Pomoc w wyborze roweru MTB

[Veriv]

Szczerze to nie mialem kontaktu bo tak wyszlo, ze zaden z moich znajomych nie ma takiego roweru. Dlatego tez nie wspomnialem o epic evo.

Ze Sparkiem mialem, testowałem. Mój kolega wykorzystuje ten rower do wszystkiego, łącznie ze skakaniem dosc dużych hop a rower to świetnie znosi. Super sprzęt. 

Tu masz test, chyba dosc pobieżny :

https://youtu.be/Oa41q5bUjOQ?si=doq-i33Iea9XTpcc

Najlepiej wybrac sie na dni testowe i sprawdzic samemu

 

 

 

[blazejn]

Właśnie po obejrzeniu takich testów mam wrażenie, że taki Epic Evo czy Scott Spark ( mają te same skoki amortyzatorów) nie są odpowiednimi rowerami dla mnie. Są to rowery idące w kierunku downhillu, z mocną, szeroką i zapewne toporna przednia oponą w celu bezpiecznego pokonywania niewielkich hopek. Ja raczej na takich hopkach nie planuję jeździć wiec wybrałbym w tym przypadku taki rower jaki wybrała ona. 

On też stwierdził, że do normalnej jazdy zmieniłby opony na jakieś węższe, z mniejszym oporem toczenia. A ja chciałbym na odwrót, ewentualnie od czasu do czasu zmienić oponę na mocniejszą, szerszą by sporadycznie gdzieś poskakać. 

[jajacek]

Firma Specialized podobnie jak zresztą Santa Cruz czy Scott jest trendsetterem. 
Modele co roku potrafią się zmieniać. Zmienia się ich geometria, waga i  wyposażenie.
W 2025 nastąpiła duża zmiana. Obecny Epic 8 jest z grubsza tym czym w poprzednich latach był Epic Evo.
Czyli tym co dziewczyna z filmu dobrze scharekteryzowała: lekki, zwrotny, zabawowy.

Testowałem dokładnie tego:
Epic EVO Expert

Tak sztuczna inteligencja DeepSeek charakteryzuje modele z lat 2022-2024.

 

Specialized Epic Evo (2022-2024) – The Brain-Free Downcountry Racer

With the 2022-2024 models, Specialized dropped the Brain suspension in favor of a more traditional adjustable shock setup, making the Epic Evo a more versatile and predictable trail performer while keeping its cross-country (XC) efficiency.

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Key Characteristics:

• Suspension: 120mm fork (Fox 34 Step-Cast or RockShox SID Ultimate) / 120mm rear (Fox Float DPS or RockShox SIDLUXE).

• Geometry: Slightly more trail-oriented than before (~66.5° head tube, ~74.5° seat tube).

• Weight: Still lightweight (~11.5-12.5kg, depending on build).

• Tires/Wheels: 29" wheels with 2.3-2.4" tires (e.g., Specialized Ground Control/Fast Trak).

• Drivetrain: 1x12 (SRAM GX/X01 or Shimano XT/SLX).

• Key Change: No more Brain shock—now uses standard climb/trail/descend modes via a lever.

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What It Was Designed For:

The post-2022 Epic Evo shifts slightly further into "downcountry" territory—less of an XC race bike and more of a light trail bike that climbs like an XC machine. It’s optimized for:
✔ Technical XC & marathon racing – More capable than a pure XC bike.
✔ Fast trail riding – Handles chunk better than before.
✔ All-day backcountry rides – Efficient pedaling with added descending confidence.

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Where It Feels Best:

• Rugged XC courses – More composed than a 100mm XC bike on drops and roots.

• Undulating singletrack – Excels in punchy climbs and quick descents.

• Long-distance endurance rides – Comfortable yet responsive.

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Comparisons:

1. Vs. Specialized Epic FS (XC Race Bike, 100mm travel, Brain-equipped)

• Epic FS: Faster on smooth climbs, less capable on rough descents.

• Epic Evo: More versatile, better on tech trails, slightly slower on pure XC laps.

2. Vs. Specialized Stumpjumper (130-150mm Trail Bike)

• Stumpjumper: Better at big hits and bike parks.

• Epic Evo: More efficient on climbs, livelier on flow trails.

3. Vs. Competitors (2022-2024 Downcountry Bikes)

• Trek Top Fuel (120mm/120mm) – Similar intent, but Top Fuel feels more trail-oriented.

• Scott Spark RC (120mm/120mm) – More adjustable (TwinLoc lever), slightly better for racing.

• Orbea Oiz TR (120mm/120mm) – Lighter, more XC-focused.

