipment: a storage compartment including a neoprene bag in the down tube for provisions or spare parts, a tool in the steerer tube, a flip chip in the shock eyelet and a steering stop limiter - if James Bond had to ride a bike, he would certainly rely on the special equipment of the Evo. Also good: two bottle cages offer great added value on long tours.

The features of the Specialised Epic Evo 8 Pro

• Fork / Shock: Fox 34 Float Factory Grip2 / Fox Float DPS Evol Factory
• Gearing / Bandwidth: Sram X0 Transmission / 520 %
• Brakes: Sram Code SLV / 200/180 mm
• Wheels: Roval Control Carbon / Industry Nine hubs
• Tyres: Specialized Purgatory; Grid T9; Ground Control ; Grid T7 29 x 2.40/2.35
• Seatpost / Stroke: Fox Transfer Factory / 175 mm
• max. system weight: 127 kg
• Guarantee: for life
• Special features: two bottle cages, storage compartment in the down tube, SWAT tool

Once a racer, always a racer: the new Epic Evo on the trail

Due to the front-heavy riding position, less experienced riders will soon reach the limits of what is possible on steep terrain. The suspension elements respond well, but tend to be high in their travel. Although the firm ride feel suits the sporty riding position well, it offers little comfort and safety in comparison. Only the Cube Stereo gives even more feedback from the underground.

If the suspension qualities fade into the background on tamer trails, the bike stays securely on track thanks to its length and can handle a lot of speed. Good for the playfulness rating: the suspension offers firm support when pushing through berms and pushing off jumps. However, the Epic Evo doesn't allow too much mischief. Even downhill, the sporty riding position restricts the rider's radius of action. Finally, we have to praise the in-house tyre combination: we really liked the compromise between grip and rolling resistance.

Specialized Epic Evo 8: Lab results & BIKE review

Conclusion from Laurin Lehner, BIKE test editor

With its consistently sporty character, the Specialized Epic Evo is suitable for trail bikers who like to cover a lot of distance and for whom downhill fun is not the main focus. Bottle cage, swat tool and luggage compartment - in addition to the geometry and suspension, the useful equipment details also seem to be made for extended tours.