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

 

 

 

[mecheng89]

https://complete-cyclist.com/products/s-works-epic-9?variant=48304495165747&country=ZA&currency=ZAR&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA-ty8BhA_EiwAkyoa3-b6QfqL0dlxs5XdvX68O8dR86kLhHB5bZU1JprduOsoR38ofOM29xoCP78QAvD_BwE

If this work for Beers, then it should work for you.

[mecheng89]

Comfort = speed. Good luck!

[SamTaylor]

Thanks for all the insights guys. I am definately leaning more towards keeping what I already have. 

In terms of lightness, the silverback definitely wins, and it is definately the better climber. Which is what has me leaning towards it. The giant is a decent. Climber, but it totally trumps the silverback on stability in the descents. But with XC tires and lighter wheels, it should be as good as the silverback in the climbs (it currently has maxxis DH tires on). 
 

I already have the a service package and massage package booked.

The reason I was thinking of going for carbon wheels was to get the rotational mass down as much as possible, while still running a decent tire that won’t puncture too easy, especially to deal the the 3000m climbing days. 

[SamTaylor]

1 hour ago, mecheng89 said:

https://complete-cyclist.com/products/s-works-epic-9?variant=48304495165747&country=ZA&currency=ZAR&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA-ty8BhA_EiwAkyoa3-b6QfqL0dlxs5XdvX68O8dR86kLhHB5bZU1JprduOsoR38ofOM29xoCP78QAvD_BwE

If this work for Beers, then it should work for you.

Thanks but no thanks - I have no ambition of podium finishes, so I don’t see how a R300k s-works is going to be worth my while. For that money I would much rather just pay for the next 2 epics…

[BuffsVintageBikes]

IMHO, if you're not competing for an age group podium then go for the bike that's going to give you the most comfortable ride.

The new Epic routes are brutal on your body in terms of rocks etc. and a plush suspension will save your hands and ass in the long run. You might be a little quicker and Day 1 & 2 on the SB but the real test comes after that. Then the extra weight on the Trance will mean nothing in comparison to the ride comfort.

[SamTaylor]

I’m going to try and ride most of stage 5 (fairview to lourensford) on Saturday as a training ride.
 

Will give it a go on the trance and see how that feels.  maybe then ride it again on Sunday on the Silverback, and make a call from there

[DieselnDust]

Quote

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…

 

 

Sam I think you are way overthinking it.

Lets break the whole 8 days into sectors.

Start - WP1

WP1- Wp2

WP2- WP3

WP3-WP4 (sometimes)

WP3/4 to Finish

The distance between these sectors is roughly 30-35km.

Your primary concern is hydration and nutrition. To finish the event you need to ensure your body does not start breaking down and that means you need to drink enough, eat the right foods and and be heat acclimatized.

Your bike needs to be in a good working order but some bush mechanics might come in handy so carry the necessary to effect repairs or temp repairs that will get you to the next WP where repairs can be effected by mechanics there.

Chose the bike that is the least complicated and tech support and parts are available. The the weight is the next consideration as you will have to pedal the darn thing for 8 days. Your Stratos is going be a few kilos lighter than an ALLOY Trance so take the Stratos but make sure you have spare main pivot bearings and any other spare part tat is proprietary to the bike.

Right so that narrows your choice.

Next, try not to through weight at the problem. Carbon wheel may save a few grams but will they be as serviceable as your current wheels that you likely have spokes for and rims are more easily attainable in the event of a failure? Personally I don't think you will gain much from carbon wheel but they will look bling covered in dust and mud after 1km from the start . I'd also keep the alloy wheels as they're not as tiff as carbon and therefore more comfortable.

In terms of handling, your Stratos handles well enough. The Trance will be better on the down but a seriously liability on the ups over 8 days. Rather spend the money on good tyres and spare. Lot of guys opt for expensive race rubber then end up pending days plugging tyres and eventually have a youtube channel dedicated to telling you about their experiences of many ways to plug a tyre. 

Rather find an old rim and tyre and practice fixing punctures. If you cash to burn and the extra (expensive) wheelset was in the budget anyways then go for it.

Your main focus should be comfort. Get your saddle choice decided NOW. There's 7 weeks to go, times is few. Handle bar grips are another area of consideration.

For the next 7 weeks you should be focussed on dropping a few Kg off your body, getting the bike a comfy a possible and having the legs to get through those 3000m vertical ascent days. They will bite