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An Epic Journey

Supplied by Specialized SA.

· By Press Office · 0 comments

The development of the Specialized Epic mountain bike, and the Absa Cape Epic have become somewhat intertwined over the years. Here we take a trip down memory lane and look at how the Specialized Epic has evolved over the years, starting with the legendary Christoph Sauser’s first attempt in 2006, and including his record-sharing five race victories.

2006 – 2007

This Epic was a purebred World Cup XC race machine. Designed for short, intense racing on World Cup courses, the setup prioritised weight saving over durability. Lightweight rims, Aluminium rotors, a raw carbon frame: anything to save a few grams. This was the age of 26-inch wheels, narrow 680mm handlebars, gigantic bar ends and 2×9 drive trains. Christoph Sauser’s 2006 Cape Epic-winning S-Works weighed in at 9 kilograms.



2009 – 2010
In June 2008 a new iteration of the Specialized Epic was launched with an explosive win for Christoph Sauser at UCI Mountain Bike XCO World Champs.

The new frame shaved nearly 700 grams off its predecessor and debuted an updated version of the Brain Suspension System which improved weight distribution by moving the brain out of the shock to the rear of the bike. This left space for only a single bottle cage, but radically improved the performance of the suspension.

The new Epic made its first appearance at the 2009 Absa Cape Epic. It was this year that the powerful combination of Stander and Sauser came to the fore. The pair won the Prologue and the first three stages and appeared in command of the overall race. However, a momentary lapse of concentration on Stage 4 put an end to their overall hopes when Burry smashed his front wheel.

In 2010, illness put Burry Stander, who was just 22 years old at the time, out of action early in the race but he and Christoph Sauser went on to make good with three stage victories.



















https://static.bikehub.co.za/uploads/monthly_02_2019/ccs-62657-0-54694300-1550746066.jpg[/url’>’]When all is said and done, this is one kick-ass bike. Photo credit: Ulf Beckman.

Jaroslav Kulhavy will team up with Howard Grotts once again for Investec-songo-Specialized, as they attempt to defend their 2018 title.

U23 World Champion Alan Hatherly with join forces with former U23 World Champion Sam Gaze, for their first attempt at the Absa Cape Epic as team Specialized Foundation-Spur Schools League. They will be riding as the primary backup for Kulhavy and Grotts, and as Absa Cape Epic newbies they are a dark horse team and are likely to spice up the racing, especially on the more explosive, technical stages.

Finally, Christoph Sauser will ride with Simon Andreasson, in the role of mentor. The pair ride for Investec-songo-Specialized with aim of providing Simon with valuable racing experience. With Sauser’s race pedigree and experience and Simon’s talent, they could still provide the field with a few surprises.

Annika Langvad and Jaroslav Kulhavy will be riding striking custom-painted S-Works Epic frames, equipped with SRAM’s range-topping XX1 Eagle 12 speed drivetrain, and ultra lightweight and strong Roval Control SL 29 148 wheels. The suspension will be taken care of by the race-ready 100mm RockShox SID WC fork with Brain Technology paired with the RockShox Brain shock. This bike is perfectly equipped to handle everything the Absa Cape Epic can throw at it.

Ride away with Langvad or Kulhavy’s custom painted S-Works Epic race bikes

In support of songo.info, Specialized will once again be donating both Annika Langvad and Jaroslav Kulhavy’s custom painted S-Works Epic race bikes, as ridden in the 2019 Absa Cape Epic to raise funds for the charity.

For more information, please visit www.songo.info/bike-auction/

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