Bike check: Matt Beers' 2025 Cape Epic Specialized S-Works Epic 8
A quick examination of the three-time winner's S-Works Epic 8 race bike.
More Features
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.
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.
Despite facing challenges, Beers and Swenson secured a podium finish in the Grand Finale. While it wasn’t the result they had hoped for, their resilience was evident – a promising sign for the future. Their friendship and rivalry could very well evolve into a dominant partnership, potentially leading to an overall victory in future races. Both riders possess the determination and attention to detail that define champions.
- Bike check: Bianca Haw's Titan Racing Cypher Team
- Bike check: Luca Braidot's Wilier Urta Max SLR
- Bike check: Keegan Swenson's Santa Cruz Blur
With at least eight Cape Epic appearances and three titles, all on Specialized, Beers remains a perennial favorite in the event. off.road.cc took a closer look at his S-Works Epic 8, one of the fastest bikes of the race.
Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Matt Beers Epic 8_000.JPG, by Liam Mercer
Nothing to be on the fence about the Epic 8 is one of the cleanest builds out there.
Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Matt Beers Epic 8_001.JPG, by Liam Mercer
Rock Shox Sid Luxe Ultimate, the three-position shock with the increasingly common Flight Attendant.
Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Matt Beers Epic 8_002.JPG, by Liam Mercer
XX1 transmission with alloy cage.
Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Matt Beers Epic 8_003.JPG, by Liam Mercer
Supercaz bartape in the centre with blip shifters for staying aero and shifting simultaneously.
Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Matt Beers Epic 8_004.JPG, by Liam Mercer
143mm wide S Works Mirror Power Saddle
Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Matt Beers Epic 8_005.JPG, by Liam Mercer
Yep. And if you get stuck behind, you'll know.
Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Matt Beers Epic 8_006.JPG, by Liam Mercer
In 2023, we were the first to notice a subtle hack on one of Matt's pedals, a zip tie to take up float. This year, the same again, but on both pedals.
Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Matt Beers Epic 8_007.JPG, by Liam Mercer
Matt Beers would be running the as yet unreleased SRAM Motive brakes, four pots front and rear.
Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Matt Beers Epic 8_008.JPG, by Liam Mercer
A dinner plate of watts, 40t chainring with a 42t on standby. Of particular interest is Matt's association with Squirt, who are more than just a smooth-running sponsor partner. The chain here is applied with their hot wax/pre-impregnation solution, providing serious longevity and performance. Squirt claims to have test data available with testing both in a lab and in the field. Their pre-waxed chains are ready for market pending finalisation on packaging. Something worth a deeper dive in future.
Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Matt Beers Epic 8_009.JPG, by Liam Mercer
SRAM's new AXS dropper, the battery now facing forward and sits closer to the seat collar. No more crud collection.
Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Matt Beers Epic 8_010.JPG, by Liam Mercer
School kids supporting in Paarl, the atmosphere was electric.
Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Matt Beers Epic 8_011.JPG, by Liam Mercer
By the Queen Stage, it was all smiles and encouragement for Swiss Ursin Spescha.
Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Matt Beers Epic 8_012.JPG, by Liam Mercer
Relief after some dark days, Matt Beers and Keegan Swenson finish the event with a solid third in the final.
Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Matt Beers Epic 8_013.JPG, by Liam Mercer
Great rivalries often lead to great moments of sportsmanship. Pain and glory are peers in their lows and highs. Matt Beers and Nino Schurter congratulate each other.
Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Matt Beers Epic 8_014.JPG, by Liam Mercer
At the end team is team.
