the unofficial Cape Epic thread

[DieselnDust]

12 minutes ago, babse said:

hopefully there is more than 1 team competing...

Well with Speed Company there is always a race

[SamTaylor]

sad that some big names wont be racing this year, but I think theres still going to be some good racing this year. those days around paarl are going to be the deciders

[DieselnDust]

7 minutes ago, SamTaylor said:

sad that some big names wont be racing this year, but I think theres still going to be some good racing this year. those days around paarl are going to be the deciders

You make an interesting prediction. Why do you think Paarl specifically ?

[SamTaylor]

1 hour ago, DieselnDust said:

You make an interesting prediction. Why do you think Paarl specifically ?

There’s two days back to back there that are seriously tough. You’re gonna need all your technical skills, and your best climbing legs just to have a shot at staying with the race there. Add to that some extreme heat which Paarl rock can dish up in spades, and you are in for some fun.

plus, racing hard on those trails will require a lot of good luck as well, that there are no mechanicals or crashes to ruin your day. 
 

so that all added up, I reckon will make those two days the decider in terms of the elite field, and I think a lot amateurs will be caught out and end their epic there, especially if it’s hot. 

[ajnkzn]

https://en.brujulabike.com/electronic-suspensions-with-rigid-seatpost-thats-the-spectacular-lukas-baums-orbea-oiz-european-champion-edition/
 

Speed Company bike checks 🤤

[ajnkzn]

https://en.brujulabike.com/the-spectaculars-bh-lynx-race-of-tiago-ferreira-and-david-valero-for-the-cape-epic-2025-in-detail/
 

BH Lynx team bike checks featuring 40t (!) chainrings and the world’s most pointless dropper post 🙄

Edited March 13 by ajnkzn

[SamTaylor]

2 hours ago, ajnkzn said:

https://en.brujulabike.com/the-spectaculars-bh-lynx-race-of-tiago-ferreira-and-david-valero-for-the-cape-epic-2025-in-detail/
 

BH Lynx team bike checks featuring a 40t (!) chainring and the world’s most pointless dropper post 🙄

those are some really good looking bikes, but what the hell is up with that dropper post... may as well just lose it all together and shave a few exrtra grams

 

[Pandatron]

46 minutes ago, SamTaylor said:

those are some really good looking bikes, but what the hell is up with that dropper post... may as well just lose it all together and shave a few exrtra grams

 

More aero position on the flats? Has to be something different

[Jensie]

Is there GPX files for the stages for the Cape Epic 2025??

 

[Robbie Stewart]

3 hours ago, ajnkzn said:

https://en.brujulabike.com/the-spectaculars-bh-lynx-race-of-tiago-ferreira-and-david-valero-for-the-cape-epic-2025-in-detail/
 

BH Lynx team bike checks featuring 40t (!) chainrings and the world’s most pointless dropper post 🙄

I predict that the people with 40t rings up front will be pushing the bit in yellow on Monday. I've seen my fair share of full-fat eeb riders take a hike up that bit.

[ajnkzn]

I expect that they may downsize to a paltry 36t for Epic - those pics probably for short track / training maybe?

[Shebeen]

15 minutes ago, Jensie said:

Is there GPX files for the stages for the Cape Epic 2025??

 

normally frowned upon by management, because they think people will then go ride in access restricted routes.

 

go on strava next week and it will all be on

[Shebeen]

On 3/8/2025 at 10:15 AM, DieselnDust said:

Ninety One also off the team name but they're till involved. Will likely be on the kit.

I must say the build for 2025 Cape Epic has been deathly quiet

very little on my radar too. hardly even know the route days, didn't see top guys doing the Argus either.

predicting Beers and swenson to smash it, speed company to roll the dice

[Shebeen]

3 hours ago, ajnkzn said:

https://en.brujulabike.com/the-spectaculars-bh-lynx-race-of-tiago-ferreira-and-david-valero-for-the-cape-epic-2025-in-detail/
 

BH Lynx team bike checks featuring 40t (!) chainrings and the world’s most pointless dropper post 🙄

talking about this?

http://evobikes.co.za/product/2487bb94a6c311091792ddf947cdfa78/?srsltid=AfmBOopQGSf-DtOq7eaLH6pdTcatMDIiPT4ALnM38q45H4Q-nYDWjnj6

 

I don't get what makes it pointless.

[Ruben101]

8 minutes ago, Shebeen said:

talking about this?

http://evobikes.co.za/product/2487bb94a6c311091792ddf947cdfa78/?srsltid=AfmBOopQGSf-DtOq7eaLH6pdTcatMDIiPT4ALnM38q45H4Q-nYDWjnj6

 

I don't get what makes it pointless.

The dropper does look a bit silly, but here's why, its not just a normal dropper..

"However, the DIVINE SL was specifically designed with respect to XC riders’ requirements.;

One of the features is the “Tech-Climb” feature. While our DIVINE SL is completely locked in;place;in the top-out and bottom-out;position for the consistent riding position, the post can slightly spring in the;middle positions. We´ve found out, that extremely steep and technical (e.g. rooty or rocky) uphill sections can be conquered with much more ease when the saddle is just slightly dropped (let’s say about 1-2cm). Having the saddle dropped just a;bit (and not completely),;the “Tech-Climb” feature”;also adds some suspension to the post, filtering the impacts of roots and rocks. Back fully extended or;fully dropped, the post is rigid again."

 

[ajnkzn]

Matt Beers’ bike check 

https://en.brujulabike.com/matt-beers-mounts-a-double-trigger-and-the-latest-sram-prototypes-on-his-s-works-epic-8-for-the-cape-epic-2025/

 

Definitely the year of 40t chainrings it seems 🥴 - Keegan Swenson also rocking one on Instagram along with a dead sexy blacked out Santa Cruz Blur. 
 

I expect that it’s a) to allow a ridiculous top end but also b) to gain a few % better efficiency for the big dogs with less chain bend and a straighter chain line for their most used gears.