Posted on

FAST BIKE FRIDAY – BMC ROADMACHINE 01 THREE 2021

BMC Roadmachine 01 ONE 2021

This week Fast Bike Friday focuses on a super-hot road bike that’s fresh into Wheelbase from our newest brand BMC! We recently shined a spotlight on this premium Swiss brand and ran through the road and gravel models that are now available; today we’re taking a more detailed look at the lust-worthy Roadmachine 01 THREE road bike…

Within the extensive range of BMC road bikes the Roadmachine is billed as BMC’s ‘One Bike Collection’, a true all-rounder that’s built for epic all-day rides with a frame developed specifically to offer more compliance and comfort, helping to reduce body fatigue and keep you feeling fresher for longer. That said, it’s worth getting one thing straight – this is not your typical ‘comfort road bike’ with a ridiculously high head tube or with gimmicky suspension elastomers; the Roadmachine is still very-much performance-focused with more traditional road geometry and a more-racey look and feel. Instead of an extreme upright position, this bike gets its comfort label thanks to clever carbon fibre engineering with BMC’s ‘Tuned Compliance Concept’ (TCC) which enhances compliance (flex) in key areas of the frame and fork.

The Roadmachine is billed as BMC’s ‘One Bike Collection’…

BMC Roadmachine 01 ONE 2021

As you’ll expect from a bike brand packed full of precision Swiss engineering talent there are a lot of acronyms to digest as BMC explain their latest technology and manufacturing processes. TCC or Tuned Compliance Concept is one such example that needs a more detailed explanation; the Roadmachine models feature ‘TCC Endurance’ which is the most compliant version of their TCC principle. The principle is simple – engineer the carbon frame and forks to add compliance in key areas so that we can ride on the roughest roads and be able to push harder and ride further.

BMC’s TCC principle is the key to all-day comfort…

BMC Roadmachine 01 THREE

Using their Angle Compliance technology BMC are able to engineer predefined patterns of movement into specific areas of the frame and fork when they are subjected to vertical loads. All Roadmachine models feature Angle Compliance on their seatstays, fork and seatpost. With endless hours of R&D and testing BMC have been able to generate exact amounts of vertical compliance without compromising on lateral stiffness, this equates to a more comfortable ride in the real world, their iconic seatstay design further enhances vertical compliance and wheel traction while retaining lateral stiffness for those long out-of-the-saddle efforts and sharp accelerations on every terrain.

BMC’s iconic seatstay design enhances vertical compliance…

BMC Roadmachine 01 THREE

The Roadmachine range is split into two different sub-groups ‘Roadmachine 01’ and ‘Roadmachine’; it’s important to point out that the grade of carbon is exactly the same for both sub-groups with the key difference being that the Roadmachine 01 models feature BMC’s ICS technology integrated fork, bar, stem combination with fully concealed cables while the Roadmachine models do not.

The Roadmachine 01 THREE features BMC’s ICS technology…

BMC Roadmachine 01 THREE 2021

The Integrated Cockpit System makes the Roadmachine 01 THREE one of the most integrated endurance road bikes out there. There’s some clever design solutions here from BMC with the hydraulic brake hoses running seamlessly from the handle bar, into the stem, down through the steerer tube, into the frame internally routed to the rear brake and through the fork to the front disc brake caliper. In this instance with a SRAM Force eTap AXS wireless groupset spec’d there’s no need to route gear cables through this set up, but needless to say on the models that do feature Di2 wires the setup is equally as clean and efficient.

A clutter-free integrated front end is efficient and aerodynamic…

BMC Roadmachine 01 THREE 2021

The stealth cable routing on the Roadmachine 01 THREE creates a really clean look and improved aerodynamics. BMC’s sensitively shaped tube profiles with a unique angular appearance reflects this Swiss company’s carefully balanced approach to functionality and iconic aesthetic design.

Iconic angular carbon profiling makes the Roadmachine 01 instantly recognisable as a BMC road bike…

BMC Roadmachine 01 THREE 2021

As I’ve already briefly mentioned, the Roadmachine 01 THREE comes spec’d with SRAM’s brilliant 12 speed wireless groupset Force eTap AXS. This is still the hot groupset to have, with many bike manufacturers featuring it somewhere in the higher echelons of their road bike ranges; sitting one rung below SRAM’s flagship Red eTap AXS groupset Force takes all of the technology developed for Red and makes it (slightly) more accessible to the masses.

Wireless eTap shifters make gear shifting precise and intuitive; they’re powered by button batteries…

BMC Roadmachine 01 THREE 2021

The front derailleur is activated by pressing both the front and left gear levers together at the same time, shifting from the small ring to the back ring with one activation and then back from the big ring to the small ring the next time you press both gear levers together at the same time. This becomes pretty intuitive pretty quickly!

The motor battery clips securely onto the front derailleur and is interchangeable with the rear derailleur too…

BMC Roadmachine 01 THREE 2021

The rear derailleur features a clever internal fluid-clutch to aid chain retention…

BMC Roadmachine 01 THREE 2021

This 12-speed groupset features SRAM’s unique approach to gear ratios, created in an effort to decrease the size and weight of the drivetrain while making the jump between each gear ratio smaller for an overall more user-friendly riding experience. For the Roadmachine 01 THREE BMC have spec’d a 46T/33T chainset combined with a 10-36T cassette to ensure that you’ll always be able to select the appropriate gear for every riding scenario.

SRAM’s unique chain featuring a flat-profiled outer edge adds strength to the thinner 12 speed chain…

BMC Roadmachine 01 THREE 2021

In a lot of cases disc brake road bikes have fast-tracked their way to being super stylish, clean looking bikes with compact, tidy brake calipers fitted almost seamlessly to the frame. The Roadmachine is a great example of this with the BMC engineers neatly integrating the SRAM hydraulic flat-mount disc brake calipers to the frame and fork.

As you’d expect, BMC have installed the flat-mount disc brake caliper neatly within the frame…

BMC Roadmachine 01 THREE 2021

The Roadmachine’s front disc brake caliper is neatly integrated into the fork…

BMC Roadmachine 01 THREE 2021

A high-performance road bike built for comfort AND speed obviously needs a fast pair of wheels capable of accelerating on the hills and wining the sprint at the end of your weekly chaingang; BMC have spec’d a hot pair of carbon Zipp 303S tubeless-ready wheels with an aero-efficient 45mm carbon rim depth. This contemporary wheelset has been specifically designed to excel on bikes like the Roadmachine 01THREE with a wider rim profile allowing you to run wider tyres and lower tyre pressures, a trend road riders are increasingly demanding.

BMC have spec’d the Roadmachine 01 THREE with a super-fast Zipp 303S wheelset…

BMC Roadmachine 01 THREE 2021

The Roadmachine 01 THREE comes spec’d with 28mm wide Vittoria tyres, however BMC state that there is clearance for  tyres up to 33mm wide…

BMC Roadmachine 01 THREE 2021

Tyre clearance up front is good too, BMC assure us that you can safely run tyres up to 33mm wide; aero AND comfortable, the best of both worlds!…

BMC Roadmachine 01 THREE 2021

A nice detail to the Roadmachine 01 THREE is the Fizik Tempo Argo R5 saddle, billed by Fizik as ‘a versatile saddle for endurance racing’. The first, most-notable detail is the stubby profile of the saddle, this short-nosed design has become really popular over he last few seasons and now is seen within many saddle manufacturer’s ranges. The Tempo Argo R5’s short length allows you to sit further forward without placing undue pressure on your body; an ergonomic cut out further relieves pressure while a compliant carbon-reinforced nylon shell combined with Fizik’s Type 2 foam is slightly thicker than on other models to provide enhanced comfort during endless hours in the saddle.