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Weaknesses:

• Still not a true trail bike – 120mm travel has limits in bike parks or steep, rough terrain.

• Less efficient than Brain-equipped Epic FS on smooth climbs (but more predictable).

• Not as plush as a 130mm+ trail bike on long descents.

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Verdict:

The 2022-2024 Epic Evo is a fantastic "downcountry" bike—now more intuitive without the Brain shock. It’s best for:

• Riders who want XC speed but also ride technical trails.

• Enduro-curious XC racers who need more control.

• Trail riders who prioritize climbing efficiency.

If you liked the old Epic Evo but wanted simpler suspension, this version is a big improvement. If you ride mostly smooth XC, the regular Epic FS might be better. If you prioritize descending, a Stumpjumper or Ibis Ripley could be a better fit.

[jajacek]

Co do opon to jeżdżę po lesie zwykle na oponach Specialized Fast Track, 2,3 cala, które są typowymi oponami XC o średniej przyczepności z małymi klockami. Jak jest sucho, twardo i mało piachu to na Continental Race King 2.25, które są bardzo szybkimi oponami wyścigowymi ale z kiepską przyczepnością.
Opona Specialized Purgatory wskazana na filmie jest oponą na cięższe warunki. Ale nadal takowej używam. Tyle że na błoto i gęste piachy na przód. Bo ma grube klocki i lepszą przyczepność.
Maksymalna szerokość opony w w obu rodzajach rowerów Epic to chyba 2,4 cala.
Jak chcesz oponę 2,6 cala to rower Trail/Enduro jakim jest Stumpumper.

[Veriv]

1 godzinę temu, blazejn napisał(a):

Właśnie po obejrzeniu takich testów mam wrażenie, że taki Epic Evo czy Scott Spark ( mają te same skoki amortyzatorów) nie są odpowiednimi rowerami dla mnie. Są to rowery idące w kierunku downhillu, z mocną, szeroką i zapewne toporna przednia oponą w celu bezpiecznego pokonywania niewielkich hopek. Ja raczej na takich hopkach nie planuję jeździć wiec wybrałbym w tym przypadku taki rower jaki wybrała ona. 

On też stwierdził, że do normalnej jazdy zmieniłby opony na jakieś węższe, z mniejszym oporem toczenia. A ja chciałbym na odwrót, ewentualnie od czasu do czasu zmienić oponę na mocniejszą, szerszą by sporadycznie gdzieś poskakać. 

Super, wazne jest to bys  swiadomie dopasował rower do własnych oczekiwań. Tak, ewentualna zmiana opon troche zmieni właściwości.

 

@jajacek ale tu z byciem tym trendsetterem to spec nieco poległ bo tu mowa o nowościach speca, podczas gdy "nowoczesny" scott spark to mial premiere w 2021 a NS Bikes Synonym to chyba 2020 rok. NS byl prawdziwym trendsetterem i dla nowego typu rowerow XC i dla graveli, ktore wlasciwie wymyślił(marka rondo)

[jajacek]

To może sięgnijmy do historii...

 

Since the 2008 Beijing Olympics (not London—London was 2012), XCO (Olympic Cross-Country) bikes have evolved dramatically, driven by technological advancements, rule changes, and rider demands. Below are the key trendsetters that shaped modern XCO racing bikes, broken down by era:

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1. Late 2000s (2008–2012) – The Rise of Full Suspension & Lightweight Hardtails

Trendsetters:

• Specialized Epic FS (Brain Suspension, 2006–Present)

  • Introduced proprietary Brain inertia valve, making full-suspension viable for XC racing.

  • Dominated races (e.g., Jaroslav Kulhavý’s 2012 Olympic win).

• Cannondale Scalpel (Leftys & early FS)

  • Single-sided Lefty fork (stiff, lightweight) was radical at the time.

  • 2x drivetrains (e.g., Shimano XTR) were still standard.

• Trek Superfly (Carbon Hardtails, 2009+)

  • 29er wheels gained traction (though still debated until ~2012).

  • Carbon frames became mainstream in pro racing.

Key Trends:

✔ FS vs. HT debate (FS was initially seen as too heavy).
✔ 29ers slowly replacing 26" wheels.
✔ 2x drivetrains (e.g., Shimano XTR 2x10).

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2. 2013–2016 – 29ers Dominate, 1x Drivetrains Emerge

Trendsetters:

• Scott Spark (TwinLoc Suspension, 2014+)

  • First "downcountry" bike—120mm travel with lockout levers.

  • Nino Schurter’s dominance began here.

• Trek Superfly FS (2015, ABP Suspension)

  • Full-suspension 29ers became standard for XCO.

