Month: January 2018

The Vanquish™ MIPS helmet is the ultimate aero road helmet. Designed with months of aerodynamic development and extensive pro rider testing, the Vanquish is made to master air flow. The shape of the helmet and its ventilation has been dictated by the science of air flow – through dozens of iterations the final product has arrived packed with progressive features designed to enhance comfort and aerodynamic efficiency.

Vanquish Key Technologies:

The Giro Vanquish MIPS is now available online and in our Lake District store.

 

WINTER SALE – GET READY FOR A BIG YEAR WITH SAVINGS UP TO 50%

Our winter sale has started and we have a great selection of bikes on offer at fantastic prices. We’ve picked some of the best offers for a bike to ride in 2018.

Focus Cayo Tiagra

Was £1399 – NOW £899

Key Features

• UCI approved stiff and light carbon frame.
• Full Shimano Tiagra groupset.
• Concept EX seatpost and stem.

Focus Cayo 105 Disc

Was £1999 – NOW £1199

Key Features

• Shimano 105 groupset with SR685 hydraulic disc brakes.
• Light carbon disc frame and fork.
• R.A.T. thru axle system.

Cervelo C5 Dura-Ace

Was £6199 – NOW £3299

Key Features

• Endurance engineered carbon frame with integrated disc brakes.
• Shimano Dura-Ace groupset with Rotor 3D+ chainset.
• Clearance for up to 32mm tyres.

Cervelo R3 Ultegra Disc

Was £4199 – NOW £2350

Key Features

• Full carbon frame and fork with integrated disc brakes.
• Shimano Ultegra groupset with FSA SLK chainset.
• HED Ardennes tubeless ready wheels.

 

Genesis Equilibrium Disc 10

Was 1249 – NOW £799

Key Features

• Robust Chromoly frame with carbon fork.
• Shimano Tiagra groupset with TRP HY-RD mechanical-hydraulic brakes.
• 28C tyres and full SKS P35 mudguards included.

Specialized Rhyme FSR Expert Carbon

Was £4450 – NOW £2225

Key Features

• Fact 9m carbon chassis with M5 alloy rear end.
• 6Fattie trail geometry with 29mm-wide Royal Traverse wheels.
• Mix of best performing components from Sram and Shimano.

Specialized Rhyme FSR Comp Carbon

Was £3400 – NOW £1700

Key Features

• Fact 9m carbon fibre frame.
• 6Fattie trail geometry with 29mm-wide Royal Traverse wheels.
• SWAT door system for carrying trail essentials.

Whyte 905

Was £1750 – NOW £1399

Key Features

• Sram GX 1 by 11 groupset.
• WTB wide rims with high volume tyres for ‘trail control’.
• BBX internal cable routing.

These bikes are just a select few from what we have on offer, for our full range of sale bikes click here.

Bookings are now live for the 2018 Jenn Ride – a weekend of bikepacking and adventure cycling in the Lake District.

In memory of Jenn Hill, the event runs every year from our store in Staveley and this year there are three routes to choose from depending on your experience and fitness. The weekend kicks off on the Friday evening at the Hawkshead Brewery with beer and pizza and folk sharing tales of adventure.

First thing Saturday morning riders will head out onto their chosen route – either the 200 km, 100 miler or the new for this year 50 mile route. The 200 km route is for the seasoned adventure cyclist and just about circumnavigates the entirety of the Lake District National Park. The 100 mile route should not be underestimated as it traverses some of the finest scenery and most challenging terrain in the South Lakes. New for this year is a 50 mile route which offers an introduction to those looking to dip their toes into the world of bikepacking, packed with rewarding views and vast mountain expanses.

Proceeds raised from the event will go to the Adventure Syndicate Our Schools Project and St Gemmas Hospice. Bookings are through Eventbrite and entries are now open.

Focus have expanded their e-Mountain bike range with the introduction of the SAM² enduro bikes.

Designed with the most demanding Alpine terrain in mind, the SAM² bikes are equipped with 170 mm travel and a Focus Optimised Linkage Design chassis. The compact Shimano E8000 motor combined with a Focus battery fits seamlessly into the agile, aggressive geometry.

Key Features:

• Full suspension with Focus Optimised Linkage Design (F.O.L.D.).
• Enduro ready with added power.
• 170 mm travel.
• Compact Shimano E8000 motor.

The three models within the range are:

Focus Sam2

£4399

Focus Sam2 LTD

£3999

Focus Sam2 Pro

£6699

Click here to discover our full range of Focus e-Bikes.

