With the launch of a more capable Epic 8, the Epic 8 EVO moves deeper into ‘downcountry’ territory than it’s predecessor. The update sees a return to a shared chassis with the Epic, with the travel increasing from 120mm to 130mm front, and 110mm to 120mm on the rear, along with geometry updates, and burlier tyres to finish off a more trail-orientated build kit.
What’s New?
- Travel increased to 130mm front, 120mm rear
- Shared chassis
- SWAT downtube storage
- Internal steering stop
- Burlier trail tyres come standard
On the Trail
Where the Epic 8 is all business, and almost alarmingly fast, the EVO is plain good fun. It gets you to the trailhead with your sense of humour intact, and when you point it downhill it transforms into a magic carpet ride. Plush, yet poppy. It doesn’t have the ponderous weight of a full blown trail bike, and nips round corners and pops off features like an XC weapon, but with the composure of a much bigger bike.
Given the capability of the Epic it’s tricky to articulate where this bike fits in for Saffas. I suspect the majority of current Epic EVO riders will turn back to the Epic 8, but I’d back this bike to tick all the boxes as a Swiss Army knife for many.
The press release below sums it up best: the Epic 8 is a weapon “dressed to kill”. It’s about speed at all costs. While the Epic EVO is “dressed to thrill”, and takes off the pressure to put in big watts, delivering big smiles instead, and still allowing you to klap big miles.
Local Pricing and Availability
The Epic 8 EVO is available in two models, the Epic 8 Pro EVO which will retail for an MSRP of R190,000 and the Epic 8 Comp EVO for R105,000. For more details and specifications head to specialized.com
Check out the press release here:
Epic 8 EVO: Fastest for Downcountry
Epic 8 EVO models are for riders who hunt for downhill KOMs on monster loops; it’s a singletrack-devouring machine like the world has never seen.
“It’s the embodiment of fun being fast. It rewards playful pops, cornering of any kind, and a cheeky manual or two with drive and snap.”
Dillon O.
Epic 8 EVO’s Dynamic Duo
Two Positions; Pick Your Poison
Epic 8 EVO models are spec’d to slay downcountry terrain, which means hammering to the top so you can rip down. There is no middle ground. And so, there is no Magic Middle on the EVO dampers, just Wide Open and Sprint-On-Lock settings.
Wide Open | Let ‘er rip
When you made it to the top and it’s time for your reward, open it up and let it fly. The Wide Open setting has minimal compression damping, delivering such a supple ride, you’ll swear you’re on a trail bike.
Sprint-On-Lock | It’s Hammer Time
For a lot of downcountry terrain, keeping it active as you sit and spin is the way to go on the climbs. But sometimes it’s real smooth. And sometimes you wanna’ get out of the saddle and pedal like you’re chopping wood. Those are the times to lock it out and hammer away. Hell, it’s cheaper than therapy.
Check out the full press release for the Epic 8 here.
