Year: 2021

Say hello to the all-new Cannondale Jekyll! Launched today – Tuesday 22nd of June 2021. As we’ve almost grown to expect from Cannondale, this is another bike that immediately makes you sit up and take notice; it’s stunning to look at, catching the eye immediately thanks to it’s unique configuration and suspension system which is packed full of clever technology and quirky innovations to enhance your ride and help you shred the trails better than you ever have before.

Aimed at super-fast Enduro racers and trail riders who love to push the boundaries and conquer steep, tight, technical singletrack and wide-open super-fast tracks peppered with high-speed berms and huge gap jumps. Both the Jekyll 1 and Jekyll 2 models feature 170mm of suspension travel upfront complimented by a plush 165mm of rear travel; with an acknowledgement of how the Cannondale engineers see this bike being used they’ve spec’d large 29” wheels to help you hold your speed and carry your momentum through those loose, loamy turns.

For Enduro racers and gravity-focused trail riders, the all-new Jekyll is ready to shred…

You’ve no-doubt already cast your eyes over the bike and will have spotted elements which reflect some common trends appearing more and more on both Downhill bikes and Enduro bikes alike – high pivot? yep, idler wheel? yes; there are some key aspects of this bike which have a lot in common with other bikes launching on the mountain bike market in recent months. Drill a little deeper though and you’ll discover that while Cannondale may be acknowledging some of the same suspension and geometry principles as other bike brands there’s a lot of unique engineering going on here too, all coming together to create a really active, super-smooth long-travel trail bike.

The all-new Jekyll features a high-pivot suspension platform with idler…

One of the most notable features of the new Jekyll? It’s got to be that partially hidden shock…

Jekyll Key Features:

• Gravity Cavity
• High Pivot
• Guidler
• Four Bar Linkage
• Proportional Response

So, let’s take a closer look at those key features starting with Cannondale’s hidden suspension shock setup which goes by the quirky name of the ‘Gravity Cavity’. The idea behind this configuration was to sit the shock as low as possible within the downtube to give the Jekyll a really low centre of gravity. This shock positioning really helps improve the bike’s handling with a more planted feel through tight turns and enhanced stability at high speed.

Both bikes feature Fox shocks sitting neatly in the Gravity Cavity…

The Gravity Cavity which houses the Fox shock features a protective guard…

Removal of the guard is quick and easy, most quick adjustments can be done on the exposed upper side of the shock…

There’s a real trend developing at the moment for gravity-focused trail bikes to feature a high pivot within the suspension configuration and rightly so. The swing arm pivot on the all-new Jekyll is positioned up high on the seat tube above the drivetrain. The effect of this positioning is that as the rear wheel hits an obstacle the bikes’ rear wheel arcs backwards and up, meaning that your wheel slightly moves away from the obstacle as well as up out of the way of it allowing you to carry more momentum and not hang up on objects that would otherwise stall your speed; you’ll have a smoother, faster ride.

That high pivot point means your ride will be smoother and you’ll be able to carry more momentum…

High pivots have been around for a while but have notoriously suffered from ‘pedal kick back’. With a high pivot and the rear wheel following a pronounced arc it causes the chain to tension up and pull on the chainring which in turn pulls your cranks backwards causing pedal kick back. To prevent this from happening Cannondale added the ‘Guidler’ – part chain guide part idler – this clever inclusion eliminates chain growth and stops any potential for pedal kick back. Now a consistent pedal stroke and smooth rear wheel movement can happen simultaneously without any negative effects between the two.

The Guidler works its magic, preventing pedal kick back…

The Guidler – part chain guide, part idler…

The Cannondale Jekyll’s four bar or ‘horst link’ system helps to manage two important factors of rear suspension – rise and squat. Squat is the tendency of the rear suspension to compress under acceleration, when you pedal and put the power down. Alternatively, if you hit the brakes on steep descents the front end of the bike will compress and the rear rises up, that’s rise. The Jekyll’s four bar linkage allows Cannondale to engineer in ‘anti-rise’ and ‘anti-squat’ so when pedalling hard out of turns the suspension doesn’t squat and when you’re braking hard to scrub off speed before a tight turn it doesn’t rise too much; the rear suspension stays in the sweet spot for maximum traction and bump absorption.

The Jekyll features a four bar link to help eliminate unwanted suspension squat and rise….

Cannondale are very proud of their ‘Proportional Response’ design principle and rightly so! Their engineers clearly understand that people of different sizes have a different centre of gravity, so Cannondale use proportional response – size specific design to ensure that each bike size option best suits the rider’s proportions. Geometry, chainstay length, rider position and most importantly the suspension kinematics are all unique to each size option of the Jekyll. They all get their own custom suspension layout with different pivot locations and leverage ratios so that the suspension is specifically tailored for that size.

Cannondale’s Proportional Response design principle means that the chosen bike size suits the rider’s proportions…

The all-new Cannondale Jekyll sits right at the front of the pack when it comes to cutting technology and proven suspension kinematics. With that beautiful carbon frame, super-low centre of gravity thanks to the Gravity Cavity shock positioning, smooth arcing rear suspension helping you hold your momentum thanks to the high pivot placement and that clever Guidler idler preventing any potential pedal kick back the Jekyll has been engineered to facilitate as much speed as you can handle. Throw in those large, fast rolling 29” wheels and plenty of suspension travel and you’ve got a bike that can handle anything from full-on Enduro stage racing to days spent at the bike park or sessions with your mates at those tight, technical local singletrack trails that you’ve been trying to steal K.O.M.s from all summer.

The all-new Jekyll has been engineered to facilitate as much speed as you can handle…

