Zula

Picked up one from my sister in law at a deal a year ago. They are awesome!! Thule all the way and the extra cost will be worth it because it will last you a lifetime. Not sure I see the value in the top end ones. Entry level would be just fine and also a bit smaller to allow for a bike up top as well.

I recall seeing that Table Mountain Bikers sell them.

Interesting thread. Im running a 38 upfront with an 11/42 at the back. Seems fine for Cape Town and the like but obviously spins out a bit when on the road or the faster gravel tracks. I am not a pro at ratios but many of my mates are advocates for a 1 x over 2 x. Granted they are pretty strong. I prefer the look and simplicity but my question is, would you be selling yourself short by going for 1 x only? With a mullet AXS setup (expensive as hell) you get the 50/52 at the back and then can run a big chainring upfront. Wouldn't this cover most of the gears one gets with a 2 x setup?

Over the moon with my paint job from Bogus. He replied to all my mails promptly and was a pleasure to deal with. Quality takes time so don't be in a hurry. But that said I think its a very reasonable lead time he gives.

Gravel all the way. Recently came into a deal on a frame and took the plunge. They very very capable machines on both road and dirt. It doesn't replace my dual sus but its making a compelling argument to flog my road bike. There are loads of places to ride gravel around CT. Some better suited than others. If you happy to venture a bit into the country the gravel roads are world class. I've moved to JHB for a few weeks and brought the Gravel bike with. Having grown up here (been in CT 10 years) I think a gravel bike is the ultimate tool for Jozi. Easily move between the pavements and roads. Also the spruit is the perfect terrain for a gravel bike. Looking to the future I see most opting for one bike with two sets of wheels/tyres for road and gravel plus a dual sus of course

I have the Cura 2's and have been using them for about 2 years now. Previously used XTR's. The stopping ability on the Cura's is awesome. I think the modulation on them sits between shimano and sram which for me is spot on. However there are two aspects that annoy me. Firstly pad clearance is close to zero and as such can make setting up for a rub free (sounds weird) experience can be tricky. You have to be pretty methodical and precise when tightening the caliper bolts. It is possible and mine run rub free but they are tricky. I also have this annoying squeak when braking lightly on the front brake using the OEM organic pads. Im also running the OEM rotors. I've sanded them down, cleaned the rotor with alcohol and even rotated the rotor but for some reason or other it still comes back. I have a set of Jagwire pads that I will give a go once these ones are done. Hopefully it improves. Bang for buck very tough to beat them but they are a bit finicky.

I've been running their XC's for a couple of years now. Absolutely bullet proof and they get their fair share of rocks and the like. In the process of building a gravel bike and the GX's are ready and waiting! Not cheap but when you consider what you getting and what a "mainstream" imported option would cost its serious value for money.

I must say that the service I have had from said concept stores is utterly revolting. Except for Tygervalley actually, the rest were all useless in every respect to be honest. In fact once I bought my bike I took it to my LBS to take it apart and put it back together. We even joked that I should just have collected the box and have my LBS assemble it because the Concept Store did it so poorly! Personally concept store experience wouldn't even feature on my list of why to buy a Specialized. Their service, technical experience and attitudes have always been wanting. At least thats been my experience.

Ok I get that and agree with you on that point. Its more a case of said rider being misinformed or uneducated as to the options available and what would suit his/her needs better. But yes there are people who want the best at all costs and when you see the Sworks Epic being such a prolific winner you naturally assume thats the best bike. Same goes for the Pinarello Dogma. I wouldn't buy either of those given the chance. Way better and cooler bikes out there IMHO. That said, most are just jealous that they cant afford top end machinery and thats what drives their opinions. It certainly doesn't stop at bicycles and transcends all facets of our lives. Cars, houses, clothes, watches, holidays, restaurants, the list goes on. Many have a hard time genuinely being happy for others. Anyways back to bikes. The world has moved on, mostly, from the out and out 90mm/100mm XC racing bikes and the new class of 120mm bikes, with their hint of trail and modern geo, is definitely the way to go for most. I recently made this move and my enjoyment factor whilst riding has gone off the charts. Across the board its a better experience. An all round improvement. Maybe a bit heavier that a Sworks Epic which makes no difference in my world. Pro's outweigh the cons ten fold and I recommend the same style of bike to all my mates who are in the market. Its the future of MTB. I think this iteration of the Epic Evo will outsell the Epic. Even in SA. Its a better all round machine and the fact that servicing isn't such a nightmare will lure far more people.

And others are just jealous.

Why is that important? If you have the cash and want the bike, go for it. Where you place in the results is irrelevant.

Range topping models and products are expensive. Not sure why so many think that it should be affordable to the masses. Ok, maybe I do know why but I certainly don't want to open that can of worms here. Fact is that the ZAR is more of a factor in the pricing, for SA at least, than the increase in USD. Compliments of the Absolutely No Consequence crew.

To everyone moaning about the price. Your anger/irritation should be directed at the government and not at Specialized. They have single handedly resulted in the exorbitant pricing. In $ terms the price increase is not unreasonable. As for the comparison to motorbikes and cars it comes down to volumes. Way more cars and motorbikes are sold than SWorks Epics.

Clearly I am not the only one - good to know! I have a torque wrench but it only goes up to 15NM which is not much help for linkages, cranks, pedals and cassettes. Time to invest in a proper torque wrench and socket set. Any suggestions?

After dealing with a few different mechanics at different bike shops and across different bikes this is my observation. It seems that the local mechanics pay little attention to the correct torque settings as indicated by the manufactures. When I asked what torque settings they were setting bolts too I got every kind of answer ranging from until its tight or until I can hang off the wrench. When I checked it at home some bolts were way off. Its just an observation and to me an interesting one. Anyone else noticed this?