{"id":15155,"date":"2020-06-23T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-06-23T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/2020\/06\/23\/review-2021-specialized-s-works-epic-evo-r8142\/"},"modified":"2023-02-08T19:33:08","modified_gmt":"2023-02-08T19:33:08","slug":"review-2021-specialized-s-works-epic-evo-r8142","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/review-2021-specialized-s-works-epic-evo-r8142\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: 2021 Specialized S-Works Epic Evo"},"content":{"rendered":"

The new Specialized Epic Evo has been given its own unique identity in the Epic range. Where the previous Epic Evo<\/a> was a straightforward specification change, the new Epic now has its own rear triangle, suspension layout, and no Brain! These changes aim to create an Epic that is more capable and comfortable on the trails than the Brain version.<\/p>\n

\"ccs-62657-0-82932200-1592922407.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Specialized\u2019s marketing and engineers position the Epic Evo as a lightweight trail bike for riders that value speed in all aspects of mountain biking, not simply crossing a finish line first. Specialized wanted to design a bike that is fully capable of trail adventures but still offer a comfortable bike for pedalling through multi-day stage races.<\/p>\n

The New Rear Triangle<\/h2>\n

\"ccs-62657-0-58259400-1592922456.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The Epic Evo is designed around an all-new 110mm suspension system which pairs with a 120mm travel fork. The front triangle is the same as the Epic but the rear is a unique design specifically tailored to the Evo\u2019s broader riding style. To the casual observers, the most notable changes from the Epic are the separation of the shock from the seat stay via an additional link and the absence of the Brain system.<\/p>\n

The Brain system has been swapped for a metric shock. The shock has undergone Specialized\u2019s custom Rx tuning but, unlike the Brain shock, you can have it serviced by your local suspension mechanic. In fact, there are no proprietary designs or parts on the Epic Evo frame meaning any bike shop can fully service the bike.<\/p>\n

\"ccs-62657-0-21159500-1592922505.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

If you do really want the Epic EVO components but on an Epic frame with a Brain, the new Epic is approved to take a 120mm fork as the front triangles are identical across the two models. Your local bike shop should be able to replicate the Epic EVO components on a new Epic for you.<\/p>\n

Geometry<\/h2>\n

The Evo\u2019s 66.5-degree head angle is one-degree slacker than the new Epic and two degrees over the previous Evo. Combined with a lower bottom bracket height, the new Evo is set to be more composed on the trails. The seat angle has been steepened by \u00be of a degree to improve pedalling efficiency. The Evo also has a FlipChip to steepen the angles by half a degree and bring the bottom bracket up by 6mm to sharpen the handling and increase clearance.<\/p>\n

\"ccs-62657-0-85155200-1592922516.jpg\"<\/a>
\"ccs-62657-0-59386300-1592923713.jpg\"<\/a>Left: The Epic Evo geometry chart. Right: The new Epic Evo frame profile versus the previous Epic Evo.<\/span><\/p>\n

Improved Construction and Weight<\/h2>\n
\n
\n\"ccs-62657-0-90044400-1592922597.jpg\"<\/a>\n<\/div>\n
\n\"ccs-62657-0-46670300-1592922599.jpg\"<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The S-Works frame is constructed from FACT 12m carbon materials while the rest of the carbon frames in the range make use of FACT 11m carbon for the same stiffness and weight gains as the current S-Works frames. Without the Brain system, the Epic Evo frame is actually a couple hundred grams lighter than the race-orientated Epic frame. Yes, I know what you\u2019re thinking but mountain bikes are not all about weight, the Epic still pedals more efficiently.<\/p>\n

The S-Works Evo Fact 12m frame weighs 1659 grams while the Epic Evo Pro FACT 11m frame weights 1757 grams. These measurements include frame, shock, hanger, axle, and bolts.<\/p>\n

