irish pat

Hey, I'm changing my MTB from an epic carbon Comp, GX 11 speed. Basic heavy wheels. I'm waiting for a 2022 Epic Evo Base model, 12 speed NX. I'm getting older so I figured the Evo would be more forgiving on the descents.

Does anyone ride one of these and done upgrades-

I'm looking at perhaps changing the wheels, as the stock ones are probably heavy. -Recommendations for wheels and/or internal rim width

The Crank is https://www.sram.com/en/sram/models/fc-x-1001-d1 , it weighs about 800g from what I can see.

I'm looking at perhaps the groupset, it comes with NX, I could go Axs upgrade kit for e400, but I prefer Shimano, so could wait for the wireless di2 12 speed.

Just bouncing around a few ideas, so any input and experience is appreciated-Thanks!

Kapusta

Upgrading the drivetrain is a pretty low bang for your buck. It will save some weight, but unless you’ve got to have electronic shifting, very little difference in performance.

First place I would put money towards is the suspension.

Have to say, though… if you are buying this bike and then immediately upgrading the drivetrain, wheels, and whatever, it begs the question of why not get a higher level model to start with. Buying a decent bike and then upgrading it to a very nice bike is the most expensive way to get a very nice bike.

Also, are are there some things you can pull off your current bike that would be an upgrade over the new one?

Steve B.

I have a 22 Epic Evo, I think the comp model, purchased last April. It came with NX components as I recall. I upgraded the shifter and derailer to Eagle AXS, wonderful system, I got it on sale in the summer, took maybe 20 minutes to install. I kept the heavy cassette, no real desire to change it as the lighter replacement is expensive for no functional gain. I also replaced the wheels with Ibis S28 carbon wheels, which was worth it as that saved about a pound and offers a better handling wheel. I also yanked the dropper, so right now the bike is at just over 26 lbs. rides great. Note I have zero hills near me, all flatish twisty single track. Love this bike. What I find interesting is it has a wheelbase that is nearly 4" longer than the Specialized Chisel HT I ride, yet handles through the single track about the same.

As note about Shimano vs. SRAM. I have an XT Di2 system on the Chisel and the AXS on the Epic. I really don't notice a difference. Shimano has 2 separate paddles, while SRAM has a single pivoting toggle lever. Upper paddle or move up on SRAM, goes to a smaller cog. Its no issue moving between bikes. I went to AXS as it was a few hundred cheaper that Di2 XT, and its a hell of a lot easier to install, with a wireless shifter and I reused the crank, chain and cassette, which I would have needed to change if I had gone Di2 XT.

veganbikes

Buy the bike you want don't upgrade it right away that is a good sign the bike was not the right one. Certainly some situations that is tough. My Supercharger2 Rohloff HS had bars and a fork I didn't want but there was no option to change that but going full custom which I wanted to do actually would have gotten me farther from my goal so in that case I did compromise but on something like an Epic or any other multi tiered bikes get the highest end spec you can or buy a frameset and build it how you want. Luckily now they have made the Epic into a buyable bike instead of some goofy suspension stuff that doesn't exist. Cool ideas and concepts but just stick with what works.

I pretty much only do frame up builds for the fact I don't generally like most specs so I would have to upgrade them and that will be expensive as well. I just want to know I am putting on what will work best for me and leave me not having to sell these new parts. If I was buying a stock bike good suspension would be the top priority and if I was choosing between mechanical groups in 11-12 speed I wouldn't worry they are equal enough(ish) but having electronic stuff would be a major priority if I wanted an upgraded groupset.

irish pat

Thanks, I got a savage deal on the bike, theres no way that I could get as good value in a higher end, and it wouldn't have the upgrades that make a difference, I feel.

Ive read good reviews about the suspension and have the same fork on my current epic, just less travel. Upgrading suspension seems to be the most expensive place to start though? The axs can be upgraded for e400, so that's relatively small.

