The season-opening Cape Epic kicked off marathon cross-country racing over the weekend, and we’re suckers for the custom XC bikes that the 2-person duos show up on. This year is the 20th anniversary of the iconic South African race, and there are plenty of custom paint jobs marking that milestone. XC legend Nino Schurter is racing a custom-painted Scott Spark RC.
You can’t simply go buy his bike. But Scott-SRAM put an exact replica up for auction to benefit World Bicycle Relief…
N1NO’s Scott Spark RC Cape Epic Special Edition
At the Absa Cape Epic, Nino Schurter of Scott-SRAM has paired up with friend Sebastian Fini of Lapierre-Mavic Unity – under the combined banner of World Bicycle Relief. “As South Africa is Nino’s favorite place to prepare for the race season, it was clear that the bike had to show the special connection to the country for his attempt to win the Cape Epic for a third time.“
South African custom colors & custom race build
For his race bike, Nino’s 120mm Spark RC features “a unique design inspired by the South African national colors and a highly optimized setup for the rugged South African landscape, equipped with the all-new RockShox Flight Attendant XC suspension system”.
All kitted out with RockShox SID Ultimate & SIDLuxe Ultimate Flight Attendant XC automatic suspension partially hidden inside, a SRAM XX SL Eagle AXS transmission, and conventionally-spoked Syncros Silverton 1.0 carbon wheels on DT hubs.
The bike is set up a bit differently than his usual World Cup race bikes, due to the tougher race environment, and the need to be self-sufficient day-after-day. “No Yanick the Mechanic nearby“.
Scott Spark RC Cape Epic x WBR Auction – Availability
You won’t be able to buy the Scott Spark RC Cape Epic Special Edition, but you might be able to win one. A single Cape Epic x WBR replica is being made just like Nino’s bike. And through a special raffle on VIPrize, interested supporters can buy entries to win this one two-off bike. “All proceeds from the raffle will support the nonprofit World Bicycle Relief, which mobilizes people through the Power of Bicycles.“
In addition to the unique bike itself, the winner will get a trip for 2 to the Crans Montana, Switzerland XC World Cup to pick it up. Plus, there are other prizes up for grabs in the WBR fundraiser. Check it out here: VIPrize.org/Nino
Complete Custom Cape Epic Race Bike Spec
Frame: Scott Spark RC HMX carbon x Cape Epic custom
Fork: RockShox SID Ultimate Flight Attendant
Rear Shock: RockShox SIDLuxe Ultimate Flight Attendant custom
Remote: SRAM AXS Pod Ultimate controller
Handlebar: Syncros Fraser iC SL WC, -40° x 80mm x 700mm
GPS Mount: Syncros XC Top Cap Mount
Seatpost: RockShox Reverb AXS 100mm, with titanium bolts
Saddle: Syncros Tofino Regular SL Channel
Grip: Syncros Silicon
Pedals: HT Components M2 Titanium
Rear Derailleur: SRAM XX SL Eagle Transmission AXS 12-speed
Shifter: SRAM AXS Pod Ultimate controller
Crank Set: SRAM XX SL Eagle Transmission powermeter, 170mm x 38T
Chain: SRAM XX SL Eagle T-type
Cassette: SRAM XX SL CS-1299 Eagle T-type, 10-52T
Brakes: SRAM Level Ultimate Stealth 4-piston
Wheels: Syncros Silverton 1.0
Tires: Maxxis Aspen 2.4 Cape Epic version
Bottle Cage: Topeak Shuttle Cage Z Recycled carbon
Computer: Garmin Edge 130 Plus
Tire-Sealant: OKO Magic Milk High Fibre
Pump: Topeak Race Rocket MT
CO2 Inflator: Topeak Airbooster
Saddle Bag: Topeak Burrito Pack
