{"id":67324,"date":"2024-03-12T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-12T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/?p=67324"},"modified":"2024-03-12T16:03:26","modified_gmt":"2024-03-12T14:03:26","slug":"first-look-epic-8-evo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/first-look-epic-8-evo\/","title":{"rendered":"First Look: Specialized Epic 8 EVO"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>With the launch of a more capable <a href=\"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/first-look-specialized-epic-8\/\">Epic 8<\/a>, the Epic 8 EVO moves deeper into &#8216;downcountry&#8217; territory than it&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/review-2021-specialized-s-works-epic-evo-r8142\/\">predecessor<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e931cb7a020&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e931cb7a020\" class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1708\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/RCOX1995EPIC8-PRESS-EDITS-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-67337\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/RCOX1995EPIC8-PRESS-EDITS-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/RCOX1995EPIC8-PRESS-EDITS-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/RCOX1995EPIC8-PRESS-EDITS-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/RCOX1995EPIC8-PRESS-EDITS-1400x934.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/RCOX1995EPIC8-PRESS-EDITS-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/RCOX1995EPIC8-PRESS-EDITS-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What&#8217;s New?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Travel increased to 130mm front, 120mm rear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shared chassis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SWAT downtube storage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Internal steering stop<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Burlier trail tyres come standard<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">On the Trail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e931cb7a5aa&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e931cb7a5aa\" class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"8192\" height=\"5464\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/sMLQu.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-67342\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/sMLQu.jpeg 8192w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/sMLQu-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/sMLQu-1400x934.jpeg 1400w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/sMLQu-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/sMLQu-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 8192px) 100vw, 8192px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e931cb7a92d&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e931cb7a92d\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"67343\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Xlh2M-1400x933.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-67343\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Xlh2M-1400x933.jpeg 1400w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Xlh2M-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Xlh2M-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Xlh2M-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Xlh2M-2048x1366.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">There&#8217;s no messing around when climbing in lock out mode<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e931cb7ac29&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e931cb7ac29\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"67344\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/qrINu-1400x933.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-67344\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/qrINu-1400x933.jpeg 1400w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/qrINu-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/qrINu-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/qrINu-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/qrINu-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">But plenty of fun to be had when you engage party mode&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Given the capability of the Epic it&#8217;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&#8217;d back this bike to tick all the boxes as a Swiss Army knife for many. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The press release below sums it up best: the Epic 8 is a weapon &#8220;dressed to kill&#8221;. It&#8217;s about speed at all costs. While the Epic EVO is &#8220;dressed to thrill&#8221;, and takes off the pressure to put in big watts, delivering big smiles instead, and still allowing you to klap big miles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#c0cbd5\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Local Pricing and Availability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.specialized.com\/za\/en?utm_source=bikehub&amp;utm_medium=article\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">specialized.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out the press release here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Epic 8 EVO: Fastest for Downcountry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><br>Epic 8 EVO models are for riders who hunt for downhill KOMs on monster loops; it\u2019s a singletrack-devouring machine like the world has never seen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e931cb7b23c&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e931cb7b23c\" class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"913\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/AQ9I9322-1-1400x913.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-67330\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/AQ9I9322-1-1400x913.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/AQ9I9322-1-300x196.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/AQ9I9322-1-768x501.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/AQ9I9322-1-1536x1001.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/AQ9I9322-1.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s the embodiment of fun being fast. It rewards playful pops, cornering of any kind, and a cheeky manual or two with drive and snap.&#8221;<\/p>\n<cite>Dillon O.<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e931cb7b62a&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e931cb7b62a\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/90324-11-_EPIC-PRO-130-FSTGRN-SPR-METSPR_MID_0447_V2-1-1400x933.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-67329\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/90324-11-_EPIC-PRO-130-FSTGRN-SPR-METSPR_MID_0447_V2-1-1400x933.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/90324-11-_EPIC-PRO-130-FSTGRN-SPR-METSPR_MID_0447_V2-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/90324-11-_EPIC-PRO-130-FSTGRN-SPR-METSPR_MID_0447_V2-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Epic 8 EVO\u2019s Dynamic Duo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Two Positions; Pick Your Poison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Epic 8 EVO models are spec\u2019d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Wide Open | Let \u2018er rip<\/strong><br>When you made it to the top and it\u2019s 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\u2019ll swear you\u2019re on a trail bike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sprint-On-Lock | It\u2019s Hammer Time<\/strong><br>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\u2019s real smooth. And sometimes you wanna\u2019 get out of the saddle and pedal like you\u2019re chopping wood. Those are the times to lock it out and hammer away. Hell, it\u2019s cheaper than therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e931cb7ba35&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e931cb7ba35\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"906\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/MTB-3749-PRESS-KIT_EPIC_V426-1400x906.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-67332\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/MTB-3749-PRESS-KIT_EPIC_V426-1400x906.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/MTB-3749-PRESS-KIT_EPIC_V426-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/MTB-3749-PRESS-KIT_EPIC_V426-768x497.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/MTB-3749-PRESS-KIT_EPIC_V426-1536x994.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2024\/03\/MTB-3749-PRESS-KIT_EPIC_V426-2048x1325.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out the full press release for the <a href=\"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/first-look-specialized-epic-8\/\">Epic 8 here.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With the launch of a more capable Epic 8, the Epic 8 EVO moves deeper into &#8216;downcountry&#8217; territory than it&#8217;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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":67337,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[95,247],"featured_location":[338],"class_list":["post-67324","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tech","tag-specialized","tag-specialized-epic","featured_location-bottom-row"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67324","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=67324"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67324\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":67451,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67324\/revisions\/67451"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/67337"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=67324"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=67324"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=67324"},{"taxonomy":"featured_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured_location?post=67324"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}