SRAM writes the Front Derailleur's Eulogy

[Edition 507]

Anyone care to guess what gearing the leaders of the Epic are running?

 

That's right 2 x 11

 

As Karl said - I like having the range, small steps in ratios (especially with DI2) and the weight penalty is 80g.

 

Don't write of FD's anytime soon

Not all races are like the Epic, in fact there is no other race like the Epic, so what defines Epic equipment does not define any other races equipment.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

I do find it quite funny when SRAM are saying that the FD will die when they still make 8 speed stuff

 

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/za/en/sram-pg850-8-speed-mtb-cassette/rp-prod5212

Yes, but none of that is current generation. 

[dev null]

Not all races are like the Epic, in fact there is no other race like the Epic, so what defines Epic equipment does not define any other races equipment.

 

I hate to disappoint you.

 

Tankwa Trek

Cape Pioneer Trek

Sani 2 C

Jhb 2 C

 

and many other that has not yet turned into a marketing fest.

[Edition 507]

I hate to disappoint you.

 

Tankwa Trek

Cape Pioneer Trek

Sani 2 C

Jhb 2 C

 

and many other that has not yet turned into a marketing fest.

I think you need to apologize to everyone who has ever ridden the Epic if you are saying the above races are comparable!

[Jewbacca]

Or things like Freedom Challenge?

 

Lesotho sky is certainly not that 1x friendly if you live at the coast. The 3 witches climb and a lot of others are loose and very very steep.

 

I agree that the Epic is tough, but it is over hyped and glorified. There are far far tougher or equivalent races out there.

[dev null]

I think you need to apologize to everyone who has ever ridden the Epic if you are saying the above races are comparable!

 

Equal in human effort, no, but definitely the same with regards to equipment requirements.

[taito]

It is weird how the 2/10 that was the champion for many years is now the old school and the FD is causing everyone troubles.

 

I have done lots of stage races and never had issues with my front derailer.

Once over a climb there is no better feeling that shifting onto the big blade and watching the speedo gooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

 

Thinner chain ---less life

['Dale]

SRAM Bam thank you Ma'am, no more front derailleur!

Like x 1000778865

[raptor-22]

Or things like Freedom Challenge?

 

Lesotho sky is certainly not that 1x friendly if you live at the coast. The 3 witches climb and a lot of others are loose and very very steep.

 

I agree that the Epic is tough, but it is over hyped and glorified. There are far far tougher or equivalent races out there.

 

 

 

then you just use a smaller chainring since you won't be needing to pedal on the way down.

 

This gearing debate is almost as tiring as the wheel size debate. At the end of the day the rider with the bigger PTW ratio and has the better skill on and for the course on the day will be fastest

[Jewbacca]

then you just use a smaller chainring since you won't be needing to pedal on the way down.

 

This gearing debate is almost as tiring as the wheel size debate. At the end of the day the rider with the bigger PTW ratio and has the better skill on and for the course on the day will be fastest

To be fair any 'debate' where the topic is opinion/preference is more than a little tiring.

 

Nobody is right and nobody is wrong but people waft their opinions about as fact.

 

It is difficult to avoid being sucked in. It is Friday after all....

[raptor-22]

its horses for courses anyway. Use the gearing you need to keep up. Simple really. No need t buy anything new if you don't want to.

 

In the mean time I'll get excited about new stuff cos I like new stuff.

Di2 is totally unnecessary but there it is because someone will buy it.

Cape Epic is unnecessary but there it is, an integral part of our sporting lives that we look forward to following every whether we can afford to participate or not.

12 speed cassette with single chain ring will bring benefits to a broader spectrum of rides than 11x1 did.

 

and technology and marketing marches onward.

[Patchelicious]

I think you just said something that needed to be said: "Epic is unnecessary".

[splat]

OneUp Shark jumps Shimano 11 speed cassettes to 10-50

 

http://www.bikerumor.com/2016/03/21/first-impressions-oneup-shark-jumps-shimano-11-speed-cassettes-to-10-50

 

http://brimages.bikeboardmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/OneUp-Components-50T-Shark-Sprocket-Kit-Grey-Front-966-600x600.jpg

[V12man]

There are far far tougher or equivalent races out there.

How many Epics/Lesotho Skies/Freedom challenges have you ridden - mostly I am just curious on what experiential basis you make this statement?, something I would personally hesitate to even comment on, given I do not own a Lesotho Blanket (yet)

[V12man]

I think you just said something that needed to be said: "Epic is unnecessary".

That's like saying the Iditarod is uneccesary.... each to their own I say - take Carbonboy.... he spent the weekend riding up and down the same hill for fun.....

[Eldron]

To be fair any 'debate' where the topic is opinion/preference is more than a little tiring.

 

Nobody is right and nobody is wrong but people waft their opinions about as fact.

 

It is difficult to avoid being sucked in. It is Friday after all....

 

I think (oh look another opinion ) the problem is that nobody says what their reference point is....

 

For instance you have a "debate" between 2 people on which wheel size is better. One is 5 foot nothing and rides enduro/downhill - the other is 6"4" and rides joberg based marathons.

 

There isn't one right answer there!

 

Same with the FD.

 

These are just some factors you should consider before buying a bike:

body

riding style

mileage

bank balance

mechanical ability

riding terrain

strength

goals

 

Buying bike parts means using some of the above (and probably some others).

 

There is no "one size fits all" in cycling - buy whats right for YOU.