Fizik’s stubby Tempo Argo R5 saddle is a popular choice amongst riders looking for more comfort during long hours in the saddle…

BMC Roadmachine 01 THREE 2021

The Roadmachine 01 THREE is the road bike for you if you’re looking for a high-performing do-it-all road bike built to excel on epic rides and in demanding road races; equally capable on smooth pavements or rougher back lanes with wide 28mm tyres (with the option to run up to 33mm wide) and cutting-edge wireless SRAM Force eTap AXS groupset along with flat-mount hydraulic disc brakes and super-fast Zipp 303S wheels the Roadmachine is a fantastically versatile road bike that’s ready for almost anything you can throw at it.

Fast, efficient, comfortable, responsive, confidence-inspiring – the BMC Roadmachine 01 THREE is a fantastic example of how modern road bikes have recently evolved… 

BMC Roadmachine 01 THREE 2021

The Roadmachine 01 THREE is available now in-store and online.

If you want to find out more about the other Roadmachine bikes in the BMC range or want to explore the full collection of 2021 BMC road and gravel bikes take a look at our recently published BMC Brand Spotlight…

 

Blog written by Johnny Dodgin

All photos by James Vincent

 

Posted on

NEW BIKES JUST LANDED!

New Bikes Just Landed

We’ve got new bikes coming into stock every day at WHEELBASE, here’s just a selection of some of our latest arrivals from the World’s best brands…

Cannondale Topstone Carbon 5 2021

 

Cannondale Topstone Carbon 4 2021

Kona Rove DL 2021

Kona Rove 2021

 

BMC Roadmachine 01 THREE 2021

Specialized Allez 2021

Cannondale Trail Neo 2 2021

Cannondale Trail Neo 4 2021

 

Specialized Enduro Comp Carbon 2021

Merida Big Seven 20 2021

Squish 20 Kids Bikes

Squish 16 Kids Bike 2021

Wahoo Kickr Smart V5 Trainer

 

Tacx Neo 2T Smart Trainer

 

 

 

Posted on

FAST BIKE FRIDAY – CANNONDALE WOMEN’S TOPSTONE CARBON 4

Cannondale Womens Topstone Carbon 4 2021

This week’s Fast Bike Friday feature is focused on the popular Topstone Carbon gravel bike, with this particular model the Women’s Topstone Carbon 4 being marketed as a women’s bike. Why the distinction? We’ll look at the details further into the Blog, for now let’s just focus on the Topstone Carbon range as a whole.

The Topstone Carbon has become one of the more established gravel bike options available to consumers and has quickly gained popularity thanks to its unique looks and cleverly engineered performance qualities. There are many iterations of the versatile Topstone Carbon with a ‘Lefty’ sub-range of bikes being the most recent addition, bringing a Lefty front suspension fork and 650b wheelset to Cannondale’s gravel bikes, however at the heart of all of the Carbon Topstone bikes is the already iconic Kingpin configuration at the rear of the carbon frame.

Cannondale are renowned for being able to find the best athletes able to showcase just what their bikes can do and the Topstone Carbon has already been pushed to its limits by some of the most dynamic riders currently competing in some of the most demanding gravel and adventure events out there. Cannondale athlete TED KING has spent the last few seasons pushing the limits by taking on numerous epic rides which have been a mix of organised events and solo challenges with the Topstone Carbon successfully featuring in his exploits.

Another major news story that has captured the imagination of cycling fans across multiple cycling disciplines over the past few seasons is the progression of Lachlan Morton as an athlete who is capable of not only competing in grand tours such as the Giro d’Italia as part of the EF Eductaion-NIPPO pro cycling team but is also able to take on and excel in some of the most demanding gravel and multi-day events out there including the inaugural GBDURO in 2019. Lachlan piloted his Cannondale Topstone Carbon to victory in this gruelling event which saw riders compete over the length of the UK with a route that started at Lands End in Cornwall and finished at John O’ Groats at the top of Scotland with the great majority of the race taking place on gravel and off-road trails. The Topstone Carbon handled this ultimate bike-packing challenge with gusto, proving itself as a competent machine capable of taking all that can be thrown at it, day after day.

Cannondale Womens Topstone Carbon 4

Watch Lachlan take on the GBDURO onboard his Topstone Carbon

Cannondale Womens Topstone Carbon 4 2021

Morton on his fully-laden Cannondale Topstone Carbon

 

So let’s get back to the bike itself and consider how and why the Topstone Carbon’s frame gained so much attention when it was first launched. Cannondale’s unique Kingpin configuration was celebrated at the bike’s launch thanks to its compliant rear end which has been achieved with some clever carbon fibre engineering, dramatically dropped seatstays and the placement of a pivot-point – the Kingpin. The Kingpin allows the seat tube and chainstays to flex more dramatically than they would without it; the carefully considered layup of the carbon fibre and the refined shape of each tube profile means that the rear of the frame is able to flex continuously without any lasting fatigue to the frame and significantly this configuration retains all of the stiffness and responsiveness that is demanded of a conventional carbon frame. What does all this mean in practice? Well it means that the Topstone remains immediately responsive to pedaling input both in and out of the saddle with the declared 30mm of rear wheel travel only coming into play when you hit the rough stuff. There’s no unwanted movement on smooth surfaces and there’s no requirement for an elaborate lockout; simply put, the bike has hit the sweet spot between being light and responsive and comfortable and compliant with the minimum of gimmicks, just solid, logical engineering.

Cannondale Womens Topstone Carbon 4 2021

Cannondale’s Kingpin is the key to that 30mm of rear wheel travel

Cannondale Womens Topstone Carbon 4

Clever carbon layup and shaping allows for more flex

Cannondale Womens Topstone Carbon 4 2021

Wide, boxy bottom bracket area means the Topstone Carbon is responsive to power input 

 

This particular model within the Topstone range is billed as a Women’s Topstone Carbon 4 but it’s important to point out that there is no significant difference between this frame and the Topstone Carbon frames that are NOT deemed as women’s models. The frame’s sizing and geometry are identical, it is essentially the same bike. This is a trend that has been growing right across the bike industry with Trek and Specialized also following this ethos on a great amount of their bikes. Bike brands are abandoning the belief that women’s body proportions are vastly different to men’s; that’s too much of a generalisation, it’s more the case that our proportions are all individual regardless of gender. Sizing is consistent across the range regardless of gender, so if you’re looking at a size medium women’s bike all of the measurements and angles are identical to the men’s size medium.

Cannondale Womens Topstone Carbon 4 2021

Sizing and geometry are consistent regardless of gender

 

As you’d expect from an out and out gravel adventure bike the Topstone Carbon bike features multiple bolt-on bosses throughout the frame and fork allowing you to attach multiple bottle cages, bike-packing bags or even mudguards for a practical all-weather mile-muncher. Tyre clearance is good too, with the bike coming spec’d with 700c x 37mm wide gravel tyres; Cannondale state on their website that the bike will comfortably take a 700c x 40mm tyre with 6mm of clearance between tyre and frame/fork.

