There are a ton of changes made to this bike and they are for the better, form the frame design to geometry and to the brand new rockshox flightdeck electronic suspension, if you have any questions feel free to ask below and I will get to them as soon as possible
beautiful bike I had a EPIC to paid 4500 aust for lower pro version 22k AUD is kind of up there moto bikes with electronic suspension and computers ABS systems it seems a lot for a specific RACE / TRIANING TOOL giant good enough 11.3kg
Really wondering how much they expect to be selling in times where people seem to be less and less inclined to choose a package of maintenance-intensive proprietary parts like this
Not denying the capabilities of the new Epic, but honestly I still love my 2019 Epic Comp Carbon w the brain. It still looks fresh to me and does everything I want it to.
I was at a Specialized shop on Saturday, and the guy there was trying to convince me to buy an SL8. When I said, "Well, it's a 14-grand bike", his exact quote was, "In this country, you can die in debt, and they don't go after your children to collect". I was literally left speechless.
@@ipoddubny I'd give him a stern glare of disapproval. As a former partial salesperson (actually, a salesperson-mechanic hybrid since I once had the title of Sales & Technician), I do not push customers to buy stuff, especially when I know it's not any good. Whether they can or want to, or not at all, it's all up to them. I will never deny a bike like a Tarmac SL8 is not expensive, even when I could figure out if a customer I'm serving could afford it.
I admire the tech on this bike, Grant, and I'd buy it if it came with a mechanic and van and canopy for when I feel like getting into the woods for awhile. And about that F1 suspension system, how much better is it than regular old-fashioned forks and shocks, the kind without batteries. No knock on this as surely it is a world-class mountain bike for its discipline, but it was decades ago that I was worthy of anything close to this. Still, an older fellow can rock his 3x and dream--and upgrade the '90s Specialized Rockhopper I recently bought in a charity thrift store, full rigid with a compact frame and that bad boy will be rolling filthy in gravel events, eat my dust. 😀 .
Thanks for the preview. I ride a 2021 Epic and love it. I agree there is no reason to run the brake cable through the headset. It doesn't look any better than routing it into the side of the frame like they did on the previous Epic. It probably saves 3 grams on the frame due to not having to mould in the frame opening. I love my internally routed road bike. I have zero desire to have an internally routed cockpit on my MTB. I love the idea of the electronic suspension but hate the idea of keeping four batteries charged. I'm annoyed they're shipping with 175mm crankset. No one wants 175mm cranksets so it'll be just like my last Epic where I swapped for 170mm then advertised the 175mm for two years and finally sold it for about 1/3rd of the new price. The same thing will happen with the bar if you need a different stem length. For $14,500 you should be able to pick your bar/stem and crankset.
What is the Q-factor on the crankpowermeter is it 174 or 168 like on the epic wc.You will find it on the inside crankarm on drive side where the pedal bolt in.
alot of people do, honestly its not the racers who buy these bikes its the people who ride with friedns who like the sport and like to have nice things and want something to spend there money on
Great bike shop review👍 That's how to sell stuff! Could teach BE and others, on how to present your bike shop, on TH-cam!!! If only I was based Stateside😅
You guys don’t see it do you!? This…this is how it starts, a little battery here, a little battery there…and then WHAM, you suddenly find yourself browser shopping for e~bikes. THEY MUST BE STOPPED! You are the resistance.
Really? I love e-bikes. lol just because you folks are jealous of the cooler ebike doesn’t mean that you have to reverse project lol. I may have my fitness and ftp gained from structured training and gym work, but that doesn’t mean that I need to use it when riding lol.
The last epic Sworks LTD was 11k. The new suspension alone doesn't cost 3500. The fork is 1450 and the shock is 850. This is why people are pissed at these manufactures.
requires future firmware update? This is the only review ive heard say that. all the other reviews say it performs all functions now (automatically switing between modes) and the previous version just need a firmware update to do what this is capable of.
Whats the difference between the sl turbo levo with sl turbo ltd? What LTD stands for? Prices changes from 14000 to 15000 Would you get the turbo instead of epic 8 if you have those options?
Way to many batteries for me: 4 AXS batteries, 2 batteries for the pods( shift and dropper), 1 battery for the power meter and the cycling computer. Too many things to charge. Imagine adding Tyrewiz LOL
14.5k or wait 6 months, 12k, another 6 months 10k and they will still not be able to sell through their inventory. This bike might have sold at the height of COVID but most likely not today.... only time will tell....
