Bike check: Chris Blevins' and Matt Beers' Specialized S-Work Epic Evos
A closer look at the Cape Epic-winning Specialised S-Works Epic Evos of Chris Blevins and Matt Beers
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Team Specialized-Toyota-Ninety One is one of the more dedicated teams towards the Absa Cape Epic. Their exploits towards the yellow (men's) and orange (women's) jerseys drive programmes such Songo.Info, a development framework providing upliftment for youth. Arguably this provided extra motivation for teammates Matt Beers and Chris Blevins to team up for the second time.
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Physically and demeanour-wise the pairing certainly seems to complement each other's weaknesses and strengths alike. Consistency and grit saw them gain the leader's jersey on the Prologue at Meerendal Wine Estate, only to lose it on Stage 1 and regain it with an overall win on Stage 7 in Val de Vie.
Chris Blevins and Matt Beers Cape Epic 2023, by Dino Lloyd
Similarly, the Specialized Epic Evos piloted to yellow are a tie-in to their respective style and team dynamics.
Chris Blevins' Specialized S-Works Epic Evo
Chris Blevins' Specialized S-Works Epic Evo, by Dino Lloyd
A wilder paint job for Blevins's Epic Evo. The Silver/black/red livery is as fast as they come. Sans dropper.
Chris Blevins' Specialized S-Works Epic Evo, by Dino Lloyd
Polished four-pot callipers. Any perceived weight gains are mitigated by better braking over eight days, particularly in wet conditions.
Chris Blevins' Specialized S-Works Epic Evo, by Dino Lloyd
SRAM's new XX crankset with integrated Quarc power meter. An MRP chain keeper ensures chain retention as a safety measure. The 38T chainring runs with a 10-52T cassette. Eye-watering watts.
Chris Blevins' Specialized S-Works Epic Evo, by Dino Lloyd
HT pedals are a personal choice with a variety of float options for fine-tuning.
Chris Blevins' Specialized S-Works Epic Evo, by Dino Lloyd
As with teammate Beers. Fresh rubber on a regular basis. 2.35in Specialized Renegade T5 front and rear. A Grid casing for the rear while a more supple Control casing for the front, pictured.
Matt Beers' Specialized S-Works Epic Evo
Matt Beers' Specialized S-Works Epic Evo, by Dino Lloyd
Stand-out points on Beers's bike are the colourway and a dropper post, beyond that the builds are near-identical bar a few personal contact points and fit.
Matt Beers' Specialized S-Works Epic Evo, by Dino Lloyd
When digging deep, a personal touch with Archangel Gabriel.
Matt Beers' Specialized S-Works Epic Evo, by Dino Lloyd
Wordplay with name stickers. Cheers to that.
Matt Beers' Specialized S-Works Epic Evo, by Dino Lloyd
Both riders raced with SRAM's latest UDH spec Eagle AXS, officially launched during the event. Given their result and lack of mechanicals, it's fair to say that the product is race proven. Pricing could be a whole other discussion.
Matt Beers' Specialized S-Works Epic Evo, by Dino Lloyd
Shimano XT pedals. Solid, reliable and marginally heavier than XTR. Note the zip tie, supposed to mitigate float on the pedals meaning the foot is more fixed, meaning better power transfer.
Matt Beers' Specialized S-Works Epic Evo, by Dino Lloyd
Polished SRAM Level Ultimate brakes, note the trail/pad adjustment dial inside the brake lever.
Matt Beers' Specialized S-Works Epic Evo, by Dino Lloyd
Fresh rubber on a regular basis. 2.35in Renegade T5 front and rear. A Grid casing for the rear while a more supple Control casing for the front.
Matt Beers' Specialized S-Works Epic Evo, by Dino Lloyd
A neat personal touch with a magnetic stem cap housing a quick link.
Matt Beers' Specialized S-Works Epic Evo, by Dino Lloyd
SRAM's new AXS dropper control unit is mated with a grip shift-style suspension lockout. ESI grips and Sahmurai tyre plugs round out a neat cockpit layout.
Chris Blevins and Matt Beers Cape Epic 2023, by Dino Lloyd
Chris Blevins and Matt Beers, by Dino Lloyd
Chris Blevins and Matt Beers Cape Epic 2023, by Dino Lloyd
