Month: March 2019

WHEELBASE BIG DEMO DAY Sat. 6th April 2019 Hamsterley Forest, County Durham, DL13 3NL

Book your ride now at www.bigdemonortheast.co.uk/

We are bringing our Big Demo event to the North East. Based at Hamsterley Forest, we’ll have bikes from 8 of the world’s best brands – Cube, Trek, Cannondale, Nukeproof, Mondraker, Yeti, Focus and Merida. On offer will be a selection of full-suspension, hardtail and electric mountain bikes to test out on a choice of two courses around the stunning Hamsterley Forest trails.

The event will be run from the Visitor Centre, see map for location.

Your £5 booking fee will be donated to Hamsterley Trailblazers who do a fantastic job of maintaining and developing the trails of Hamsterley Forest, making it a centre of excellence for mountain biking in the UK.

THE BIKES

Cannondale Habit Carbon 2

Completely redesigned for 2019, the ALL-NEW Habit gets a new look, progressive geometry and the new Proportional Response suspension design, turning this do-it-all fun machine into a full-on trail slayer.

Cube Stereo 150 C:68 TM 29

An enduro bike that’ll reset your expectations. The brand-new Stereo 150 C:68 TM 29 is built around a completely new frameset crafted from premium C:68 carbon. It’s a super capable all-rounder that’s almost as adept propelling its rider upwards as it is careering back down the trail.

Focus Jam2 9.6 Plus

The all-mountain ready Jam² 9.6 from Focus is built to take you further, higher and ramp up your fun levels. With the compact design of the Shimano Steps E8000 motor and battery, the geometry is modern, agile and aggresive.

 

Merida eOne Sixty 900e

An aggressive enduro geometry, shortened chainstays and 160mm of rear travel combined with the power from a Shimano Steps E8000 motor has won the eOne Sixty multiple tests and awards. 650B+ wheels equipped with 2.8″ tyres mean this bike is hugely capable when the terrain gets tough and offers tonnes of traction on the ups.

Mondraker Foxy XR Carbon

The Foxy Carbon is Mondraker’s benchmark trail bike. With increased stiffness and riding comfort the Foxy offers great traction on technical climbs, exquisite handling and spectacular downhill prowess to establishes itself as the most complete multi-purpose Mountain Bike Mondraker have ever manufactured.

Nukeproof Mega 275 Carbon Pro

Designed to excel on the toughest enduro tracks; the gravity focused specification of the Mega 275 Carbon Pro is designed to descend fast but maintain the pedalling efficiency for all-day epics. Now in its 4th evolution, the Mega was conceived in an attempt by Nukeproof to build the perfect bike to take on the famous Megavalanche race above the village of Alpe D’Huez.

Trek Slash 8

Slash 8 is an aluminium enduro mountain bike with fast-rolling 29er wheels, a 160 mm RockShox fork and Trek’s exclusive RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft shock. Smart spec, high-end suspension and the burly Alpha Aluminium frame make Slash 8 a high-value ride for enduro racers and all-around trail rippers who want a bike that can rail sketchy descents faster than anyone else in their crew.

Yeti SB150

When you throw a leg over the all-new SB150, you’ll find it rides strikingly similar to nothing. It rides bigger, climbs better and is difficult to put into a neat little box. Is it a race rig? Absolutely. In fact, the steep, grueling downhill tracks of the Enduro World Series pushed our engineers to make a bike that could handle the toughest downhills, but still be efficient enough to ride all day in the mountains.

The Wheels for All initiative is a programme that embraces all children and adults with disabilities and differing needs and engages with a quality cycling activity. By using specially adapted cycles, the activities are both physically and mentally stimulating and above all fun for everyone involved.

This year, as part of our Wheelbase Spring Classic, the Wheels for All initiative organised a sportive event for riders to take to the road on specially adapted bikes.

With support from Kendal Cycle Club, T2 events and Cycling Projects, the event was a great success and gave the opportunity for many participants to ride a bicycle on the open road for the first time. The route left our Lake District store and headed up the Kentmere valley, looping back over a course of 7 miles. There were some fantastic efforts and plenty of smiling faces, undoubtedly boosted by the spring sunshine and the feeling of freedom riding a bicycle can bring.

Photos from James Kirkby.

Take advantage of this exclusive offer while stocks last and get a FREE T.E.C. pack with any Focus Sam² or Jam²*.

The new SHIMANO STEPS MTB generation of motors enabled the FOCUS engineers to develop a Tailored Energy System to suit your needs. The energy concept offers you an adjustable battery capacity of up to 756 Wh – cleverly distributed over two equally powerful batteries. You choose the battery features that suit your requirements.

