Transition Spur vs Specialized Epic 8 vs Yeti SB120?

Specialized could be either the 8 or Evo btw.

Some cheap deals available on the old Epic Evo (which is similar if not essentially the same as the Epic 8). Sounds like that fits the brief. Yeti way overpriced. Spur makes an amazing do-it-all bike (I own one) but if you already have your trail base covered then an Epic will do XC with less compromises.

Thanks Devash, that's interesting stuff. Offers on the Yeti bring it in to Epic territory and the Spur would be frame only so I choose the kit......

What compromises does the Spur have for XC duties?

The Epic feels a tad more 'efficient' for steady, pedaly stuff. Can't really explain too well as its quite subtle. Bit more of an XC-build in terms of finishing kit on the Epic e.g. narrow bars, longer cranks and stem etc.

Spur frames are a lot more burly = heavier and the newer Spurs come with a regular non-Step Cast Fox 34 up front which also adds a bit more weight. Not an issue if you are going frame only - stick a Fox 34 SC or the 3P SID Ultimate on the front and the weight difference shouldn't be too different.

The Spur is a noticeably better descender though, plus is a bit of a looker.

I got a cracking deal on an Epic Evo 7 last summer. Think they are still available at Certini. Geometry very similar to the new Epic 8. The 8 does have the new more progressive rear linkage and a more standard sized shock.
I stuck on 800mm bars, 200mm front rotor and a more aggressive front tyre and it handles way more confidently than its number suggest. 

Yeti for me, their suspension is excellent. I've ridden a Spur and it's great, but my only concern is the age, coming up on 5 years now. While still a relevant bike I may find it annoying if after a couple of months riding it a new one came out. Might not bother anyone else. Rode an Epic 8 Evo briefly and a couple of things stood out. It didn't perceptibly pedal better than my Epic Evo, and having stepped straight of my Orange Stage Evo, the seat tube angle felt slack, which is my main complaint about the older Epic Evo.

I tried an SB115 and the Spur.  The Yeti’s suspension was better, but the geometry was worse.  I bought the Spur.  It’s an awesome bike.  It feels like it has a lot more travel than the numbers would have you believe.  If you’re careful, it also build up very light.  My large is under 10kg and I could get more out of that if I really tried.  

The Spur has also dealt well with the mud around here which I doubt the Yeti would have.  

I never considered the Specialized.  It’s not in my brand list for some reason.  

Very happy with the Epic 8 Expert I bought last year. It just does everything so well, and is comfortable at the same time. The three different suspension positions make it like riding three different bikes! Geometry and suspension is very different to the earlier Epics.

Transition Spur for me, love mine, i can go on an XC ride and chuck in some nice trails with drops then carry on with the XC ride

Its surpised me on how much it can handle

Epic 8 Evo here and absolutely love it, i had the s work epic evo version 7 before this and loved that, but agree with above the geo and suspension is very different in a very good way, still can be an xc bike but certainly a different beast on the decsents  

Interesting to hear about the slack seat tube after coming from the Orange as I have one of the last Stage 5's so would probably notice the same? My other bike is a Pace ht with equally steep seat tube so I'm on board with modern geometry.

Think the Yeti is probably in last place simply because of all the horror stories but they do look good. After that I'm unsure as there's plenty going for both. I unfortunately missed all the cheap last gen Epic Evo's in my size so will be looking at full rrp which at 4.5 or 6k is a bit scary for a tight arse like me!

Yeah, I paid full rrp for my Epic 8. First time I've done that... ever!

Easy. None of them is a pup but the Spurs is easily the prettiest. Reason enough to buy a bike 

I was going to get my wife an Epic 8 but in the end bought a Yeti ASR frameset paired with a SID Ultimate using the same 3 position lock out.

They had new frames listed on PinkBike & price matched one in Greyhound as she didn't like the colours in the ads.

Built it up with Hunt XC Race Wheels, MT Zoom finishing kit, XTR Drrive train - 9.9kg on the scales.