The crank on it weighs 800g, from what I can see, I might be able to get one that is 600g for e150 +-

There's nothing I can pull off the current bike that's light, they are all the same really. It had the brain, that was what sold it for me, but my riding style/preference has changed.

irish pat

Thanks, I'm more a roadie, so really not bothered too much about components, or not really knowledgable on the difference in different suspensions etc-Not even sure the pros and cons of 2/30/35 mm ID rims. Just really looking for bang per buck for a few simple upgrades. Definitely not in my expertise to be building frame up.

irish pat

That's exactly the kind of info I was looking for-thanks- Yeah, mine comes with NX, I'm not too worried about the weight of the cassette, as oit will be changed anyway, but the crank is a heavy one, I think it deserves a better/lighter one. My thinking on changing to electronic is the same really, it's cheap and fast, I'd probably be ghanging to GX mechanical anyway at the least, so that would be e200, so for e200 more I can have axs. Good to know you dont notice much of a difference in function over shimano, as I have shimano on all my road bikes, but find theres a big difference there.

I'll look into those wheels, I think the basic cheaper wheels on it have heavy dead rims, flexy spokes, and poor hubs, an upgrade there is worth it, plus the good wheels generally last longer, and handle better, just like on a road bike, and the frame is the same on the Base evo as the one all the way up except sworks.

Thanks-I'll check out those wheels or equivalent- BTW, what width rim did you go with?

Steve B.

Whatever the S28 is, don't recall. I got the S28's when they were on sale. If you check the MTBR.com forum, and do a Ibis S28 search, there's a lot of info, including alternatives. They were I good deal when I got them, not as much now. I kept the stock Ground Controls and they mounted and work fine.

As to SRAM vs. Shimano, when I did the Di2 XT install on my Chisel the Chisel bottom bracket area had the downtube open up as a port for cables to get to the chainstays., thus I did not have t remove the crank and b-bracket to get the e-tube wires run, I just drilled a hole in the lower seat tube for the battery e-tube wires, then tie-wrapped the derailer wire and covered with rubber tape to protect the wire. I also used a SC-MT800 unit on the h-bar, it has 3 ports. I used one for the shifter, then ran 2 - 600mm e-tube wires for the derailer and battery. It was an easier install then when you have to remove the b-bracket and install a B junction. The MT800 as BTW, also serves as a gear indicator, battery charge port and a BT connection, replacing the WU111 unit.

irish pat

Thanks, yeah, they are a 28mm inner diameter, I think I'll go with a 30mm, of hunt or something-the IBIS seem to be be based in USA- good advice re the tires as well,

I think I'll go with the Axis wireless, they seem a lot easier and like you said, not much , if any, difference in performance.

Caliwild

I just ordered some TR32 wheels from Nobl. My bike shop turned me on to them. Look like good quality wheels at a decent price... In my humble opinion, wheels are the best upgrade for a mountain bike, as you notice an immediate improvement in acceleration and feel...

https://noblwheels.com/cross-country-trail/

veganbikes

So get the bike you want. Don't buy the initially lower cost bike just to pour extra money into it. In terms of suspension that is the biggest part of it so getting knowledge on that will be the big key. I mean it is generally harder to go wrong with a modern bike with Rockshox or Fox but most importantly you want the right amount of travel for your riding. I too am mainly a roadie and built up a bike and ended up with 100mm travel and really wished I had gone to 130 which the frame can handle.

Maybe take a step back and figure out where you are riding and all of that.w

irish pat

thanks, I’m coming from a 100, as I said, I want more travel as my style of riding has changed as I said, the kind of bike I want is the epic evo, which I’m getting, sorry if I gave the impression that I didn’t know what bike I wanted, or if I gave the impression I needed advice on a bike to buy.
I just came on here asking for upgrade suggestions, as I said in the initial post, maybe I should have been clearer- but thanks 🤷🏻‍♂️

Kapusta

I thought that bike came with the Reba RL. That’s fine, nothing great. MC damping is on the primitive side by modern standards.

If you want to know what’s actually going to make a difference in performance, that fork would be number one on my list.

