Specialized Epic 8 Buyer's Guide

Epic 8 & Epic 8 Evo Buyer's Guide

Welcome to your ultimate guide to the Epic 8 and Epic 8 EVO—the forefront of cross-country (XC) performance cycling. These bikes represent the pinnacle of innovation, tailored for cyclists who demand peak performance, unparalleled efficiency, and cutting-edge technology on the trail. Engineered to conquer the evolving challenges of modern XC tracks, the Epic 8 series is a testament to Specialized's relentless pursuit of excellence, designed to push the limits of what's possible on two wheels.

Learn about the Epic 8 models

The Specialized Epic 8 sets a new standard in cross-country mountain biking, making it the fastest XC race bike on the planet. Plus, double the capability, extra efficiency, and less mass. This advanced bike integrates Specialized Ride Dynamics Tuned Dampers and custom valving, harmonizing with its chassis to deliver exceptional ride quality. It significantly reduces pedal bob by 20% through optimized suspension kinematics, maintaining efficiency and control. Progressive geometry ensures superior handling and stability, while strategic weight-saving innovations, including bladder-molded shock tabs and titanium hardware, make it 76 grams lighter than its predecessor.

S-Works Epic 8

The S-Works Epic 8 is equipped RockShox Flight Attendant, which utilizes a sophisticated algorithm and AXS wireless technology to automatically adjusting the bike's suspension settings in real-time, ensuring optimal performance across varied terrains and conditions. The S-Works model also has a FACT 12m carbon frame, Roval Control SL wheels, and SRAM XX SL Eagle AXS drivetrain.

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S-Works Epic 8

The S-Works Epic 8 is equipped RockShox Flight Attendant, which utilizes a sophisticated algorithm and AXS wireless technology to automatically adjusting the bike's suspension settings in real-time, ensuring optimal performance across varied terrains and conditions. The S-Works model also has a FACT 12m carbon frame, Roval Control SL wheels, and SRAM XX SL Eagle AXS drivetrain.

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Epic 8 Pro

The Specialized Epic 8 Pro sets a new standard for XC racing with its FACT 11m carbon frame, progressive geometry, and 120mm of travel, complemented by cutting-edge components like the custom-tuned RockShox SID ULTIMATE suspension, SRAM XO Eagle AXS drivetrain, and Roval Control carbon wheels, ensuring unparalleled efficiency, control, and speed on demanding terrains.

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Epic 8 Pro

The Specialized Epic 8 Pro sets a new standard for XC racing with its FACT 11m carbon frame, progressive geometry, and 120mm of travel, complemented by cutting-edge components like the custom-tuned RockShox SID ULTIMATE suspension, SRAM XO Eagle AXS drivetrain, and Roval Control carbon wheels, ensuring unparalleled efficiency, control, and speed on demanding terrains.

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Epic 8 Expert

The Epic 8 Expert is a masterclass in cross-country precision, featuring a lightweight FACT 11m Carbon frame with Progressive XC Race Geometry and advanced suspension systems including a RockShox SID Select+ fork and SIDLuxe Select+ rear shock, finely tuned for unparalleled efficiency and handling. It boasts a cutting-edge GX Eagle AXS drivetrain, SRAM Level Bronze Stealth 4-Piston brakes, and Roval Control carbon wheels, setting a new standard for speed, control, and biomechanical efficiency on the trail.

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Epic 8 Expert

The Epic 8 Expert is a masterclass in cross-country precision, featuring a lightweight FACT 11m Carbon frame with Progressive XC Race Geometry and advanced suspension systems including a RockShox SID Select+ fork and SIDLuxe Select+ rear shock, finely tuned for unparalleled efficiency and handling. It boasts a cutting-edge GX Eagle AXS drivetrain, SRAM Level Bronze Stealth 4-Piston brakes, and Roval Control carbon wheels, setting a new standard for speed, control, and biomechanical efficiency on the trail.

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Learn about the Epic 8 Evo models

The Specialized Epic 8 EVO stands as the ultimate downcountry warrior, designed for riders who demand exceptional downhill capabilities without sacrificing uphill efficiency. The Evo boasts a 130mm fork, larger brakes, aggressive tires, riser bars, and shorter stems, making it a formidable force on single tracks. With its slacker geometry, the Epic 8 EVO ensures stable descents and agile climbs, catering to endurance riders navigating rough terrains. Specialized Ride Dynamics tailors the suspension with two settings—Wide Open for a trail bike-like supple ride and Sprint-On-Lock for efficient climbing or sprinting—making the Epic 8 EVO a versatile choice for those seeking to conquer downcountry trails with confidence and speed.

Epic 8 Evo Pro

The Epic 8 EVO Pro stands as a testament to engineering excellence, featuring a FACT 11m Carbon frame with Progressive XC Race Geometry, Ride Dynamics-tuned FOX Float Factory shock and 130mm FOX 34 Factory fork, paired with a cutting-edge SRAM XO Eagle AXS Transmission and Roval Control carbon wheels with Industry 9 hubs, to deliver unmatched capability, efficiency, and control on the most challenging downcountry terrains.

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Epic 8 Evo Pro

The Epic 8 EVO Pro stands as a testament to engineering excellence, featuring a FACT 11m Carbon frame with Progressive XC Race Geometry, Ride Dynamics-tuned FOX Float Factory shock and 130mm FOX 34 Factory fork, paired with a cutting-edge SRAM XO Eagle AXS Transmission and Roval Control carbon wheels with Industry 9 hubs, to deliver unmatched capability, efficiency, and control on the most challenging downcountry terrains.

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Epic 8 Evo Comp

The Epic 8 EVO Comp features a 130mm FOX 34 Performance fork and a Ride Dynamics-tuned FOX Float Performance rear shock for superior handling and absorption. Equipped with a precision SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain and powerful SRAM Code Bronze Stealth hydraulic disc brakes, it delivers unmatched capability and control on the most demanding trails.

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Epic 8 Evo Comp

The Epic 8 EVO Comp features a 130mm FOX 34 Performance fork and a Ride Dynamics-tuned FOX Float Performance rear shock for superior handling and absorption. Equipped with a precision SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain and powerful SRAM Code Bronze Stealth hydraulic disc brakes, it delivers unmatched capability and control on the most demanding trails.

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