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Having been to BPW on my Trek Rail 2025 I realised I’d prefer to go on an analogue bike next time - I only ride the Blues (except Merthyr Rocks) and I’m happy staying on those - I don’t jump etc and I’m getting on a bit at nearly 60.
I have a Specialized Epic 8 Evo and would like to take that but don’t want to be under-biked as I’m not the best rider in the world.
The Rail is great for when I’m at a place with loads of climbing etc like QE Park but no so much BPW lifting it on and off the uplift etc.
obviously the idea bike would be a 150/140 analogue for what I do at BPW but I don’t have one.
so is the Epic 8 Evo going to be a good choice for my next trip?
Thoughts appreciated please.
I honestly can't see why a decent trail bike wouldn't be fine on the blues at BPW if you're not planning on doing any jumps.
Yeah the Epic Evo should be fine on the blues, but perhaps this is an opportunity for N+1? 😉
Epic Evo sounds fine - I always used to ride it on my Rocky Mountain Instinct (130mm travel) and it was ok on the reds, perfect on the blues. I hired a Trek Slash last time I went and it was no better than the Instinct tbh. (Age: Over 60 :D)
I was at BPW this weekend, having ridden a mix of Whyte T-130, Cotic Soul, Cotic Rocket over the years your Evo would be my choice for the blues only.
It's should be nice & responsive.
My missus has gone from riding her G170 there to her new Trek Top Fuel which has 120mm at both ends & actually preferred the shorter travel bike to her G170 for the blues & reds (we didn't hit any blacks).
I think the Epic 8 Evo will be great on the blues. Even Merthyr Rocks doesn’t have any big lumps that I remember, I think it’s just rattling across a lot of little ones. On the flow trails the Epic is going to fly
came back yesterday after being there with my missus
She ahs only ridden proper trails maybe 3 times? she's a roadie.. took her Sonder Cortex 120/130mm and it was absolutely spot on, we completed all but 2 blues. including Merthyr Rocks and she was fine, she walked on a few feet section as Merthyr Rocks is pretty intimidating for a newbie
If she was more confident I would have been happy to take her down some of the reds like vicious valley etc
Yeah Epic Evo would be a great choice for the blues. Are you planning on riding up or uplifting? Last time I rode up on a trail bike I was knackered by the time I got to the top second time around and didn't really enjoy the downhill bit as my arms and legs were spent :p
I've done BPW on an XC bike. It's fine but not what it's designed for. Got down everything but day ended with a big crash.
I've not tried anything like an Epic Evo, but my assumption based on the older Epic would be that the Rail would be more capable on descents and better in the rough stuff? In which case that is the obvious winner for a bike park?
You're in a better position to judge than any commentor an a forum.
Thanks guys, think next time I’ll take the Evo 8
You should be fine. I was there yesterday and some of the Trek XC team were there practicing dowhill on race prepped supercalibers with negative rise stems 😯
I think any trail bike will be fine unless your jumping
Theres nothing steep or tech on the blues. It'll be absolutely fine (my 12 year old rides a 26" wheeled hardtail there and flies down the blues).
XC bike is perfect for the blues, you're unlikely to need full travel. Or you could use the Rail and save paying for the uplift. E bikes are often quicker than the bus, especially once you've queued, faffed etc.
Yeah Epic Evo would be a great choice for the blues. Are you planning on riding up or uplifting? Last time I rode up on a trail bike I was knackered by the time I got to the top second time around and didn't really enjoy the downhill bit as my arms and legs were spent :p
I had to pedal my trail bike up this weekend, I spent the day playing on the top half of the hill only going to the visitors centre for lunch. Then did the full pedal up in the afternoon.
You’ll have more fun on a xc type travel bike on the blues, more travel will flatten everything and be less exciting.
Great time of year for BPW, so much grip in the damp, not too hot in the van wearing your pads.
Not that you’re asking but my top tip is stay high in the berms, and wear elbow pads even if you’re taking it easy.
Don’t forget there’s a skills area, great for sizing up drops and jumps.
I'd quite happily ride the BPW blues on my Spur so the Epic will be fine. Not sure I'd want to venture on to too many reds though. I'd change my tyres to something a bit beefier though as mine is set up XC.
The last two times I've been there it was on my Orbea Laufey - 66 degree HA, 140mm HT. It was easily more than enough for the blues and reds, although I had to slow on some of the rockier sections for fear of losing fillings. Jon, age 57...
Thanks again chaps - I did feel a bike nervous on some parts on Blues on the Rail but will give the Evo a go.