Cannondale Womens Topstone Carbon 4 2021

Full carbon fork with bolt-on bosses for mudguards or racks

Cannondale Womens Topstone Carbon 4 2021

Bolt-on bosses included on the top tube allows for the fitting of a small pack

 

As we’ve very quickly grown to expect from brands producing contemporary gravel bikes the bike features one of Shimano’s gravel-specific groupsets, in this case mainly 11-speed Shimano GRX 800 along with a GRX 810 Shadow RD+ rear derailleur and Cannondale’s own BB30a OPI SpideRing chainset. The 11-speed drivetrain provides a really user-friendly range of gears that are capable of handling the wide variation in terrain and gradients that you’ll typically encounter on an all-day gravel adventure. Cannondale’s chainset features 46/30T chainrings and this is combined with an 11-34 rear cassette to give you all the gear combinations you’ll need.

Cannondale Women's Topstone Carbon 4 2021

A gravel-friendly drivetrain is ready for action

 

One of the key features of the Shimano GRX groupset is the gravel-specific shifter/brake lever combination which has evolved from their proven road bike levers. Significant changes from their road specific cousins include a higher pivot point for the brake lever, which in practice means that there’s more leverage when the brake lever is activated from the brake hoods rather than the braking position in the drops. As gravel riders tend to spend the majority of their time with their hands on the hoods this is a great improvement from Shimano. Another detail is small but significant, a matt, slightly rubberised paint finish to the levers means that braking and gear selection is safe and secure even in wet, muddy conditions.

Cannondale Womens Topstone Carbon 4

GRX shifters help ensure precise gear changes even under pressure

Cannondale Womens Topstone Carbon 4

A GRX 810 Shadow RD+ rear mech features a clutch to keep the chain secure on rough terrain

Cannondale Womens Topstone Carbon 4 2021

The Shimano GRX 800 front mech is compact to prevent contact with large volume tyres

 

Shimano’s excellent GRX 800 groupset includes compact, powerful flat-mount hydraulic disc brakes combined with neat 160mm rotors. This set-up provides ample braking power both from the lever hoods and when you’re positioned in the handlebar drops. Shimano’s disc brake technology is well-proven across all cycling disciplines and these GRX brake calipers clearly take everything they’ve learnt over the years and tweaked the technology to specifically suit gravel bikes.

Cannondale Womens Topstone Carbon 4 2021

GRX 800 flat-mount hydraulic disc brakes are compact but powerful

Cannondale Womens Topstone Carbon 4 2021

The GRX 800 flat-mount rear brake caliper sits neatly within the frame

 

An agile carbon gravel bike built to go fast and get rowdy needs a pair of handlebars that put the rider into a comfortable and confidence-inspiring position particularly when descending down steep, technical trails. Cannondale have included a pair of alloy Cannondale 3 handlebars with a 16 degree flare to help keep you in control even when things get sketchy; this slightly wider handle bar set-up gives you more leverage and helps you hold your line over unpredictable terrain.

Cannondale Womens Topstone Carbon 4 2021

Flared Cannondale 3 handlebars provide more control when things get rowdy

 

Cannondale have spec’d the Women’s Topstone Carbon 4 with a Fabric Scoop Flat Elite saddle which is well padded and provides good pelvic support thanks to its refined profile. The saddle is fitted to a Cannondale 2 UD Carbon 27.2 x 350mm seatpost which features a flattened profile to further enhance compliance and comfort when used together with the Topstone frame. Incidentally it’s worth pointing out that the Topstone Carbon frame also includes internal cable routing for a dropper post. So if that’s something you think you may want to fit in the future then the frame is ready.

Cannondale Womens Topstone Carbon 4 2021

Fabric Scoop Flat Elite saddle is comfortable and provides good support

 

The Cannondale Women’s Topstone Carbon 4 gravel bike features a pair of tough but lightweight gravel-ready WTB KOM Light i23 TCS 28 hole tubeless ready wheels shod with WTB Riddler TCS Light tubeless gravel tyres which are 700c x 37mm wide and strike that all-important balance between being grippy AND fast rolling. Note that both wheels and tyres are tubeless ready, so if that’s your preference the wheelset can be easily converted to be run tubeless.

Cannondale Womens Topstone Carbon 4

WTB KOM Light i23 wheels are tough but lightweight and are well suited to gravel riding

Cannondale Womens Topstone Carbon 4 2021

WTB Riddler TCS Light tyres roll fast but provide ample grip off-road

 

The Cannondale Women’s Topstone Carbon 4 is a fantastic gravel bike option for those looking for a fast, agile and comfortable bike capable of taking on multi-day wilderness adventures when you’re fully laden with all you need to escape the rat race. Equally, if competition and performance is your thing then this bike already has enough race-heritage to give you the confidence to sign up for whatever challenge you want to take on.

Cannondale Womens Topstone Carbon 4

 

Blog written by Johnny Dodgin

Lachlan Morton photographs by Dan Monaghan

Bike photos by James Vincent

Posted on

NEW BIKES JUST IN!

New Bikes Just In

We’ve got new bikes coming into stock every day at WHEELBASE, here’s just a selection of some of our latest arrivals from the World’s best brands…

BMC Roadmachine ONE 2021

Specialized Allez Sport 2021

BMC Roadmachine FOUR 2021

Specialized Enduro Comp Carbon 29 2021

Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC Race 2021

Whyte 901 2021

 

Cube Reaction Hybrid Race 625 2021

Merida Big Trail 400 2021

Trek Marlin 6 2021

Specialized Hotwalk 2021

Posted on

SPECIALIZED TURBO LEVO SL EXPERT CARBON E-MTB – REVIEW

Specialized Turbo Levo SL

Check out the sublime Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon E-Mountain Bike. The headline? This is NOT your typical E-MTB, with Specialized taking a whole new approach to E-MTB design compared to what has been created before by the Californian bike brand. You may already be familiar with Specialized’s popular Levo range of E-MTBs but the Levo SL (Super Light) sub-range is significantly different AND it’s probably fair to say, is aimed at a mountain biker with a slightly different mindset and with different expectations from an electric mountain bike.

The Turbo Levo SL is not your typical E-MTB, in fact you have to do a double-take to even realise it IS an E-MTB…

Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon 2021

So what was the design brief for the Levo SL? Well, Specialized set out to create a superlight E-MTB that would give you the pedal assistance required to go further and faster than you would have on an ‘acoustic’ mountain bike but without some of the extra bulk and subsequent effect on bike handling associated with a conventional E-MTB. While it’s fair to say there’s a whole cohort of mountain bikers who have fully embraced the E-MTB and have adapted their riding styles accordingly, there is still a whole load of riders looking for an almost unobtainable ‘E-MTB Unicorn’ giving the best of both worlds – namely an E-MTB that is light, nimble, loves to get airborne BUT with the extra power to ride more trails.