Cannondale Jekyll 1 RRP £6,500.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: All-New, 165mm travel, Carbon, Proportional Response Tuned, Guidler idler pulley/chainguide, BSA 73, ISCG05, tapered head tube, Ai Offset
• Fork: Fox Float Factory 38, 170mm, 15x110mm thru-axle, tapered steerer, 44mm offset
• Rear Shock: Fox Float Factory X2, 205×65 Metric Trunnion, Air, Adjustable High Speed/Low Speed Compression, High Speed/Low Speed Rebound
• Rims: WTB KOM Trail i30 TCS, 32h, tubeless ready
• Hubs: (F) Formula, 15x110mm thru-axle / (R) SRAM MTH 700, 12x148mm, XD Driver
• Spokes: DT Swiss Factory J -Bend
• Tyres: (F) Maxxis Assegai, 29 x 2.5″, Dual compound, EXO+ puncture protection, tubeless ready (R) Maxxis Minion DHR II, 29 x 2.4″, EXO+, tubeless ready
• Crank: SRAM X1 Eagle B148 CL55, 30T
• Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB BSA MTB73
• Chain: SRAM NX Eagle, 12-speed
• Rear Cassette: SRAM XG-1275, GX Eagle, 10-52, 12-speed
• Front Derailleur: N/A
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM GX Eagle Lunar
• Shifters: SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed
• Handlebar: Cannondale 1 Riser, Carbon, 30mm rise, 8° sweep, 5° rise, 780mm
• Grips: Fabric Funguy
• Stem: FSA Grid 35, 35mm
• Headset: Integrated Sealed Bearing, Tapered
• Brakes: SRAM Code RSC hydraulic disc, 220/200mm CenterLine rotors
• Brake Levers: SRAM Code RSC hydraulic disc
• Saddle: Fabric Scoop Shallow Elite, hollow cro-mo rails
• Seatpost: Cannondale DownLow Dropper w/ Matchmaker lever, 31.6, 125mm (S), 150mm (M), 170mm (L-XL)
• Extras: Jekyll Custom Fender
• Extras: Chain Device Guide and Idler
• Fork Travel 170mm
• Frame Travel 165mm
• Wheel Size 29

 

Cannondale Jekyll 2 £4,500.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: All-New, 165mm travel, Carbon, Proportional Response Tuned, Guidler idler pulley/chainguide, BSA 73, ISCG05, tapered head tube, Ai Offset
• Fork: RockShox Zeb Select A1, 170mm, 15x110mm thru-axle, tapered steerer, 44mm offset
• Rear Shock: Fox Float DPX2 Performance EVOL, 205×65 Metric Trunnion, Air, 3-Pos adj.
• Rims: WTB STX i30 TCS, 32h, tubeless ready
• Hubs: (F) Shimano MT400, 15x110mm thru-axle / (R) Shimano MT410 12x148mm thru-axle
• Spokes Stainless steel, 14g
• Tyres: (F) Maxxis Assegai, 29 x 2.5″, Dual compound, EXO+ puncture protection, tubeless ready (R) Maxxis Minion DHR II, 29 x 2.4″, EXO+, tubeless ready
• Crank: Shimano Deore 6120, 30T, 55mm CL
• Bottom Bracket: Shimano Deore BSA 73
• Chain: Shimano Deore 6100, 12-speed
• Rear Cassette: Shimano Deore M6100, 10-51, 12-speed
• Front Derailleur: N/A
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore M6100
• Shifters: Shimano Deore M6100, 12-speed
• Handlebar: Cannondale 3 Riser, 6061 Alloy, 30mm rise, 8° sweep, 6° rise, 780mm
• Grips: Fabric Funguy
• Stem: Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, 31.8, 0°
• Headset: Integrated Sealed Bearing, Tapered
• Brakes: Shimano M6120 hydraulic disc, 203/203mm RT64 rotors
• Brake Levers: Shimano M6120 hydraulic disc
• Saddle: Cannondale Stage 3
• Seatpost: TranzX dropper, internal routing, 31.6, 130mm
• Extras: Jekyll Custom Fender
• Extras: Chain Device Guide and Idler
• Fork Travel 170mm
• Frame Travel 165mm
• Wheel Size: 29

The all-new Cannondale Jekyll will be in stock and available in-store and online soon! Watch this space…

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

 

Have you seen our fast bike features? You can now see all of our bikes in one place over on Pinterest where you’ll find links to each of our Fast Bike Friday Blogs too!

Click the link below and search our archive…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This week our Fast Bike Friday feature takes a look at the super-light, stiff and aerodynamic Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod Disc Ultegra road bike which just happens to feature the same stunning paintjob found on the SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod bikes that are currently being piloted by the EF-Education Nippo pro-cycling team.

For those of you who have been around road cycling for a while, either as a pro-cycling fan or a competitor yourself, you’ll no-doubt be familiar with Cannondale’s iconic SuperSix model name which has sat at the top of their road bike range for over ten years. More recently Cannondale have taken the design route that many bike brands have by splitting their road bikes into three key areas – an out-and-out aerodynamic model, a more compliant model with less stretched-out, more comfortable geometry and a super-light-weight model that’s focused on climbing and performance excellence in the hills. The original SuperSix sat firmly in the super-light hill-climbing camp but was also recognised as a great all-rounder; the handling of the original SuperSix was sublime too making it popular with pro’s and privateer racers alike.

The SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod Disc Ultegra is a pure road bike. Light, smooth and ultra-fast…

Moving into the new decade it was time for the SuperSix to have a make-over. With a rich racing heritage Cannondale had a great place to start, ensuring that they took all of the best aspects of the previous generation SuperSix, retaining the light weight and telepathic handling while amplifying all other aspects of the frameset to make the new-gen SuperSix EVO smoother, more capable and much, much faster.

Cannondale have co-sponsored EF Education-Nippo for 6 years now, with the SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod being the team’s super-light option on race day…

Lancashire’s own Hugh Carthy has piloted the SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod Disc to a podium position at the Tour of Spain…

During the past few seasons we’ve seen bike brands taking what they’ve learnt in the development of their super-aerodynamic road bikes and using that knowledge to influence how their more general, lightweight climbing road bikes perform. Cannondale are no different in this regard and have produced an ultralight Hi-Mod BallisTec carbon frameset that also happens to have low-drag properties thanks to its highly truncated airfoil tube shapes which offer the same light weight and equal or better stiffness than the traditional round tubes found on the previous generation SuperSix but significantly reduce drag by up to 30%

The paint job on the SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod Disc Ultegra is a true work of art…

For a lightweight, aero all-rounder to truly excel it’s not enough to just be feather-light, stiff and aero-efficient. If you’re going to spend endless hours in the saddle climbing and descending hills you’re going to want to feel comfortable and fresh, particularly if you’re competing and need to be ready to kick or respond to a decisive attack late into the race. As Cannondale are quick to point out, the new-gen SuperSix EVO gives an elegantly smooth ride thanks to the dropped SAVE rear stays which have been designed to give a small amount of vertical compliance, along with a carbon Cannondale 27 KNOT seatpost and integrated seatpost binder to further aid a small amount of flex within key areas of the frame.

Another important consideration on modern disc-brake-equipped road bikes is tyre clearance; the addition of disc brakes and the removal of traditional brake calipers between frame and wheel has freed up more space to give greater amounts of tyre clearance. Thanks to this we’ve seen a gradual change to wider tyres being spec’d on road bikes with 28mm rather than 25mm tyres fast becoming the norm. Cannondale are fully onboard with this evolution and have ensured that the SuperSix EVO can comfortably handle 30mm tyres with plenty of clearance between tyre and frame increasing comfort and mixed-road capability in the process.