I personally hate what UCI is doing to XC. This is straight up trail bike pretty much (and yes I know it has to be due to latest XC tracks that look more like a fkn enduro than actual XC). Justice for 100mm race hardtails! And ofc personal preference aside, this is one hell of a bike!
I know man! I'm still rocking my 7.6kg weight weenied 2019 Cannondale FSI. Perfect for the XC or yore, not this rebranded enduro bullshit that they trybto foist upon us.
Specialized must be using the boiling frog experiment. Throw in new a "completely redesigned" bike (which really is just a slightly tweaked carbon mold) and "technology" (which is just throwing in extra gadgets on something totally unneeded), raise the prices slowly over time (after a brief "market correction"), and hope no one notices (or cares). Evidently, it seems to be working for Specialized because there seems to be enough stupid people willing to spend that much on something called a B-I-C-Y-C-L-E. Just for reference one can buy TWO new Canyon Lux World Cup CFR for one S-Works Epic. And, the Lux has won more UCI XC races (both men & women) than Specialzied.
You can get yourself a nice used diesel pickup truck for that price. Or a 5 classic titanium fully built bicycles. Or even 2 motorcycle sports bikes Honestly, I think both roadbiking and mountain biking have gotten shitted on by these bike brands asking over 10k for a bicycle.
Omg all this people crying about the price. You need to realize these bikes are designed for professional riders where they need to use the best engineering and technology possible. Offering these to the public will just reduce the cost for their pro teams. They offer plenty of cheaper bikes for amateur riders.
Integrated internal routing is only for the S-Works version, all other Epic 8 variants use regular internal routing, so headset-related work for said variants remain fast and easy.
$14000 dollars with AI adjustment in a future firmware release. This is like the Tesla of mountain bikes... someday you will get full self driving, just pay now and pray for later. I love the color, but I even though I ride in bougie circles, $14.5 before mods would get me some funny looks. I know a lot of guys running $12K+ road bikes as their daily, but for some reason I don't know any people spending similar amounts on their mountain bikes.
I have the feeling this frame design is unfinished. The Epic was clean already. Unlike bikes like Scott, the bike had only two cables. Routing one cable through the nut, instead of few cm lower, doesn't make any sense to me. Perhaps they are waiting for brake manufacturers to design something suitable for internal cables. However, I wouldn't purchase this frame as is. It's an unnecessary complexity.
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There is no reason for a mountain bike to be $14,000. I think bike reviewers need to listen to themselves and what they are saying then maybe they’ll realise then that it is just ridiculous.😮
Only if people buy it and companies survive until then. One can see change / discounts slowly but still waaay to get back to more realistic/normal prices
@@GCPerformance18 It's not your fault you know, just that new big, clumsy suspension in the middle of the frame, compared to the previous clean and classi "supercaliber" look, is a cosmetic downgrade but of course it's a matter of taste.
There are a ton of changes made to this bike and they are for the better, form the frame design to geometry and to the brand new rockshox flightdeck electronic suspension, if you have any questions feel free to ask below and I will get to them as soon as possible
Hey Grant, I agree those spacer under the stem are awful. Maybe the SL7' spacers would fit? I bet it would look nicer. Cheers mate
@gcpreformance18
Flightdeck (shimano tech) or Flight attendant?! By Sram
I want to see ZIRBEL as shifters on the bike!!!
$14.5K? That is a steal. This bike is worth twice that. I am shocked Specialized doesn't charge $30K for this bike.
beautiful bike
I had a EPIC to paid 4500 aust for lower pro version
22k AUD is kind of up there
moto bikes with electronic suspension and computers ABS systems
it seems a lot for a specific RACE / TRIANING TOOL
giant good enough 11.3kg
Are you mad
That is a steal, I think I will purchase 2 of them (in case one is in the shop).
what are you snorting there boss $30000 😂😂😂😂
@@horsepastedelish cool story rich man
Really wondering how much they expect to be selling in times where people seem to be less and less inclined to choose a package of
maintenance-intensive proprietary parts like this
we sold 2 of them already but we are in a high income area
@@GCPerformance18 way to go 👌 I hope they can keep on exceeding in their developments. Seems like a joy to work with these finer mechanics
Rock Shox Flight Attendant is the suspension control Flight deck is Shimano’s OG road cycling computer
yea I do not know why flight deck was in my head for some reason
My OCD was so triggered when I was watching this last night. LOL
To me, it just looks like more stuff to break. I just wanna ride a bike, not piss around with bloody technology all the time.