To hit that sweet spot between having ride-enhancing pedal-assist power and the feel of a conventional ‘manual mountain bike’ Specialized have spec’d their very own 240 Watt Specialized SL 1.1 motor (the same motor found on the their popular Turbo Creo SL e-Road bikes) to give the rider just enough assistance to really excel on the tougher climbs and encourage them to ride further and longer than they would have previously.

With a 240 Watt motor giving out 35Nm of pedal assist Specialized describe this riding solution as ‘2x You’…

Speciailzed Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon 2021

The riding feel of the Specialized Turbo Levo SL is quick and lively with Specialized’s SL 1.1 Motor adding just enough power to give a more subtle ‘enhanced you’ feel than some of the other Levo bikes in Specialized’s range of e-MTBs. The motor’s responsive torque curve delivers power perfectly in-tune with your normal riding cadence and leaves no resistance when you’re riding without power assistance. So if you’re the type of rider who wants to feel like you’ve really had a proper workout, perhaps riding a little further and faster than you would have on your conventional mountain bike and you’re not looking for that significant kick and exaggerated torque that can feel a little unpredictable on some other e-mountain bikes then this bike is a great option.

That’s a seriously compact motor stowed inside a beautiful carbon frame…

Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon 2021

What about motor modes? The SL 1.1 Motor features three assisted riding modes: ECO, TRAIL and TURBO, here’s how those modes break down:

ECO mode matches your effort by 30%

TRAIL mode matches your effort by 60%

TURBO mode matches your effort by 100%

You can also ride in unassisted mode, riding with no power and interestingly Specialized’s motor doesn’t give a significant feeling of drag associated with motors in unassisted mode from other brands. By using Specialized’s own Mission Control App you can even tune the motor to suit your own riding style, adjust the motor’s power delivery, control your range and record your rides.

Custom tune your motor with the Mission Control App…

Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon 2021

Specialized have put so much investment into the development of their own motors and batteries for their e-bikes in partnership with specialist developers Mahle. Rather than going with a separate motor and battery supplier, they are able to refine and control the size, power and efficiency of their own unique technology. Part of the reason that many of us have to do a double-take on the Levo SL is due to the super-compact motor and their lithium-ion battery stowed away in the down-tube.

Despite it’s compact appearance the Specialized battery gives a range of 5 hours…

 

Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon 2021

There’s a lot of chat in-store and out on the trails around Wheelbase HQ concerning ‘range-anxiety’. Gone are the days of simply carbo-loading the night before your big ride and making sure you’ve packed some good trail snacks, nowadays lots of us have to also consider battery range, either for an all-day epic ride or even for a weekend away with multiple rides planned. Again Specialized have you covered with an option to fit a 160Wh Range Extender battery which fits in your bottle cage increasing battery capacity by 50%.

The 160Wh Range Extender is available as an after market product…

Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon

 

The Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon is a beautiful looking bike spec’d with some very bling components; this model features a FACT Carbon fibre frame utilising Specialized’s 29 Trail Geometry combined with a big travel 150mm Fox Float 36 Performance Elite suspension fork upfront and a Fox Float DPX2 Performance Elite rear shock with 3-position adjustment giving 150mm of travel at the rear of the bike.

A substantial 150mm travel Fox Float 36 fork takes care of business up front…

Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon 2021

You can control the Specialized SL 1.1 Motor quickly and easily with a pretty slick set up on the handlebars, this simple, compact shifter lets you quickly toggle between Motor modes even in the most extreme circumstances – uphill, downhill, tight turns the controls are at your finger-tips. There’s no clutter here, with a really neat combination of Deity grips, motor shifter and dropper post lever all taking up the minimum of space on the Specialized Trail 780mm wide alloy handle bars.

There’s no unnecessary clutter here… 

Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon 2021

Specialized’s alloy trail stem features a clever Swat multitool stowed away within the steerer of the stem…

Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon

Specialized have spec’d the Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon with a 12 Speed SRAM GX Eagle groupset for a simple, efficient setup. A Praxis crankset with a SRAM X-Sync Eagle 30T chainring combined with a whopping 10-52T cassette gives you all the gear ratios you’ll need, with rapid, positive gear changes controlled by a SRAM X01 12 speed trigger shifter.

Specialized’s integrated chain-keeper keeps your chain in place when things get rowdy…

Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon 2021

A whopping 10-52T cassette combined with the drive of the Levo SL’s motor means you’ll conquer what you previously thought un-rideable…

Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon 2021

A burly 150mm travel e-mountain bike is going to get up to speed pretty fast! To help ensure you remain in control and are able to negotiate tight, technical trails Specialized have fitted the Levo SL with powerful SRAM Code RS 4-Piston hydraulic disc brakes combined with big 200mm disc brake rotors to help you scrub-off speed when you’re under pressure.

4-Piston code calipers…

Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon 2021

BIG 200mm rotors help keep you in control…

Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon 2021

Tough handbuilt Roval 29” wheels featuring burly, wide Traverse 28 hole rims are laced to a Roval hub with sealed cartridge bearings up front while the rear is a Roval DT Swiss 360 hub with a 3-pawl design and SRAM XD Driver Body.

Sealed Cartridge Roval hub up front…

Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon 2021

A fast, powerful e-MTB with great suspension and really efficient disc drakes needs a good set of tyres to keep you in control when you’re flying downhill negotiating tight turns and braking heavily on loose terrain; the 29×2.3” Specialized Butcher front tyre with protective GRID TRAIL casing features an aggressive tread pattern is ready for action. Out back Specialized have spec’d a 29.3” Eliminator rear tyre with GRID TRAIL casing too, so superior traction is guaranteed even when you’re running in Turbo mode.

Specialized Butcher front tyre…

Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon

So, that’s the excellent Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon e-MTB. An e-Mountain Bike quite like no other really. The reasons for owning this e-MTB over others available both from Specialized themselves and other brands are subtle, it’s a great choice for mountain bikers who want an agile, low weight e-MTB that rides and handles more like their favourite ‘acoustic’ bike.

Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon 2021

This bike enhances your pedalling input in a different way to most e-Mountain Bikes; clever technology allows you to tune exactly how it behaves and battery life is super-efficient, meaning you can go out on all-day epic adventures over multiple mountain passes without concern or alternatively if you’re heading off on a weekend away with your mates, ticking off multiple trail centres take along a 160Wh Range Extender battery and don’t sweat where you’re going to find a charging socket. E-Mountain Biking is still a relatively young from of cycling with technology and attitudes still evolving, as both industry and riders push the boundaries of what is ultimately possible. Will this bike serve as an early example of the way that e-MTBs are heading? Only time will tell….

The Specialized Levo SL Expert Carbon 2021 is in now stock now for £8,500.00

Blog written by Johnny Dodgin

Bike Photos by James Vincent

 

 

 

 

Posted on

FAST BIKE FRIDAY – MERIDA BIG TRAIL 400

Merida Big Trail 400

This week for Fast Bike Friday we’re taking a look at the Merida Big Trail 400 hardcore hardtail. Tough trail-focused hardtails with longer-travel suspension forks upfront are very much a staple within UK mountain biking with this simple setup being really popular amongst riders looking for a bike that can handle rowdy, technical trails and aggressive riding. It turns out that this sort of approach to mountain biking is fairly unique to the UK and so, when you begin to look at the bike ranges from mainstream brands that are based elsewhere in the world you’ll find that there aren’t always many options for this sort of hardtail MTB.

