Specialized release new Epic 8 and Epic 8 EVO bikes claimed to be 'fastest bikes on dirt'

Specialized has released two new models in its cross-country mountain bike range with a new generation of Epic and Epic EVO called the Epic 8.

Both bikes have seen an overhaul in their geometry and design characteristics with the more technical demands of XC racing as a driving factor. Across the World Cup circuit, many Specialized sponsored riders were using the Epic EVO as their bike of choice over the standard Epic to deal with the increasing technical difficulty of a modern XC race track. With this in mind, Specialized has upped the standard Epic’s travel from 100mm front and rear to 120mm.

This put the standard Epic in a more capable position than the previous generation Epic Evo which sported 120mm of front wheel travel with 110mm of rear wheel travel. The Epic 8 also has seen an update to its geometry with a 66.4-degree head angle and 75.5-degree seat angle that aim to improve the bike's climbing and descending capabilities.

• Read more: What do bike geometry terms really mean?

The EVO 8 range has also seen an update to the suspension kinematics with the new frame claimed to be 12% better at absorbing vibrational forces. The new kinematics are also claimed to reduce pedal bob by 20% over the previous generation Epic.

When asked about the new Epic 8, Specialized Factory Racing rider Haley Batten said: “The new Epic 8 is more capable than ever. The new geometry gives me the ability to corner and descend with incredible control and confidence.”

© Specialized

The Epic 8 has updated geometry and suspension kinematics aimed at increasing the bikes technical ability

This has pushed the new Epic 8 EVO further into down-country territory where the boundaries between trail bike and XC bike blur. The Epic 8 EVO now comes with a 130mm fork as standard with 120mm of rear wheel travel. This has also relaxed the geometry slackening the head angle of the bike even further than on the standard Epic 8 by an extra degree.

• Read more: Mountain Bike World Cup XC bikes ranked: cheapest to most expensive

All bikes across the range now feature an internally mounted down tube SWAT box for storing spares, repairs and fuel putting any additional weight low in the frame to keep the centre of gravity low. Both the Epic 8 and 8 EVO also feature an integrated steering block that prevents the bars from spinning and hitting the top tube in the event of a crash.

With these additions in travel and functionality, Specialized has still managed to drop a bit of weight on the new range with the top-spec S-Works model 76 grams lighter than the previous generation. Though this is hardly a significant saving, it is notable considering the increase in travel.

Pricing

The Epic 8 will be available in four complete builds with an S-Works frameset also available, whilst there will be two Epic 8 EVO models as well as a Pro frameset.

© Specialized

The Epic 8 EVO now sits closer to the trail specific Stumpjumper

Complete builds:

• S-Works Epic - £12,000 / $14,500 / €14,500
• Pro Epic - £8,000 / $9,000 / €9,500
• Pro EVO - £8,000 / $8,500 / €9,000
• Expert Epic - £6,000 / $7,000 / €7,500
• Comp Epic and EVO - £4,250 / $5,000 / €5,200

Frameset only

• S-Works Epic - £5,500 / $6,000 / €6,500
• PRO EVO - £3,500 / $4,000 / €4,000

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Specialized

Specialized is a bike manufacturer based in California, USA. The company produces bicycles and components for a wide variety of cycling disciplines. Specialized also sells a range of premium products under its S-works brand.