Thank you for this awesome review @jctrails After watching this review, I rented this bike today and bombed some fast flowy trails with small rock/root sections and jumps. It was incredible! Per the review, if you tend to find yourself in-between sizes, try this bike. I'm generally too tall for an L but then an XL feels like too much bike. The Epic Evo in XL fit me perfectly 👌 It's a fast and surprisingly capable bike. It's made me feel like a better, fitter rider. I had a blast and I'm 100% buying one.
Same situation for me, normally sit right between a M/L. Tend to go with mediums generally, but I'm glad I test rode the medium before buying. The large fits perfect.
@@dvoob I am 5'10 and between M and L. Tested both today and I am confused as I always had M bikes. New geometry is new to me. I feel ok on both but M seems to be a little to short? How tall are you if I can ask? Many thanks
@@funLad80 I'm also 5'10" and had the same experience as you, test rode the M and it felt way too small. Before I had a medium pivot Les with a 90mm stem, went with the L epic Evo and use the stock stem (60 or 70mm) and it fits great. I do have a shortish inseam but even with my lower saddle height I still have about an inch underneath the dropper and my saddle's above the bars.
wow 50 miles and 6k of climbing what a beast of a ride, congratuliations. went i was there we did 35 miles and 3k of climbing i was was dead at the end. Great video JC !
Im in love with my 2021 comp!! I put 2.6 eliminators tires front and rear to make her a little more burly. With the slx build she weighs in at 27.6 with pedals. ❤
Its a tight fit with 2.6 speacialized tires but it does fit. I jump a lot and take hard lines but no signs of rub when flexed thus far. The specialized wheelset on the comp is solid!!
@@iebiker124 just and update..I did a double run in Downieville, CA. And broke a spoke my second time down on the rear wheel. Still finished strong with no tire rub and I was only 1 second off my PR in the driest loosest conditions for there. Just have to put a new spoke on and get her true again but that kind of thing is just to be expected there. Hope this feed back helps any.
Bud, I bought mine a few hours ago, cancelling my pre-shipment Tallboy. We have a lot of up-and-down that requires big climbs in between those descents in Northwest Arkansas, so this was the perfect bike among the bunch that was available locally. I don't regret it one bit. The thing bombs the entire trail. Thanks for the analysis and feedback - it helped immensely in the decision-making process.
@@jctrails I ended up with the comp model. The money saved will be spent getting a fork upgrade. The shimano upgrade potential to XT/XTR is seamless with this current generation, so I couldn't pass up this kind of deal. 25lbs is no joke.
Nice review and looks like an awesome place to ride!!! I've been riding an Evo Pro for a couple of months after 30+ years of riding & racing hardtails (yes, I am an old dog trying to learn new tricks). Like a hardtail, you can ride it for hours and hours, but with much more flexibility on the type of trails you can ride. It is nearly as efficient climbing (and more so up anything technical) and much, much more fun and confident as soon as the trail points down, particularly having a dropper. Let's put it this way, I went over the bars and broke my collarbone about a year ago on my Highball, and I am convinced that crash would have NEVER happened on the Evo. I test rode an S-Works Evo in Santa Cruz for about 3 hours (Specialized has a sweet demo shop right by one of the main trailheads) and while my time on that bike was obviously limited to my own bike, I prefer the Fox + Shimano XTR set-up on the Pro (along with the slight gain in weight) relative to the RockShox + SRAM AXS build that comes with the S-Works. The only changes I have made were to put a Chris King headset on (the stock headset started creaking after only a handful of rides) and I also moved to a 70mm stem. The slightly longer stem improved my experience when climbing out of the saddle, with the tradeoff of a slightly more "levered" feel to the steering (which I am now used to). I will give your tire combo a try after I wear through the Ground Control + Fast Track combo that came with the bike, although I must say I am pleasantly surprised with how well the stock tires are performing. I agree with your comment below that the rim width is perfect for a 2.35 tire, the ride & traction is excellent. Smooth is fast!
Ripley v4 owner here. After riding the Epic Evo for a couple of weeks, comparing it to a Ripley is an apples to watermelons comparison. I REALLY wanted to like the Epic Evo enough that I would sell my Ripley, but that didnt happen. The Ripley is a much more capable all around bike. Sections of trail that I ride easily on the Ripley, I found myself walking on the Epic Evo. The Ripley is also just more plush, which I find I now prefer. The Epic Evo was a fun, snappy bike, however, if I were interested in more of an XC bike I'd probably buy the standard Epic over the Epic Evo.
