Bike choice for Cape Epic

[SamTaylor]

Will be riding my first epic in March - and I’m at a crossroads in terms of bike choice.

I currently have a 2019 Silverback Stratos CF (which I was planning to ride), and a 2023 Giant Trance (allu).

Both bikes are good, the silverback obviously lighter, but the trance a much better handling bike.

Whichever I go with, the bike will be getting a brand new XT group set and a set carbon wheels (both bikes currently have their original alloy wheels)

with the hectic amount of climbing on the epic route, the silverback still seems the better set up in my opinion, but at the same time I’m wondering if it wouldn’t maybe be a better idea to just get a newer “down country” type of XC bike - but that is going to cost twice as much as what sprucing up one of the existing bikes will…

[Tatt]

Both bikes will be great, but rather go with the one you are most comfortable on. 

Can definitely recommend having a new drivetrain, and if possible, get yourself a service package from the lines of Freewheel or whoever else is offering it.

Not sure you need to upgrade to carbon wheels, I've done a few Epics on alu wheels with no issues. Tyre choice is key, and I would also recommend tyre inserts, they can potentially save you a lot of walking..

Tom

[babse]

At this moment i would def advise going with what you have been training on and find comfort on. No need to panic buy.

If both ticks that box, I personally would go with the lighter option. 

 

[waveduke]

I recommend to go with the lightest that you can get your hands on / afford.
You don't win or finish the Epic on the downhills - it's the climbing you have to master. And there every gram on your bike and yourself counts 🙂

 

[TeamBaja]

Go with the one you like the most, a new drivetrain is recommended, don't forget the bearings. The derailleur hanger, extra pads at least 2 sets. No carbon wheels, but it they are stans get a new rear rim.  The epic is about climbing and nothing else, the downhills are ok in almost anything comes down to rider ability.

i done two epics on a cannondale hardtail. She is officially retired, next year I'll bring another hardtail, most likely.  Oh yeah tire choice, don't go for the lightness or you'll be like nini 5-8 flats per epic. Lastly a sealant you trust, a small multitool, some duct tape, mini pump, zipties your co2 adapter.  Have fun !!

[Zebra]

your post got me thinking; the (slightly) lighter bike, or the better-handling bike, since it is 8 days long…🤔 would love to hear the weight difference?

having done 3 in a row, on the old route (much has changed), i too, think that you do not need carbon wheels, that puncture prevention (as much as is REASONABLY possible) is key….…

.……as is a rear-derailleur hanger, or 2 if your partner is not on the same bike. 

Finally, a new DIALLED-IN drive train is useful, with the emphasis on a using the new drive train a good few times BEFORE Day 1….

Question; any difference in bottle-carrying capacity between the 2 bikes?
Chris