Specialized launch the Epic EVO

Specialized today announced the launch of the Epic EVO. A 120mm fork, dropper seat post, wider handlebars, and a burlier front tyre are a distinct departure from the race-bred Epic.

The Specialized Epic Expert Carbon EVO.

Specialized’s EVO models typically feature beefed up specifications for harder riding conditions and the Epic EVO is no exception. The Epic EVO looks to be a bike that retains the pedalling ferocity of the race-weapon Epic but with some sensible trickle down components from the trail riding world to make a more manageable, confidence inspiring race bike.

The Epic and Epic EVO share the same frame meaning the Epic EVO retains the lightweight pedalling focussed design with the 100mm rear Brain suspension system. The Epic EVO will be available in two models: the carbon frame Expert level and aluminium frame Comp level. The full specifications for each of these models are available further down the page.

The Epic EVO forks do not carry the Brain suspension found on Epic forks. The travel is also boosted to 120mm. The increased travel means that the front of the bike is ever so slightly higher resulting in some geometry changes over the Epic. Most notably a slacker 68.5-degree head angle which is better suited for rolling through tricky terrain.

With dropper seat posts now commonplace in elite and amateur ranks, it’s little wonder that the Epic EVO range comes equipped with dropper seat posts. Instead of Specialized’s own Command Post that we usually see on their bikes, Specialized has equipped the EVO with an X-Fusion Manic on the available Expert and Comp models.

Continuing the EVO makeover, the handlebars have grown to 750mm and the stems shortened for a more trail-like steering experience while the Ground Control tyre on the front adds confidence inspiring grip over the FastTrak fitted on the standard Epic.

A quick glance back in history shows that this is not the first time Specialized has given the EVO treatment to the Epic. Back in 2011 they released an Epic EVO with a similar thinking to this new bike. You can take a look at this bike on the Specialized website here.

Pricing and Availability

The Specialized Expert Carbon EVO retails for a recommended R84,000. It is available immediately through Specialized dealers. The Comp EVO, with a suggested retail price of R44,000, should appear in stores in September.

For more information and specification details, please see the press release supplied by Specialized below.

Press Release and Model Details

The Epic has rocketed more World Champions, Olympians, and mere-mortal-racers to the podium than any bike in its class. And with the introduction of the Epic EVO’s dropper post, longer-travel fork, wider handlebars, and meatier tyres, we’re making the world’s fastest XC race bike even more versatile.

Can you race this thing? Hell, yes. Epic EVO models use the same frame and Brain 2.0 rear shock as our current Epics. The Epic EVO’s more aggressive component spec, however, also makes it the perfect choice for long rides and marathon races. Think BC Bike Race, the Cape Epic, or any local death march that your inner sadist dreams of churning through at soul-crushing speeds.

Epic Expert Carbon EVO

Gloss East Sierras/Tarmac Black.

Satin Carbon/Storm Grey.

Ripping around between the tape is one way to worship at the altar of speed, but for all the other long, fast rides or marathon races on technical terrain, there’s our all-new Epic Expert EVO. Consider it a more “epic” kind of Epic.

• A FOX Step-Cast 34 Performance Series fork handles suspension duties up front with 120mm of travel and a GRIP damper that has Open, Medium, and Firm modes for every kind of terrain.
• The hand-built Roval Control Carbon wheels feature a modern 25mm (internal width) hookless rim, so you get the low weight, low rolling resistance, and the best possible grip with the 2.3″ tires.
• An X-Fusion Manic seatpost brings you some much-needed drop for tackling steep descents, but it also features a zero-offset design that keeps your weight over the bottom bracket for the climbs.

Epic Expert Carbon EVO Specifications:

• FrameSpecialized FACT 11m, full carbon frame, XC Geometry, threaded BB, 12x148mm rear spacing, internal cable routing, 100mm of travel
• ForkFOX Stepcast 34 Performance series, GRIP damper, 44mm offset, 15x110mm Kabolt thru-axle, 120mm of travel
• ShockCustom RockShox Micro Brain shock w/ Spike Valve, AUTOSAG, 51x257mm
• HandlebarsSpecialized Alloy Minirise, 10mm rise, 750mm, 31.8mm clamp
• StemSpecialized XC, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 6-degree rise
• GripsSpecialized Sip Grip, half-waffle, S/M: regular thickness, L/XL: XL thickness
• SaddleBody Geometry Phenom Comp, Adaptive Edge design, hollow Cr-Mo rails, 143mm
• SeatpostX-Fusion manic, 30.9mm, (S: 100mm, M-XL: 125mm)
• Front BrakeSRAM Level TL, hydraulic disc
• Rear BrakeSRAM Level TL, hydraulic disc
• Shift LeversSRAM GX Eagle, trigger, 12-speed
• Rear DerailleurSRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed
• CassetteSRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed, 10-50t
• CranksetTruvativ STYLO, DUB
• ChainringSRAM Eagle, 32T
• Bottom BracketSRAM, DUB, BSA
• ChainSRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed
• RimsRoval Control Carbon, 25mm internal width, tubeless-ready
• Front HubSpecialized, sealed cartridge bearings, 15x110mm spacing, 28h
• Rear HubSpecialized, sealed cartridge bearings, 12x148mm thru-axle, 28h
• SpokesDT Swiss Industry
• Front TyreGround Control, GRIPTON® compound, 60 TPI, 2Bliss Ready, 29×2.3″
• Rear TyreFast Trak, GRID casing, GRIPTON® compound, 60 TPI, 2Bliss Ready, 29×2.3″

Epic Comp EVO

Satin Cast Battleship /Mojave.

Gloss Rocket Red/Tarmac Black.

If we’re being honest with ourselves, alloy has always been at the heart of the EVO family. It’s tough, it’s stiff, and at least with our bikes, it’s pretty damn light. Basically, it embodies everything that’s good about mountain bikes, and that’s what EVO is all about. But an Epic Comp EVO made out of aluminum? We say, “yeah, it’s a perfect fit.” And that’s because this bike brings all the uphill racing, singletrack-ripping fun you want, and puts it in a durable, on-budget package. So get excited, because this is the most “epic” Epic yet.

• A RockShox Reba RL fork, with 120mm of travel, soaks up rocks, roots, and bumps, and it also features both compression and rebound adjustments.
• The 12-speed SRAM NX Eagle groupset brings the performance of Eagle at a value anyone can appreciate.
• An X-Fusion Manic seatpost brings you some much-needed drop for tackling steep descents, but it also features a zero-offset design that keeps your weight over the bottom bracket for the climbs.

Epic Comp EVO Specifications:

• FrameSpecialized M5 Aluminum w/ D’Aluisio Smartweld Technology, threaded BB, 12x148mm rear spacing, internal cable routing, flex pivot, 100mm of travel
• ForkRockShox Reba RL 29, Motion Control damper, 42mm offset, 15x110mm thru-axle, 120mm of travel
• ShockCustom RockShox Micro Brain shock w/ Spike Valve, AUTOSAG, 51x257mm
• HandlebarsSpecialized Alloy Minirise, 10mm rise, 750mm, 31.8mm clamp
• StemSpecialized XC, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 6-degree rise
• GripsSpecialized Sip Grip, half-waffle, S/M: regular thickness, L/XL: XL thickness
• SaddleBody Geometry Phenom Comp, Adaptive Edge design, hollow Cr-Mo rails, 143mm
• SeatpostX-Fusion manic, 30.9mm, (S: 100mm, M-XL: 125mm) SRAM Level TL, hydraulic disc
• Front BrakeSRAM Level TL, hydraulic disc
• Rear BrakeSRAM Level TL, hydraulic disc
• Shift LeversSRAM NX Eagle, trigger, 12-speed
• Rear DerailleurSRAM NX Eagle, 12-speed
• CassetteSRAM NX Eagle, 12-speed, 11-50t
• CranksetTruvativ STYLO, DUB
• ChainringSRAM Eagle, 32T
• Bottom BracketSRAM, DUB, BSA
• ChainSRAM NX Eagle, 12-speed
• RimsRoval Control Alloy 29″, 25mm internal wdith, 28h
• Front HubSpecialized, sealed cartridge bearings, 15x110mm spacing, 28h
• Rear HubSpecialized, sealed cartridge bearings, 12x148mm thru-axle, 28h
• SpokesDT Swiss Industry
• Front TyreGround Control, GRIPTON® compound, 60 TPI, 2Bliss Ready, 29×2.3″
• Rear TyreFast Trak, GRID casing, GRIPTON® compound, 60 TPI, 2Bliss Ready, 29×2.3″

Geometry