Wheels are also a fine investment. Personally, I’m not going smaller than 30mm internal width anymore, but I also like to run tires in the 2.3-2.5 range. I saw Nobl wheels mentioned. I got a set built with the TR37 rims (~30mm). For a bike like yours, I think something built with the TR35 rims would be awesome. Also 30mm, but lighter weight.

Also: tires. Make sure the tires you have are the best for your application and style. Spec make good tires, but having the right tire is the most important thing.

I rank drivetrain stuff pretty low on priority, and spending 150 Euros to simply save 200g with no other performance advantage is not the best use of upgrade funds on that bike, IMO. I would say the same thing about electronic shifting. It’s nice, but it does not affect your ride the way the other things I’ve mentioned do.

irish pat

Yeah, it comes with the Reba RL, I cant justify an upgrade on the fork at the moment, but what I've read is that I can upgrade when I am doing a service, it should only add a little more to the service cost, and is then a worthy upgrade, like you say.

The wheels are a definite for me so, I know they used make a big difference on a Hardtail, and definitely on a roadbike, so I guess same can be said for full sus-That brand (Noble) is only available in the USA /Canada, but I can get some alu here that roll well and are lighter, but most people seem to recommend carbon-and most carbon come with a lifetime warranty for rims. Thanks for the heads up on the ID-thats good enough for me, Ive been leaning that way, but I'll definitely only look at 30mm now.

Good points on the crank and gears, I'll leave them till last, to add a bit of bling haha.

I'm very grateful for the help from the posters, the experience counts a lot!

Kapusta

Did not realize there was a Charger upgrade available for the Reba. Heck, that would be #1 on my list.

irish pat

https://www.tradeinn.com/bikeinn/en/...to/137383805/p

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.

irish pat

That bike would be of no use to me- Why would you recommend a bike to someone you know nothing about? I do group rides, my mates that I ride with do the same rides as me and have at one point or another had an epic, which was the best bike for us at one point. Some have changed to different bikes, including evo, from what they say, this seems to be the best bike for me, as I said, which is why i didnt come on here asking for a bike recommendation.

I have found exactly the information I needed from the other posters, even though I didn't know what I was looking for, but they have given their experience on bikes and upgrades, which I have found extremely helpful- It seems like youve come on here to force your way, or look for an argument- May I kidly say to you, Thanks, but no thanks.
You have no knowledge, experience, or information that seems to be of use to me.

veganbikes

How would that bike be of no use to you? Do you not want something more comfortable and potentially more travel? I took the information you gave and tried to give some useful suggestions. You have the idea that buying a random bike with no knowledge on the bike is a great idea and then buying a bunch of upgrades just to upgrade is a better idea. I am try to help you not make a decision that is not sensible. I guess maybe you aren't understanding what I am saying or just want an echo chamber or something? The Epic has always been more of a race oriented bike I got the impression from your words that wasn't quite what you needed? Maybe I was wrong and if so I apologize.

I get it you want to spend a bunch of money on upgrades but why do that when you can just get the bike you want and potentially spend less and get an overall better bike or maybe spend a little more but get more than you would buying a few individual pieces? You stated earlier you don't know about suspension and such and that is quite important on a suspended mountain bike. I wouldn't personally want to guess at that sort of stuff. I have a co-worker who is way way way more knowledgeable on suspension so when I have questions I ask him and generally take his advice or at least use it to make the right decision or at least what I can come up with as a right decision.

I am not looking for an argument or force my way just trying to use my knowledge of selling and maintaining bikes in a professional setting for 10-11 years and riding bikes for longer to help you. You did say you appreciate input and experience but maybe not as much? Enjoy your bike in whatever you do, bikes are awesome and the Epic is a neat XC bike (especially now that they have gotten rid of the Brain and moved to more standard shocks and a nicer design).

prj71

But you continue to miss the point.

All of the upgrades you want to do...just buy the bike that has everything you want on it. It will be cheaper in the long run vs, upgrading a bunch of components.

