Journalists choose Giant to take on a challenge of a lifetime!

The Cape Epic is one of those events that all mountain bikers dream of. Taking place in dramatic scenery in South Africa and featuring some truly epic riding conditions as the name suggests. This year two journalists are taking the trip of a lifetime - and they chose the Giant Anthem X 29'er as the perfect machine for the challenge. In the first part of their story they write about their first impressions of the bikes that they hope will help them complete the challenge.

Giant Anthem X 29'er and the 2012 Cape Epic

Every year The Cape Epic takes place in South Africa and is all about big numbers 1200 riders, 781 km of riding, some 15000 of climbing over 8 days. We will be averaging 10 hours in the saddle for 8 days in dusty hot dry conditions in souring heat and pushing ourselves physically and mentally to succeed.

600 teams of two will be on the start line and in 2012 I (James Heraty) and my teammate Tobias Mews are heading to the start line to take on the race on every rider’s wish list. Between us Tobias and I have clocked up a number of solo endurance events including the Norseman Extreme Triathlon, 24hr Solo bike races, Ironman Triathlons, Trans Alpine (run) and the Marathon Des Sables, but we have never taken on anything quite like this multi stage challenge.

For the Absa Cape Epic we will both be riding the new Giant Anthem X 29er and here’s my thoughts following my first ride. I will warn you now if you want to find about how stiff the bike is, or how well the bike geometry affects the ride, there are plenty of reports already out there on those topics. However how did my first ride feel compared to my 26”, how did I feel post ride, could I go again just as fast the next day?
Why this bike?

Efficiency is the key with the Cape Epic and everyday is a long day in the saddle. So with the same amount of pedalling taking me further on a 29er, it’s got to be the wheel of choice. We need suspension to provide a smoother ride over the terrain to help keep our muscles fresher for longer. We need a bike that will point where we want it to go to avoid the fatigue of fighting for the right line.

First ride. I took the Giant up to Dartmoor, plenty of rocky terrain available, which will mirror the conditions out on South Africa well.

Downhill - the ride started with a very long rocky and sometimes technical descent down the valley bottom. The solid feel of the front end allowed to put the bike where I wanted it, conditions were wet at times but I was inspired and to go faster , filled with confidence at the grip provided and the whole bike felt less twitchy on the rough terrain. On sections with larger rocks and drops the bigger wheels meant I could keep my momentum and enjoy the free speed. Having completed a number of 24hr Solo races I have leant the key to success is to just keep riding and get into a rhythm and avoid stopping and starting all the time, with this in mind the new switch contact dropper post is a welcome addition.

Uphill – following a brief road section, I hit the loose rock track with its consent seated ascent all the way to the summit visible in the distance. The longer wheel base helped to enhance my confidence to attack the climb and avoid loosing any rhythm and maintain my heart rate. The wheels felt like they are digging in all the way to the top.

All the gear. I have very limited experience of 2 X 10 gearing, on my other bike I spend all my time on the middle ring so how different can it be? Answer very, I found I could keep my legs spinning all the time with speedy changes and no sudden muscle pounding quick changes. The transmission runs smoothly and quietly, silent in fact due to the lack of clicking in the free hub.

Conclusion – Having ridden the same route the previous week on my 26” to provide a comparison and actuate feedback. On completion, this week, I still felt full of energy and disappointed the ride was over. I have every confidence I have the perfect bike for the Cape Epic, which kicks off on March 25th where we will jump aboard the Anthem X 29er for 8 days straight. All bikes have their own character or personas, so following my first ride in battle I have named her The B.F.G (Big Friendly Giant). The quest is over; I have found the perfect weapon to take on the formidable Absa Cape Epic