Not denying the capabilities of the new Epic, but honestly I still love my 2019 Epic Comp Carbon w the brain. It still looks fresh to me and does everything I want it to.
I live in rural America and could never park this bike and stop for a coffee. I cannot imagine how fast it would be stolen in a city.
yea it is expensive peice of bike
Most people don’t have a clue how expensive bikes can be.
$14.5k jesus chris. 😮. And off course no trickled down tech.
I was at a Specialized shop on Saturday, and the guy there was trying to convince me to buy an SL8. When I said, "Well, it's a 14-grand bike", his exact quote was, "In this country, you can die in debt, and they don't go after your children to collect". I was literally left speechless.
I will wait for next years model with solar panels to recharge the battery, that would be sweet. All the cool kids have 15k bikes
@@ipoddubny I'd give him a stern glare of disapproval. As a former partial salesperson (actually, a salesperson-mechanic hybrid since I once had the title of Sales & Technician), I do not push customers to buy stuff, especially when I know it's not any good. Whether they can or want to, or not at all, it's all up to them. I will never deny a bike like a Tarmac SL8 is not expensive, even when I could figure out if a customer I'm serving could afford it.
The confidence with which you call it flight deck over and over 😂
lmao I know
I admire the tech on this bike, Grant, and I'd buy it if it came with a mechanic and van and canopy for when I feel like getting into the woods for awhile. And about that F1 suspension system, how much better is it than regular old-fashioned forks and shocks, the kind without batteries. No knock on this as surely it is a world-class mountain bike for its discipline, but it was decades ago that I was worthy of anything close to this. Still, an older fellow can rock his 3x and dream--and upgrade the '90s Specialized Rockhopper I recently bought in a charity thrift store, full rigid with a compact frame and that bad boy will be rolling filthy in gravel events, eat my dust. 😀 .
Great review as always!
Thanks again!
Orbea Oiz launched there flight deck today on a already outstanding bike. Scott Spark next?
yea I think it will be for sure, Ithink every bike compnay will have it
Thanks for the preview. I ride a 2021 Epic and love it. I agree there is no reason to run the brake cable through the headset. It doesn't look any better than routing it into the side of the frame like they did on the previous Epic. It probably saves 3 grams on the frame due to not having to mould in the frame opening. I love my internally routed road bike. I have zero desire to have an internally routed cockpit on my MTB.
I love the idea of the electronic suspension but hate the idea of keeping four batteries charged.
I'm annoyed they're shipping with 175mm crankset. No one wants 175mm cranksets so it'll be just like my last Epic where I swapped for 170mm then advertised the 175mm for two years and finally sold it for about 1/3rd of the new price. The same thing will happen with the bar if you need a different stem length. For $14,500 you should be able to pick your bar/stem and crankset.
Only the S-Works version uses integrated internal routing, all other Epic 8 variants still run regular internal routing.
Funny thing is I can justify 14.5 k for this more than 14.5 k for a road bike with no electronic suspension, or dropper post
Seriously? You do know that you can get a dirt bike much cheaper than this bicycle, right? And as far as i know, dirt bike is far more fun than mtb
Awesome video. Always detailed in every way. Beautiful bike. Keep bringing more mtb videos👍
I love mtb videos but the views dont ever translate it
This is the official death of the cross country MTB.
What is the Q-factor on the crankpowermeter is it 174 or 168 like on the epic wc.You will find it on the inside crankarm on drive side where the pedal bolt in.
I wanna know how many people actually pay MSRP for these kinda bikes. As a good CAT1 mtb xc racer, I don't think I'd even be in on this at 40% off.
alot of people do, honestly its not the racers who buy these bikes its the people who ride with friedns who like the sport and like to have nice things and want something to spend there money on
So you have to charge your gears, seat post and suspension? Getting a bit out of hand now.
Dont forget phone, heart monitor and bike computer and probably lights
Do you have any information regarding the new colors of the Tarmac sl8 2024?
I heard that two colors will be added, one red and one white.
Great bike shop review👍 That's how to sell stuff! Could teach BE and others, on how to present your bike shop, on TH-cam!!! If only I was based Stateside😅
that means the world to me thanks so much
You guys don’t see it do you!? This…this is how it starts, a little battery here, a little battery there…and then WHAM, you suddenly find yourself browser shopping for e~bikes. THEY MUST BE STOPPED! You are the resistance.
