Specialized Epic Expert EVO in review
The Epic is Specialized’s no-nonsense lightweight XC racer. But just like the Stumpjumper, the Epic is also offered in a more progressive EVO spec. Burlier, more versatile and with a trail-focussed build, it promises to be a short-travel ripper. However, with its skinny shock and long 70 mm stem, can the Epic Expert EVO shake off its XC DNA on the trails?
For an overview about the test field click her: The Best Short-Travel Trail Bike – 6 Mountain Bikes in Test
| € 5,599
Specialized’s EVO models aim to transform the character and personality of the ‘original’ bike, with major geometry alterations changing the personality of the bikes. While it may share the same 100 mm travel frame as the non-EVO model, the EVO has a wider 2.3” Ground Control front tire and rear Fast Trak with the sturdier Grid Casing which is normally reserved for harder-hitting models, along with a longer travel Fox Step-Cast 34 Performance 120 mm fork and an X-Fusion dropper post. The frame forgoes the usual chainstay pivot, relying on the carbon fibre stays to flex up to 3 mm at full compression. However, the biggest talking point on the Specialized Epic Expert EVO is the skinny RockShox shock which uses a Micro Brain inertia valve at the rear axle, reacting to how quickly the rear wheel is moving up and down to open and close the compression damping automatically to keep the bike as efficient as possible. You can adjust the threshold at which the inertia valve releases, allowing you to choose either a very firm or plush feel. It doesn’t take long to understand what Specialized Epic Expert EVO is designed for. The 750 mm bar and 70 mm stem feel low and racy, which is also reflected in the firm, supportive suspension kinematics. The slack 73.8 degree seat angle should feel slow on the climbs but the long stem and zero offset X-Fusion dropper pull your weight forward resulting in rapid climbing. On paper, the € 5,599 Expert specification is expensive and while the fork may only be the Performance model and the drivetrain SRAM GX Eagle, we were pleased to see the lightweight and fast Roval Control carbon wheels. However, the SRAM Level TL brakes with 180/160 mm rotors lack bite and power on steeper trails.
The XC cockpit of the Specialized Epic Expert EVO had our trail testers scratching their heads. A 70 mm stem and narrow bars limit the capability of this bike.
The Specialized Epic Expert Evo in detail
ForkFOX Step-Cast 34 Performance 120 mm
Shock Custom RockShox Micro Brain 100 mm
Brakes SRAM level TL 180/160 mm
Drivetrain SRAM GX Eagle
Seatpost X-fusion Manic 125 mm
Stem Specialized XC 80 mm
Handlebar Specialized Alloy Minirise 750 mm
Wheels Roval Control Carbon rims, Specialized hubs
Tires Specialized Ground Control / Fast Trak 2.3″
The cable entry points are sharp and damaged the cables when the handlebars spun round in a crash
Fitting a 70 mm stem really changes the feel of the bike, pulling you forward over the bike on steep terrain
The Micro Brain shock has an inertia valve at the rear dropout, opening the compression damping on the shock when hard impacts are detected
The Specialized Epic Expert EVO is slimmed down and sexy. Even the custom RockShox Micro Brain shock shaft has been on a diet.
The Specialized Roval Control wheels spin up quickly and provide an accurate ride. Carbon wheels suit the lively and engaging handling
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 400 mm | 434 mm | 470 mm | 520 mm |
| Top tube | 571 mm | 599 mm | 626 mm | 650 mm |
| Head tube | 95 mm | 105 mm | 120 mm | 140 mm |
| Head angle | 68.5° | 68.5° | 68.5° | 68.5° |
| Seat angle | 73.8° | 73.8° | 73.8° | 73.8° |
| Chainstays | 438 mm | 438 mm | 438 mm | 438 mm |
| BB Drop | 32 mm | 32 mm | 32 mm | 32 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1103 mm | 1132 mm | 1159 mm | 1186 mm |
| Reach | 398 mm | 423 mm | 446 mm | 465 mm |
| Stack | 595 mm | 605 mm | 619 mm | 638 mm |
The Specialized Epic Expert Evo on the trail
No sooner do the Roval Control carbon wheels start spinning do you feel that the Evo has been made to excel on gentle trails. Power transfer is instantaneous and the bike leaps forwards willingly. The long stem and narrow bars keep your weight forward over the bars, resulting in a feeling of riding on top of rather than integrated with the bike which not all our testers enjoyed. However, the steering is very precise and the Epic Expert EVO loves to be hustled fast down flow trails, carving from one turn to the next. When you hit rocky terrain, the old-school cockpit makes the Specialized Epic Expert EVO more of a handful, where it feels more nervous and requires strong steering inputs. Setting the 5-position ‘Brain Fade’ adjustor to the harder setting transforms the bike into a firm and racy machine, the automatic inertia valve only giving up travel when absolutely necessary.
We would size up on this frame and fit a shorter 50 mm stem for more direct handling.
Efficiency is king, comfort and traction are secondary. However, when you hit an impact or compress into a turn you can feel a noticeable delay and clunk as the inertia valve releases the rear shock, which feels very strange. We chose to run the ‘Brain Fade’ at the oft end of the adjustment range which offered more grip and fun. In this setting the Epic Expert EVO proves to be effortlessly fast and efficient over undulating mellow flow trails. While we cannot argue that the Brain Fade inertia valve works, we would leave the ‘firm’ setting to those in Lycra.
Conclusion
The Specialized Epic Expert EVO is a light and fast whippet. It doesn’t completely escape its heritage and would not look out of place on the startline of an XC race, but is just as happy galloping down flowing trails. The Micro Brain shock really works, but you have to get used to its delayed response. However, versatility is not the Stumpjumper Epic Expert EVO’s forte and when the terrain gets tougher, the XC cockpit and firm suspension make it a handful.
Tops
- very lively on flow trails
- like a rocket uphill
Flops
- Micro Brain inertia valve delay
- XC cockpit limits versatility
The test field
For an overview about the test field click her: The Best Short-Travel Trail Bike – 6 Mountain Bikes in Test
All bikes in test: Canyon Neuron CF 8.0 | Merida ONE TWENTY 8000 | Trek Top Fuel 9.9 | Whyte S-120C RS | Yeti SB100 C GX
