Originally Posted by veganbikes

That is what I am saying don't upgrade get the right bike that you want and that will work well for you. From your previous response it seemed like you are unsure as you aren't knowledgeable you can't really be sure in what exactly is going to work the best without the knowledge of those components.

I would recommend learning some more and trying some stuff and as stated earlier don't upgrade get the bike you want. Upgrades aren't really the best way to go on a brand new bike especially with big ticket items. Touch points yes spend good money on those if you know what you like or have a saddle you love...but upgrading the entire drivetrain seems like you are just buying the wrong bike get the one with those drivetrain components because in the end it will have other parts, that you may not be knowledgeable in, that will be better. In terms of a mountain bike suspension is one of the more important parts. You might also look at the Stumpjumper EVO from what you mentioned in the first post. It is worth a try and will be more forgiving and a really fun machine as well. The Epic is a XC bike, the Stumpy is more a trail bike.

Take a look at this: https://www.specialized.com/us/en/st...=349346-200531
It has GX AXS so wireless electronic shifting and really Fox Suspension throughout for a good plush ride and a nice carbon frame. I would certainly go for that bike no question and I too am mostly a roadie and my back is terrible. Yes I haven't been a fan of SRAM brakes but I will say their new stuff is pretty decent so I may not actually swap that out right away though for the future would probably get a set of Magura 4 pots somewhere down the road just to keep me from having to buy a second bleed kit and have to use DOT fluid.