 

The Merida Big Trail 400 is a playful UK-focused trail bike…

Merida Big Trail 400

Despite Merida being one of the biggest bike manufacturers in the world they obviously have their fingers on the pulse when it comes to measuring demand for all genres of bikes. The brand have an ethos that encourages comments and feedback gathered from customers via their retailers and fed back to their national Product Managers. This chain of communication flagged up the UK’s demand for a fun, agile hardtail trail bike and working closely with their UK MTB Product Manager Rey the wish list for such a bike was defined – a trail focused 29er with 140mm fork, 1x transmission, Boost standard bolt thru axles and of course a dropper post; as a result of this process the Merida Big Trail range of bikes was born.

 

The Big Trail 400 was born out of a demand for a more agile hardcore hardtail…

Merida Big Trail 400

Merida have developed a bike with very modern ‘trail bike’ geometry. With a slack enduro inspired 65.5° head angle the Big Trail 400 features a 140mm travel suspension fork to handle steep, tight, technical trails. The frame geometry features a long-reach top tube combined with a short stem to give plenty of room to move freely about the bike while keeping steering sharp and responsive; the bike also features a super-low stand-over height further adding to your agility on the bike while a long dropper post means that when fully-extended seated pedaling is comfortable and effective; with the dropper activated the saddle is well out of the way to accommodate more aggressive trail riding.

 

The slack 65.5° head angle combined with a burly 140mm travel fork is ready for steep, technical descents…

Merida Big Trail 400

The Merida Big Trail 400 is made from lightweight but tough AL 6061 aluminium and is manufactured using Merida’s Techno Forming System which produces cleverly profiled frame tubing that flares out at the head tube to enhance overall strength. There is also reinforcement at the junction between the top tube and seat tube and some clever construction at the bottom bracket to be able to pull the large 29er wheel in tightly to allow for super-short chainstays which help to further enhance the playful nature of the Big Trail 400. With contemporary Boost hub spacing and thru-axles the frame is stiff and the junction between frame and wheel is secure.

 

A tough, lightweight alloy frame keeps things light and agile…

Merida Big Trail 400

 

A tapered headtube helps to keep steering sharp and precise…

Merida Big Trail 400

 

Cables are routed internally for a clean, uncluttered look while cables are protected from the elements…

Merida Big Trail 400

Merida have spec’d a Suntour XCR34 LOR Air suspension fork providing that all-important 140mm of travel to handle those big hits. These aggressive trail forks accommodate a 110x15mm thru-axle which keeps the 29er front wheel secure and in place while enhancing steering precision. The Suntour XCR34 also features a lockout on the fork crown to allow you to quickly lock out your fork when you’re riding back up the hill to take another run down your favourite trail.

 

The Suntour XCR34LOR Air suspension fork can take the big hits…

Merida Big Trail 400

 

The Suntour XCR34LOR fork includes a lockout for efficient climbing…

Merida Big Trail 400

Frame clearance on the Merida Big Trail 400 is really good, allowing you to fit big, aggressive tread 29” tyres with a maximum width of 2.5”. The bike comes spec’d with capable 29” x 2.4” Kenda Regolith tyres that provide loads of traction on the up hills as well as on the tight, loose downhill turns. This aggressive trail bike rolls fast over obstacles thanks to its 29er wheels; the bigger wheels and burly tyres mean you can plough through harsh terrain and remain in control with the benefit of a larger contact area between tyre and terrain when compared with smaller circumference wheels.

 

The Big Trail 400 is spec’d with very capable 29” x 2.4” Kenda Regolith tyres…

Merida Big Trail 400

Merida have spec’d the Big Trail with powerful Shimano BR-MT200 2 piston hydraulic disc brakes combined with big 180mm rotors to provide a lot of stopping power even when you’re really under pressure negotiating steep, super-tight downhill turns that require you to come to an almost dead stop.

 

There’s ample stopping power the Shimano BR-MT200 hydraulic disc brakes…

Merida Big Trail 400

 

The rear hydraulic brake caliper is tidily positioned within the frame, away from the potential for knocks and damage…

Merida Big Trail 400

 

The Shimano BR-MT200 hydraulic brake levers provide loads of stopping power, below the left brake lever is the remote lever for the mechanical dropper seat post which is internally routed through the frame…

Merida Big Trail 400

The Merida Big Trail 400 hardtail features a Shimano Deore 1x groupset made up of a Shimano Deore M5100 chainset with a 32 tooth chainring combined with a 10 speed Shimano Deore M4100 cassette with a wide user-friendly range of gears ranging from 11 to 46 teeth. A Shimano Deore M4100 shifter connected to a Shimano Deore M5120 Shadow+ 10 speed rear derailleur takes care of gear selection providing crisp, precise gear shifting in all circumstances; the addition of a pair of VP Components VPE-891 flat platform pedals is a nice touch by Merida.

 

Shimano Deore transmission provides reliable gear selection in all conditions…

Merida Big Trail 400

 

A 10 speed Shimano Deore M4100 shifter provides precise gear shifting…

Merida Big Trail 400

 

The Big Trail’s finishing kit includes a super-short 50mm stem to keep steering sharp…

Merida Big Trail 400

 

A Merida Comp CC saddle is durable and comfortable when you’re spinning a low gear while seated…

Merida Big Trail 400

If you’re looking for an affordable hardcore hardtail that is ready for aggressive riding on UK trails then the Merida Big Trail 400 is a great choice. This competitively priced trail bike packs a lot of punch for price and includes a great component spec that’s ready for action straight out of the box. It ticks all the boxes regarding what we’ve come to expect from a UK focused trail bike, namely slack geometry, a big travel suspension fork, simple 1x transmission and a dropper post all for just £1,000.00

 

Looking for an affordable UK-focused trail bike? The Merida Big Trail 400 is a great option…

Merida Big Trail 400

 

Find out more about the Big Trail 400 on Merida’s Youtube channel…

Merida Big Trail 400

 

The Merida Big Trail 400 is available in-store and online now.

 

Blog written by Johnny Dodgin

Bike Photos by James Vincent

 

 

 

Posted on

NEW BIKES JUST IN!

New Bikes Just In

We’ve got new bikes coming into stock every day at WHEELBASE, here’s just a selection of some of our latest arrivals from the World’s best brands…

 

Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon SE 2021

Cannondale Trail Neo 2 2021

Merida Big Trail 600 2021

Merida Big Trail 500 2021

Specialized Diverge Carbon 2021

Kona Sutra 2021

Kona Rove 2021

Squish 20 Kids Bike

Squish 16 Kids Bike

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on

WHEELBASE – Covid 19 (Coronovirus) update

Wheelbase is Open

Covid 19 (Coronavirus) update

Last updated: 9am, Saturday 09 January 2021

ALL THREE WHEELBASE STORES WILL REMAIN OPEN

Monday – Saturday 9.00AM – 5.30PM

Sunday 10.00AM – 4.00PM

Wheelbase stores will remain open during the new Coronavirus Lockdown measures. We will continue to support our customers in our three stores across the North of England, and assist mail order customers remotely with our 5 star customer service team.

Customers can be assured that we are continuing to follow strict government guidelines while we operate, with all of the required Covid-secure measures in place throughout the business to help keep our customers and staff safe.

