After one too many running injuries, Stellenbosch local Marz van der Merwe is now a full convert with her main focus being the SA Cup XCO events. “The bug has bitten,” says Marz. “I wouldn’t mind doing a few Enduro races on my Fuel EX but I’m really focused on improving my Cross-country game.” In her short ‘career’, Marz is already a regular podium finisher at XCO and Marathon events and is determined to move to the top step. We tracked her down at the opening round of the Western Cape XCO series for a closer look at her Supercaliber setup.
Marz and Spencer.
Marzelle is 1.7m tall and rides a size medium Trek Supercaliber.She runs 68psi in the RockShox SID Ultimate fork that has also been bumped up to 120mm travel. She uses a Maxxis Rekon Race EXO Casing tyre on the front, in 2.35″ with 18psi.She rolls on South Industries XC carbon rims with Tune hubs and 20psi rear. Marz does not use any inserts but is thinking about trying the CushCore system.10-50t SRAM Eagle cassette but Marz is keen to upgrade to the bigger 52t. Front chainring size is a 32t.“I lock the front and back suspension out whenever I stand and climb, unless it’s the type of climb you lose traction on, or if it’s on rough terrain. I love the stiff feel of a locked-out Supercaliber on smooth terrain.”Race Face carbon Next SL cranks, in 172,5mm length with a Power2Max meter.Marz uses a 60mm stem, 730mm bars and has wrapped the cabling to clean up the cockpit.Underbar dropper lever and lockout lever by Bontrager. Marz is using a 120mm dropper post. “I probably use my dropper on 70% of anything that goes down but typically don’t use the entire travel of the dropper unless it’s an incredibly steep feature. I might go back to a 100mm dropper, so I’m not so cramped up on the longer descents that require pedaling.” SRAM Level Ultimate brakes with the levers set inward from the grips and not too vertical. She uses a 180mm / 160mm rotor combo.
