Bike Setup
The machine that keeps me fast...
When it comes to endurance racing, having equipment that you trust is a huge confidence boost. Every part of this build has been haphazardly chosen for speed, efficiency, and reliability. Check out the details below.
| Component | Brand/Model |
|---|---|
| Frame | Specialized/Epic 8 EVO Pro |
| Fork | Rockshox/120mm SID Ultimate Flight Attendant |
| Shock | Rockshox/120mm SIDLuxe Ultimate Flight Attendant |
| Drivetrain | SRAM/XO Eagle AXS Transmission |
| Brakes | SRAM/Code Silver Stealth - HS2 rotors 180mm front 200mm rear |
| Wheels | Specialized/Roval Control Carbon Fiber |
| Hubs | Industry 9/Hydra on one set - 1:1 on the other |
| Tires | Maxxis/Most frequently Ikons or Rekon Race |
| Cockpit | Roval Control Bars, Raceface Turbine R, Ergon Grips |
| Saddle | Specialized/Power Saddle |
| Dropper | Fox/Transfer Factory Dropper |
| Pedals | Shimano/XTR |
| Head Unit | Garmin/Edge 1040 |
A bit of background
I picked up this bike from Austin Bike Farm in March of 24 (great shop! I've bought a few different Specialized bikes from them over the years). I tried out some of the more race-oriented Epic 8s (.w 120/120mm travel) and they felt a little foreign coming from riding trail bikes. The 120/130mm travel Epic 8 Evo Pro, being just a little bit more slack, felt familiar. I rode the bike set up this way at the Breck Epic last summer and it felt SO solid on the descents.
I eventually made one major modification to the bike which was having Specialized Austin throw on Rockshox Flight Attendant suspension (bringing the travel down to 120/120mm). I love the feel of the stiff pedaling platform exactly when I want it. I've never had a remote suspension lockout on my bike and flight attendant just let me skip right over getting used to manual operation by automatically changing suspension dampening. Flight attendant is some really cool tech. This thing is a weapon on race day!