"And a nice 40T chainring to go fast all the time": a detailed look at Matt Beers' S-Works Epic 8 for the Cape Epic 2026

The Cape Epic 2026 is at its crucial moment, and as often happens in this race, everything is still up in the air. The Toyota Specialized Imbuko team, with Matt Beers and Tristan Nortje, has moved from leading the overall standings to occupying second place after several stages marked by accumulated fatigue. With two stages to go, they remain fully in the fight for victory. Here we bring you in detail the S-Works Epic 8 of Beers.

Matt Beers' bike for the Cape Epic 2026: a finely tuned Epic 8

In a setting like the Cape Epic, where every detail counts, there is one element that is not secondary: the bike. And if there is someone who understands what the Cape Epic demands, it is Beers. After ten participations and three victories, his choice reflects what has proven to work when everything stretches over eight days.

One of the most interesting aspects of Beers' setup is how he adapts the bike to his physique (1.96m) and to the race itself. There are no standard solutions. His cockpit, longer than usual, with a 110mm stem and a 700mm handlebar, responds to a specific need for stability and efficiency at high speeds. "I need a bit more reach because I'm quite a tall cyclist," he explains, making it clear that position is a performance tool, not just a comfort one.

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So is the gearing. The use of a 40-tooth chainring directly points to his riding style and a risky bet on high rhythms and the constant need to push in all situations and types of terrain. "I have a nice 40-tooth chainring to go fast all the time."

Another quite important element in a stage race is the saddle, which stops being just another component and becomes a limiting factor. That’s why his choice is so clear: "I use the Mirror Power Evo 143mm, I love this saddle."

From the rest of the setup, the complete SRAM XX Eagle group stands out with Motive Ultimate brakes (180mm in front and 160mm in the back), RockShox SID Ultimate Flight Attendant suspensions with Reverb AXS dropper post, and Roval Control World Cup wheels with Specialized Air Trak tires on both wheels.

Complete setup of Matt Beers' S-Works Epic 8 (Cape Epic 2026)

• Frame: S-Works FACT 12m Carbon
• Fork: RockShox SID Ultimate Flight Attendant (120mm)
• Shock: RockShox SIDLuxe Ultimate Flight Attendant (120mm)
• Drivetrain: SRAM XX Eagle / Quarq XX SL Eagle Power Meter
• Brakes: SRAM Motive Ultimate (4 pistons, 180mm front / 160mm rear)
• Dropper post: RockShox Reverb AXS
• Saddle: Specialized Mirror Power Evo (143mm)
• Wheels: Roval Control World Cup
• Tires: Specialized Air Trak (Flex Lite, T5/T7 compound)
• Chainring: 40 teeth
• Cockpit: 700mm handlebar + 110mm stem