[Words and photography by Dino Lloyd]

Daryl Impey needs little introduction to road cycling fans. A protagonist at the highest level of sport in the WorldTour, he has served on several top roadie teams over the years – Orica-GreenEdge, MTN-Qhubeka and more recently, Israel – Premier Tech. Within GreenEdge, Impey was also the first rider from the African continent to wear a Tour de France yellow jersey and, among other accolades, has won the Tour Down Under twice.

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Having retired from professional road racing in 2023 Impey hasn't been resting on his laurels, launching his own casual cycling brand Okes #belekker, colloquially 'okes' means guys and be lekker translates to be cool/nice. 

Post 'retirement' Impey has fully embedded himself into mountain biking by taking on one of the world's toughest mountain bike events, the Absa Cape Epic. While not exactly contending for the podium, Impey paired up with long-time friend and celebrated restauranteur David Higgs. Riding as The Okes, fundraising for NPO charity Marang House (link is external) providing support for children with illnesses, you can follow the journey on Impey's YouTube account Dave & Daryl's Epic Adventure (link is external). We ventured to the support village (tweede kamp) under the guidance of Trailwolf Cycles to check Daryl's steed of choice in this quest, his Scott Spark RC.

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Daryl Impey_015.jpeg, by Liam Mercer

Scott Spark RC 900 World Cup edition. It doesn't come more stock standard than this, right down to OE spec tyres. In the same breath, however, this is a good example of a stock bike being ready for an event such as the Cape Epic. Good enough for WorldTour legs at least. Curiously Impey at 6ft in height chose a medium frame. 

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Daryl Impey_016.jpeg, by Liam Mercer

Rock Shox Sid Select, 120mm front and rear. A standard travel for the rigours of Epic trails.

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Daryl Impey_014.jpeg, by Liam Mercer

A slight departure from the stock spec with ESI grips and a bell. Key for overtaking, or maybe a greeting tone for spectators. 

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Daryl Impey_013.jpeg, by Liam Mercer

Personalised name badge. Just in case.

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Daryl Impey_012.jpeg, by Liam Mercer

Gen 1 SRAM AXS XO1, is still the standard for many and a fraction of the cost of SRAM's latest Transmission.

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Daryl Impey_011.jpeg, by Liam Mercer

Cannibal XC bottle cages with Ryder mounts to hold extra C02 bombs.

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Daryl Impey_010.jpeg, by Liam Mercer

Integrated Syncros bar stem 740mm wide bars.

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Daryl Impey_009.jpeg, by Liam Mercer

The de rigueur top tube sticker reminds you that you are not on a coffee ride. 

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Daryl Impey_008.jpeg, by Liam Mercer

100m Fox Transfer Dropper post, plenty for technical rocky sections or to rest on longer descents.

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Daryl Impey_007.jpeg, by Liam Mercer

Scott TwinLoc 2 remote lever for both the dropper post and front/rear suspension across three different suspension modes.

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Daryl Impey_006.jpeg, by Liam Mercer

There's that #belekker bell again, along with stock SRAM Level TLM brakes. Discs are 160mm rear and 180mm front while the brake levers feature a tool-free reach adust dial just inside the lever. 

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Daryl Impey_002.jpeg, by Liam Mercer

OE Maxxis Rekon Race 2.4in tyres shod on 30mm (IW) carbon Syncros Silverton wheels. The rims are Air Wizz ready should the ant arise. According to his mechanics at Trail Wolf tyre pressures average around 20psi depending on the stage. Per standard, sealant is checked each time. 

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Daryl Impey_003.jpeg, by Liam Mercer

DUB Eagle SRAM X01 carbon crankarm, 175mm. 32T chainring. Again, stock standard other than the Shimano XT pedals. 

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Daryl Impey_001.jpeg, by Liam Mercer

Perch duty is accommodated by a stock Syncros Belcarra saddle with titanium rails. 

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Daryl Impey_000.jpeg, by Liam Mercer

28-hole DT Swiss hubs round out wheel duty.

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