You also expressed you wanted a bike more forgiving on the descents. The stumpjumper vegan bikes recommended is way better for that than the Epic Evo.

Steve B.

Doesn't always work that way. I got the Epic Evo Comp for about $4200. Added a set of Ibis carbon wheels for about $1000 and an AXS system for $500. That was a few hundred cheaper than what an Epic Evo with AXS and carbon wheels costs.

irish pat

I want a more forgiving bike than my epic-which has 100mm front and rear, the evo has 120 front, 110 rear, that is more forgiving, I do not want an enduro or downhill bike, I still want to race xc.

I got a new Evo for e2750, rrp e4500 I am friendly with the specialized shop here, I rang today and got a set of roval control for e950, rrp e1300 I can get new axs for e400, (if I decide to go that direction) I can sell the wheels for 150 off the new evo.
For e3950 I get the bike I want, to get the upgrades I want on a bike off the shelf, I need to spend e5500-that's a hell of a difference.



I still race some xc races, (not as many as I used to) the Evo is not as good as the epic for that, but that's a sacrifice I'm willing to make. but I could not race an xc race on a stumpjumper.

So Vegan answered a question that was not asked.

veganbikes

See you didn't give us the full picture! I don't think you mentioned XC racing once but you mentioned your . The information I gave was still extremely relevant and still is extremely relevant minus the Stumpy recommendation but I was going off the words you wrote (or someone under your account wrote) and trying to help.

Keep in mind which you aren't and have stated have little knowledge in, as you go up in the models to get the drivetrain you feel is more important you are improving the suspension which is more important. Obviously XC is not downhill but Aaron Gwin won at Leogang in 2015 with no attached chain. Again yes XC very different you couldn't do it chainless but the drivetrain doesn't really matter much especially in Eagle or other 12 speed quality stuff. Suspension is a big key and certainly if you want something more forgiving and comfortable a nicer suspension will help with that despite you not caring.

I can assure you my commentary here is not one of sarcasm or trying to be nasty. We barely know each other and I had to go on the information you provided and match that up with the knowledge I have. If you don't want to take it you don't have to it is free advice provided on a internet forum but to just reject it so thoroughly with what you have posted seems a bit harsher than needed. It seems like you just want someone to say send it rather than hey maybe consider these options and here's why. That is fine you just want things to echo and I get it, I have been there sometimes yeah you want to validate purchases you have made or are about to make because you are excited or just think you have something super cool. However sometimes it is also good to just step back and consider your plans and hear alternative views especially from those who might have more knowledge in the field you are asking about.

Have fun on whatever you decide! Again it is a bike and bikes are fun.

MPStoops

I just moved from a 2020 Stumpjumper Alloy Comp to a 2022 Epic Evo and so far am loving it! The only upgrade I've done so far is a set of Hunt XC alloy wheels and Vittoria Mescal/Barzo tires that I had originally gotten for the Stumpy but never put on. This wheel/tire combo is just over 2lbs lighter than the stock wheels on the Epic Evo and the tires suit me better than the Ground Controls that came on the bike.

Weirdly, even though the Epic Evo has less travel than the Stumpy, I find it feels much more plush overall. Definitely far more plush on higher frequency "washboard" sort of stuff, but still able to take the bigger hits I was taking on the Stumpy. I am NOT a jumper, bike park, crazy DH rider but more a XC guy like the OP here. I like the slightly shorter wheelbase, less slack geo and the extremely lighter weight of the Epic Evo. It climbs beautifully and compared to the Stumpy it almost feels like I'm riding an e-bike at times!!

I'm very intrigued by what I've read about the RockShox Charger upgrade for the Reba fork on my bike but it looks like everything is for up to the 2017 model year only. Does anyone know if that upgrade kit would work on a 2022 model Reba?

guidodg

best upgrade on my Epic Evo was to ditch the aluminum bars which being 35mm in diameter are super rigid and hurt my hands after a few hours in the saddle....switched to carbon OneUp Components carbon bars [20mm rise] with some built in compliance and the difference is quite astounding, especially on the small bump chatter