The Green Machine

Thanks to Chris, Scott and Pete I was able to get my Specialized S-Works Epic 29er built up in time for Mt Morris. Size Large, fits me so much better than the medium it's like a whole new world of riding. I admit the larger wheels have their adavantages, but I wanted to make sure the main disadvantage (more weight) was minimized in this build.

The color scheme was not my first choice, but when it arrived I actually like it, it's loud and obnoxious like a '70 Cuda!



Cockpit is reduced to the minimum with Truvativ's Noir stem and wide bar (thanks BB!) and no front shifter or remote lockout.
Avid XX WC brakes are about as light as you can get and look sexy too! Nice work Feverstein and 4bes...



Drivetrain reduced to a dedicated singlespeed Truvativ 38T front ring for all around, 36 and 39 rings for hillier and flatter courses, minimized weight with no shifting ramps. I actually helped design this ring so it's cool to ride something you worked on! OEM Specialized chain guide bolts right to the FD Direct Mount for a nice clean look and simple adjustment, and the XO singlespeed spider is minimized and sets up a really nice chainline. Bolted on to the already light SRAM XO BB30 crankset it comes in at only 565g. Further weight savings from the Crankbrothers 11 pedals.



Working on breaking in the Scrub rotors we recently recieved. Crazy light at 40g (R) and 54g (F). I will let you know how they work after this weekend, there are plenty of downhills at Mt Morris so they will be put to the test. RockShox Reba brain with Specialized carbon crown keeps the weight down up front.



Of course the lightest drivetrain in the rear, SRAM XX 11-36T cassette, XX RD, and hollow pin chain. Still the best. More lightness courtesy of the 1400g carbon Roval S-Works wheels and 440g Renegade S-Works 1.9 tires. Theses things hook up great and roll fast, while the carbon rims track straighter than anything I've ever ridden. All clamped tightly together with a 12mm thru axle, providing a super stiff rear end.



All in all a pretty solid build without much risk, coming in a full pound lighter than expected at 21lbs.



I am pretty amazed at the amount of advancement that continually happens in this industry. Two years ago we were stoked to have 21lb 26" FS bikes, now we're doing it with the 29 platform. So now that I have no excuses lets see how all this weight weenie-ing translates into speed on the trail, and remember, in the end we're all in this for the fun!