Cannondale’s 27 KNOT seat post helps to increase compliance by 18% compared to the previous generation SuperSix…

The UCI approved frameset includes neatly routed internal cables; this cable port can be swapped out with a Di2-specific one if you ever make the move over to an electronic drivetrain…

Along with that sophisticated frame tube profiling Cannondale have also upped the anti with (one of the buzzwords within current premium road bikes) a fully integrated cockpit – meaning bars, stem and cable routing are all designed and produced by Cannondale as one complete unit for a smooth, uncluttered aero front-end which is designed to cut through the air more efficiently. Cannondale’s carbon HollowGram SAVE SystemBar blends seamlessly with their alloy HollowGram KNOT stem complete with cable cover to keep all cables concealed before they are routed neatly through an opening in the front of the headtube for minimal drag AND relatively headache-free serviceability.

The HollowGram KNOT SystemStem and SAVE System Bar is super-aero reducing drag…

Not only is the HollowGram KNOT SystemStem and SAVE System Bar aero it’s comfortable too…

Seen from the front it’s clear that the HollowGram KNOT SystemStem and SAVE System Bar are aero-efficient…

As the model name suggests, the SuperSix EVO HiMod Disc Ultegra features Shimano’s well-proven 11-Speed Ultegra groupset…

A superlight, super-stiff Cannondale HollowGram chainset helps transfer all of your power through this carbon race bike.

Tidy flat-mount Ultegra disc brake calipers provide powerful, easy-to-modulate braking power…

Cannondale have spec’d Formula Hubs to 35mm deep tubeless-ready Cannondale HallowGram 35 carbon rims…

Those lightweight HollowGram 35 carbon rims will help you accelerate immediately when you put down the power… 

25c Vittoria Rubino Pro tyres provide a good amount of grip even on damp roads and roll fast too…

The Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod Disc Ultegra is a fantastic example of a modern carbon race bike that’s a true all-rounder built to excel on all gradients and in all possible road racing scenarios – light and stiff to help you dance up the climbs, just the right amount of aerodynamic tube shaping to help you hold your speed on flat high-speed stretches and precise handling for a ride-feel that is truly confidence inspiring and encourages you to throw the bike into tight corners at the mid-week crit race. Benefitting from a rich racing heritage and all of the design and engineering experience that Cannondale have built up over the years the SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod has taken all the classic elements of the original and brought it bang up to date with all of the key features we’ve very quickly come to expect from a contemporary, premium, disc-equipped-road bike.

The Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod Disc Ultegra is a pure road bike with just the right amount of modern innovation to be  race-ready even at the highest level of competition…

The Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod Disc Ultegra is available in-store and online now.

Full Specification:

• Frame: BallisTec Hi-MOD Carbon, integrated cable routing w/ Switchplate, 12×142 Speed Release thru-axle, SAVE, PF30a, flat mount disc, integrated seat binder
• Fork: BallisTec Hi-MOD Carbon, SAVE, integrated crown race, 12x100mm Speed Release thru-axle, flat mount disc, internal routing
• Shifters: Shimano Ultegra, 11-Speed
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra 11-Speed
• Front Derailleur : Shimano Ultegra Braze-on
• Cassette : Shimano 105 11-Speed 11-30T
• Chainset: Cannondale HollowGram BB30a OPI SpideRing 52/36T
• Brakes: Shimano Ultegra Hydraulic Disc 160/160mm RT800 Rotors
• Wheelset: Formula Thru-Axle Hubs on HollowGram 35 Carbon Rims, 24H Front / 28H Rear 35mm Deep, Tubeless-Ready
• Front Tyre: Vittoria Rubino Pro Bright Black 700 x 25c
• Rear Tyre: Vittoria Rubino Pro Bright Black 700 x 25c
• Stem: Cannondale HollowGram KNOT Alloy With Cable Cover
• Handlebar: Cannondale HollowGram SAVE SystemBar, Carbon, 8 Degree
• Seat Post: Cannondale HollowGram 27 SL KNOT Carbon
• Saddle: Fizik Aliante Delta

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by James Vincent

 

Want to see more fast bikes? You can now see all of our featured bikes in one place over on Pinterest where you’ll find links to each of our Fast Bike Friday Blogs too!

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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…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Checkout today’s Hot Bike – the Mondraker Grommy 16. It’s bound to divide opinion!…

…no, your eyes are not deceiving you this IS an e-Bike for kids. In fact it’s an e-balance bike from top Spanish bike brand Mondraker. The Grommy 16 features a 250mm alloy frame with 16” wheels and a saddle height of 43-58cm, weighing 8.5kg and aimed at children aged 5-8 years. Is there a need for such a bike? Well, Mondraker certainly think so and it’s reassuring to see such a reputable bike brand who have their sights firmly fixed on gravity-focused MTB disciplines such as Enduro and Downhill being one of the first bike brands to go down this route – it reflects their understanding of the importance of younger riders developing their off-road riding skills at an early age…

Mondraker CEO Miguel Pina said:

“The inspiration for Grommy’s name came from a term for young mountain bike riders – ‘Groms.’ We’ve tried to invoke that sense of fun and freedom for younger kids in its creation; fun is first but there’s also a serious side to the new e-balance bike, using technology and design to help the next generation of riders find their skills and get inspired! Grommy is the bike you wished you had when you were young!”

The Mondraker Grommy 16 frame and forks are constructed from tough, lightweight 6061 alloy, exactly the same material that’s used on some of Mondraker’s most popular adult mountain bikes. The small integrated motor is an all-new unit that’s been specifically designed and manufactured to provide an easy-to-control 250W of power to the back wheel via a fully enclosed bike chain. There are small footrests on the Grommy and when your child has got up to speed they’ll instinctively rest their feet on them as the zip along; these really come into play as your child gets more confident, standing on the foot rests to negotiate more technical terrain.

In a further acknowledgement to just how invested Mondraker are in the development of the Grommy it’s worth noting that as well as the specially designed motor they’ve also developed their own bespoke interchangeable battery to ensure that they’re as lightweight as possible and are safe and easy to swap over. Charging the battery is simple and easy; a full charge takes just 60 minutes and the running time of the battery is 60 minutes too. It’s worth noting that both the battery and motor are IPX4-rated water-resistant making the Grommy durable and protected from the elements – ideal for the kind of riding conditions you and your child will no-doubt be encountering if you’re the kind of family who are out riding in all weathers.