T.E.C. PACK FEATURES

• Doubles the battery capacity to 756 WH for long tours.
• The T.E.C. pack additional battery can be mounted on the down tube.
• Alternatively, the smart rack click system can be used to attach a bottle cage and equipment.

THE BIKES

Focus Jam² 9.6

This full-suspension e-MTB features a Rockshox Revelation RC suspension fork and Rockshox Deluxe R shock as well as a high-quality Shimano XT 11-speed drivetrain centred around the compact Shimano Steps E8000 motor system. A modern, agile and aggressive geometry means the JAM² is perfectly suited for all-mountain riding.

Focus Sam² 6.7

Rediscover enduro with the SAM² 6.7 e-MTB. Equipped with a Rockshox Yari RC suspension fork and Rockshox Deluxe R shock and a Sram NX Eagle 1×12 drivetrain this is a super capable bike at great value. The extra power from the included T.E.C. pack puts 756 WH at your disposal meaning all-day enduro fun on the trails is ensured.

Focus Sam² 6.8

Designed for the very highest demands of e-enduro riding, the Sam² 6.8 features the F.O.LD. suspension system from Focus which provides sensitivity while being progressive enough to prevent a harsh bottom out. The compact design of the Shimano E8000 motor allows for a modern, agile and aggressive geometry and packs up to 760 WH of power with the addition of the T.E.C. pack.

*Free T.E.C offer only while stocks last. Not available if purchasing on 0% finance, a cycle to work scheme or with any other promotion.

CLICK HERE FOR 2019 RESULTS

CLICK HERE FOR 2019 PHOTOS

Two great routes to choose from which take you through scenic roads with beautiful views of Howgills, Dent and Barbon. Both routes head generally south eastwards through Cumbria taking some very quiet valleys that you may be unaware of (unless you’ve done this sportive before of course!) as well as a few tasty climbs and some seriously quick descents.

​This year we have a family ride which takes you from the Mill Yard in Staveley to Burneside, though Bowston and back. Limited to 30 places we have guides to assist the younger families round. Finish in time for breakfast at More Bakery or Wilf’s Cafe!

​The timed hill climb of the day takes you up Shacklabank. A tricky little climb which will see the fastest male / female crowned King / Queen of the mountain with a Wheelbase team jersey.

​Choose the long route and head further afield but get a bonus refreshments stop at Sedbergh village hall before heading back to Staveley for tea, cake and time to drool over the latest carbon fibre beauties in the shop!

Long Route

Short Route

Enter Online 

Date: Saturday 23rd March 2019

​Location: Wheelbase, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria

​Distances: Short 34 miles or Long 55 miles

​Registration: From 08:30

Event Start: From 09:30

​Price: £20-short, £25-long in advance. £25/35 on the day.

​Minimum Age to enter: 16

​Places available: 250

​Included: Chip timing, free parking, tea & cake, plus something nice from us that you’ll just have to take part to find out…

 

That was some DEMO! Thanks to everyone for rocking up in horrendous conditions, and all the brands, guides and store staff for making it happen – 162 of the world’s best mountain bikes, 12 brands, 16 guides and over 500 bike washes.

This year’s Big Demo Weekend was wet and wild. When Saturday morning rolled around we were geared up for some hostile Lake District weather and fully prepared for a challenging day ahead. Despite the relentless rain and wind we had over 100 keen demo riders heading out onto the trails of the Kentmere valley to test some of the world’s best mountain bikes, expertly guided by CycleActive.

We were in luck on Sunday as the rain disappeared and the winds eased for a clear day of riding. The trails were still pretty wet from the day before but that didn’t stop more demo riders turning up and taking on the challenging terrain.

Photos below from Cadence Images. Check out the full gallery on our Facebook page.

It might not seem like it here in the UK but Spring is just around the corner. But before the warmer weather arrives on our shores, many riders head south in February and March for a much needed dose of sun and an early season training camp. With warmer times ahead we can start looking forward to riding in shorts and jersey again – and maybe some arm warmers.

The Castelli SS19 clothing collection features many details and innovations that come directly from their collaboration and close work with the professional riders at Team Sky.

One of the key pieces of this summer’s collection is the Free Aero Race 4 Bibshort, which has undergone some subtle but important changes from the previous iteration. As worn by Team Sky, this is an all-round race short designed to be minimalist and fast without sacrificing all-day comfort. For summer 2019 the seat pad has been updated with a softer, stretchier and totally seamless top layer. The leg gripper is also stretchier and the bib straps are both lighter and more comfortable while offering greater support.