For updates on the situation please view our Facebook page, News Blog or sign up to our Mailing List.

Thank you all for your continued support. Stay safe and try to stay positive while we all continue to live through this difficult time.

Chris, Toby, James and the rest of the WHEELBASE team

 

 

 

WHEELBASE Lake District, Staveley LA8 9LR

Open: Monday – Saturday 9.00am to 5.30pm, Sunday 10.00am to 4.00pm

WHEELBASE Yorkshire, Ilkley LS29 9EW

Open: Monday – Saturday 9.00am to 5.30pm, Sunday 10.00am to 4.00pm

WHEELBASE North East, Darlington DL3 7LB

Open: Monday – Saturday 9.00am to 5.30pm, Sunday 10.00am to 4.00pm

 

WHEELBASE Mail Order – our mail order service is fully operational Monday to Saturday. Please note we will be only able to ship in stock items and you can view our large range HERE.

Current delivery timescale on new bike orders: 19-21 days* 

*UK mainland only. Upon placing your order our mail order team will be in contact to confirm a delivery date with you.

Current turnaround on parts and accessory orders: 2-3 days 

Opening hours for telephone queries and orders is Monday to Saturday 9am to 5.30pm. 

 

 

Posted on

PRODUCT LAUNCH! Introducing the Focus Atlas

Focus ATLAS Gravel Bike

Launched today! (13.01.21) The Focus ATLAS Gravel Bike is ‘Made to Lose’….

….Made to lose you say? Seems a strange marketing headline?! However, what initially sounds absurd actually makes a lot of sense when you dig a little deeper. The Focus ATLAS is the bike you reach for when you want to escape the world of appointments and smartphones, of project deadlines, racing-performance stats and feeling you have to compete and win every aspect of your life. The ATLAS Gravel Bike is made to lose, taking your attention away from competition and helping you to feel free from the modern world and all its hassles for as little or as long as you want.

Focus ATLAS Gravel Bike

The ATLAS is Focus’ first out-and-out Gravel Bike and although you could argue they’re a little late to the party their timing means that they come to market with a very capable bike packed full of the sort of features you’d expect to find on a modern bang-up-to-date gravel bike. Focus have also developed the ATLAS to have the type of geometry that has really found favour amongst the Gravel Glitterati in recent years, namely a longer reach achieved with a longer top tube combined with a shorter stem to keep steering sharp and responsive; the ATLAS also features super-short chainstays to keep the bike agile even on tight, technical terrain.

Focus ATLAS Gravel Bike

To keep the ATLAS more affordable to the masses and ensure a tough, reliable chassis that can handle epic multi-day adventures the frame material is alloy with a carbon fibre fork. Both the frame and fork feature multiple bolt-on-bosses so you can run a large amount of bags and accessories on the ATLAS including extra bottle cages, pannier racks and mudguards. Focus even do a pre-equipped version of the ATLAS 6.7 with mudguards rear pannier rack already fitted. There is also cable routing for a dropper post, so if that’s your bag and you want to get the saddle out of the way on the more technically-demanding trails then there’s always that option.

Focus ATLAS Gravel Bike

All of the cables on the bike are routed internally with one notable feature being the C.I.S. cockpit which takes the integration of the cables to the next level, routing the cables from the bar directly into the head tube to ensure seamless shifting and a clean uncluttered cockpit, which leaves plenty of room to run a substantial bar bag.

Focus ATLAS Gravel Bike

Focus have spec’d each of their ATLAS bikes with carefully-selected groupsets from Shimano’s GRX sub-range. These gravel-specific groupsets provide smooth shifting performance on all terrains and in any conditions. Depending on the specific model of ATLAS there are options for a 1X single chainring option or 2x double chainrings. All groupsets feature a wide ratio of gears to enable you to take on tough off-road climbs even on loose, technical terrain. It goes without saying that each groupset also includes Shimano’s excellent hydraulic brakes which provide consistent, powerful braking on any terrain. The GRX brake levers / gear shifters are also brilliantly engineered, with a slightly different pivot point to Shimano’s other road-focused groupsets to allow for more effective braking when you’re riding with your hands positioned on the brake hoods as well as a special matt-finish rubberised texture to the brake levers to enhance your grip even in wet, muddy conditions.

Focus ATLAS Gravel Bike

There are mounting points on the top tube for a small bag.

Focus ATLAS Gravel Bike

The ATLAS 6.8 and 6.9 includes a small top tube bag with the bike.

Focus ATLAS Gravel Bike

Thanks to the generous design of the frame the ATLAS provides space for up to 47 mm wide tyres, opening up a wide range of options regarding the choice of gravel tyres that you can run. Focus have also stated that the ATLAS can be run with 650B wheels and tyres, freeing you up to run even fatter tyres if you find yourself increasingly seeking out ever-more-rowdy gravel riding fun.

Focus ATLAS Gravel Bike

Despite the Super-short chainstays there’s still plenty of clearance to run 47mm wide tyres on 700c wheels.

Focus ATLAS Gravel Bike

We’re excited to see Focus throwing their hat into the ring with an all-new range of Gravel Bikes that tick all the boxes with regards to what we’re looking for from a modern, contemporary gravel bike. Great geometry, loads of gravel-friendly features and fantastic componentry means the Focus ATLAS is an absolute freedom machine capable of blasting though the woods on your one hour session or chugging over endless wilderness on your multi-day adventure, fully laden with all of your bike-packing equipment.

Focus ATLAS Gravel Bike

So what about that ‘Made to Lose’ headline? Well, let’s leave the last words to Focus…

‘The ATLAS is not made for winning races, setting world records, or beating people. It’s made to lose. Lose your mind, lose track of time, to lose yourself. It’s for getting out in nature, having adventures, meeting people, and generally just having a great time.’

 

The Focus ATLAS range of Gravel Bikes are now live on our website and will be available in-store and online at Wheelbase very soon, watch this space!….

 

2021 Focus ATLAS 6.7 £1,499.00

Focus Atlas 6.7 Gravel Bike

 

Focus ATLAS 6.7 EQP £1,699.00

Focus ATLAS 6.7 EQP Gravel Bike

 

Focus ATLAS 6.8 £1,899.00

Focus ATLAS 6.8 Gravel Bike

 

Focus ATLAS 6.9 £2,299.00

Focus Atlas 6.9 Gravel Bike

 

Written By Johnny Dodgin

 

Posted on

BRAND FEATURE – APIDURA

Apidura Bike Packing Luggage

Wheelbase are proud to announce that we now stock premium bike-packing brand Apidura who are suppling us with some of the most cutting-edge, user-friendly bike-packing luggage available.

Apidura is made up of a team of creative people who were brought together by a shared mission to find better, more efficient ways to explore the world by bike. This group of cyclists, makers and problem solvers have gone on to create ultralight packing systems which help us all to ride further and explore ever-more remote cycling destinations, helping to support our taste for adventure.

Apidura

All of Apidura’s products are designed to help people discover the world by bike, with this function dictating the design process their team of in-house designers and makers produce protypes which provide solutions for some of the most extreme environments and conditions out there. Apidura’s designers benefit from their own first-hand experience as adventurous cyclists, enabling them to make the most innovative packs available using technical fabrics and hi-tech manufacturing processes. Integrated into their business is the ‘Apidura Innovation Lab’ a place for pushing the boundaries of design, construction and ideas. The Innovation Lab provides a platform for their staff to work collaboratively, sharing ideas and mixing individual’s skills and experiences to create ever-more functional, efficient packs.

