Totally agree that different folks like racing different stuff. I was really just talking about pedaling efficiency, not the overall handling. And I’ve spent almost zero time on a supercal or Epic WC, just just talking theoretically on the efficiency. I’m sure I’d do OK on a supercal, but my preference is a long/stable bike (because I’m basically a hack on a MTB and need every crutch I can get to keep the rubber down). Just like the HT vs FS debate, it’s cool that we have choices.
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More on OP, I’d like to see more red bikes, and see FA offered on more XO builds, even GX. Like the Brain Epic could be had with more accessible builds.
Has anyone seen the new Giant, either in shops or out in the wild?
I may delete this post at the risk of asking a somewhat off topic question, but there seem to be knowledgable folks here, but any noteworthy differences between a 2025 Epic FS vs Epic Evo? I’m chomping at the bit hard for my first MTB bike to expand my cycling endeavors to include XCM Type events here in California. I’m a balanced mix of roadie and confident gravel cyclist. I’m not the type who wants to shred the biggest downhills as I’d rather have a high performing machine for racing.
I’d be buying new as I found a great deal on a 2025 Epic Comp locally. I don’t want to go the used bike route.
For the Epic 8, the “Evo” is the same frame, just has a 130 fork and no lock out. But the rest is identical as far as I am aware.
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Yep, same frame with different suspension options. There is also a flip chip on the shock mount to tweak the frame geometry a bit (It ships in different settings for the evo vs. the regular epic 8). If I was building a bike from scratch, I’d look for an evo frame. I generally prefer the color schemes and understated graphics compared to the regular epic 8’s.
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If you look at Decathlon Ford IG it looks like they may have a new FS bike in the images. or not. 
Nukeproof are launching a new XC bike pretty soon I believe, under new ownership. Not sure if they’re well known in the US but were a hugely popular brand in UK/Ireland.
The Nukeproof will be rebadged Ridley, at least at first….you’ll be able to get one of those though 
Yes but I believe they had a prototype XC bike from their previous incarnation that will go into production. I saw a photo of it and it looks pretty nice. More options at my local bike shops is always good. Every new XC bike I’ve seen here in the last 2 years is a Specialized.
Wow that is light 8.68kg - nice!
What cassette is that? Love the colorway on it.
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Thanks buddy! It’s a ztto 11-36. This wheel set and cassette is actually for my boys new build. I just slapped the wheels on to see how everything works while we wait for more parts to complete his bike. Hoping to be sub 6kg with his!
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Is that a sprinter? What pockets are those on the doors? And what’s that black tank in the hitch area??
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Yes, I believe they are van essential or vanncamp, and that’s our shower. 4.5g of hot water that’s pressurized with my bike pump.
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Scott Spark seems like it would be due for a refresh.
New Epic 9 in March?
I’m not sure what they would the change… Epic 8 is fantastic! Maybe drop some weight? Make it more aero? Do we need slacker geo for XC?
If I could have the Evo Pro with either remote lockout or possibly flight attendant I would be happy.
I know the frame can but to install remote lockout would require changes to shock and fork I believe. Or get the regular epic and change fork.
I’d rather just have the option from factory.
It’s due, but the 2026 model only brings paint changes (which are all ugly IMO). I’m waiting a refresh so hopefully 2027 models 
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