The cockpit of the Grommy is neat and clutter free; there’s a cable-activated rear disc brake with a small, child-sized brake lever on the left of the handlebars, the brake cable is neatly routed through the alloy frame so there’s no risk of snagging it on anything. To select any one of the three motor modes there’s a small child-sized throttle-style selector on the right of the handlebars and again the cables are routed internally to keep them out of harm’s way.

To see the Grommy 16 in action, click the link below…

The Mondraker Grommy 16 is available now in-store and online now.

Full Specification:

• Superlight Mondraker Alloy Frame & Fork
• Three power modes: ‘Balance’ (max speed 8.1km/h), ‘Fun’ (17.7km/h) and ‘Advanced’ (17.7km/h)
• Quick-change 4Ah battery: 60 minutes run time, 60 minutes full charge time
• Integrated base footrest
• ‘Big bike feel’ MTB standard componentry and compatibility
• Internal cable routing
• Mechanical disc brake

Written by Johnny Dodgin

 

Have you seen our fast bike features? You can now see all of our bikes in one place over on Pinterest where you’ll find links to each of our Fast Bike Friday Blogs too!

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Check out the hot-looking Kona Dew Deluxe. Just because you’re taking on daily commuter duties doesn’t mean you can’t arrive at work looking super-stylish!

That cool mat grey finish along with the understated Kona logos and those classic tan-wall WTB tyres all help to make the Dew Deluxe look like a modern-classic straight out of its box. But, let’s get things straight – this bike is not all style and no substance, it’s packed full of innovative features all designed to help make your riding experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. The geometry on the Dew Deluxe puts you in a comfortable, upright riding position while the upswept straight handlebar keeps your head up and your eyes on what’s going on in front of you in that busy urban environment. Slowing down at traffic lights and getting going quickly again to stay safely in the flow of other traffic is easy.

With fast-rolling 650B wheels shod with puncture-proof large-volume WTB Horizon Comp tyres there’s plenty of cushioning from harsh road surfaces and very little rolling resistance thanks to the slick but grippy tyre profile.

Gearing on the Dew Deluxe is easy and intuitive to use thanks to its simple 1x drivetrain – basically a 38 tooth single chainring at the cranks combined with a wide ratio 11-speed cassette at the back wheel, providing a huge spread of gears from a tiny 11 tooth cog to a huge 51 tooth cog. This means that every gear ratio required to negotiate the very steepest climbs and the fastest descents is there when you need it. This user-friendly setup allows you to select all the gears available from only one gear shifter on the right of the handle bars, making gear selection much more simple to understand and operate, leaving you to focus on the ride, negotiating traffic and looking out for pedestrians without any distractions.

Kona have spec’d the Dew Deluxe with powerful Tektro HDM275 hydraulic brake calipers to help you brake quickly and effectively with dependable levels of braking power in all riding conditions including rides on wet, rainy days. Hydraulic brakes are really easy to modulate too, meaning you’ll be able to deliver just the right amount of braking power to bring you to a controlled stop.

Why limit the Kona Dew Deluxe to commuting duties; this bike is so much fun to ride that, come the weekend, you’ll want to head out with friends or family and explore a little further afield. It’s the perfect bike for riding canal tow paths, cycle paths and gentle off-road gravel tracks.

Fast-rolling WTB Horizon tyres keep things comfortable thanks to their large-volume 47c width…

Fitted mudguards with mud-flaps protect you from road spray…

Wide upswept handle bars keep you in a safe upright riding position…

A fitted kickstand is a welcome addition…

The Dew Deluxe’s alloy frame is light and agile…

Powerful Tektro HDM275 hydraulic brakes provide controlled, confidence-inspiring braking in any riding conditions…

The super-stylish Kona Dew Deluxe looks like a modern classic straight out of its box…

The Kona Dew Deluxe is available now in-store and online.

Full Specification:

• Frame: Kona 6061 Aluminum Butted
• Fork: Kona Project Two Aluminum Disc
• Shifter: Shimano Deore 11-Speed
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore 11-Speed
• Cassette : Shimano Deore 11-Speed 11-51T
• Chainset: Samox 38T
• Brakes: Tektro HDM275 Levers with Tektro HDM275 Hydraulic Calipers
• Wheelset: 650B Double Alloy Rims on Formula QR Hubs
• Front Tyre: WTB Horizon Comp with Puncture Protection 650x47c
• Rear Tyre: WTB Horizon Comp with Puncture Protection 650x47c
• Stem: Kona Commuter
• Handlebar: Kona Aluminium Riser
• Seat Post: Kona Thumb
• Saddle: Kona Commuter
• Extras: Mudguards with Mud Flaps and Kickstand

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by James Vincent

 

Have you seen our fast bike features? You can now see all of our bikes in one place over on Pinterest where you’ll find links to each of our Fast Bike Friday Blogs too!

Click the link below and search our archive…

Let’s all go Bikepacking! Do you find yourself always riding the same loops? Constrained by the need to start and finish every ride from home? It would be great to strike out further and head off on a multiple-day cycle adventure where you’re not required to be home in time for tea! The Bikepacking movement is a result of a growing number of cyclists wanting to head off on epic rides that take in new and ever-challenging terrain; whether it’s on-road, off-road or a mixture of the two Bikepacking enables you to load up your bike with only the bare minimum of clothing, equipment and food that you need to ride on multiple-day cycling adventures.

The cynics among us may suggest this is just classic cycle-touring rebranded to appeal to a new audience, but look a little deeper and you’ll quickly recognise that Bikepacking equipment has been developed in a fresh new way that’s more efficient and user-friendly with a totally different outlook on how to carry luggage on a bicycle. With the ever-growing gravel scene, the evolution of utility-type mountain bikes and fat bikes and an increase in the capability of modern road bikes with large volume tyres and disc brakes there’s more scope than ever to load up your bike and ride off into the sunset.

The modular configuration of Bikepacking equipment lets you carry as little or as much equipment as you need to support your chosen trip and/or event. You may want to carry the bare minimum and take on a multi-day ‘credit card ride’ where you only carry a small amount of food for the ride and a light change of clothes, staying in the comfort of a hotel or B&B along the way. Perhaps you’re taking on one of the ever-growing epic gravel and road events which can be up to 200 miles long, with the need to carry a good amount of food and equipment to ensure you can go the distance. Alternatively you might want to tour for a week in the wilderness complete with your fully-laden mountain bike, carrying a tent, sleeping bag, food and clothing for when the temperatures drop and you’re pitched up lakeside after a long, very satisfying day in the saddle.

