SW Epic WC - optimizing build list

[Bregantium]

Folks, thanks to this forum I am quite deep into the rabbit hole of optimizing my road bikes component wise like Berk saddles, wheelsfar sets etc.

However, for my winter project I would be grateful for some input from MTB weight weenies
The plan is to build a S Works Epic World Cup in size M based on the frameset in "Gloss Dune White / Ashen Grey / Sea Foam Impasto".

First idea was that this should be lower cost than purchasing the corresponding out of the box bike but after a bit of research it might even be slightly higher priced than the purchase of a complete bike when using identical components?

However, I prefer the look of the frame and would like to choose more individual components and also add a Reverb Dropper Post so individual build is the way to go but some decisions to be made.

If you look at the 2025 out of the box bike on the spesh website, what would you change or optimize?
- Sram XX SL Eagle Transmission drivetrain is pretty much set.
- Reverb Dropper ist set.
- Rock Shox SID SL but which one? 2P or 3P ? One Lock or Twist Lock?
- Brakes: Sram Level Ultimate or Magura MT 8 SL?
- Cockpit: Roval Control SL is best choice?
- Pedals? standard XTR or some Xpedo?
- whats the go to XC bottle cage like tune wasserträger is for road?
- Wheelset is an important one, Roval Control SL or is there a better alternative price/datasheet wise like on road where Wheelsfar Hypers Carbon is clearly superior over Roval Rapide?


What would be your choices if that project was your own dream build? General focus of this build is of course weight, but I dont want to compromise durabilty and everyday usability. Looks are important though

[alexbikess]

Trickstuff piccola, I would run the oneup V3 dropper, intend fork, berd wheels

[snaxez]

Is this all out WW build, or do you prefer functionality first and weight 2nd?

Do you plan for a powermeter? If so, then I would pick older XX1 Quarq with XX1 DUB crank (Dub wide for 55mm chainline, and regular for 52mm chainline). With that you have the 104 BCD and you can use oval chainrings for WolfTooth and others. With XX SL quarq you are stuck with that thread-on chainring option. I don`t know anyone else, who would make chainrings for that except SRAM.

For RD you can save some weight with Garbaruk cage and pulleys.

Dropper you mean Reverb AXS? That adds a lot of weight, but it`s easy to swap for a riggid post, when you don`t need the dropper. If regular reverb with a cable, then I would consider BikeYoke stuff. And with Reverb AXS you have a battery you can swap to the RD in case of emergency.

If money was not tight, then Trickstuff brakes are king, otherwise I would pick XTR.

For the Cockpit you can check out Zirbel stuff, they have bars with magnetic switches for AXS stuff, Looks good a clean. Otherwise Roval Control SL is good. Gemini Pröpus would be lighter, but costs more.

Pedals I have allways used XTR, you can save some weight with other options like speedplay, but I like the functionality of XTR.

For wheels it depends on your weight. If you are light, I would pick Nextie NXT29VM36U 260g rims built with berd spokes. Hook flange hubs like Erase are easier to build, but they add weight. With 24 spokes and Extralite HyperBoost3 hubs and alloy nipples you should get ~890g wheelset. (28H would add 25g, so 915g)
With Erase hook flange hubs it would be 1039g (28H)

[Bregantium]

thanks alexbikess and snaxez for your input.

As I originally started with the idea of replicating the stock or ready to ride out of the box S Works setup, this truly helps individualizing. Riding only road, I had never heard of some of your recommended brands

overall priorities are
1) functionality & everyday usability
2) looks -> bike beauty depends on personal tastes though
3) only third but still important is of course weight

[joebusby]

Why not a flight attendant setup if spending the money?

I'd sack the reverb axs and take a oneup V3 (if you want functionality) or a yep Podio XC for weight. Divine SL is similar weight to a oneup but less drop.

The bontrager RSL bar is much lighter than the roval version (almost boutique weight) but doesn't snap like the Gemini propus.

If you can't afford or get trickstuff piccolas, I'd take Hope XCR X2 or E4's instead. Much better brakes than the SRAM trash, lighter than xtr and serviceable.

An XTR mechanical setup is lighter than transmission SL and shifts better and more reliable.

That said does the epic WC even have routing for a cable dropper and or rear mech? If not you're fixed to the reverb AXS and ironically, you could swap to a different frame (eg a ZFS-5) and end up like 200g lighter just because you don't have to run the trash heavy seatpost...

[LeDuke]

Having ridden FA, and having seen crashes caused by it watching WC races, I wouldn't spend my money on it yet. It's just not there yet.

I'd get a fork and shock with an actual damper that works. Manitou R8 or Ohlins RXC34 m.1 Carbon. I have the Ohlins fork and shock and it's miles better than RS. Even towards the end of a 50hr service interval, it's better than a fresh RockShox SID Ultimate. Cable or lever lockout.

Manitou makes a user tunable fork and shock. Additionally, they are simple to work on. Shims are cheap.

Personally, I'd rather get a fork that is *CLOSE* in weight to the RockShox while offering significantly better overall performance.

https://www.bikemag.com/gear/first-ride ... untry-fork

I second the BikeYoke suggestion. They make a better product than RS or Fox. I've had both the Revive and the Divine; both are great.

[zscs]

Both Manitou R8 and Ohlins RXC34 m.1 Carbon sounds great!
I've seen a few reviews, both of them should be very capable XC fork - however, the price is higher than a SID 32/35's.
A fresh RXC34 M.1 Carbon review: https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/compo ... bon-review

Based on the reviews, I would definitely try the Manitou R8 first! I've already checked it's service manual, travel can be adjusted internally and easily (no need to replace the whole damper like in case of SIDs), also easily serviceable - however, SIDs are also self-service friendly. (Ehh, I don't want to talk about Fox here, even if I could...)

[Aeo]

Vecnum Nivo dropper post

Sramano setup for drivetrain, last generation SRAM shifter and derailleur with Shimano cassette and chain.

Bike Ahead Composites The Unit ICR cockpit

[joebusby]

Having ridden FA, and having seen crashes caused by it watching WC races, I wouldn't spend my money on it yet. It's just not there yet.

I'd get a fork and shock with an actual damper that works. Manitou R8 or Ohlins RXC34 m.1 Carbon. I have the Ohlins fork and shock and it's miles better than RS. Even towards the end of a 50hr service interval, it's better than a fresh RockShox SID Ultimate. Cable or lever lockout.

Manitou makes a user tunable fork and shock. Additionally, they are simple to work on. Shims are cheap.

Personally, I'd rather get a fork that is *CLOSE* in weight to the RockShox while offering significantly better overall performance.

https://www.bikemag.com/gear/first-ride ... untry-fork

I second the BikeYoke suggestion. They make a better product than RS or Fox. I've had both the Revive and the Divine; both are great.

Why not a 34 stepcast grip sl?

Who crashed due to FA? I've not heard that narrative in the pro circuit at all. Mostly it's been - the people on FA suddenly have an unfair advantage.

[Bregantium]

thanks everyone

as much as an individual build is nice, i found a local dealer with a 2024 Model in my size on sale for €8999 which will be around €9700 with reverb, pedals and cages - much less than any build. this seems good enough for my non competitive joyrides - will keep you posted if there is progress on this epic journey