The Climbers Jersey has been a core piece in Castelli’s summer collection for several years and is the perfect jersey for warm weather rides in mountainous terrain – as worn by Team Sky in all three Grand Tours. Taking features from the Aero Race 5.1 jersey, it also excels in wind tunnel testing, losing just 2 watts to its aerodynamic cousin. The Climbers Jersey is extremely cool, lightweight and aerodynamic – no wonder it’s a favourite with pro riders.

The Climber’s Jersey is available in a men’s and women’s fit, the women’s version evolving from the lightweight Geringes jersey. Developed with minimal moisture absorption as paramount, this jersey works very well as a layer on cooler days underneath a jacket or gilet. This is one of Castelli’s most technical jerseys.

The full Castelli SS19 collection is now available in-store and online.

 

New to Wheelbase for 2019, Smith bring a highly technical offering of bike helmets and goggles to our expanding range of MTB products.

The USP of the Smith helmet range is the integration of Koroyd® into the helmets. Koroyd® provides superior impact absorption, design flexibility and ventilation when compared to materials used in traditional helmet construction such as EPS. Unlike traditional protection materials, Koroyd® cylinders absorb and convert more kinetic energy, whilst increasing air flow and reducing overall weight.

THE HELMETS

Forefront 2 MIPS Helmet

An ideal helmet for enduro riders, the Forefront 2 combines superior protection, ventilation and goggle integration for full coverage and all-day wearability. The Forefront 2 is packed with features such as AirEvac™channels to promote airflow and prevent fogging of eyewear, added Koroyd® protection on the back of the helmet, a three-position adjustable visor, anti-bacterial performance lining with ultra-light single layer webbing plus the MIPS protection system.

 

Session MIPS Helmet

Another all-mountain helmet, the Session is designed for riders looking for a balance of style, protection and ventilation. The Session features channels on the front of the helmet for easy eyewear storage, and the three-position visor rotates high to allow for goggle storage. Koroyd® is featured in strategic, zonal impact areas giving riders the confidence they need to charge harder and the top of the helmet has massive airports which combine with internal air channels to allow for maximum airflow and ventilation.

Venture Helmet

A helmet for mountain bikers looking for a great fitting helmet with style at a lower price point. The Venture features extended coverage on the back of the head for additional protection, internal air channels and 18 vents. The VaporFitTM system makes for a secure and comfortable fit.

 

 

A grim winter’s day couldn’t deter our demo riders at this weekend’s Specialized Wheelbase Demo Day. The event was fully sold out as riders turned up at Hamsterley Forest on Saturday to test out some of the world’s best electric and full-suspension mountain bikes.

Specialized brought some of the most popular trail bikes to test on our exclusive demo event. Riders took to the trails on the Stumpjumper and Enduro full suspension trail bikes plus the Kenevo and Levo full suspension electric mountain bikes. Five group rides went out during the day to explore the trails of the North East’s best MTB park with some lunch squeezed in between.

The event ran in unison with a Soil Searching Dig Day organised by Specialized UK and Hamsterley Trailblazers. We had over 40 volunteers turn up to help maintain and build on the trails we ride.

All photos below from Jerry Tatton. Full gallery can be viewed here.

 

On Saturday we were at Hamsterley Forest with Specialized and the crew from Hamsterley Trailblazers for a ‘Dig Day’. Joined by over 40 ready-to-pitch-in volunteers, we spent the day repairing and building on the trails we love to ride.

The idea behind the Soil Searching programme from Specialized is that we’re all responsible for the trails we ride and we should all pitch-in some time to help out with some maintenance. Along with the team from Hamsterley Trailblazers and our team of eager volunteers we tooled up and got to digging. We provided a hearty lunch to fuel the team in the winter conditions and everyone was in great spirits throughout.

The Dig Day ran alongside our very first and hugely successful Wheelbase Specialized Big Demo, where riders had the chance to try out some of the world’s best electric and full-suspension mountain bikes on the trails of Hamsterley Forest.

All photos below from Jerry Tatton. Full gallery can be viewed here.

For the 2019 Spring/Summer collection Fox Head Clothing have created three distinctive lines of apparel, each one tailored to a different style of riding. Each collection provides the rider with a unique set of benefits depending on their chosen riding style. Whether you have a need for durability, versatility or mobility, one of the three collections will suit your ride – Defend. Ranger. Flexair.

Defend performs in the most demanding conditions. Super tough Kevlar fabric and reinforced taped seams provide durability ride after ride.

Ranger performs everywhere. With natural feeling fabrics concealing technical features, it allows you to hit the trails on your lunch break and get away with it.

Flexair is the lightest and most breathable gear. Using flexible fabrics and targeted venting, it gives you your coolest ride ever.

The full Fox SS19 MTB range is now in stock online and in-store.