Bike check: Lukas Baum's 2025 Cape Epic Orbea Oiz
We take a look at Lukas Baums 2025 Cape Epic race machine.
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The biggest mountain bike stage race on earth – the Absa Cape Epic, kicks off on 16 March. Here’s everything you need to know to follow the adventure.
A selection of tech from day one of the toughest mountain bike stage race on Earth.
Five-time Cape Epic finisher, Reuben van Niekerk, is attempting to secure his sixth finisher’s medal this year.
With the new South African Gravel Burn stage race opening for entries next week, we speak with its creator, who also founded the Cape Epic – meet Kevin Vermaak.
Lukas Baum and Georg Egger of Orbea Leatt Speed Company endured a tumultuous 2024 Cape Epic. Despite securing new partnerships and what should have been their best preparation yet, misfortune struck in the form of illness and the relentless heat.
- How amputee riders approach the Cape Epic
- 13 riders you never knew completed the Cape Epic
- On and off the record with Kevin Vermaak - Cape Epic founder
For 2025, the team has maintained its key partnerships but taken a more back-to-basics approach. A return to the race village and camper vans, along with a close-knit support crew, ensures greater control over their racing and preparation environment.
While reclaiming their title may not come in 2025—given the ever-increasing competitiveness of the field—the Speed Company Racing duo remains a formidable force. Lukas Baum, in particular, is well-positioned as the reigning European XCM Champion, having claimed the title in Viborg, Denmark, in August.
off.road.cc seized the opportunity to check out his special edition Orbea Oiz, resplendent in its custom European Champion paintwork under the sweltering African skies of Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa.
Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Lukas Baum_000.jpeg, by Liam Mercer
The typical stance we've come to expect from Speed Company. Fast and fighter jet-like. The European Continental Champion paint job is a fitting homage.
Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Lukas Baum_001.jpeg, by Liam Mercer
RockShox Flight Attendant in attendance. AXS batteries are removed and the protective clips are placed until start prep the next morning.
Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Lukas Baum_002.jpeg, by Liam Mercer
AXS shifter pod on a near-level plane, both Baum and Egger have some of the more extreme setups.
Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Lukas Baum_003.jpeg, by Liam Mercer
Another angle of that sweet Euro paint scheme.
Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Lukas Baum_004.jpeg, by Liam Mercer
Fulcrum carbon hoops mated with Schwalbe Racing Ralph tread. A solid combo standing the test of time.
Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Lukas Baum_005.jpeg, by Liam Mercer
Stock SRAM ULT Level brakes. Bartape just on the inside to rest palm.
Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Lukas Baum_006.jpeg, by Liam Mercer
Full aero, number board is practically horizontal with a cutout for the out-front Garmin mount.
Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Lukas Baum_007.jpeg, by Liam Mercer
Quick link. Not quite as aero but a speedy and easy access in the event of a broken chain.
Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Lukas Baum_009.jpeg, by Liam Mercer
AXS blip shifter under the brake reservoir, positioned for when in the aero position, and cranking out watts, which is often.
Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Lukas Baum_010.jpeg, by Liam Mercer
Emergency pump, nothing fancy according to the mechanic. A simple "cheap s&#&%" pump as a backup.
Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Lukas Baum_011.jpeg, by Liam Mercer
A Sahmurai plug in the crank arm axle, with an Ergon touch, we suspect.
Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Lukas Baum_012.jpeg, by Liam Mercer
Bike Ahead Composites components are found on the cockpit and this seatpost with a layback of 35mm. Allowing Baum to spec a smaller frame size. The Topeak Ergon saddle is his regular choice of perch as per previous years.
Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Lukas Baum_013.jpeg, by Liam Mercer
Schwalbe Clik Valve, the design which replaces a standard valve core does away with the need to screw open the valve for airflow.