I f hate the ebikes. People have no idea how they screw themselves with buying an ebike
Ha! I just thought how ugly they looked - but it's all an e-bike conspiracy?? It's a slippery slope...
What's wrong with ebike? I thought mtbr hate pedaling?
@@yukiko_5051old skool mtber… I still ride a hard tail cause I’m tuff and I like shaking my fillings loose.
Really? I love e-bikes. lol just because you folks are jealous of the cooler ebike doesn’t mean that you have to reverse project lol.
I may have my fitness and ftp gained from structured training and gym work, but that doesn’t mean that I need to use it when riding lol.
it's called Flight Attendant not Flight Deck or whatever you are saying 😄
lmao I know that now I do not know why I have flight deck in my head, I kind of like flight deck better
The last epic Sworks LTD was 11k. The new suspension alone doesn't cost 3500. The fork is 1450 and the shock is 850. This is why people are pissed at these manufactures.
bike reviews like this one are fun to watch because they’re simply so different from your average bike w new tech that we haven’t seen much
requires future firmware update? This is the only review ive heard say that. all the other reviews say it performs all functions now (automatically switing between modes) and the previous version just need a firmware update to do what this is capable of.
Yea I did the video before it was released. They released the update on launch date. It should be good to go
Kind of crazy that a modern $15k bike weighs exactly the same as my $5k Trek Fuel 100 from exactly 20 years ago.
so where is freehub sound test ?
Specialized is 1 of the most tone deaf companies in existence, people are broke!. Not a knock on you, I love your channel.
Are the swat bag, tyrewiz and garmin holder delivered with the bike?
yes I am unsure about the tirewiz but I think so but everything else yes
does have a powermeter and cadence sensors in it?
If only a museum or gallery, would use it as an exhibition piece!
Looks amazing 🤩
Whats the difference between the sl turbo levo with sl turbo ltd? What LTD stands for? Prices changes from 14000 to 15000
Would you get the turbo instead of epic 8 if you have those options?
Way to many batteries for me: 4 AXS batteries, 2 batteries for the pods( shift and dropper), 1 battery for the power meter and the cycling computer. Too many things to charge. Imagine adding Tyrewiz LOL
14.5k or wait 6 months, 12k, another 6 months 10k and they will still not be able to sell through their inventory. This bike might have sold at the height of COVID but most likely not today.... only time will tell....
we sold two already at launch but honestly we are in a very high income area and I know this is not the case for everyone
Its all good, I hope you guys sell a ton of them, I just don't believe over all specialized will sell as many as they predict. @@GCPerformance18
@@GCPerformance18damn dude. Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉
For the individuals that buy these 2 or 3K extra is nothing.
any guesses on a sram rival update ?
Didn't Scott do that 2 years ago?
No trail ride? Come on dude. Your close to the quiet waters trail. Thats an excellent xc style trail to test it out.
awesome video again...keep it up
I personally hate what UCI is doing to XC. This is straight up trail bike pretty much (and yes I know it has to be due to latest XC tracks that look more like a fkn enduro than actual XC). Justice for 100mm race hardtails! And ofc personal preference aside, this is one hell of a bike!
I know man! I'm still rocking my 7.6kg weight weenied 2019 Cannondale FSI. Perfect for the XC or yore, not this rebranded enduro bullshit that they trybto foist upon us.
I don’t ride MTB at all and I want this.
it is so nice
Does the fork battery thing hit the frame?
nope not atg all
Amazing bike. A bit expensive 😬🫣
Power meter and two controllers also have batteries no?
yes but in turn of rechargeable
do you have a L one avail? im 5'11
very soon I should
I think I’ll buy a fully loaded Honda Africa Twin for less money.
Specialized must be using the boiling frog experiment. Throw in new a "completely redesigned" bike (which really is just a slightly tweaked carbon mold) and "technology" (which is just throwing in extra gadgets on something totally unneeded), raise the prices slowly over time (after a brief "market correction"), and hope no one notices (or cares). Evidently, it seems to be working for Specialized because there seems to be enough stupid people willing to spend that much on something called a B-I-C-Y-C-L-E. Just for reference one can buy TWO new Canyon Lux World Cup CFR for one S-Works Epic. And, the Lux has won more UCI XC races (both men & women) than Specialzied.
Do I have to wear the right shorts if I ride it
yes
For that money can’t you get a nice motorcycle?
