THE UNTAMED AFRICAN MTB RACE

Cape Epic bikes.
Built for eight hard days.

The Absa Cape Epic punishes weight, tyres, drivetrains and tired riders. Choose a bike that is fast enough to race and dependable enough to finish.

SHOP EPIC-READY BIKES OFFICIAL RACE SITE ↗
21–28 MAR2027 race dates
8 DAYSPrologue + 7 stages
2 RIDERSOne team, one finish
WESTERN CAPEA new route every year

CHOOSE FOR THE WHOLE RACE

The fastest bike is the one that still feels good on day seven.

Pure XC speed matters, but the Cape Epic rewards efficiency over repeated climbs, predictable handling when you are exhausted, room for two bottles and components that can survive dust, heat and sharp rock.

For most riders, a light full-suspension 29er is the sweet spot. A hardtail saves weight and money; a slightly longer-travel bike adds control and comfort.

FASTEST

Supercaliber

Our first choice for riders chasing time. XC-race efficiency with IsoStrut suspension to reduce fatigue and keep traction through rough stages.

LIGHTEST VALUE

Procaliber

A fast hardtail for skilled riders who value simplicity, low weight and direct power transfer—and can live with less comfort.

MOST CONFIDENT

Top Fuel

More travel and stability for riders who prioritise control, comfort and finishing strongly over outright race weight.

BIKET PICKS

Four ways to race the Epic

Selected from bikes currently listed at Biket. Stock and sizes can change, so speak to us before building your race plan around a model.

SHOP ALL SUPERCALIBER BIKES →

THE 32-INCH QUESTION

Are 32-inch wheels the next Cape Epic advantage?

They are no longer just a prototype talking point. A 32-inch Stoll P32 was raced at the 2026 Cape Epic and won Stage 3, proving the format can be competitive at the highest level.

Larger wheels can carry speed across rough ground, smooth square-edge hits and create more traction. The trade-offs are more rotating mass, slower direction changes, fit challenges for shorter riders and a far smaller choice of tyres, wheels, forks and spares.

29″

The proven choice now

Huge component choice, mature geometry, easier spares and race-day support. The sensible answer for almost every Cape Epic rider today.

32″

The emerging specialist choice

Compelling for tall, powerful racers on fast, rough terrain—but still niche, expensive and harder to support over eight stages.

BIKET'S TAKE

Do not buy a wheel size because it won one stage. Buy the bike that fits you, that you can service, and that you have enough months to test. We do not currently list a production 32-inch MTB; we will update this guide as proven options become available.

FINISH-LINE THINKING

Prepare the system, not just the bike.

01Get a professional fit early enough to train in the final position.

02Choose tyres for grip and puncture protection—not catalogue weight.

03Service suspension, bearings, brakes and drivetrain well before race week.

04Train with the bottles, tools, nutrition and spares you will actually carry.

05Build a matching spares plan with your teammate.

Planning your Cape Epic bike?

Talk to Biket about sizing, bike choice, setup and pre-race servicing.

BOOK A BIKE SERVICE