Apidura

As well as in-house development and real-world testing by the Apidura team, this forward-thinking brand work closely with a wide range of brand ambassadors from all genres of cycling to gain honest, reliable feedback on new protype products before going into full production. All of Apidura’s packs are precision crafted in China where skilled specialists carry out pattern cutting, sewing and fabric-welding to create the final product ready for the challenges of adventure riding.

Apidura

Apidura also stand out as one of the more thoughtful, outward-looking brands within the bike trade. They proudly state on their website that they are working to reduce waste and packing in the manufacturing and retailing of their products to minimise their environmental impact and they do not advertise on websites, social networks or in print because they believe ‘the world in noisy enough’. Apidura do not work around typical season releases either with the design process and the necessity for a new product to be released taking priority over ‘season collections’ and slick advertising campaigns, which is a refreshing approach where user-friendly function clearly leads the business’ ethos.

Apidura

The Apidura products are split into three distinct categories to help make it easier for customers to find a pack that suits the exact demands of the type of riding that they do….

Backcountry Series

The Backcountry Series is optimised for gravel, singletrack and mountain trails, the Backcountry Series is built from an ultralight, hard-wearing laminate and designed to excel in a wide range of weather conditions.

Racing Series

The Racing Series is designed for the specific demands of ultra-distance competition and audax. Constructed from a bespoke ultralight laminate developed specifically for Apidura.

Expedition Series

Created for road riding and long distance tours, the Expedition Series is built from a lightweight material that provides unparalleled waterproofing and defence from the most punishing conditions.

 

Here is a selection of Apidura products currently available in-store and online at Wheelbase now….

 

Apidura Backcountry Food Pouch 0.8L £35.00

Simplicity and convenience at a moment’s notice, on any track or trail. Ideal for stashing food, sunglasses, gloves, or a cold drink, the Backcountry Food Pouch is a convenient and easy-access storage pocket for frequently used items. Attached firmly with a versatile three-point system, the stem bag easily fits on either side of the cockpit and works with aerobars and Jones bars. The bag’s contents are kept secure by a simple one-handed open and closure system, and a subtly tapered design prevents knee contact while pedaling out of the saddle. The plus versions of the stem bag include exterior mesh pockets for catching empty wrappers as well as a mesh drainage hole to help keep the interior dry.

Apidura Backcountry Food Pouch 0.8L

 

Apidura Backcountry Top Tube Pack 1L £50.00

The Backcountry Top Tube Pack is a convenient space to store frequently used items, whether navigating a challenging trail or on a daily commute. The mountain bike top tube bag is ideal for stashing snacks, light valuables and electronic devices. It securely attaches to the top tube with Hypalon-reinforced velcro straps that minimise abrasion on the frame. A one-finger zipper puller allows easy access on the move, while the full-length fully waterproof zipper safeguards contents against water and dirt when closed. The top tube bag is also padded with closed cell foam to safeguard items against impact and features an internal pocket for organisation and a battery lead port for charging electronic devices on the go.

Apidura Backcountry Top Tube Pack 1L

 

Apidura Backcountry Handlebar Pack 7L £96.00

The Backcountry Handlebar Pack is designed to carry bulky, compressible items on long distance rides and multi-day adventures. Eliminating the need for a front rack, it helps to create a balanced load that makes steep climbs or technical sections effortless. These mountain bike handlebar bags hit the sweet spot between low weight, durability and waterproofing, and the roll-top closure system protects gear while allowing adjustment of the bag’s capacity as required. A simple but strong attachment system secures the bag to handlebars, and anti-slip Hypalon safeguards against wear.

Apidura Backcountry Handlebar Pack 7L

 

Apidura Backcountry Saddle Pack 6.5L £122.00

The Backcountry Saddle Pack is an essential partner for bikepacking trips in the wilderness and for carrying layers for all-day rides. Designed to hold light, compressible gear on off-road rides, these mountain bike saddle bags provide a spacious compartment under the saddle, eliminating the need for a rear rack. The three-point attachment system and optional Dropper Post Adapter ensure a secure, sway free fit and dropper post compatibility. The waterproof fabrics offer unparalleled resistance to abrasion and tears, and it’s also simple to pack down. There’s a bungee cord for spare clothing, while reflective graphics and light attachment point mean that there’s no need to compromise on safety. The roll-down compression and closure system mean the saddle bag’s volume can be tailored precisely to fit a range of packing needs. This bag is compatible with dropper posts when used with a Dropper Post Adapter supplied separately by Apidura.

Apidura Backcountry Saddle Pack 6.5L

 

Apidura Backcountry Full Frame Pack 4L £140.00

Highly versatile, the Backcountry Full Frame Pack was designed to carry big, heavy loads over long distances and across technical trails. The full frame bag fits into the bike’s main triangle, providing a large space for bulky items — anything from cooking gear to heavy tools and a water bladder. The resulting low centre of gravity results in a bag that has minimal effect on handling while offering a high volume of storage space. With a reinforced structure and internal straps for securing contents, the full frame bag is versatile enough to either fill the main triangle entirely or leave enough space for a bottle cage on the seat tube. The pack features a dual zip opening which allows easy access and full visibility of contents, while retaining the ability to open just the top zip for easy access while riding.

Apidura Backcountry Full Frame Pack 4L

 

Apidura Racing Bolt On Top Tube Pack 1L £52.00

The Racing Bolt-On Top Tube Pack is designed for ultra-distance competition, gravel racing and the needs of time-conscious riders whose bikes have top tube bolt bosses.  With an innovative magnetic quick-access flip-top opening, this waterproof bolt-on top tube bag is ideal for storing battery packs, mobile phones and race essentials. Constructed from an ultralight, waterproof laminate developed for Apidura, the bag fastens securely to the top tube bolt bosses common on gravel and adventure bikes, with a choice of two mounting positions to accommodate different frame sizes and geometries. The completely waterproof flip-top opening provides fast access and a clear view of the full contents of the bolt-on top tube bag, while keeping your belongings dry. A closed-cell foam padding structure protects your frame and electronics from damage on unsealed gravel roads and for added convenience, a protected cable port enables charging of devices on the go. Specially designed, high-contrast reflective features enhance side visibility in all light conditions. The race bolt-on top tube bag is a useful standalone bag for gravel riding or as part of a full Racing Series setup. For bikes without bolt-on bosses see our Racing Top Tube Pack.

Apidura Racing Bolt On Top Tube Pack 1L

 

Apidura Racing Saddle Pack 5L £125.00

The Racing Saddle Pack is the first rear pack dedicated to ultra-distance cycling competition and audax. Featuring a sleek design with a compact capacity, the bag is ideal for storing light, compressible items over vast distances. Constructed from an ultralight, waterproof laminate developed for Apidura. The seat bag weighs less than 210g and securely fastens with a sturdy three-point attachment system. It’s designed to fit ergonomically under the saddle, minimising sway and reducing drag. Light attachment points are laser-cut into the fabric, increasing rider safety without adding unnecessary weight. The saddle bag features a high-contrast reflective design to enhance visibility in all light conditions. A roll-top closure provides adjustable capacity, and tailored webbing, straps and buckles shed extra weight, while ensuring the simplest setup for ease of use, when every second matters.

