Earlier in 2024 Specialized released the 8th iteration of the Epic. As we saw from their 2020 release, their top tier cross-country bike would be available in two variants; the Epic and Epic EVO. Specialized have completely revamped the platform to again deliver two unique bikes – now built on the one frame. First up, the Epic, a genre defining all-in cross-country, marathon and stage race 29er full-suspension bike. The Epic EVO uses the exact same frame but has a burlier suspension spec, more fork travel, stronger tyres and bigger brakes. While they sound like small differences the changes drive a wedge between the two variants. The Epic lives on to conquer the wildest XCO course, marathons and stage races (all Brain free) while the Epic EVO lives for the burlier all-day rides, taking scalps on Strava segments and lighting up the downcountry scene.
Specialized aren’t known for doing things by halves, and there are two Epic EVO models available. One is the $14200 super bike as tested here. The Epic EVO Comp sells for $7500 and shares the same full-carbon frame but sees a different build kit around the suspension, brakes and drivetrain. Specialized claim that the Epic