  • 1x drivetrains (SRAM XX1) started replacing 2x.

• Canyon Lux (2016, Short Chainstays & Aggressive Geometry)

  • Lower, longer, slacker than traditional XC bikes.

  • Lightweight carbon with trail-inspired handling.

Key Trends:

✔ 29ers fully replace 26" wheels (UCI legalized them in 2011).
✔ 1x drivetrains (SRAM XX1 in 2012, Shimano XTR 1x in 2015).
✔ Progressive geometry (shorter chainstays, slacker HTA).

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3. 2017–2021 – Downcountry, Dropper Posts & Tire Tech

Trendsetters:

• Specialized Epic EVO (2020, 120mm travel, no Brain in later models)

  • "Downcountry" trend—more travel, better descending.

  • Dropper posts started appearing in XCO (e.g., Jordan Sarrou’s 2020 Worlds win).

• Trek Supercaliber (2020, IsoStrut Suspension)

  • Hybrid FS/HT design—lightweight but with rear suspension.

  • Matteo van der Poel’s Tokyo 2021 Olympic bike.

• Pivot LES (2018, 120mm travel, ultra-stiff)

  • Proved XC bikes could handle trail speeds.

Key Trends:

✔ Dropper posts in XCO (e.g., Tom Pidcock in Tokyo 2021).
✔ Tubeless + wider tires (2.2" → 2.4").
✔ Electronic shifting (SRAM AXS, Shimano XTR Di2).

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4. 2022–Present – Lightweight Trail Bikes & Aero Gains

Trendsetters:

• Scott Spark RC (2022, 120mm travel, integrated cockpit)

  • Most adjustable XC bike (TwinLoc 3-mode system).

  • Nino Schurter’s 2023 World Champ bike.

• Specialized S-Works Epic (2023, 75mm travel, ultra-light)

  • Return to minimalism (super-lightweight for pure XC).

• Canyon Exceed (2023, Hardtail Revival)

  • Pro riders (e.g., Pauline Ferrand-Prévot) winning on hardtails again.

Key Trends:

✔ Aero optimizations (e.g., Specialized’s "Cobble Gobbler" Epic).
✔ Mixed wheel sizes (29F/27.5R) for agility (e.g., Orbea Oiz TR).
✔ Even lighter FS bikes (sub-10kg now possible).

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Who Truly Changed the Game?

1. Nino Schurter (Scott Spark) – Made 120mm travel & aggressive geometry standard.

2. Jaroslav Kulhavý (Specialized Epic) – Proved FS could win Olympics.

3. Tom Pidcock (Trek Supercaliber) – Brought dropper posts to XCO.

4. Pauline Ferrand-Prévot (Canyon Exceed) – Revived hardtail dominance.

Future Trends?

• More integration (hidden cables, aero frames).

• Suspension efficiency (new damper tech).

• Ebikes in XCO? (UCI testing e-MTB races).

[jajacek]

The Cape Epic, one of the most grueling mountain bike stage races, sees elite riders choosing bikes that balance lightweight efficiency, durability, and technical capability for South Africa's rugged terrain. Below are the most popular bikes raced by elite riders in recent editions (2020–2024), categorized by brand and model:

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1. Specialized (Most Dominant Brand in Cape Epic)

• S-Works Epic (Hardtail & FS)

  • Why? Ultra-lightweight (sub-10kg), efficient pedaling, Brain suspension (for FS).

  • Riders: Matt Beers (2023 Winner), Christoph Sauser (past winner), many Team Specialized riders.

• Epic Evo (120mm travel, no Brain in newer models)

  • Why? More capable on rough descents while still efficient.

  • Riders: Used by riders who want extra comfort on long stages.

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2. Trek (Supercaliber & Procaliber)

• Supercaliber (IsoStrut Suspension, 60-80mm rear travel)

  • Why? Hybrid FS/HT design—light like a hardtail but with rear suspension.

  • Riders: Topeak-Ergon (2022 Winners), Anton Cooper.

• Procaliber (Hardtail)

  • Why? Pure XC efficiency for smooth stages.

  • Riders: Used occasionally for flatter stages.

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3. Scott (Spark RC & Scale RC)

• Spark RC (120mm travel, TwinLoc suspension)

  • Why? Adjustable travel (lockout for climbs, open for descents).

  • Riders: Nino Schurter (Team Scott-SRAM), Andri Frischknecht.

• Scale RC (Hardtail)

  • Why? Lightweight option for less technical stages.

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4. Canyon (Lux & Exceed)

• Lux Trail (120mm travel, aggressive geometry)

  • Why? Downcountry capability for rough terrain.