@@rjake333 The Ripley is an excellent climber, but if I were out on a long day with alot of vertical, I would probably pick the Epic Evo. But since I personally cant justify both bikes, I'm sticking with the Ripley, primarily because I just enjoy riding it more. For reference I have a carbon NX build. That probably didnt help, sorry.
@@cmcjvcltcbmc That's really helpful. I"m coming from a Giant Glory so I reckon the Ripley would suit me better but they're just impossible to get here in Aus atm, so I'm wondering if I settle for the Evo as a next best option. Just need something that climbs well cause the Glory sure doesn't!
I own both a ripley and an epic evo and agree with your comment. They are both great bikes. The ripley is much more capable.. the epic evo is more of an XC bike. The 120 mm rear suspension on the Ripley makes the 110 mm rear on the evo feel more like 80 mm. Built up similarly the Ripley has about a 2 lb weight penalty. On a pure XC trail the evo will be a bit faster... any gnarly tech trail and the Ripley is much more satisfying and confidence inspiring... the ripley is more fun. The Ripley geometry also feels much better to me, even though they are similar on paper. If I was forced to sell one I would sell the epic evo mainly because of how comfortable the Ripley feels to me. The fit and fun factor is worth the 2 lb weight penalty. That said there are some days when I just want to hammer out XC miles and the epic evo puts a smile on my face.
awesome thank you for sharing! I just got a ripley - without test riding an epic evo - and didn't want to regret skipping on that test ride. based off your comment I think what you say resonates with my riding style as well.
Oh daym! What a final question and answer! Great review! Liked and subscribed. It's been a very long time since I regularly rode trails - to give you an idea, I own a '07 Stumpjumper FSR Comp 26er. But, the best bike I had ever ridden purely for climbing back then was my bud's Ibis Mojo SL 26er with full XT. Maybe it was the DW link, but climbing - steep climbing - felt like a piece of cake. NEVER had steep climbs ever felt that easy to me, and the traction was locked in, too. I gotta get back to the trails...
I thought I would need a lockout for my epic evo, it turns out i don't. It feels very efficient on the trail when putting the power down, and you still have the comfort of the rear suspension. Be sure to tune the rear shock right = rebound a bit slower so their is no bobbing. It's weird, normally there is a trade-off between efficiency and comfort, but I feel the epic evo has both! It's a win-win situation and it makes me faster on the trails. When i ride on tarmac I just flip the rear suspension by hand (it's only 1 or 2 times per ride and takes 1 sec). No lockout necessary, meaning less cables, more simple cockpit, and less thinking about the lockout switch and thus more fun on the trails!
Cool vid as usual. But, would love to see you rude it over more tech trails. Curious to see how you rate it there. Also, are you doing a Ripley vs Epic video?????
Info and feedback delivery so on point with the review! Just bought the EVO COMP model last Sunday but have not had a chance to do a full ride since CA is on fire so instead have been ordering bits for it including the Rekon and Rekon Race. Felt better with my decision after watching your vid. Also, I'm glad you mentioned the SJ ST as I missed on a Craigslist ad two weekends ago. Thanks again for in-depth review and anticipating audience inquiries.
Great review and riding! I thought I was going to buy this bike based on specs and philosophy behind the design but when I tried it at a LBS (couldn’t demo it on the trails I ride) it really didn’t click for me. I also tried the Epic Hardtail and Stumpjumper (beautiful dark navy blue sapphire frame) even though I wanted a shorter dual suspension. For different reasons (fast and responsive Epic and simply fun Stumpjumper), I liked both better than the Epic Evo. Eventually, I ended up with the SB100. As soon as I sat on the Yeti I felt much more “at home” and comfortable and love the quality of ride even though it is heavier. I wanted a lighter bike but as you know there’s always ways to make them lighter. I am going to change the cockpit for Enve (I have it on my BMC roadie and a Rocky Mountain and just love it) and wheels for some carbon rims and maybe Onyx or Hydra hubs (any insight there?). I’m thinking the reserve 27 may be the ticket for me... How do you like your 30’s in the MT? I still want to find a way to try the Epic Evo in the trails and who knows, maybe I’ll bring one home!