Apidura Racing Saddle Pack 5L

 

Apidura Racing Handlebar Mini Pack 2.5L £72.00

Designed with long-distance competition in mind, the Racing Handlebar Mini Pack is a compact storage space for keeping mid-ride essentials close to hand and easy to access whilst on the go. The bag consists of a large storage chamber with an interior mesh pocket for organisation. The mini handlebar bag has been designed with snacks, packable clothing and small electronics in mind. The full-width waterproof opening allows fast access on the go and can be opened and close one-handed while riding. Accessory attachment points are laser-cut into the fabric, increasing versatility without adding unnecessary weight. A high-contrast reflective feature is specially designed to enhance visibility in all light conditions. The mini handlebar bag is built from Hexalon, an ultralight laminate designed specifically for Apidura. It attaches via reinforced lightweight velcro straps and optional EVA foam spacers that are designed to work well with drop, flare and flat handlebars.

Apidura Racing Handlebar Mini Pack 2.5L

 

Apidura Racing Frame Pack 2.4L £90.00

Designed for the needs of ultra-distance cycling competition and audax, the Racing Frame Pack utilises the area inside a bike’s main triangle, creating a lower centre of gravity and enabling more neutral handling. This makes it useful for storing heavier, bulkier items, as well as items that need to be accessed on the go. The waterproof frame bag is constructed from a lightweight laminate created specifically for Apidura, and has been shaped to provide a universal fit, for use with any frame. The three velcro straps are lightweight, easy to use, and can be set in multiple positions to ensure compatibility when used alongside a top tube bag. An integrated support structure adds stiffness and allows the frame bag to be exceptionally minimal and lightweight, and a flexible pocket divider securely holds contents in place. For added convenience, a protected cable port enables charging of devices on the go.

Apidura Racing Frame Pack 2.4L

 

Apidura Expedition Tool Pack 0.5L £40.00

Designed to store the essentials to repair a mid-ride mechanical, Apidura’s Expedition Tool Pack is a sleek, ultra-compact pack that’s excellent for short rides and bikepacking adventures. Fitting neatly under the saddle, the tool bag attaches securely to the bike with a velcro-backed Hypalon strap that’s effective even when exposed to road spray and grit – a weakness of traditional zippers and buckles. Inside, there’s enough capacity for two spare road tubes, tire levers, a small multi-tool, and a CO2 canister. The exterior of the tool bag is protected by a tough, lightweight fabric that’s completely waterproof. Reflective graphics and a light attachment point add visibility in low light.

Apidura Expedition Tool Pack 0.5L

 

Apidura Expedition Fork Pack 4.5L £44.00

The Expedition Fork Pack is an ultralight waterproof storage bag that attaches universally to any fork cage. It is designed for use on any bike with fork bolts, providing extra storage for adventures long and short. The fork bag is ideal for storing compressible items such as sleeping gear and extra clothing, as well as bulkier items such as cooking gear or extra food and drinks, the 4.5L bag is extremely adaptable. Built from a lightweight laminate developed specifically for Apidura, the bag is waterproof, and highly resistant to abrasions and tears. A hands-free air release valve allows for easy packing and compression. The attachment mechanism, unique to Apidura, ensures that the straps do not wrap around the fork itself. This makes removal and attachment far easier, and allows for access to contents without removal the fork bag. Multiple attachment loops and the ability to cut down straps ensures that the bag can be fitted to any fork cage.

Apidura Expedition Fork Pack 4.5L

 

Apidura Expedition Top Tube Pack 1L £47.00

A useful standalone bag for daily riding or as part of a larger bikepacking setup, the Expedition Top Tube Pack is a lightweight, secure storage space that’s ideal for stashing frequently used items on the road. The top tube bag is waterproof with welded seams and a pioneering waterproof zipper. Available in 0.5L and 1L volumes, the smaller top tube bag is suited for storing bars and snacks, while the larger version can also accommodate smartphones and battery packs. It fastens securely to the top tube, opening and closing via an easy access one-finger zipper puller. Adjustable attachment points ensure that the bag is versatile enough for a range of different frames.

Apidura Expedition Top Tube Pack 1L

 

Apidura Expedition Accessory Pocket 4.5L £50.00

Designed to securely clip to Apidura’s Backcountry and Expedition Handlebar Packs, the Expedition Accessory Pocket is a useful space for storing snacks, light electronics, and documents on weekend road trips or longer bikepacking tours. The bag is built from a tough, lightweight laminate and welded at the seams to be completely waterproof, ensuring that valuables stay protected and dry. Inside, there’s an interior mesh pocket to keep the contents in order, while a bright lining makes it easy to search for individual items. A light attachment point and reflective graphics have been added to the bag for added safety.

Apidura Expedition Accessory Pocket 4.5L

 

Apidura Expedition Compact Frame Pack 4.5L £90.00

The Expedition Frame Pack is designed for storing items within the main triangle, creating a lower centre of gravity and enabling more natural bike handling. The frame bag securely fastens to the top tube with velcro straps, and is useful for storing heavier items as part of a larger bikepacking setup. The result is an even, balanced load, making longer tours and multi-day trips more comfortable. The frame bag is equally useful when used on its own for storing essentials on a daily commute. It’s constructed from a lightweight fabric, custom milled to Apidura’s specifications and welded together at the seams to create a watertight seal. Zippers with protected closures ensure that kit stays dry, even in a sustained downpour. A battery lead/hydration hose port is handy for charging devices or staying hydrated on the road.

Apidura Expedition Compact Frame Pack 4.5L

 

Apidura Expedition Handlebar Pack 14L  £104.00

Ideal for carrying lightweight, compressible kit, the Expedition Handlebar Pack is a handy partner for long-distance road bike tours, weekend trips, or even a daily ride to work. Eliminating the need for a bulky front rack, the bag fastens to handlebars with a reinforced attachment system that adds stability while improving handling and preventing abrasion. Dual roll-top closure keeps the contents secure, while allowing flexible packing capacity. A hands-free air release vent makes compressing the bag hassle-free, while welded seams ensure that contents stay dry in all conditions; this 14L version is ideal for long haul touring.

Apidura Expedition Handlebar Pack 14L

 

Apidura Expedition Saddle Pack 14L £126.00

The Expedition Saddle Pack is waterproof, lightweight, and provides a spacious compartment under the saddle, eliminating the need for a rear rack. It’s designed to hold clothes and equipment on long distance rides. Built from a lightweight laminate developed specifically for Apidura, the saddle bag is highly resistant to abrasions and tears. The seams have been welded together, creating a waterproof seal that ensures contents always stay dry, even in sustained rain. A three-point attachment system with Hypalon-reinforced velcro straps allows the saddle bag to hug the seat post, increasing stability and cutting down on lateral movement. Additional Hypalon on the bag’s body keeps frames in good condition. The roll-down compression and closure system means the bag’s volume can be tailored precisely to fit a range of packing needs.

Apidura Expedition Saddle Pack 14L

 

See the Apidura range here available in-store and online at Wheelbase now.