Is Specialized Racing a New Epic 9 or 130mm Epic Evo? Maybe...

When Specialized released the new Epic 8 and followed it with the Stumpjumper it was clear something was missing from the lineup. Sure they had the "Epic EVO" but that looked to be somewhat of a temporary placeholder. After all, the company is named "Specialized" and it would be hard to imagine a world where they thought the missing bike in between the Epic 8 and the Stumpjumper 15 would be adding 10mm of travel to the fork on the Epic 8.

Well Instagram posts by Matt Beers and Sofia Villafane both seem so show something interesting. You can't help but feel like something is off with these "Epic 8" they are racing. The shock link seems to be a bit more beefed up, similar to a stumpy link and tire clearance seems to be getting a little wider, some of those tires seem a little big tire clearance wise. On top of that paying attention to saddle positions, it seems their current bikes have saddles a bit further back than their previous shots on their Epic 8's. Maybe a steeper seat angle?

Also it is tough to say but the shock stroke seems a little longer as well as does the front travel. I could be completely wrong here and have no problem with that, but something tells me a true Epic EVO is right around the corner, so keep your eyes open!

 Sofia Villafane Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofithevilla

Matt Beers: https://www.instagram.com/mattbeers55

The "Epic 8" being raced currently:

Look at the shock link, looks kind of Stumpjumper esque?

This is the other Epic 8 shock link:

Can't tell but shock stroke looks longer:

Old shock stroke:

Saddle positioning on the current Epic for Sofia:

Sofia's previous Epic 8 shots, seems like saddle a little further forward which would make sense if the seat angle is steeper on the new one:

Once again I could be totally wrong and if I am it was a fun way to spend a Saturday!

-Mo Awesome