Apidura are a brand who really understand the need for dependable, practical Bikepacking equipment and 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 premium brand’s product-range also reflects Apidura’s understanding that all Bikepackers are not the same and that there’s a really wide range of cycling disciplines and riding scenarios that benefit from thoughtfully designed, cleverly produced bike packs and equipment. 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.

 

Expedition Series

Created for road and gravel 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.

 

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.

BACKCOUNTRY SERIES

Apidura Backcountry Food Pouch 0.8L £35.00

Apidura Backcountry Top Tube Pack 1.0L £50.00

 

Apidura Backcountry Saddle Pack 6.5L £122.00

Apidura Backcountry Full Frame Pack 4.0L £140.00

Apidura Backcountry Frame Pack 2.0L £79.00

Apidura Backcountry Handlebar Pack 11.0L £106.00

EXPEDITION SERIES

Apidura Expedition Accessory Pocket 4.5L £50.00

Apidura Expedition Compact Frame Pack 4.5L £90.00

Apidura Expedition Fork 4.5L £44.00

 

Apidura Expedition Saddle Pack 14.0L £126.00

Apidura Expedition Tool Pack 0.5L £40.00

 

Apidura Expedition Handlebar Pack 9L £96.00

Apidura Expedition Frame Pack 5.3L £92.00

Apidura Expedition Frame Pack Tall 5.0L £92.00

Apidura Expedition Top Tube Pack 0.5L £42.00

RACING SERIES

Apidura Racing Bolt-On Top Tube Pack 1.0L £50.00

Apidura Racing Frame Pack 2.4L £90.00

Apidura Racing Handlebar Mini Pack 2.5L £72.00

Apidura Racing Saddle Pack 5L £125.00

Apidura Racing Frame Pack 4.0L £98.00

Apidura Bikepacking equipment is available in-store and online now. Plenty of our Wheelbase staff are exploring further afield on gravel, road and mountain bikes; the recent improvement in the weather and the summer’s longer days are encouraging staff at our Lake District store to load up their bikes with Bikepacking equipment and head off into the hills for a quick over-nighter before descending back to HQ to start another day at the store! We’re passionate about Bikepacking and all the possibilities this form of cycling brings, if you need more advice and guidance on how to prepare your kit come in store or give us a call…

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos of Apidura-equipped bikes by James Vincent

 

Have you seen our fast bike features? You can now see all of our bikes in one place over on Pinterest where you’ll find links to each of our Fast Bike Friday Blogs too!

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It’s Fast Bike Friday! This week we’re casting our eyes over the rowdy, aggressive Nukeproof Reactor 290 Factory carbon trail bike. A bike that’s built to be super-fun when the trails point downward but is efficient too when you need to pedal back up to the top of your favourite run. Packed full of clever design details and proven engineering principles this 29” wheeled trail bike is a true all-rounder and is ready to enhance your riding experience every time you swing your leg over it; so let’s take a closer look…

Nukeproof’s Reactor is a 130mm trail bike; in terms of suspension travel and where it’s positioned within the Nukeproof range the Reactor sits below Nukeproof’s Super-Enduro bike the Giga with 170mm of rear travel and the Enduro-ready Mega with 160mm of rear wheel travel. In comparison the Reactor is a much more versatile bike; make no mistake, the geometry, suspension kinematics and that 130mm of rear wheel travel combined with 140mm of travel up front mean this bike is definitely still designed to excel at aggressive trail riding, just without compromising any of its climbing efficiency and all-day trail bike ride-qualities.

The Nukeproof Reactor 290 Factory is an aggressive trail bike that also happens to be a versatile all-rounder…

The Reactor frame is available in carbon or alloy with two wheel size options – 27.5” or 29” depending on your own preferences. The two wheel size options are built around two totally different frames that were developed in parallel with each other; as you’ll no-doubt be aware the popularity of 29” wheels has slowly crept through almost all MTB sub-disciplines, from cross-country right through to downhill, over recent times thanks to their fast-rolling properties. The Reactor rides fantastically in both guises, so the choice is yours, which do you value more? The manoeuvrability of 27.5” or the out-and-out speed of the larger 29” wheel? Today our focus is on the all-carbon Reactor 290 Factory complete with Kashima coated shocks and Shimano XT groupset. This carbon option features a full UD woven carbon fibre main frame and rear triangle for a strong, super-stiff and responsive chassis which is robust enough for the rigors of gravity-fed riding while still being lightweight and agile on the uphill gradients and in the air.

The Reactor’s full UD woven carbon fibre frame and rear triangle is built to fly up hill AND handle the rigors of aggressive trail riding…

All cables are routed through the Reactor’s carbon frame for a clean look and to help protect your gear cable from the elements…

So what makes the Reactor 290 Factory such a versatile trail bike? What have Nukeproof done to ensure that this bike is as equally capable of flying up hill as it is shredding the downs? They’ve cleverly utilised a four bar horst linkage to have higher levels of anti-squat when you’re in your climbing gears and lower levels of anti-squat when you drop the chain down the cassette – clever stuff! The Reactor behaves itself and climbs efficiently before transforming into a trail hooligan when you point it downhill; the horst link and rear Kashima coated Fox Float DPX2 shock combine to provide a low anti-squat and a progressive rate for small bump compliance, good mid-stroke to handle fast corners and pumping as well as great end stroke progression to handle the big hits encountered during your most aggressive downhill runs.

The Reactor 290 Factory features a two-position flip chip on the Swinglink driven 4 Bar Horst Link Suspension married up to that tuned Fox Float DPX2 rear shock. Nukeproof’s Trail/Rail flip chip allows you to adjust the geometry of your Reactor from ‘Trail’ to ‘Rail’ mode – Trail as the name suggests is best suited for general trail riding when your riding is as much focused on clearing the tough, technical uphill climbs as it is on the downhill sections. Flip the chip to Rail mode and the bike drops the bottom bracket by 6mm and the head angle by half a degree to set up the Reactor as a more gravity-focused corner shredder that feels even more stable at speed.

That Trail/Rail flip chip lets you tune your Reactor’s geometry to suit your favoured riding style and the type of terrain you typically ride…

The Fox Float DPX2 factory series rear shock with Kashima coating and Swinglink driven 4 Bar Horst Link gives 130mm of progressive rear wheel travel…

Upfront Nukeproof have spec’d the very capable Fox 36 Float Factory Series fork with a Kashima coating and their user-friendly, tuneable Grip 2 Damper. With 140mm of travel these Factory forks match the Nukeproof’s rear suspension platform brilliantly and are super-plush and progressive throughout their travel. With those nice wide 36 stanchions and a Boost thru axle the Fox 36 Float is super-stiff laterally to give really positive steering and tracking through even the most high-speed, rough, loose turns giving you all the confidence you’ll need to push your gravity-assisted riding to new levels.