I love my Epic Evo bike. This is my favorite mountain bike . I haveever owned. This bike fits me perfect. Climbs better then my pure xc bike. Which is a Giant Anthem. It rips downhill. I like to do some marathon mt races. This bike is perfect for them. Right now i can't see myself riding any other bike. Then a Epic Evo.
Loved the review, if you had to choose between eipic evo and stupmpjumper evo what will you choose? I like jumping but im very strava driven lol so it’s really hard for me to decide witch one is better for me
I'm in the same boat. I mainly ride XC type trails but was considering the Stumpy EVO to just cover everything as the Comps are all around the same price. I figured I ride XC stuff 90% of the time so just get the Epic Evo. LOL Good luck with your choice.
Lol your ripley review helped me decide to order one and am anxiously waiting for December to get it. And all I can say is you sounded a whole lot more excited riding your ripley than the evo! Any case good luck with it!
James, great review as always. Big fan of Epic. Rode one for 15 years. Still have it, but can't fix proprietary rear shock. So happy to see EVO does NOT have the brain. Think new Epic Evo rear shock can be swapped out. Right? Curious how Epic Evo rides on rougher trail (step harder than the flow trail shown). Thoughts? Looked like a blast.
50mtb I had some time on the Epic on my local trails which has some tech, it handles it pretty well. I think it feels a bit more plush than the Ripley which is weird. On square edge hits it does get hung up, but I have to remember it’s just a 110mm travel bike. Most of the stuff you do get hung up on you can just jump over it with the bike being so light. The Evo can take any shock that will fit. Mine has the sidluxe and my wife’s bike has the RS deluxe select +. I’m sure someone will come out with an over stroked shock that will bump the travel to 115🤘
@@Jacob99174 The only thing i changed were the grips because they were too thin for my hands and the aluminum handlebar shakes a lot. But in the end, Mr. Ergon made his magic hahaha overall, this bike drives me crazy everytime i take it out for a ride. Everything feels just excellent.
@@rafaelgodoy3703 thats awesome, about the same. I swapped out the bar for 31.8 carbon (slightly wider to 760), shorter stem (did 45), Ergon grips as you did, rekon 2.4” front and did rekon 2.25” speed in rear (tubeless). Want XT shifter Honestly, just little odds and ends. Carbon rims aren’t worth the weight savings. Freakin sweet bike
@@Jacob99174 Hahahahah great! i think the XT shifter can make a huge improvement to the shifting performance. Actually i'm still exploring the limits of this bike since i thoughts i sas more of a climber than a descender but now i just feel in the need to put on some enduro tires to smash it down the aggressive trails around here in Chile. My best wishes bud!
Nice review as an Ibis Ripley V4 owner and a Orbea Oiz Tr owner (120/120 slacker version of the Oiz) I ride the Oiz when I stick to more XC oriented trails and the Ripley when it gets rougher but I still want that light nimble bike. This bike really interests me but would you feel comfortable sending this down a small jump line or on a trail with drops over 2 or 3 foot? I feel I can do that on the Ripley because the DWLink and slightly heavier frame can handle that but Oiz as capable as it is I would not want to treat in the same fashion for fear of just breaking something it was not designed for that type of treatment. (I ride an XL and weigh in around 200 in full kit so this might not apply if someone is significantly lighter)
I think he nailed this at 11:05 re: weight and size. On an isolated section of trail where you are hammering on the pedals, I suspect the Ripley would probably win a timed comparison - but over the course of a day's riding the Evo would whip the Ripley. Along with the lighter weight, for me it came down to sizing. A Large Ripley was too small for be and I couldn't get in a good riding position. The XL Ripley felt too long and heavy - making it more slow/awkward in tight turns and it just felt like a lot more bike to have to throw around. In comparison, because the Epic Evo runs smaller - an XL Epic Evo fit me perfectly. Not too much bike, not too little. So, length and weight wise it's precisely all the bike I need. When I demo'd the $4400 Epic Evo Comp with 100% stock tires and components, I cranked out 30 miles in a few hours (that's a lot for me) and yet I felt nothing but stoked and energized at the end of the day, rather than fatigued and beaten up. When I demo'd the Ripley on the same trail I kept thinking "This oddly feels like too much bike" and it just wasn't putting a smile on my face. The front end felt heavy and more dull, and I was thinking about the bike rather than just soaking up the trail experience. Each to their own... but after a long climb and then ripping the same XC flow trails on the Epic Evo, I found myself whooping and howling my way down the mountain in delight. My riding buddy on a $7k Yeti SB 115, who has been my co-pilot for 4 years of MTB, was like "Dude! You are FLYING on that thing!". He's normally a much faster descender and stronger climber that me, but I was keeping up with him the whole day and even passing him on sections. It was a trip to ride that fast. Now I just need to find a store that can get me one of these... they are sold out everywhere : / End rant.
