The boss at Gear Change bike store in Tokai just outside of Cape Town, Cam Roach is an effervescent character the likes of which are not easily found. When Cam is not in the store you’ll find him clocking miles on the road bike or shredding local trails earning free coffees from his ride crew, one sprint at a time. Many don’t know that Cameron is a gifted motorcycle rider with more talent than one could shake a stick at, and, if you bump into him on the trails and watch him ride, you’ll see that moto skill shine through. This is Cam’s current dream ride, a 130mm Fuel EX do-it-all trail bike with a few custom touches.
When the finishing sprint is on, remember “Last one buys coffee.”
What’s your favorite feature on the bike? Definitely has to be a non-riding feature, the internal storage. It is nice to keep everything hidden away in a snug place where it can’t rattle abound. And on a cold or rainy day you can add a little jacket in there aswell.
If you sold the bike, what component would you keep for your next bike? The SRAM AXSshifting
What surprises you the most about this bike? It’s very efficient, even on longer rides, it’s still a bike you can pedal and definitely do a stage race on. But then again, it is extremely capable on a downhill or any technical terrain.
Any imminent component upgrades?Nope, I feel like how I have set my bike up is perfect. If anything maybe a higher spec brake, but it’s not really needed. If you brake less you go faster.…
What do you enjoy the most about this bike? It can literally do anything you want it to do.
Cam mostly runs 20psi in the front tyre and 23psi rear but will reduce pressures a little for wet rides. He doesn’t use tyre inserts but is considering using them, especially for the back wheel.The Fuel EX is a 130mm travel bike with 29″ wheels front and rear. Cam uses the stock 170mm SRAM GX cranks, with a 32t cSixx chainring and Shimano trail pedals with the cleats set very tight. Very tight!Bontrager carbon bars with a 27.5mm rise and 780mm width with 15mm of spacers under the stem.A little section of cable wrap binds the cables so they don’t rattle whilst adding sparkle to the aesthetics.Cam has fitted the Bontrager BlendR system to attach his Garmin and lights to.170mm Bontrager dropper post with under bar lever.Cam has upgraded to electronic shifting with the SRAM GX AXS system. Cam has customized it so the top button is set as the up shifter which makes it easier to shift to an easier gear when climbing and easier to shift to a harder gear when standing and dropping into a descent.SRAM G2 brakes and Deathgrip grips.He runs a 10-52t SRAM cassette with GX AXS rear mech.The Knock Block steering limiter prevents the bars and brake levers from scratching (or worse) the frame in the event the bike falls.He runs the Mino Link in the LOW position to slacken the head angle out.Cam runs the shock a little faster than the recommended settings to keep the rolling speed and recovery from big hits quicker.The 140mm Fox 36 fork has 1 volume spacer, 20% sag and he runs average rebound settings (not overly fast).SRAM G2 brakes with a 200/180mm rotor combination.The number 9 is Cam’s moto racing number.Inside the frame storage Cam carries a flat repair kit, chain link, chain tool, energy bar and no coffee money as he always wins the sprints we hear…Tyres are the new Bontrager XR5, in 2.6″ size.Bontrager Line Elite carbon wheels.For many years running the Fuel EX was the brand’s number one selling model in the USA.Hi ya doing!