 

 

The UK National Cyclocross Championships took place last Sunday at Hetton Lyons Country Park, Sunderland with our team rider Lewis Craven well and truly in the mix at the sharp end of the race. Here Lewis reviews his efforts and reflects on what has been a very successful cyclocross season.

‘This year there was more pressure than usual in the run up to the National ‘Cross Champs in Hetton. Various sources in the cycling media had put me in a short list as a podium favourite. My third place in Bradford behind two pros had upped my expectations as well. The Hetton course being generally muddy and technical suited my skills, and the lack of U23 riders would mean the start would be less frantic.

The start itself could not have gone better, a front row grid and clean pedal entry had me taking the hole shot. Usually, after 100 metres I’m around 30th. So to be in the top 5 as we started the long climb up to the circuits high point was surprising. My plan was to ride within myself up the climb which resulted in 10 lost places by the top but it was still early in the race and I knew I’d be one of the quicker ones descending. A smooth descent had me back up to 8th by the pits. The Focus Mares was running great and my Challenge tubs gripping well so I skipped entering to change bikes.

The lower section of the circuit comprised of sections of off camber grass which I cruised round to join up with Paul Oldham and Giles Drake. Onto the second lap again I paced myself up the climb and was dropped (must try harder next lap). Some sweet lines had me into 5th at the bottom of the descent now with Steve James up ahead in 4th. By this stage you start looking around to see where you are in relation to the leaders. It looked like we were lapping at a similar speed to the top 3 and the legs felt great. Pressing on and passing Steve it was all coming together, on the lower section looking back I’d gapped my group again. But guess what, fooled by my high placing again I took on the climb at a comfortable pace and was joined by the 3 behind me.

The next 3 laps our positions chopped and changed as we each made small mistakes or gained a little ground. With three to go I dug in on the climb and crested it in the group fighting for 4th. This is when my legs started to feel tired. Across the traverse I lost 20 metres and that was it, I just couldn’t close it. Soon they were out of sight and knowing I had 7th in the bag I concentrated on not blowing up. The final 2 laps I pushed on knowing I’d not catch them, or be caught and rolled in for 7th. Not bad, but a little disappointing.

However, I can’t be too disappointed. My last year before I become a VET (heck, I’m nearly 40) and I’ve had a good season and to have been fighting for the win with a Belgian pro 15 years my junior in Bradford has given me the confidence to race elite next year. My pit crew (Billy, Stu, Tyla , Tim etc ) have been awesome yet again. My Focus Mares has honestly been the best cross bike I’ve ridden and the organisation and support from Wheelbase as good as ever.

Now I’m going to have a few weeks off, get a bit fatter, get my mountain bike out and hit my local trails. I fancy getting back to my roots and racing some MTB events.

See you at the 3Peaks CX.’
Lewis (neo vet/elite bike racer)

 

Words from Lewis Craven and photos courtesy of Nigel Bradley.

The new R5 isn’t billed as a lighter version of its predecessor, which is generally the case when a new bike is launched. Cervelo instead have chosen to focus on improving stiffness, handling, fit and usability, and based on pro-rider feedback, make the new R5 a more all-round racing machine. The newest iteration of the R5 first came into view at the 2017 Spring Classics where Team Dimension Data riders were riding a never-before-seen bike decked out in a camouflage wrapping. Then at the Giro d’Italia in May there was no disguising the new model as Omar Fraille displayed its climbing prowess with victory on the queen stage.

Over the past two weekends, in unseasonably decent Cumbrian weather, I have been test riding the new R5 around the rolling roads of the Lake District.

The first thing to note is that the new R5 is a classically good-looking race bike – a stunning matte black frame with striking white and fluoro green touches.

Riding out from our Lake District store front door it wasn’t long before I started heading uphill. As the gradient crept upwards towards 10% and I got out of the saddle I immediately felt the bike respond and leap forward. With an increased bottom bracket stiffness of 13% and a meticulously tuned stiffness-to-weight ratio this is where the new R5 excels. As the road goes uphill the lightweight frame and increased stiffness make for an outstanding climbing experience.

Equipped with Shimano’s new mechanical Dura-Ace groupset, the shifting is precise and satisfying. The gearing of a semi-compact chainset and 11-28 cassette is the perfect setup for the less severe inclines of the Lakes and the Mavic Ksyrium Elite Tubeless wheels inspire confidence and comfort.

