Tech

Bikes of the Epic: Christoph Sauser’s Specialized Epic S-Works

· By BikeHubCoreAdmin · 30 comments

The Specialized Epic is quite likely the defacto bike of choice at the Absa Cape Epic. We’ve seen countless examples of Specialized’s cross-country racer this year, but this particular bike is quite special. Christoph Sauser’s Epic S-Works is decked out in a custom Investec Songo Specialized paint strip. Something about the Investec zebra black, white and silver all fits quite nicely. And somewhat ironically, even in retirement Sauser still dons a zebra jersey, albeit of a different sort to that of his Epics past.

Aside from the custom paint job, Sausers Epic S-Works features the recently released SRAM Level Ultimate brakes. Other changes from the factory specification include his Rotor Rex crankset and QRing oval chainring (34T) with Look S-Track pedals. Following a bit of a trend we’re noticing among the pro contingent, the bike also sports a Specialized Power saddle (in this case the S-Works model).

Specialized Epic SWORKS Sauser-1.jpg

Specification list:

  • FrameSpecialized Epic S-Works
  • ForkRockshox RS-1 Brain 100mm
  • ShockFox Specialized Brain Future Shock
  • RimsRoval Control SL
  • Front HubSRAM
  • Rear HubRoval SL
  • Front TyreSpecialized Renegade 1.95
  • Rear TyreSpecialized Renegade 1.95
  • HandlebarsSpecialized S-Works
  • StemSyntace F109
  • HeadsetFSA
  • BrakesSRAM Level Ultimate
  • ShiftersSRAM XX1
  • DerailleursSRAM XX1
  • CassetteSRAM X01
  • CranksetRotor Rex 34T
  • ChainringQRing QX1
  • ChainXX1
  • PedalsLook S-Track
  • SeatpostSpecialized S-Works
  • SaddleSpecialized Power SWORKS

Specialized Epic SWORKS Sauser-8.jpg
Specialized Epic SWORKS Sauser-9.jpg

Specialized Epic SWORKS Sauser-3.jpg
Specialized Epic SWORKS Sauser-6.jpg
Specialized Epic SWORKS Sauser-4.jpg
Specialized Epic SWORKS Sauser-7.jpg
Specialized Epic SWORKS Sauser-5.jpg
Specialized Epic SWORKS Sauser-10.jpg

Specialized Epic SWORKS Sauser-11.jpg

Specialized Epic SWORKS Sauser-12.jpg
Specialized Epic-15.jpgWe spotted some ‘weight weenie’ bolts in the mix too

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Comments

Oufy MTB (Roadie)

Mar 17, 2016, 8:15 PM

best review so far, awesome bike

tubed

Mar 18, 2016, 4:51 AM

Okay so you couldn't resist the ess-works, but even I have to admit that's a fine looking bike.

 

The Rotor-In power meter looks really neat ( wonder if anyone actually has the 'power in' besides Sahm)

 

No chain guard - those Qring teeth look vicious enough no to let anything go.

 

Rest seems reasonably simple/ tried and tested - reliability/ consistency these days seems to trump looking for the edge. Even Lill/ Wcock seem to say that all they want is steady and no drama.... and it seems to be working.

 

Excellent work again, well done Nick (David Rome from Bikeradar has been replaced!)

NotSoBigBen

Mar 18, 2016, 5:06 AM

christoph_sauser

 

my spares for @capeepic swat box: tire lever, tube, big plugs, patch, valve, multi tool, drailleur hanger. pocket: pump, @dynaplug and tracker w emergency button from organization. actually duct tape and cable ties would be good to bring as well!

 

post-271-0-37375200-1458277594_thumb.jpg

SwissVan

Mar 18, 2016, 6:05 AM

Love the tool box and space for 2 water bottles

Great reviews guys, keep them coming

hboli4

Mar 18, 2016, 6:10 AM

Quite narrow tyres front and back, used to see 2.1/2.25 combo or similar, or is the 1.95 a different indicator?