Google search it on your Apple phone
😂😂😂
Or a lot of epo
who wants a motorcycle
Roval messing the cockpit on road and mtb...they really need to step up their game
14.5k?? Can I get just one of the grips for 11.00?? Nice review but way too expensive
thanks so much and yes it is expensive lol
You can get yourself a nice used diesel pickup truck for that price.
Or a 5 classic titanium fully built bicycles.
Or even 2 motorcycle sports bikes
Honestly, I think both roadbiking and mountain biking have gotten shitted on by these bike brands asking over 10k for a bicycle.
Feels like the world cup just came out? Really quick refresh ah?
yea a complete different bike
Cool bike
Um, no sound test. I skipped through two ads on your promise!
I can not beleive I stopped it, I have a vidoe of the world cup epic they are the same wheels
Omg all this people crying about the price. You need to realize these bikes are designed for professional riders where they need to use the best engineering and technology possible. Offering these to the public will just reduce the cost for their pro teams. They offer plenty of cheaper bikes for amateur riders.
yes I know I hear it all the time on the bikes I post
More batteries?
That sound will be really annoying on the trail.
Cable routing stupid and looks bad.
Im sure its fast though😅
Integrated internal routing is only for the S-Works version, all other Epic 8 variants use regular internal routing, so headset-related work for said variants remain fast and easy.
wow, that weight
The headset integration is so f. ugly 😂😂😂
On my scott spark it looks way cleaner and better.
yea they need to do better spacers on there
Sworks epic has always been my dream bike. One day...
they are super nice
Wow
yea it is nice
Flight attendant... Not flight deck
Even Floyd Mayweather can't afford this bike.
$14000 dollars with AI adjustment in a future firmware release. This is like the Tesla of mountain bikes... someday you will get full self driving, just pay now and pray for later. I love the color, but I even though I ride in bougie circles, $14.5 before mods would get me some funny looks. I know a lot of guys running $12K+ road bikes as their daily, but for some reason I don't know any people spending similar amounts on their mountain bikes.
I have the feeling this frame design is unfinished. The Epic was clean already. Unlike bikes like Scott, the bike had only two cables. Routing one cable through the nut, instead of few cm lower, doesn't make any sense to me. Perhaps they are waiting for brake manufacturers to design something suitable for internal cables.
However, I wouldn't purchase this frame as is. It's an unnecessary complexity.
Breaking News. BRAIN Weekly: Giant's revenue softness continues into new year; GC Performance has record quarter in South Florida; Philly Expo coverage; and more coming soon
Pretty much an AI mode. And kids that's why the bike is +$14k.
yes
Flight attendant ;)
Looks the same, they make the frame lighter to accommodate the heavier setup with all those batteries 😢
Rockshox Flight attendant
Oh no. They ran the cable thru the headset. Yuck! This is a mountain bike thats gonna get all kind of crud in there.
Flight Attendant, not flight deck
yea you arre right lol I am sorry I was excited
There is no reason for a mountain bike to be $14,000. I think bike reviewers need to listen to themselves and what they are saying then maybe they’ll realise then that it is just ridiculous.😮
Just needs integrated cables now $$
If you hit something and the battery falls off during a bike race. Your fucked.
You’re
You’re
Carry few extra batteries in your SWAT 😂😂
2030 - 20k US for the new Epic
Only if people buy it and companies survive until then. One can see change / discounts slowly but still waaay to get back to more realistic/normal prices
2026
These brands are losing their minds. The cost of entry into the sport is inaccessible for most at just above entry level.
i guessed 12k which is a total ripoff. you have to be a millionaire to buy these bikes.
I mean in all reality, if you have enough for a 12k bike you have enough for a 14.5k bike
23lbs LOL
that is crazy light for a dropper post and no tubeless and heavy tires
This bike is too Cheap its worth more like 40 gran usd too Cheap..
Typical no imagination black. PASS
Clearly not black
its not black
First 🎉
hell yea
Good bike but ugly...
I think it looks way better then the wc in my opinion
@@GCPerformance18
It's not your fault you know, just that new big, clumsy suspension in the middle of the frame, compared to the previous clean and classi "supercaliber" look, is a cosmetic downgrade but of course it's a matter of taste.
Queue up the pissing and moaning about price. Again. Middle aged professionals have lots of discretionary income.
@gcpreformance18
Flightdeck (shimano tech) or Flight attendant?! By Sram
yea I do not know why flight deck was on mind
Damn, I want this beauty ❤ Pity its not possible to buy skills to ride it🥲
you can easily do it with your pro riding skills