The Swiss Epic attracted some of the very best MTB racers in the World, from XC, to Marathon and Enduro in the first edition in 2014. While there were lots of very special bikes within the field, I caught up with the Topeak-Ergon team to capture Robert Mennen’s Lux CF 29. Robert was racing with Alban Lakata and were ranked 4th overall at the time.
It would be embarrassing if Alban and Robert got confused, after all.
As you would expect for a top of the range, pro issue bike it is very light, we didn’t have a scale on hand to weigh it, but it is almost certainly sub 10kg.
Both Alban and Robert have route profile mounted the the bars and we assume they are made by the team, as it isn’t something all racers received. In addition to the profile, the feed station locations are added after the race briefing each evening.
Both fork and shock are provided by Rock Shox, with a SID XX front and Monarch XX rear. Both have hydraulic lockouts fitted, with each lever being mounted under the bars for a neat setup.
Naturally, given they are title sponsors, Ergon Grips and saddle are used. Both riders use the new version of the GS1 grip, which offers a slimmer profile and softer compound. Mennen uses a SRAM XX1 grip-shifter, which mates nicely with the grip-shift version of the GS1.
Brakes are provided by Magura, with the MTC brakes. The “C” standing for Custom. These are a non-series brake available to manufacturers with the ability to mix and match components. In this case, a carbotecture lever body, aluminium lever and standard 2-piston calliper. Check out the nifty place for a quick link! In fact, Mennen’s bike has several repair solutions strapped to the bike.
Like a “tyre worm” ready primed stuck to the inside of the seatpost and a co2 canister to the rear. The attention to detail by the mechanics is incredible, even doubling over the cloth tape to make it easier to remove.
Another neat trick is a dot of tip-ex on the saddle rails – you’ll know if it’s shifted.
Topeak-Ergon use SRAM XX1 with the 10-42 11 speed cassette. Spotless thanks to to mechanics!
It’s good to know numbers, and although a SRAM XX1 Quarq power meter is now available, with Topeak-Ergon team were using a SRM at the Swiss Epic.
Light is right, and the mechanics forego a fancy cover for the direct mount on the frame, and just use some tape, cut to size.
The DT Swiss XRC Spline 1250 are pretty special. DT Swiss hubs, carbon rims, straight pull spokes, tubeless ready.. they’re not 1250 grams in the 29″ version, but at 1475g they are no boat anchor either.