Month: December 2017

Come and join us at Wheelbase North East in Darlington for an evening with the chaps from OTE Performance Nutrition and special guest, OTE supported and Multi World record holding Ultra Cyclist, Chris ‘Hoppo’ Hopkinson

We have recently started stocking OTE at Wheelbase North East because we love how they use only natural ingredients and have tasty subtle flavours with a great range of products aimed at the recreational cyclist right up to the highest performing athletes. We think OTE produce some of the best sports nutrition on the market… plus it’s a local brand based just down the road in Leeds!

So come down to the store for a relaxed and informative presentation along with some great deals and with a surprise treat for all visitors.

Sign up – it’s free! Call the store on 01325 352255 or email darlington@wheelbase.co.uk

Wednesday 31st January 2018

7-9pm

Wheelbase North East, Darlington DL3 7LB

After taking up cycling as a commuter at the age of 31, Chris Hopkinson has gone on to achieve a host of oustanding feats and records in the world of endurance cycling. His achievements include:

• UMCA 100km, 200km, 300km, 500km, 100mile, 200mile, 300mile, 6hr and 12hr Age Group World Records.
• UMCA Missouri Cross State Records West to East and East to West.
• RRA Pembroke to Great Yarmouth Record.
• This year won UMCA European 24hr Championships in Slovenia.
• Won UMCA European 6hr Championships this year at Brands Hatch by 3 x 2.4 mile laps
• 20 World Records in total.
• 4 x Solo RAAM Finishes inc in 2005 First Brit ever to finish RAAM – portrayed in film Bicycle Dreams. Also 2014 finished in 6th in 10 days 18hrs 55mins and won Jure Robic Award
• Finished PBP and LEL, Race Around Ireland 2200km , Furnace Creek 508, Lake Taupo Maxi Enduro – New Zealand.
• Won No Country For Old Men 1000 mile tt with 42,000 feet climbing in Course Record 71hrs 58mins (still stands). With only 20mins sleep throughout
• 9 UMCA World Titles.
• 4 x 24hr, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015.
• 4 x 12hr, 2005, 2014, 2015, 2016.
• 2014 – UltraCycling Cup
• Awarded UltraCyclist of Distinction in 2014
• Completed 36 x 24hrs – Won 12
• Completed 44 x 12hrs – Won 8
• 7 entries in Audax Hall of Fame
• 400,000 lifetime miles so far

Endless trails, demanding descents and unspoiled nature – JAM² from Focus is here to give mountain biking a real boost.

Geared for all-mountain riding – with F.O.L.D suspension, 140mm-150mm travel and a compact Shimano E8000 motor combined with a 756w battery, JAM² is ready for demanding tours across the most demanding terrain.

 

Key Features

• Focus Optimized Linkage Design (F.O.L.D)
• Internal cable routing
• Compact Shimano E8000 motor with 756w battery
• 140-150mm travel
• All-mountain ready with added power

The limited edition JAM² C SL tops the range and comes equipped with full Shimano XTR Di2 groupset, FOX 34 Factory fork, a lightweight carbon frame, 29″ Race Face Next-R carbon wheels and assistance of up to 756w battery power.

The JAM² C will be available from the beginning of 2018. Check out our full range of Focus E-Bikes here.

 

Despite freezing conditions in Bradford on Sunday our man Lewis Craven powered his way to a podium spot at the National Cyclocross Trophy round 5. Lewis rode away from the pack early on the second lap to form a leading pair with Belgian rider Braam Merlier, they took the race to the rest of the field and held the lead for much of the race.

The snowy conditions made for an exciting and technical race with several crashes affecting the field early on. Lewis displayed his bike handling prowess to avoid any disruptions and had the know-how to force an elite move that would ultimately prove decisive, riding clear with Merlier. He rode with the Belgian until two laps to go when Merlier kicked into another gear and got away in the race-winning move. Despite a late surge by pro-mountain biker Grant Ferguson to snatch second place, Lewis crossed the line in third to earn an incredible podium spot in an elite field.

Men’s Elite Result

1. Braam Merlier (Steylaerts-Betfirst)
2. Grant Ferguson (CST American Eagle)
3. Lewis Craven (Wheelbase Altura MGD)

Images courtesy of Cadence Images

Our success continued with a superb ride in the U23 race by new recruit Mark McGuire who took second place on the Bradford course. Mark travelled down from Scotland for the race and it proved worth the trip as he started strongly and remained among the lead bunch to take second behind Calum Fernie. Mark showed his power and some great skill on the tricky course, proving that he’s definitely got a promising future ahead.

Men’s U23 Result

1. Calum Fernie (Nottingham Clarion CC)
2. Mark McGuire (Wheelbase Altura MGD)
3. Billy Harding (PH-MAS Paul/Milnes)

A new brand for us here at Wheelbase, ION began life as a watersports brand making neoprene products for the international surf, wakeboard and windsurf scene. They then branched out into apparel and accessories before launching their bikewear collection in 2012 with functional clothing, accessories, gloves and protection.

The Autumn/Winter collection is now available in store and online. Here we have chosen some of the key pieces which we think are a must for trail riding over the coming months;

Ion Rain Jacket Shelter – £94.95

Riding in the Lake District this piece is an absolute must-have for us as more often than not we’re met with a shower or two. Super lightweight, waterproof rain jacket made of Water_Proof 2way_Stretch fabric. Small packing size & low weight to be a permanent companion in your backpack.

 

Ion Bikepants Scrub Select – £154.95

The water repellency of these pants make them ideal for winter riding conditions. Neoprene reinforcements add extra weather protection and the adjustable waistband and rip inserts above the knee mean a perfect fit in every size.

Ion Insulation Jacket Radiant – £154.95

As the temperature inevitably drops around this time of year we reach straight for this jacket, its Primaloft lining guarantees warmth on those frosty winter rides. It’s also designed with a durable water repellency treatment for when a rain shower begins to creep in. The two zip pockets are a great feature and useful for storing phone and keys.

Ion BD-Sock 2.0 – £29.95

The benefits of this sock are two-fold – they offer an added level of insulation to keep your feet and legs warm and they offer a basic level of protection for your shins. They can be worn on their own as an additional layer of protection under a more substantial knee guards if you’re expecting a tough day.