A full selection of XC bikes tested here

There is also an individual video of each if you search in the videos

I had a Spur & ended up breaking it (like a lot of Transitions, they aren’t very good at bonding bearing seats into carbon) & it ended up writing the frame off.

It rode well though, didn’t do anything amazing, just a decent all rounder.

I have an Epic8 now which is set up as a very light XC bike, but it just happens to be as good as the Spur was on trails too. I occasionally make be life choices & take it down trails it has no business on & it always surprises me how decent it is, even with sketchy XC tyres.

The Yeti I wouldn’t even consider, even if it was the best bike of the category. Quite simply, they can’t make reliable bikes, or support them when they inevitably go wrong. 

Posted by: Onzadog

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Easy. None of them is a pup but the Spurs is easily the prettiest. Reason enough to buy a bike 

Yeah, tbf when I started a thread about pretty bikes a year or so ago someone posted a lovely Spur that was my favourite on the thread.

@chestrockwell check the start of the video @dickie just posted. This is exactly what I mean about the Spur being slightly less efficient than the pure XC bikes. At 29 seconds in, look how it climbs a touch slower / a bit more 'grindy' up the steep incline. But then coming back down he's absolutely hammering it.

Then in his analysis he says its an OK pedaller but feels more like an enduro bike, then gives it the "Bike That Wants Nothing To Do With An XC Buyers Guide" award. 🤣

Spur for me. Mines 11.2kg with Fox 34 SC, Roval control wheels, and a mix of Sram GX and XX1. 

As you have a Stage 5, I'd lean toward the Epic - just to create a bit more space between bikes and spread of ability.

Also, isn't the Spur due an update? So I'd want it cheap if going that way.

(but I'd still get the Chisel FS instead)

Was thinking of replacing the Stage with something a bit bigger tbh then having the Epic/Spur as my all rounder.

Spur frame and shock is 2k so a chunk off rrp.

Will hopefully get chance to call in to Specialized in Harrogate over the next few days so that should help. I'm also looking at getting a van so reluctant to spend 6k until I decide how much the van will cost!

Posted by: chakaping

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isn't the Spur due an update?

It got the UDH update last year or the year before. Not sure what they could do with the geo as its arguably nigh on perfect. The Sentinel just got updated with in-frame storage so my guess would be that any new Spur could also go down that route.

Spur frame and shock is 2k so a chunk off rrp.

Please look after my wallet and don't tell me where this can be found.

For me it would be the Spur every time. Looks alone would do it, but everyone I've spoken to with one loves theirs

It got the UDH update last year or the year before. Not sure what they could do with the geo as its arguably nigh on perfect. The Sentinel just got updated with in-frame storage so my guess would be that any new Spur could also go down that route.

Probably a degree off the HA, in-frame storage (as you suggest), possibly 5mm on the chainstays - and I dunno if the STA and stack are up with the trends.

Nothing wrong with the current model at all, just get the feeling a new one might be coming this year.

Having had a Yeti and know friends who have had Specialized I'd take the Spec, warranty support is far, far better than Yeti's woeful efforts.

Posted by: HobNob

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I had a Spur & ended up breaking it (like a lot of Transitions, they aren’t very good at bonding bearing seats into carbon) & it ended up writing the frame off.

It rode well though, didn’t do anything amazing, just a decent all rounder.

I have an Epic8 now which is set up as a very light XC bike, but it just happens to be as good as the Spur was on trails too. I occasionally make be life choices & take it down trails it has no business on & it always surprises me how decent it is, even with sketchy XC tyres.

The Yeti I wouldn’t even consider, even if it was the best bike of the category. Quite simply, they can’t make reliable bikes, or support them when they inevitably go wrong. 

I had a similar problem with one where the metal sleeve in the BB ovalised and meant you couldn’t get the BB out

Had a look at the Chisel and various Epics today. Lovely looking things, especially the satin red Epic 8 and really liked the down tube storage. They are just such well executed bikes, everything thought about and done well........

Left me a bit cold though and I can't explain why? Probably too many years on warts and all Orange full suss!

Thanks for all the advice team. On the back of the SID Ultimate PSA I've gone for the Spur frame to match them.