@@Monkeyseemonkey79 I own both. The epic evo has a more active suspension… not better (ibis rear suspension is WAY better) but more active. They are both excellent technical climbers. If you can make it up on the epic evo it will definitely be faster on a tech climb. The strength of the epic evo is definitely what you mentioned… less fatigue. It will be more fun at the 2 hour mark or if you ride every day versus a 30-35 lb trail bike. The ibis Ripley at 25-27 lbs is no slouch either though when it comes to being more fun during long days in the saddle. I was able to get my epic evo to 23 lbs with little effort… the weight combined with more XC oriented 2.35 ikon / 2.6 Rekon tires is fasssst. The ibis Ripley is a real trail bike while the epic evo is really an XC bike.
JC, I love all your videos man! You are running Maxxis Rekon 29x2.4 EXO/TR on this... right? How do you think it compares to the stock Ground Control, in both Weight and Tread/Grip (on rocks/roots)? I bought the Epic Evo Comp a couple months ago. LOVE IT. I put a Ground Control in the back too because I was tired of the FastTrak sliding around when wet. Explored Maxxis Ardent but it was heavy AF! Rekon might be the answer. I'm all about the Skin/Tanwall look. Keep up the good work!
Yeah, after stay on the web reading, etc. different tipes of bikes, finally i went to choose between Merida one forty xt, Stumpjumper or Epic evo, and finally my decision was to buy the Epic evo. My reasons was as you. The evo will be be my first "expensive" mtb bike My hearth sid Stumpi but my head said Epic... it´s a more rasonable bike eventhough as i view on the web i´m thinking i will miss a little beat the more hardcore configuration of the Stumpi but yet i don´t know if it´s reasonable and conservatrive decision with the trail in front of me.
Great review. The two bikes I am considering, so information is perfect. Love the trails, and the cabin right at the trailhead. Too bad I am on the West Coast. :) Keep up the great videos.
@@Jacob99174 I ended up getting the Epic Evo Comp in matte black with green. Two rides and i love it. My buddy has a Riply and my other bike is a Ripmo so I wanted something a little different. It is fast everywhere.
@@darinwhite8575 I'm imagine you would have ridden both your buddies Ripley and Evo over the course of last year? I just can't decide and we can't test ride them here in aus, stock is too limited and currently there are none available anyway. In your opinion, which would be there more fun bike to own?
Noticed you changed out handlebars and was just curious what you changed to and if you added some rise and/or a different stem? Just got my epic evo and not a big fan of the flat bars. Thanks!
Great vid, I'm a trail rider with a 39lb stumpy alloy that I've had for 2 years. Looking for a more efficient pedal and thinking epic evo is my move, appreciate your perspective
Both nice and yes possibly splitting hairs but what really sucks is paying 7 grand or more for a bike then in a year annoying people want it for free so you need to scout around for the best deal
I know your wife’s is the comp, but is it a monumental difference (ie worth the money) to go to the expert? Im selling my 2019 stumpy expert and seeing if I can get the epic Evo comp and keep the carbon wheels from the stumpy. Am I doing too much? I
Dude!,, thanks for posting this, I’ve got one on backorder but it won’t be in until December 😢 Do you really think those 25mm internal rims support those tires well enough or if you had the ability would you go with a 27mm or even 30mm? Also, is 28% sag where you’ve finally ended up or have you tried it at around 20%?
Waterburyfixit the 25mm inner width holds a 2.3 and 2.4 perfectly. No tire squirm at 23psi. I like the 28% sag for general trail riding if I were doing a XC race maybe I would reduce it.
@@rotorwind177 curious on your height and weight. Asking since I am 5'11, 200 pounds and looking for a ripley. I'm case not very plush, considering ripmo
Much better than a Ripley. It does anything the Ripley does in a lighter and faster package. If you want something a bit different then go Santacruz Tallboy
Noticed a Santa Cruz Blur in the background...Do you have an opinion on that bike compared to this Epic Evo? Having trouble with finding anyone with a direct comparison but they look so close.
