![\"ccs-62657-0-52554800-1426253607.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-52554800-1426253607.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nOver the past three days in Stellenbosch South Africa, their bikes have been built and detailed to rider specification. We take a closer look at the custom decals, the celebrated Epic and the subtle differences between the two bikes.<\/p>\n
In twenty thirteen, the only Cape Epic that Sauser and Jaroslav have paired for, they won the GC title after early setbacks and a heroic comeback. Sauser is synonymous with the Cape Epic and brings the 4-wins of experience, while Kulhavy is the current Olympic and XCM World Champion. They start as race favourites.<\/p>\n
The project has been lead by Global Team Manager, Benno Willeit, who has played an integral role in the success of Specialized Racing at the Cape Epic since 2006.<\/p>\n “I have only missed 2 Cape Epic’s! I hope Christoph will have a great race for his last one. It is going to be very hard to replace him. His experience is huge and he keeps the team together.” – Benno.<\/p>\n Christoph Sauser: “For the rear I have a custom World Cup tune Brain Suspension. The platform is a little bit firmer and the shock is a little stiffer. I like the brain on the completely firm setting, but it has easy adjustment. The pressure is around 155psi for the Cape Epic.”<\/p>\n “Brand new is the RS-1 fork. The pressure I run is around 80psi. I will ride 100mm for the Cape Epic where the terrain is rough. In Europe I will ride it at a 90mm setting for a more aggressive set up. The upside down design really helps the seals stay clean and well lubricated throughout the Cape Epic.”<\/p>\n “One of the biggest assets for the S-Works Epic is the SWAT box and the space to carry two water bottles in the frame. I was sceptical about it at first, but now I love it. Everything is in the box. No looking in the pockets. Everything stays clean, it is a very smart storage unit. I know where everything is in the SWAT box and it is easy to access when I need it most.”<\/p>\n “I love the new Specialized silicone grips. They really stick to the handlebars and there is no movement.”<\/p>\n “The XX-1 group set keeps the handlebars clean. I love that. There are only 3 cables. It is clean and simple. I use SRAM Guide brakes with 160mm rotors in the front and rear. In the front there is a 34t custom Rotor ring.”<\/p>\n “My choice for tires are definitely the Renegade Control 1.95. They have great rolling resistance. 26\/27 psi for the tires. It goes up by about 2 psi during the race on warm days.”<\/p>\n There are a few subtle differences between the bikes of Christoph and Jaroslav. Holgar Friesen, team mechanic, takes us through some of the these.<\/p>\n “If we go through the components. Christoph uses a customised 34t Rotor Ring, while Jaroslav prefers a standard 36t SRAM ring with a Quarq power meter. Christoph uses a straight seat post while Jaroslav prefers one with a set-back. They are running different brake setups too, to suit preferences.”<\/p>\n Jaroslav Kulhavy: “36t chain ring for me two years ago, I have good feeling with it, so I try it again. The Brain in the front and rear is amazing for the Cape Epic terrain. We are saving so much energy. It is easy on the mind, I don’t have to concentrate on that, very clever. I choose Renegade tires: They are very fast and have good side wall protection. I will use the Quarq power meter to analyse data for the future, it should be interesting.”<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n