The Fox 36 Float Factory Series fork provides 140mm of plush, progressive travel…

That Kashima coating prolongs the life of  the fork’s stanchions and provides enhanced lubrication between surfaces…

Credit to Nukeproof, when they spec groupsets they don’t cut corners by mixing and matching componentry like some other bike brands; the Reactor 290 Factory features a full Shimano XT groupset – full drivetrain, brakes, chainset and trigger shifter – the lot. This brilliantly functional 12-speed groupset provides crisp, precise gear selections regardless of the conditions you’re riding in or the gradient that’s being negotiated; changing gear under power and out of the saddle is no problem and the rear derailleur’s clutch mech helps ensure that your chain remains secure and doesn’t unship when you’re ploughing through the really rough stuff at full chat. There’s a great spread of gear ratios too with a wide-ratio 10-51T cassette paired with a 30T chainring up front there’s a gear to cover every eventuality, from the steepest technical climbs to flat-out descents you’ll never feel under or over geared.

A full 11-speed Shimano XT groupset gives you all the gears you’ll need and performs flawlessly in any riding conditions…

So as we’ve already discussed, the Reactor 290 Factory features the larger 29” wheel option; much has been made of the evolution of big wheel riding across most types of mountain biking. The larger wheels roll over obstacles more efficiently and help you to hold your speed over technical terrain; where previously 29er wheels were either deemed too vulnerable to damage when being used on more aggressive gravity-focused bikes or were regarded as too heavy when they were over built to cope with those extra forces encountered during rowdy trail riding, these issues have now been ironed out such is the speed of technical development within the bike industry.

Most wheel manufacturers have now successfully hit that sweet spot between strength & weight and at the top of the tree is specialist wheel brand DT Swiss. The Nukeproof 290 Factory comes spec’d with a pair of DT Swiss XM 1700 Spline 30 29” wheels with a wide 30mm inner rim width which helps give a nice square profile to the tyre when it’s seated on the rim, this means the tyres tend to have a flatter surface area in contact with the ground as it’s not as pinched as it might be on a narrower rim; more contact with the ground means more traction, grip and control.

The DT Swiss XM 1700 Spline 30 29″ rims provide a nice square tyre profile helping to place more rubber in contact with the ground…

Front and rear wheels feature sealed bearing Boost hubs that are durable and laterally stiff…

This aggressive Maxxis tyre is so good it’s almost become the established norm to stock one on such a trail bike as this – 2.50 Assegai on the front…

On the rear wheel Nukeproof have spec’d a slightly narrower, more versatile 2.40 Maxxis Dissector with a shallower tread profile which rolls faster than a more aggressive option such as the DHR. This is another hint towards how Nukeproof see this bike being ridden – uphill and downhill in equal measure…

Finishing kit on the Nukeproof Reactor 290 Factory consists of Nukeproof’s own components including Horizon handle bars, stem and saddle. As you’d expect on a bike that’s been designed to excel on technical terrain and super-steep drops the Reactor features a dropper seat post; there’s a Bikeyoke Divine Stealth dropper and a Shimano SL-MT500-IL cable-activated remote lever on the left side of the handlebar. Nice little finishing touches include Sam Hill signature lock on handle bar grips – not surprising considering Sam is Nukeproof’s Enduro mountain bike star and overall winner of the Enduro World Series.

Finishing kit includes Sam Hill signature lock-on grips…

With a rich Enduro racing heritage and a solid reputation for building some of the most well-engineered gravity-focused mountain bikes available – namely the Mega and the Giga, you can be confident that Nukeproof have taken a lot of the dependable, proven suspension technology and agile frame geometry from those models and carried elements of those designs into the construction of the Nukeproof Reactor, albeit with a more watered-down, all-rounder type of approach. This is the trail bike of choice if you want to buy into that gravity-focused reputation and rich racing heritage but are looking for a trail bike that will efficiently carry you back to the top of your favourite techy trail or partner you in riding all-day epics, linking together all of the most technically-demanding sections you know between tamer, more civilised pedalling stretches where you just want to get your head down and tick off some arduous miles on your mountain bike.

The Reactor 290 Factory is a capable trail bike which benefits from Nukeproof’s rich racing history and gravity-focused design ethos… 

Click below for a full walk around of the Nukeproof Reactor 290 Factory…

Full Specification:

• Frame: Nukeproof Reactor 290 Carbon, 130mm Travel, UD woven Carbon Fibre frame, internal cable routing, ISCG 05 mounts, Enduro bearings, Threaded 73mm BB, Boost 148mm rear axle spacing, 3D contoured rubber frame protection
• Rear Shock: Fox Float DPX2, Factory Series, Kashima, 3 Position, EVOL LV, Custom CL, DRL, Rezi A F F tune, 210x50mm, Bearing End, 1x 0.3 spacer fitted. (SHORT ID: D6S9)
• Fork: Fox 36 Float, Factory Series, Kashima, Grip 2 Damper, 140mm, 44mm Offset, BOOST, Black (SHORT ID: D6GD)
• Head Set: Nukeproof, 44-56 IITS
• Shifters: Shimano XT M8100-R, 12-speed Rapidfire Plus, I-Spec EV
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT M8100, SGS 12-Speed, Shadow Plus
• Cassette : Shimano XT M8100-12, 12-Speed (HYPERGLIDE+), 10-51T
• Chainset: Shimano XT M8100 12-Speed, Hollowtech 2, 170mm, 30T, 52mm Chainline
• Brakes: Shimano XT M8120, 4 Pot Brake, Metallic Pads with Fins
• Wheelset: DT Swiss XM1700 SPLINE 30, 29″
• Front Tyre: Maxxis Assegai 29”x2.5 WT 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR
• Rear Tyre: Maxxis Dissector 29”x2.4 WT 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR
• Stem: Nukeproof Horizon, 50mm, Black
• Handlebar: Nukeproof Horizon V2 25mm Rise, Width – M780mm, L800mm, XL800mm)
• Seat Post: Bikeyoke Divine Stealth w Shimano SL-MT500-IL Remote lever, M/L:160mm drop; XL:185mm drop
• Saddle: Nukeproof Horizon SL, Black

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by James Vincent

 

Want to see more fast bikes? You can now see all of our featured bikes in one place over on Pinterest where you’ll find links to each of our Fast Bike Friday Blogs too!

