So, I finished the 2010 Cape Epic on my old faithful - the 2007 M5 Specialized S Works Stumpjumper. In plain language, that's an aluminium hard tail. So where do I stand bike wise after that experience. The results will show that our team got a 104th overall and 17th in the Masters. We started badly and our results got better as we went from a worst placing of about 160 to about 60th on the last three days. I suffered more than my partner over the last three days, with my core deteriorating rapidly. I basically lost all the strength in my stomach and back and can only attribute that to being hammered by the hard tail. Riders who I normally beat over technical sections and downhills, were suddenly alot quicker than me. I was feeling every bump and simply did not have the strength to ride the hard tail as it should be ridden. Nett result, I was wasting loads of energy just trying to stay on the bike. So what would my weapon of choice be for future Cape Epics - definitely a full suspension. Based on the 2010 Specialized bike range, I am mortified to hear myself saying - It won't be a Specialized? Simply put, I am really disappointed by the Specialized showing at the Cape Epic. Alot of guys were complaining about problems with the rear suspension, while others talked about the gradual deterioration of Specialized products. I had problems with my shoes, and it seemed a real effort for the Specialized tent to even take a look at it. My experience is that the Specialized products I bought 3 years ago, are not the same quality as today's products. I have two sets of BG Pro Carbon Mtb shoes. The 2007 model sole collapsed, admittedly through hard riding (but how come that hasn't happened to my Sidi's). The 2010 pair is damaged after getting ripped by barbed wire on the Epic. The issue is when you put the two pairs of shoes head to head. They are not the same, with the new 2010 pair definitely not being the same quality as the old pair!
To me it seems as if the renowned Specialized quality is taking a dip, largely due to a pursuit of increased volumes and lower production costs. I was very impressed with the Scott Spark and their South African support. ProBike was at the Epic in force (they ran the tech zone) and they seem genuinely committed to their brands (Scott being one of them). I also had the privilege of speaking to Thomas Frischnecht at the start of one of the stages. Frischi is a long time Scott and Ritchey man, and a legend in mtb circles. His devotion to the Spark and Ritchey components was incredibly passionate and the performances which I saw on the Spark were brilliant, irrespective of whether it was Frischi or the guys I was dicing with. These bikes were simply awesome and incredibly smooth!
Unless Specialized come up with something really special for 2011, I know what my 2011 EPIC weapon is going to be!
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