Specialized Epic Evo '21 to '23 vs Epic 8 compared

[Stephan]

Looking to upgrade from my 2020 Specialized Epic Comp. I’m keen to stick with Specialized for various reasons, but the prices of the new-gen Epic 8 make my eyes water. I also want to go brainless, so my plan is to “ride the wave after the first wave” — meaning the 2021-2023 Epic Evo generation. When comparing the 2021-2023 Epic Evo frame to the new Epic 8 generation (2024+), here’s what I see:

’21-’23 Epic Evo / Epic 8

Rear shock: conventional shock on both

Rear travel: 110mm / 120mm

Fork travel: 120mm / 120mm

Head angle (size L): 66.5 / 66.4-65.9

Seat tube angle: 74.5 / 75-76

Reach: 460mm / 475mm

Chainstay: 438mm / 435mm

Frame storage: No / Yes

The previous-gen Evo already brought the longer-lower-slacker geometry with 110 / 120 mm travel, while the new Epic 8 / 8 Evo keeps a very similar frame shape, drops the Brain entirely, and bumps the rear travel to 120 mm (130 mm on the Evo).

Question: out there on real trails, gravel, or even tar — is there any actual ride difference between the base-model ’21–’23 Epic Evo and the new Epic 8? I’m not interested in fancy electronic gadgets or “air-hostess” tech.

At the current price gap, the previous-gen Evo seems like a no-brainer (pun intended 😉) — or am I missing something?

[117]

Cant go wrong with the 21-23 epic evo comp (no brain) Stephan. Slap an axs on it and dump the x-fusion dropper for something easier to service. Pimp it up with some wider rims and away you go. If you need extra storage get that little spez box/tool holder that goes below the bottle cage and you're all set

I rate that as propably the best all rounder you can get. Kinda like a '20 is in club class today

 

Edited October 16 by 117

[Knersboy]

If you can get the prev gen evo for a good deal I would pull the trigger. I have one (2021 Evo comp) and it is an awesome bike. 
 

When the epic 8 was released it seemed to me they took the old evo, added 10mm at the back and included the 3 position lockout thingy. 
 

I have ridden that bike on everything from endurance type “gravelly” races (36One, Baviaans) to my current staple of Appalachian east coast US rooty AF rocky trails and it has never let me down. I plan to go bike packing with it in North Carolina in the US spring next year. 
 

Had it for 4 years, all I have upgraded are the wheels and I broke the dropper lever so that needed replacing. 

[Knersboy]

Oh yes and I added the swat box as 117 mentioned. 

[Stephan]

Thanks 117 and Knersboy. That is useful feedback.

Anyone else with experience of the previous gen EVO vs the new Epic 8 Evo? 

[Baracuda]

Following this. The pricing on the Epic 8 is nauseating . If one purchases the previous model, mid-range, and buys a 130mm fork and longer shock (waiting for specials), are you not as close as darnit to the Epic 8? There are dudes that have done this on reddit and they love it. 

[ArrieM]

I have exactly the same question. Looking to upgrade my 2019 Epic but can’t justify the price of the Epic 8.

[thebob]

If you are not dead set on carbon, the Specialized Chisel is a very viable alternative. Same geo as the Epic 8 and in frame storage

[LukeLan]

I have the previous gen Epic Evo, after having the Epic with brain. The Evo is the best bike I have ridden, really does everything well. I won't be changing to another bike for a long while, just love this bike to much! 

[DieselnDust]

https://youtu.be/E0yzv4NA7nk?si=z0bfE0M7chW9IjFD

https://youtu.be/9cSm9ZxqRzs?si=aU3-DE7CFesdm-qp

 

[Stephan]

1 hour ago, DieselnDust said:

https://youtu.be/E0yzv4NA7nk?si=z0bfE0M7chW9IjFD

https://youtu.be/9cSm9ZxqRzs?si=aU3-DE7CFesdm-qp

 

Thanks Diesel! 🙂