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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…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check out the super-powerful THRON² 6.7 EQP all-terrain e-Bike from top German brand Focus. EQP stands for equipped – this efficient all-rounder is very much the ‘S.U.V.’ of the e-bike world, spec’d complete with pannier rack, light, stand an mudguards. If you’re looking for a versatile e-Bike that has been designed and constructed to handle almost any riding scenario – the daily commute to and from work, bike-packing and cycling touring, exploring the countryside and venturing on to more challenging off-road terrain – the THRON² 6.7 EQP can do it all.

The THRON² 6.7 EQP is very much the ‘S.U.V.’ of the e-bike world…

The popularity of an e-Bike set up like this has increased significantly over recent times. We talk to a lot of customers looking for a fully-equipped all-terrain e-Bike; quite often they’re couples looking for a travel solution that enables them to ride comfortably together, encouraging them to ride further from home with the assistance of a powerful, efficient e-Bike motor. Using a bike like this for daily commuting duties during the week is ideal with its load-carrying capacity; fit a pannier bag to the rear pannier rack you can pack it with your laptop etc. and still have room for groceries when you stop off at the supermarket on your way home.

Commuter duties during the week, leisure riding at the weekend – The versatile THRON² 6.7 EQP excels at both…

Come the weekend why not head off-road and explore your local tracks and trails with the extra assistance of the powerful Bosch Performance CX e-drive motor. With a 120mm travel front suspension fork and 130mm of plush rear suspension there’s no fear of a rough ride when you do venture out into the countryside. From Bikepacking and relaxed leisure rides on hilly terrain to your daily commute the THRON² will take it all in its stride and help to enhance your enjoyment of cycling.

The powerful Bosch CX e-drive motor will open up your cycling, encouraging you to ride further…

 

The Focus THRON² 6.7 EQP is in stock and available to buy in store and online…

 

Features:

• Powerful dynamic Bosch Performance CX Gen 4 with integrated, removable 500Wh battery
• Comfortable 130 mm F.O.L.D. chassis with SR Suntour suspension elements
• Fully equipped (EQP): pannier rack, light, stand and mudguards

Specification:

• Frame: 7005 hydroformed Aluminium, 3D forging, 130mm F.O.L.D. kinematic, 148×12 mm through axle, internal cable routing
• Fork: SR Suntour XCR 34 LOR, 110x15mm QR
• Motor: Bosch Performance CX Gen4, 75 Nm, 250 W
• Shifters: Sram SX Eagle, 12-speed
• Rear Derailleur: Sram SX Eagle, 12-speed
• Cassette : Sram PG-1210 Eagle, 12-speed
• Chainset: FSA CK-320, aluminium
• Brakes: Shimano BR-MT420
• Wheelset: Rodi Black Rock 23 custom for Focus
• Front Tyre: Schwalbe Hurricane Performance 2.25
• Rear Tyre: Schwalbe Hurricane Performance 2.25
• Stem: BBB Jumper BHS-137
• Handlebar: Riser, Aluminium, 720mm
• Seat Post: Aluminium, 31,6mm
• Saddle: Focus Sport SL

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

 

Want to see more fast bikes? You can now see all of our featured bikes in one place over on Pinterest where you’ll find links to each of our Fast Bike Friday Blogs too!

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For our Fast Bike Friday feature today we’re casting our eyes over a real gravel speed-machine – the Cervelo Aspero Apex 1. It’s clear from the get-go that this is not a bike that’s been built to fit the utilitarian, bike-packing mould; this gravel bike is unapologetically built for speed and performance over mixed terrain and riding surfaces. As Cervelo themselves put it very succinctly in their own marketing spiel, the Aspero is meant to ‘HAUL ASS, NOT CARGO’.

As time goes on and the gravel bike cycling discipline begins to mature we’re seeing it go off of in a number of different directions. It’s a trend that mirrors how mountain biking has developed; way back, over 30 years ago all mountain bikes were pretty much the same and everyone rode them in a similar way. Fast forward to the present day and the term ‘mountain bike’ covers everything from lightweight carbon cross-country hardtails, versatile full-suspension trail bikes, longer-travel Enduro bikes and full-on 200mm-travel downhill full-suspension bikes; there’s a multitude of rider types all orbiting in their own individual tribes under the umbrella term ‘mountain biking’.

What this got to do with the Aspero? Well, we’re seeing a very similar scenario with gravel bikes now. As we’ve highlighted before in our regular Fast Bike Friday feature, there is now a veritable sea of gravel bikes out there, with an ever-growing range of options when it comes to exactly what type of gravel riding you want to do. When you start looking in more depth at the type of gravel bikes currently on offer you soon discover that there are ‘sub-types’ within the gravel bike genre – super-lightweight aero race machines, tough utilitarian bike-packing machines, affordable alloy bikes with geometries that are closer to more traditional road bikes, playful burly options with 650b wheels & dropper posts and carbon gravel bikes with cleverly engineered technology designed to isolate you from rough terrain.

The Cervelo Aspero is for the rider who enjoys the versatility of a gravel bike and the freedom to explore remote, unpredictable terrain but who wants to really push the limits of what’s possible in terms of speed, performance and efficiency off-road; it’s for gravel riders who obsess over their average speed on every ride and feel short-changed if they don’t finish their ride with at least one new Strava K.O.M. The Aspero is versatile too; road sections don’t feel much slower than if you were riding your aero road bike and alternatively when you point it off-road it feels stable, predictable and confidence-inspiring, encouraging you to carry-over all that speed directly from the road onto the trails.

The Cervelo Aspero 1 is unapologetically built for speed and performance over mixed terrain…

The Aspero chassis consists of a superlight, stiff, responsive carbon fibre frame and fork. It’s worth pointing out that stiff and responsive doesn’t mean uncomfortable though; the engineers at Cervelo have cleverly constructed a frame and fork that features a good amount of compliance (flex to you and me) in the right places so that you don’t feel completely beaten up at the end of a particularly long ride on gravel tracks and challenging trails. That compliance comes from some very sophisticated carbon layup during construction as well as from the tube-profiling and geometry of the frame. All that speed and performance comes from the large, exceptionally stiff bottom bracket area which helps transfer all your pedaling input through to the rear wheel. Likewise a fat head tube and large junction into the boxy downtube helps to keep the Aspero’s steering and general handling sharp and precise.

