No stranger to big days in the saddle, Kyle Salisbury has recently built up the ultimate short travel machine that blurs the lines between a cross-country and trail bike. Centered around the all-new Specialized Epic 8 EVO, the combination of lively kinematics and a selection of beefier components make this bike the ideal do-it-all machine that is just as comfortable for a short morning lap as it is an all-day suffer fest. Being one of the few people in town to have completed the notorious “All-Braith” challenge (riding every trail on Galbraith in one go), there is no doubt that Kyle has already put this bike through its paces throughout the summer, and if he were ever to take on All-Braith again, he claims this is the bike he’d do it on. 

Bike Details

Frame: Epic 8 Evo

Fork: Fox 34 Grip-X - 130mm LTD Podium Gold

Shock: Fox Float Factory Evol LV | Ride Dynamics Tuned

Wheels: We Are One Triad, Hope Pro 5, Sapim Race Butted 

Tires: Specialized Purgatory T9, Specialized Ground Control T7

Drivetrain: SRAM XX SL Transmission Groupset

Pedals: HT T2  Enduro Pedals 

Brakes: TRP DH-R EVO, TRP-42 Two-Piece Rotors

Cockpit: OneUp Carbon Handlebar, Hope Trail 35mm Stem, Deity Slimfit Grips

Seatpost: 170mm RockShox Reverb AXS Dropper

Saddle: Specialized Power Pro

Frame Details

The Specialized Epic 8 EVO pairs 120mm rear-wheel travel with progressive geometry and updated kinematics to deliver a ride quality that is tough to place in any one category. Specialized has updated the frame’s kinematics to provide an ideal balance between pedaling efficiency and descending capability. Compared to the previous Epic Evo, Specialized claims this updated frame design absorbs bumps 12% more efficiently and has a 20% decrease in pedal-induced bobbing. Simply put, the all-new Epic 8 EVO goes uphill and downhill better than its predecessor, all while maintaining its snappy short-travel DNA. 

Suspension

A 190mm x 45mm Fox Float Factory Evol shock handles the demands of the rear suspension, featuring custom valving specifically tailored to the kinematics of the Epic 8 EVO frame. Kyle has opted for a 130mm Podium Gold Fox 34 Grip-X fork up front, providing a balance of bump-eating sensitivity and weight savings. Since its launch, the latest Grip-X damper has been well received around the shop, providing a more distinct feel of compression adjustment while maintaining the refined ride feel Fox suspension is known for.  

Drivetrain

The SRAM Transmission XX SL groupset is an ideal match for the Epic 8 EVO, as it is the lightest version of Transmission available and is tailored specifically towards the demands of XC racing. The XX SL groupset goes to extreme lengths to save weight, utilizing a carbon derailleur cage, hollowed carbon cranks, and an ultra-light chain. Transmission’s ability to seamlessly shift under load is appreciated on any bike. Still, it is most notable on short travel bikes that incentivize silly technical climbs and successive last-second gear changes, such as the Epic 8 EVO.

Wheels and Tires

Custom built by our mechanics here at Fanatik, Kyle’s wheelset is similar to what you will find a large majority of our staff running. Hope Pro 5 hubs are laced to a set of We Are One convergence series rims via Sapim double-butted spokes. Hope’s hubs are expertly machined from a forged aluminum billet and are available in a wide range of colors to match any build. Their internals deliver 108 points of engagement whilst featuring a lower overall drag than the previous Pro 4 model. Coming in at $278.21, the Hope Pro 5 hub provides top-end engagement at a significant discount compared to other hubs on the market, making it one of the best deals in the shop. The Pro 5, paired with the extremely durable We Are One Convergence series rims, keeps the weight low and durability high. This wheelset would be up for the demands of a long-travel enduro bike, let alone a feather-weight short-travel build. 

Kyle has selected a combination of Specialized Purgatory and GroundControl tires to provide a balance of traction and low-rolling resistance. The mid-height knobs of the Purgatory deliver a consistent and confidence-inspiring amount of cornering grip, while the tightly packed low-height knobs of the GroundControl provide a predictable feeling out back. The GroundControl tire is undoubtedly the most “cross-country oriented” component to be found on this build. 

Cockpit

Kyle is quite particular about his cockpit, opting for a similar combination of components that can be found across his other builds. He has opted for a sleek Hope Trail 35mm steam mounted to a set of 20mm rise, 800mm wide OneUp Carbon bars. He runs his setup low, opting for a single 5mm spacer below the stem. A set of Deity Slimfit grips complete the cockpit.

Brakes

A set of TRP DH-R EVO brakes takes care of the stopping duties for this build. These brakes are not an uncommon sight on World Cup DH bikes and are certainly up for any terrain this Epic 8 EVO may end up on. They are a key component that takes this bike out of the cross-country category.  

How did you anticipate this bike to perform, and how has it performed in actuality? 

I anticipated the Epic 8 Evo to be very quick and snappy and maybe to be a bit harsh on steeper, chunkier downhills. After spending some time on it, it is quick and snappy but pedals better than I thought it would and holds its own on the descents. Even on the “chunky” trails it does well. 

What category would you put this bike in?

I would definitely place this bike in the “down country” category.

What is your favorite component on the bike?

It’s gotta be the gold fork, the new gold Fox 34. 

What is one aspect of bike setup that you are particular about? 

Cockpit; it’s gotta look a certain way. It’s all mental; I’m sure a different setup would work fine, but I just like a certain setup mentally. 

How convenient are the SWAT box and SWAT stem tool?

I do use the SWAT box quite a bit; I keep a tow strap for the kids to tow them up on family rides. I also use it for food and a rain jacket in the winter.

What has been one of your favorite rides with this bike so far? 

I had a great ride earlier in the summer where I went up and over Stewart Mountain, descending down one of my favorite trails to meet the family for a cold beer and a swim in the lake.

Verdict / Try a Epic 8 EVO at Fanatik 

This custom Specialized Epic 8 EVO bridges the gap between cross-country speed and trail bike durability. Its updated frame offers enhanced efficiency and less pedal bob, while the high-end suspension and wheels ensure a responsive ride. The Epic 8 EVO is a standout choice for riders seeking a versatile and high-performing short-travel bike, and this build is no exception. Riders interested in trying an Epic 8 EVO  can rent one at our storefront in Bellingham, WA.