Great review! I think you swayed me into trading in my trusty Epic. Seems light enough, and capable to handle long rides. Would you recommend it for Leadville 100?
@@rydertait6111 Thanks. I ended up trading my 2018 Epic Comp Carbon for the 2021 Epic EVO Pro and absolutely love it! It is head and shoulders better. It’s a NO BRAINER!
If you had to pick one bike to ride at KT what would you pick? KT is my home trails, Right now I have the SC Bronson. I’m thinking about switching to a shorter travel bike maybe even a 29er. I love the way my bike descends, especially at mouse haven, but climbing can be tough. What bike would you suggest I look into? Thanks and I love the videos man!
Nice riding! I'm trying to decide between the comp and the expert on this Evo. Is there major differences between the sidluxe and the RS deluxe select + rear suspension?
What are your thoughts on the Fox 34 (performance elite) vs. SID? You mentioned the SID feeling just as stiff as a Pike, and also that the 34 has more flex than you like.
i don’t know which one to buy: the epic evo comp or the scalpel se1? here in italy they cost the same and there is no question about the fact that the scalpel it has more value for money but i really like the evo. it’s a pity that i can’t test ride the evo. i rode just the regular scalpel,the one with the lefty, and i liked it
Would really love some help with a compairson between a the Blur tr vs Epic Evo? I have had a Epic Evo before loved the bike but would like to try something different on my next bike. Thank you very much!
Do you think the epic evo is as capable as the Ripley. Also do you think the new stumpjumper is similar to the Ripley. Looking ar these bikes for western pa. Slow tight trails. Was going to get the Ripley but they are on a long back order . Thanks
Found a M in Virginia, 5 hours from me in NC, color is blue, full retail so 6360.00 with 6% sales tax, carbon wheels and alloy bars? Usually the other way around... Do u prefer that over the Instinct? I can get a 2020 carbon 90 thats in Canada
The Ripley is a faster bike due to the DW link, but the Evo just feels lighter and easier to ride if that makes sense. If you can demo them both do it.
@@jctrails I definitely will if I can! They both seem like really sweet bikes and perfect for where I ride, flow midwest trails with no huge elevation changes.
@Detroit3Pistons I’m in the exact same boat. I’m thinking the Epic frame is a slightly more frail than Ripley. Epic has slightly less travel front and rear. Rear on Epic not as tuned as DW link Ripley seems to have more upward capability, but doesn’t take away from the overlapping capability between Ripley and Epic. Difference then is spec for price. All things equal, seems Epic is about $1k less than Ripley. So $1k for better suspension and that additional higher level capability. That whole “one-bike in arrow container” thing. I’m still 60/40 for Ripley/Epic Evo
What were the mods you did? Just the tires? Was 23.5 as shown without the pedals? I think you mentioned 24.5 with pedals and multi tool. This bike reminds me of my current Tallboy 3 except it’s lighter. I wonder if the Epic would be noticeably better than my TB? Thanks for the great video.
Hi JC, wat is the stem length and handlebar width u use on this epic evo?. Thanks love ur vid. By the way u and me have the same height so i always take ur vid as a reference. Ride on bro.
I can't pick between this one or stumpjumper evo is so hard to pick but probably im going to take this one because is like more daily useful. Im i wrong??
JC how would you compare this to a Stumpjumper? I’ve got a 2019 Expert 29 that I like, it just feels big and heavy sometimes- and I’m not the best climber. These light weight EVOs are super intriguing
Hi, great video. I am same as you 5'10. Do you think I should go with Large? I amd falling between M and L. I tested both and Medium (that I always used, with older steeper geometry etc) felt different, like a little bit too short, maybe it was just new geometry, could you advise please? Many thanks
please help. can you run a loop in the epic evo and then the ibis ripley. and get the time? i cannot decide between the 2. looking for a trail bike that is the fastest going up and down.
Do you know if the front and rear SID shocks have a specific tune for this EVO bike? I have the 2021 Epic EVO comp and am interested in upgrading the shocks but am not sure is an off the shelf SID Ultimate front and SID LUXE Ultimate rear will perform as well as OEM.
The fork will be fine. As for the shock it does say XC tune by Specialized. I think they tune in a little mid stroke support to prevent excessive shock movement while pedaling.