The Cervelo Aspero’s large head tube helps to keep steering sharp and precise… 

Another feather in the Aspero’s cap is its versatility when it comes to general set-up, wheel size and geometry. The carbon fork features a flip-chip at the axle allowing you to change from 700c wheel size to 650B; Cervelo’s ‘Trail Mixer’ flip-chip helps to keep the bike’s trail measurement consistent regardless of which wheel size you run which in turn keeps the bike’s handling characteristics the same. The Aspero has been engineered to fit 700c wheels with tyres up to 42mm wide and 650B wheels with 49mm wide tyres comfortably, so depending on the type of terrain you ride and expect to race on you’ll be able to set up your Aspero exactly as you like it.

A boxy downtube means the Aspero frame is super-stiff and responsive…

The Aspero Apex 1 is full of nice little design details including this very-welcome downtube protector…

As the product name suggests the Cervelo Aspero Apex 1 features SRAM’s Apex 1 groupset consisting of a simple, efficient single-ring drivetrain and powerful hydraulic brakes. We’re big fans of a 1X drivetrain on a bike such as this because of their simplicity and lighter weight; with the front derailleur eliminated there’s less moving parts and less to go wrong in the demanding conditions encountered when riding off-road. A single-chainring drivetrain needs to be spec’d with a user-friendly range of gears which is broad enough to provide low enough gears to cope with steep, loose gravel climbs and high enough to help you ride efficiently on the fast, smooth tarmac road sections of your ride. Thankfully the Aspero Apex 1 features a 40T chainring matched with a wide-ratio 11-42T cassette giving you all the gears you’ll need to excel on any terrain and on any gradient.

Durable, simple to use and with all the gear ratios you’ll need – the SRAM Apex 1 groupset meets the brief…

SRAM’s 11-speed Apex 1 rear derailleur features a clutch and specially profiled jockey wheels to help keep the chain secure…

A simple 40T single chainring with narrow/wide profiled tooth profiles works efficiently with no risk of unshipping the chain…  

SRAM Apex 1 mechanical gear shifters with hydraulic brakes are easy and intuitive to use… 

A lightweight, super-fast gravel bike like the Cervelo Aspero Apex 1 is bound to gain speed quickly and carry you into more technically-demanding terrain at full-chat. To help scrub speed off quickly and effectively Cervelo have spec’d powerful SRAM Apex HRD hydraulic brake calipers matched up with 160mm SRAM CentreLine disc rotors. These flat-mount brakes sit neatly in the rear of the frame and on the back of the front fork providing consistent, easy to modulate braking in all riding conditions and on all terrains. The Apex hydraulic brake levers are popular within cyclocross and gravel circles thanks to their tall profile; the hoods of these levers are taller than on a conventional lever to accommodate a hydraulic master cylinder but give the added advantage of providing a more secure hand position when riding off-road on the hoods.

SRAM Apex HRD hydraulic brake calipers provide powerful, consistent braking in all conditions…

The Cervelo Aspero Apex 1 comes with 700c diameter wheels as standard rather than 650B; the Alexrims Boondocks-7D wheelset features 28 spokes in the front and rear with tubeless-ready rims. To strike that magic balance between being fast-rolling and efficient, providing ample amounts of grip on loose, technical terrain Cervelo have fitted a pair of Panaracer Gravel King SK Sport folding gravel tyres; at 38mm wide they’re well-suited to the demands of riding rough terrain, allowing you to run lower tyre pressures (particularly if you set them up tubeless). The tread pattern down the centre of the tyre is minimal to help you hold your speed without working against it on smooth tarmac stretches; alternatively, when you’re riding on looser off-road terrain and taking tight turns the more aggressive side knobs will dig in and keep you in control.

The Alexrims Boondocks-7D is a fast, lightweight but durable wheelset…

The Panaracer Gravel King tyres feature a fast-rolling tread pattern down the centre and a more aggressive tread pattern on the outer edges for enhanced grip off-road…

There’s bags of clearance between tyres and frame & fork so there’s no concern about taking on muddy rides…

The finishing kit on the Cervelo Aspero Apex 1 includes a pair of lightweight alloy gravel-specific handlebars with a small amount of flare on the drops portion of the bar to help increase control and comfort when you’re riding through technical off-road terrain. The Easton EA50 AX handlebar features a 16° flare, nothing too excessive like you might see on gravel bikes that are more focused on rowdy, aggressive trail riding; this handlebar with its subtle 16° flare reflects Cervelo’s focus on performance and speed rather than playful agility.

Easton EA50 AX handlebars feature a subtle 16° flare for enhanced control without being over the top…

If you’re looking for a high-performing gravel bike that’s capable of putting out fast times in training and competition then the Cervelo Aspero Apex 1 is a great option. This lightweight, super-stiff, responsive carbon gravel bike is built for speed; on rides that include stretches of smooth tarmac as well as loose gravel and unpredictable trails you’ll find that the Aspero will get you from A to B with a faster overall time than perhaps a gravel bike that is built to be a little more utilitarian in nature. As the gravel scene continues to grow and more an more cyclists are drawn to the discipline we see riders coming over from the road and cyclists coming over from mountain biking; it’s fair to say the Cervelo Aspero will probably appeal more to road cyclists who are driven by hitting performance targets and the addictive need for speed.

If you’ve got a need for speed when you’re riding off-road then the Cervelo Aspero Apex 1 is definitely up for the job…

The Cervelo Aspero Apex 1 is available in-store and online now.

Full Specification:

• Frame: Cervelo All-Carbon Modular Monocoque
• Fork: Cervelo All-Carbon, Tapered Aspero Fork with TrailMixer Adjustable Trail
• Shifters: SRAM Apex 1 HRD, 11 spd
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM Apex 1
• Cassette : SRAM PG-1130, 11 spd, 11-42
• Chainset: SRAM Apex 1 40T
• Brakes: SRAM Apex HRD, SRAM CenterLine 160mm
• Wheelset: Alexrims Boondocks-7D, 28h (F), 28h (R), 24mm IW, Center-Lock, Tubeless Ready
• Front Tyre: Panaracer Gravel King SK Sport Folding 700×38 60tpi
• Rear Tyre: Panaracer Gravel King SK Sport Folding 700×38 60tpi
• Stem: Easton EA50 Alloy
• Handlebar: Easton EA50 AX Alloy
• Seat Post: Easton EA50 Alloy
• Saddle: Cervelo Road Saddle

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by James Vincent

 

Want to see more fast bikes? You can now see all of our featured bikes in one place over on Pinterest where you’ll find links to each of our Fast Bike Friday Blogs too!

Click the link below and search our archive…