Optimized Sizing<\/h2>\n

A consideration for short and tall riders. Specialized go to great lengths to make sure the experience across the size curve is uniform. They optimise the carbon layup and stress test each frame size to ensure that they each perform the same. It may or may not be attributable to this attention to detail but as a rider who fits an extra-large frame, the Specialized XL always feels just right. It is noticeable when a bike company has simply sized up their test size without much thought.<\/p>\n

Maintenance and Frame Protection<\/h2>\n
\n
\n\"ccs-62657-0-99695700-1592923106.jpg\"<\/a>\n<\/div>\n
\n\"ccs-62657-0-93645400-1592923108.jpg\"<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

With electronic shifting and dropper post, our S-Works Epic Evo test arrived with an internal routing cable port for only the rear brake. This can be increased to accommodate shifter and dropper post routing with other ports where applicable. There is also routing for a cable shock lockout should you desire although you’re going to need to buy a different shock. The bottom bracket is BSA 73mm, so it\u2019s threaded for easier maintenance. The chainstay protector features the raised sections first seen on the Stumpjumper and they work exceptionally well to rid the bike of any chain slapping sound.<\/p>\n

Hydration and Storage<\/h2>\n

\"ccs-62657-0-61796600-1592923154.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
\n\"ccs-62657-0-88542100-1592923164.jpg\"<\/a>\n<\/div>\n
\n\"ccs-62657-0-89228600-1592923172.jpg\"<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Of serious importance for all-day riding is hydration and storage for spares. The Epic Evo frame accommodates two full-size bottles across the size curve. The Specialized bottle cage does allow for a multitool to be fitted but there is already a tool stowed in the headset cap so I fitted a SWAT box to carry a tube, CO2 canister and adaptor, and a tyre lever instead.<\/p>\n

The Components<\/h2>\n

Through the model line-up the Epic Evo formula features a 120mm fork, a dropper seat post, 4-piston brakes, and the Ground Control \/ FastTrak tyre combo.<\/p>\n

\"ccs-62657-0-76989000-1592923470.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
\n\"ccs-62657-0-80934300-1592923348.jpg\"<\/a>\n<\/div>\n
\n\"ccs-62657-0-79049200-1592923402.jpg\"<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Our test bike was the S-Works model featuring some of the best goodies available. The one component that exceeded expectations is the Roval Control SL wheels. They are impressively light, suitably wide, and use DT Swiss\u2019s excellent ratchet hub internals. As I said in the S-Works Epic review<\/a>, the new Control SL is the best light-duty mountain bike wheelset that I\u2019ve ridden.<\/p>\n

Fork:<\/strong> Rockshox\u2019s 35mm stanchion SID ULTIMATE gives the 120mm SID platform some much-needed stiffness to perform on bike such as the Epic Evo.<\/p>\n

Groupset:<\/strong> SRAM\u2019s XX1 Eagle AXS drivetrain is a luxurious joy to use but not a reason alone to seek out the S-Works model.<\/p>\n

Brakes:<\/strong> The SRAM G2 Ultimate brakes with their 4-piston calipers are more than up to the task of stopping this speedy 10.4 kg bike.<\/p>\n

\n
\n\"ccs-62657-0-95459700-1592923568.jpg\"<\/a>\n<\/div>\n
\n\"ccs-62657-0-45409100-1592923559.jpg\"<\/a>\n<\/div>\n
\n\"ccs-62657-0-65239300-1592923577.jpg\"<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Cockpit:<\/strong> The star of the cockpit is the wireless RockShox Reverb AXS seatpost. Again, like the AXS drivetrain, it\u2019s a luxury rather than a necessity. You also get S-Works carbon handlebars and an S-Works Power saddle.<\/p>\n

Tyres:<\/strong> The tyres are a combination of Specialized\u2019s Ground Control and Fast Trak. It is an excellent pairing for fast-paced trail duties that I had ridden on my own bikes. So I was instantly comfortable on the Epic Evo. It\u2019s worth noting that Specialized did elect the Control casing over the more robust GRID casing for this bike but that is an easy fix should you feel that you want more protection.<\/p>\n

Check out the full specifications for the S-Works Epic Evo below.<\/p>\n