Captain Fastbastard Mayhem

Mar 18, 2016, 6:31 AM

VERY narrow tyres. Wouldn't like to ride those at all

Captain Fastbastard Mayhem

Mar 18, 2016, 6:31 AM

Otherwise, a very well kitted bike

Nick

Mar 18, 2016, 6:38 AM

VERY narrow tyres. Wouldn't like to ride those at all

 

Quite narrow tyres front and back, used to see 2.1/2.25 combo or similar, or is the 1.95 a different indicator?

 

They were noticeably narrow on the bike.

 

I asked Sipho Madolo about them (his bike is almost identically specced) and he's been happy with how they've coped with the course so far. But he does know how to handle a bike and weighs very little.

lerouc

Mar 18, 2016, 6:52 AM

Is it year of the zebra?

lerouc

Mar 18, 2016, 6:53 AM

christoph_sauser

 

my spares for @capeepic swat box: tire lever, tube, big plugs, patch, valve, multi tool, drailleur hanger. pocket: pump, @dynaplug and tracker w emergency button from organization. actually duct tape and cable ties would be good to bring as well!

 

attachicon.gifSauser_Spares.JPG

Ive never seen the swatbox up close but how the hell does he fit all that in there? I wont even be able to fit that into a big saddle bag (not that i use a saddle bag  :ph34r: )

Marge

Mar 18, 2016, 6:59 AM

Is it year of the zebra?

 

Investec sponsor related in this case.

Gerhardc

Mar 18, 2016, 7:00 AM

Pro's = 1.95

 

Us mere mortals = 2.1+  ^_^

 

First time I've seen the @DynaPlug system!! Great review! :clap:

 

Agree, keep them coming! Thanks guys! :thumbup:

Bos

Mar 18, 2016, 7:16 AM

Quite narrow tyres front and back, used to see 2.1/2.25 combo or similar, or is the 1.95 a different indicator?

I think the wider carbon rims helps those 1'95 tyres look closer to a 2,10'' or 2,2'' of old. But interesting choice for sure.

In one of the features yesterday, riders mentioned how the dust was partly to blame for the flats they were getting, especially when riding behind others.  

SwissVan

Mar 18, 2016, 7:40 AM

Ive never seen the swatbox up close but how the hell does he fit all that in there? I wont even be able to fit that into a big saddle bag (not that i use a saddle bag  :ph34r: )

 

Maybe its all Specialized tooling and they have created the design around the tools so they all clip / fit in exactly....as long as they don't rattle around...would drive me nuts

EmptyB

Mar 18, 2016, 7:50 AM

Why is everything XX1 but the cassette is XO1....any idea?

CAAD4

Mar 18, 2016, 8:02 AM

It's cheaper, they are watching their budget, for sure....

Ryanpmb

Mar 18, 2016, 8:30 AM

Why is everything XX1 but the cassette is XO1....any idea?

Retirement. Can't just go splashing out on expensive parts...

Ryanpmb

Mar 18, 2016, 8:32 AM

The 1.95 tyres, combined with presumably wider rims than days gone by, actually make sense to me - given the particular circumstances.

robsc

Mar 18, 2016, 8:35 AM

Retirement. Can't just go splashing out on expensive parts...

 

Don't think Sauser has paid for a bicycle/parts for the last 15 years 

Ryanpmb

Mar 18, 2016, 8:41 AM

Don't think Sauser has paid for a bicycle/parts for the last 15 years 

 

#jest  :thumbup:

jannosmit

Mar 18, 2016, 8:43 AM

Why is everything XX1 but the cassette is XO1....any idea?

 

X01 is lighter than XX1 by a few grams. A lot of guys run it like that on the XCO circuit and many bikes actually come out like that.

NelAndre

Mar 18, 2016, 8:51 AM

What a beast!

 

Also amazed to see everything that fits into the little black box....

 

Loved the joke about the cost saving, too sharp Ryan! :thumbup:

rock

Mar 18, 2016, 9:02 AM

so basically the same as last years bike......? 

EmptyB

Mar 18, 2016, 9:04 AM

Retirement. Can't just go splashing out on expensive parts...

 

Yeah....I can see how they cost cutting everywhere on that bike

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