Epic Expert EVO

The Specialized Epic Expert EVO is not so much intended for whipping about between the tape something the other bikes in the Epic family are extremely adept at as going long in marathon races or on masochistic training rides.

We noticed that a lot of the Epics laying around at Specialized HQ, the ones owned and ridden by our staff, were adapted to riding further and longer. We asked ourselves, if this is what the people want, why don't we offer it out the box' And so the Epic Expert EVO was born.

Getting into the nitty gritty, the EVO sees boosted travel on the fork, with 120mm rather than 100mm. That makes the ride more forgiving, as well as slackening the front end by a degree. The addition of a zero-offset dropper post means you get more control heading downhill, but the way the bike is designed also keeps your saddle over the BB on steeper uphill gradients. A 2.3 Ground Control tyre boosts grip at the front and is paired with a stiffer Fast Trak at the back. The latter benefiting from GRID protection on the sidewalls.

The Epic EVO proudly bears our most up-to-date Brain 2.0. The original Brain tech was pretty darn good, even if we say so ourselves and that's why it took us so long to create a version two' worthy of the name. It's closer to the rear axle now, so it's in the most sensitive spot it can be, and it now reacts seamlessly to bump forces. Consistency of damping is greatly improved and 2.0 also integrates hoses into the links of the suspension, improving oil paths and creating a sleeker overall package than anything else out there.

The Expert EVO is among our first MTB frames to get our Rider-First Engineered treatment, a systematic approach to frame design that allows every frame size to behave exactly as it should. This is achieved by creating layups and tubes that are just right for each frame size, rather than taking a one size fits all' approach. Stiffness throughout the bike is increased as a direct result, creating what we believe is the best-performing Specialized XC bike ever made. We've also boosted clearance to accommodate those 2.3 tyres because more grip means more speed.

Weight weenies out there, fear not, we haven't forgotten about you. We've trimmed nearly 525 grams from the weight of the whole bike, equivalent to one whole chain stay plus a shock extension. Not bad, huh

The Expert EVO hits the balance between shredability and reliability just right, with SRAM's 12-speed GX Eagle group and Level TL brakes, plus our very own Roval Control Carbon hoops.

• Up front suspension comes from a FOX Step-Cast Performance Series fork boasting 120m of travel and a GRIP damper with Firm, Medium and Open modes.
• Specialized's own Roval Control Carbon handbuilt wheels have modern 25mm (internal width) hookless rims, giving you the low weight, minimal rolling resistance and superlative grip with the newly-increased 2.3 tyres.

The seat post is an X-Fusion Manic, with plenty of drop for steep descents however, its zero-offset design allows you to keep weight over the BB when heading uphill.