  • Riders: Pauline Ferrand-Prévot (2024 Women’s Winner).

• Exceed (Hardtail)

  • Why? Pure XC speed (PFP won 2024 on this).

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5. Orbea (Oiz & Alma)

• Oiz (Full Suspension, 120mm travel)

  • Why? Lightweight and efficient for marathon racing.

  • Riders: Team Euskadi, elite privateers.

• Alma (Hardtail)

  • Why? Budget-friendly option for some riders.

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6. BMC (Fourstroke & Teamelite)

• Fourstroke (FS, 100-120mm travel)

  • Why? Refined suspension for Cape Epic’s rough trails.

  • Riders: BMC elite teams.

• Teamelite (Hardtail)

  • Why? Less common but used for pure speed.

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7. Cannondale (Scalpel & F-Si)

• Scalpel HT (Hardtail, 2018–2022)

  • Why? Lightweight, Lefty fork efficiency.

  • Riders: Used in early 2020s.

• Scalpel FS (2023+, 120mm travel)

  • Why? Updated for modern downcountry racing.

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8. Merida (Ninety-Six & Big Nine)

• Ninety-Six (FS, 100mm travel)

  • Why? Reliable for marathon stages.

  • Riders: Used by Team Multivan Merida.

• Big Nine (Hardtail)

  • Why? Less common but seen in early editions.

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Key Trends in Cape Epic Bike Choices (2020–2024)

1. Full-suspension dominates (~80% of elites), but hardtails are making a comeback (e.g., PFP 2024).

2. Downcountry bikes (120mm travel) are now standard (Epic Evo, Spark RC, Lux Trail).

3. Dropper posts are increasingly common for technical descents.

4. Tire choice matters—most run 2.2–2.4" fast-rolling tires (e.g., Specialized Fast Trak, Schwalbe Rocket Ron).

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Most Winningest Bikes in Cape Epic History

• Specialized Epic (FS & HT) – Most wins (e.g., Christoph Sauser, Jaroslav Kulhavý).

• Trek Supercaliber – Recent dominance (Topeak-Ergon 2022).

• Scott Spark RC – Nino Schurter’s choice.

• Canyon Exceed – PFP’s 2024 win proved hardtails still viable.

[jajacek]

NS Bikes Synonym: A Forgotten Downcountry Contender?

The NS Bikes Synonym (2019–2021) was a short-lived but interesting "downcountry" bike that blended XC efficiency with trail bike capability. While it never reached the mainstream success of bikes like the Specialized Epic Evo or Scott Spark RC, it had some unique features that made it stand out.

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Key Features of the NS Bikes Synonym

• Travel: 120mm front / 110mm rear (with a flip chip to adjust geometry).

• Frame Material: Carbon or aluminum (depending on model year).

• Geometry: Progressive for its time (~66.5° HTA, ~74° STA).

• Suspension Design: Single-pivot with a Horst Link (similar to Specialized’s FSR).

• Target Use: Trail riding with XC efficiency—a true "downcountry" bike before the term was widely adopted.

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Was It a Trendsetter?

Yes, in Some Ways:

✔ Early Downcountry Geometry – Slack-ish head angle (66.5°) was ahead of many XC bikes in 2019.
✔ Modular Design – Flip chip allowed geometry tweaks (a feature now common on bikes like the Trek Top Fuel).
✔ Lightweight Trail Capability – One of the first bikes to blur the line between XC and trail.

But It Didn’t Become a Benchmark Because:

❌ Limited Marketing & Pro Team Support – Unlike brands like Specialized or Scott, NS lacked World Cup presence.
❌ Niche Brand Status – NS was better known for dirt jump and enduro bikes (e.g., NS Snabb).
❌ Discontinued Too Soon – The Synonym vanished by 2022, just as downcountry exploded in popularity.

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How It Compared to Competitors (2019–2021)

Bike	Travel	HT Angle	Key Difference
NS Synonym	120/110mm	~66.5°	More trail-oriented, less race-focused
Specialized Epic Evo	120/110mm	~67°	Brain suspension, more XC pedigree
Scott Spark RC	120/120mm	~68°	TwinLoc lever, better for racing
Trek Top Fuel	120/120mm	~67.5°	More established in pro racing

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Legacy: A Forgotten Pioneer?

The Synonym was ahead of its time in some ways but lacked the marketing and race pedigree to influence the market like the Epic Evo or Spark RC. Today, it’s a cult bike for riders who discovered its trail-friendly XC capabilities.

If you find one used, it’s still a fun, capable downcountry bike—but it’s no longer a trendsetter.