Description
Is the Specialized Epic 8 still the "Gold Standard" for XC now that the Epic 9 is here? Today we’re doing a full bike check on our custom, 23lbs Specialized Epic 8 build. This isn't an S-Works frame; it's the Fact 11m, proving that you don't need the top-tier price tag to build a sub-24lb race machine.
We chose a full Fox suspension setup over the more common RockShox Flight Attendant, the new Yoeleo MTB wheels and Garbaruk components. I also highlight three specific technical "beefs" I have with the Epic 8 design that every owner should know about.
Components and associated reviews 👇:
• Frame: Specialized Epic 8 (Size Large, Fact 11m) - https://youtu.be/11nIKYgPIvU
• Suspension: Fox 34 SL (130mm) & Fox Float SL - https://youtu.be/71rRjupIV3M
• Wheels: Yoeleo GEN 30 MTB (1,200g) - https://youtu.be/6zpZEaYJ3Bk
• Drivetrain: Shimano XTR 9200 Pedals - https://youtu.be/pBeVd0CFUFc
• Garbaruk Cranks and InPeak Power Meter(170mm) - https://youtu.be/o3SLR2bMsP8
• Garbaruk V2 T-Type Cassette - https://youtu.be/jEqFJd79Wyw
• T-Type XX Transmission - https://youtu.be/hT4g8HrbU6A
• Brakes: Lewis LHV 4-Piston (Titanium bolts) - https://youtu.be/dWwBxCBSXy4
• Tires: Continental Trinotal (Front) & Dubnital (Rear) - https://youtu.be/RHwa7OaD2m0
• Dropper: TurnOn Bunker V2 with OneUp Remote - https://youtu.be/PuoZUgQ2vN4
⚠️Coming Next Week: Stay tuned! I’ll be doing a side-by-side tech check of this 23lb Epic 8 against the brand new Epic 9 Pro to see how the geometry and weight have evolved!
🎬Watch next:
Epic 8 - Plug that hole! - https://youtube.com/shorts/QEGJocwBK7Q
EPIC 8 - Moto-style Cable Routing - https://youtu.be/u3FH_psCdBQ
NEW MT001 Shimano Cleats (after 30 years!) - https://youtu.be/8CFs4eKyeSw
🔴 Subscribe for honest, engineer-backed MTB tech reviews: https://bit.ly/37tescF
📲IG: instagram.com/love.mtb | X: twitter.com/mevnet
⌚ CHAPTERS
0:00 Building the Epic 8 (not 9!)
0:50 Suspension Choice: Why Fox?
1:35 Cockpit & Dropper Setup
2:34 Fox 34 SL 130mm Fork
3:33 1,200g Yoeleo GEN30 Wheels
4:56 Sizing & Fit: Medium vs. Large
5:21 The Cleanest Cable Setup
6:13 Garbaruk & XTR Drivetrain
8:18 Rear Shock: Fox Float SL
8:56 The 4 Main Tech Issues
11:06 Final Weight Reveal
11:43 Epic 8 vs. 9: Which would you build?
Question for you: Now that the Epic 9 is out, would you still build an Epic 8 from scratch? What would you change in this build? Let me know in the comments!
🔧 Parts & Tools Below (affiliate — you pay nothing, I get a coffee ☕)
*100% real talk — no sponsors, no BS*
🛒 Grab yours with 5% discount @bikecomponents using LoveMTB at checkout
🔥https://bit.ly/3TGhvG1 🔥
➜Shimano 12 speed Drivetrains - https://bit.ly/3koZpIK
➜SRAM AXS T-Type Transmissions - https://bit.ly/3nUNt5B
➜SHIMANO Brakes, 4 and 2 piston, Pads, Tools - https://bit.ly/3ztmWwf
➜Shimano CUES/LINKGLIDE Components - https://bit.ly/44h32F9
➜Tires and tubeless needs - https://bit.ly/3lMOwQe
🛒USA Shoppers: Worldwide Cyclery
➜ Worldwide Cyclery MEGADEALS - https://bit.ly/33PPx4J
➜SRAM T-Type AXS Kits and components - https://bit.ly/3r1Ia69
#SpecializedEpic #Epic8 #BikeBuild #MountainBike #XC #WeightWeenie #MTBTech #LoveMTB