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Tech

New cycling gear and review articles.

Tech

Suspension manufacturers introduce metric shock sizing

Six of the bicycle industry’s main suspension manufacturers announced today that, beginning with model year 2017 bicycles, consumers will see several new shock lengths and fitment options. The new lengths are based on metric dimensions instead of the imperial-based dimensions of most current shock offerings. Cane Creek, DVO Suspension, Manitou, RockShox, SR Suntour, and X-Fusion […]

Tech

SRAM introduces 12-speed Eagle drivetrains

SRAM introduced the first ever, purpose built 1x drivetrain, and is the absolute leader in 1x technology and innovation. We have manufactured, tested and ridden hundreds of thousands of SRAM 1x drivetrains, and have capitalized on the lessons learned from our experience to create all new drivetrains with Eagle Technology. Eagle drivetrains provide unparalleled performance, […]

Tech

Truvativ announces new Descendant lineup

What matters most to hardcore mountain bikers? Performance, durability, affordability, and style. TRUVATIV’s new Descendant series serves up all of these with confidence to spare. Guided by input from some of the most talented riders in Enduro and Gravity, each component in the Descendant lineup has been built to survive mountain biking’s most aggressive riders […]

Tech

Bikes of the Epic: Erik Kleinhans’ Canyon Lux CF

Canyon is a name many of us are well aware of, mostly of the fact that they’re not yet available to our market. Having joined the Topeak Ergon squad in 2016, Erik Kleinhans’ new steed is the XC and marathon focused Canyon Lux CF. Erik and partner Jeremiah Bishop (USA) make up Topeak Ergon Racing […]

Tech

Bikes of the Epic: Louis-Bresler Knipe’s Pyga Stage

Some say that being a mechanic at the Absa Cape Epic is almost as tough as riding the race itself. Louis-Bresler Knipe did both this year and, with his partner Francois Theron, still finished in 41st place overall. While Knipe prefers running his Pyga Stage with 110 mm travel in the rear for every day […]

Tech

Bikes of the Epic: Ariane Kleinhans’ Specialized S-Works Era

This year leading lady Ariane Kleinhans is riding on the female specific Specialized Era after riding the men’s variant for some time. The key difference compared to the brother bike, the Epic, lies in the frame geometry and contact points. The Era features a lower standover height and shorter reach, said to provide a better […]

Tech

Bikes of the Epic: Hermann Pernsteiner’s Centurion Numis XC

German brand Centurion are a little known name in the South African context, but have been producing bikes since 1976. We chatted to one of their engineers about the new Numis XC, a bike specifically designed around the riding format of events like the Absa Cape Epic. The Numis XC is based on the Numis […]

Tech

Bikes of the Epic: Max Menzies’ Contraband Rogue

Like many single speeders, Max Menzies is a unique character. That’s a kind way of saying that he is a slightly nuts. Think I’m being a little mean? Look no further than his choice of bike for his third Absa Cape Epic. Max’s frame is the South African designed Contraband Rogue. A bike well-suited for […]

Tech

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

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 […]

Tech

Zipp recalls some 88 front hubs and some quick releases

SRAM has issued a recall on some ZIPP 88 front hubs and quick releases. Quick releases You may have a bicycle equipped with a ZIPP® quick release. These quick releases are the subject of a safety recall. If your bike has a ZIPP quick release, PLEASE STOP RIDING YOUR BIKE until you confirm whether your […]

Tech

Bikes of the Epic: Stefan Sahm’s Bulls E-Stream EVO FS 3 29 E-Bike

Three-time Absa Cape Epic winner Stefan Sahm has turned media crew member for 2016. But unlike the rest of us, he (sort of) gets to ride his mountain bike with the leading pack. Stefan is part of the collaboration between Bulls Bikes and 3sixtv bringing us footage from the trails of the Absa Cape Epic […]

Tech

Bikes of the Epic: Fabian Rabensteiner’s Trek Top Fuel

Fabian Rabensteiner’s luminous orange Trek Top Fuel SL more than caught our eye at the Absa Cape Epic. He and his partner Ivan Alvarez Gutierrez sit 13th overall in their first Absa Cape Epic for Team Trek-Selle San Marco B. It’s not just the paint job that is unique. Fabian’s Trek Top Fuel is fitted […]