Cervelo specs this model with its own stem and handlebar combination which offers a comfortable and solid base. The shape of the bar feels especially nice with hands rested on the tops as I tap out a steady rhythm while climbing. Once I reach the high point of the ride and begin to descend I’m inspired with confidence as I shift my weight into corners. The slightly lowered front end gives a more aggressive riding position which feels great and when descending in the drops I feel under complete control.

Overall the new R5 is a superb bike and gives the feeling of a ‘pro’ ride. It climbs supremely, feels comfortable on less than great Cumbrian roads and descends like a dream. Combined with mountains and blue skies I couldn’t think of a better day out.

View our entire range of Cervelo R-Series bikes online.

This year we’ve teamed up with Epic Events for our annual Wheelbase Spring Classic cycle sportive – the perfect ride to kick off the sportive season. Taking place in late March, the ride starts and ends at our Lake District store in Staveley. There’s a choice of two route options – the long course which is 56 miles and the short course which is 34 miles. Both routes take in an early timed hill climb on the A6 with prizes being awarded to the fastest male and female up the climb as well as the illustrious King/ Queen of the Mountain title.

The Spring Classic heads out from our Staveley store and follows some of the finest undulating roads in South Lakeland before skirting the edge of the stunning Howgill fells, both routes offer a scenic and challenging day out. The long route is supported with a feed station in Sedbergh but be sure not to take on board too much as shortly after the route gets a bit lumpy with the climb up to Barbondale. More rolling roads follow as the route traces back up through the Lune Valley and onto the second timed climb of the day up Shacklabank before heading for Grayrigg where the long route rejoins the short route and heads for the finish.

Date and Time:
Starting at 9am on Sunday 25th March 2018

What do I need to enter the event?

A roadworthy bike (mountain bikes and hybrids are acceptable) and recognised cycle helmet.
You must be medically sound and if you have any history of illness or injury, consult your GP beforehand.
You must be 16 years of age or over for the long route on the day of the event. We accept riders aged 12-15 in the ‘short route but they must be accompanied by an adult.

How much to enter?

Entries cost £20/£25 (short/long route) and will close either at 12 noon on the Thursday prior to the event or when the event fills, whichever occurs first.

Included within your entry fee is:
Free Parking at Start/Finish Area
Well stocked feed station on the long route
Mechanical and medical support
Electronic Timing
Free event photos

For further information and to enter the event click here.

 

This weekend we’ll be at the HSBC UK | National Cyclocross Championships which takes place at Hetton Lyon’s Park in Sunderland. We’ll be represented in the men’s elite race with team rider Lewis Craven who will be looking for another strong performance on the back of his third place at the National Trophy in Bradford. In the under-23 men’s race Tom Martin will be carrying the Wheelbase colours as he mixes it with a strong field on Sunday morning. Our team will also be running a stand at the event on Sunday morning so be sure to pop over and say hello. The races will be broadcast live on Facebook and the British Cycling website from 9:15am on Sunday 14th January.

For further information and an in-depth race guide for each of the races head over to the British Cycling website.

2018 is going to be a big year for us here at Wheelbase and we’ve got a load of great events planned to get your cycling fix. Whether you’re into road cycling, mountain biking or fancy learning some skills to keep your bike in shape, we’ve likely got an event for you.

Our year starts with an evening of insight into sports nutrition with the guys from OTE at our Darlington Store on January 31st. Then in February our Workshop tutorials return with three sessions geared towards beginner and intermediate cyclists looking to build confidence with roadside repairs and home maintenance.

Early March sees our first ever North East Big Demo Day at Hamsterley Forest, introduced on the back of our hugely popular Lake District Big Demo Weekend. Bringing together the best MTB manufacturers in the world, we have rides and bikes for everyone, from beginners to experts. Our Big Demo Weekend is back again and takes place over the weekend of 17th and 18th March at our Lake District store.

The Wheelbase Spring Classic cycle sportive takes place in late March and offers two great routes starting and finishing at our Lake District store. On Saturday 7th April we will be hosting our first ever eBike Demo Day at our Lake District store with a selection of electric Mountain, Road and Leisure bikes to try out.

Our Road Bike demo day takes place on May 19th with a superb range of the latest road bikes to take for a spin around the lanes of the Lake District national park, ideal for those looking for a new machine ahead of the summer. The Wheelbase Le Tour de Staveley returns in July and is always a great social event with two route options available and the added bonus of food and drinks on offer post ride.

 

During the summer we will also be running six weeks of the Lakeland Lanequest series and helping with the organisation of the fantastic Sam Houghton MTB challenge.

For a full list of our 2018 events head over to our events page.