
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…

This week, for our Fast Bike Friday feature we’re looking at Cannondale’s versatile hardtail E-MTB – the Trail Neo 4. Most of our FBF features tend to focus on high-end super-bikes including Road, Gravel, Mountain and E-MTBs which we can’t help being seduced by, but sometimes may come at the expense of looking at more obtainable all-rounders that offer great value for money. The Cannondale Trail Neo 4 fits this description well; if you’re considering buying your fist E-Bike and are looking for a versatile bike that you can use for your daily commute during the week, before heading off further afield at the weekend to explore your local tracks and trails then this fun, fast E-MTB from Cannondale could be the bike for you; let’s run through some of the Trail Neo 4’s key features…
As with any e-bike, most people’s first concern is the motor that the bike has been spec’d with, but before we do that let’s take a look at the alloy frame which benefits from years of design and engineering experience from the Cannondale team. The Trail Neo 4 frame is produced using their premium SmartForm C1 Alloy construction technique, allowing them to create a frame that is incredibly light, stiff and durable. This light, stiff frame gives a light and lively feel and excels on everything from the city streets to tight, technical off-road singletrack; when it comes to the geometry of the Trail Neo 4 everything is well thought out with short chainstays providing good rear-wheel traction and agile handling. Upfront a slack head angle provides good stability and a confidence-inspiring feel even on steep downhills. Cannondale have positioned the bike’s motor and battery nice and low for centred, balanced handling regardless of the terrain you’re negotiating.
The Cannondale Trail Neo 4 is a great-looking, versatile E-MTB…
The Cannondale Trail Neo 4 looks great thanks in no small part to its clever integration; e-bike technology has moved on quickly from its early beginnings, with motors and batteries becoming more compact and easier to build into the frame for a clean, uncluttered look. The internal Bosch Powertube 500Wh battery sits neatly within the frame’s downtube with a convenient charging port located near the headtube so you won’t need to remove the battery every time you need to charge the bike; the battery has a range of up to 75 miles on one charge.
A fully-integrated Bosch Powertube 500Wh battery is stowed neatly in the downtube…
The Trail Neo 4 comes spec’d with a very versatile Bosch Performance Line Cruise motor which is perfectly suited to both the demands of the urban environment as well as more intrepid off-road adventures. This motor gives a maximum torque of 65Nm which gives a sporty feel and quick acceleration even when you’re pedaling at a high cadence. The Performance Line Cruise motor is almost completely silent too and there’s minimal pedal resistance even when the motor is not assisting you so it’s a very natural-feeling setup. One of the most significant improvements for this motor over its predecessors is just how compact and light it is, helping to make the bike feel more agile and responsive than previous-generation e-bikes.
The compact Bosch Performance Line Cruise motor is quiet and efficient…
Robust, durable, compact and fully-integrated Bosch Performance Line Cruise e-bike motor…
The Trail Neo 4 features an e-bike-specific FSA Bosch crank with a 34T chainring…
To control the motor and determine the preferred mode depending on the terrain you are riding Cannondale have spec’d the Bosch Purion E-Sytem display unit. This minimalist on-board computer gives you all the control and information you’ll need at the touch of a button and is easy to use during your ride, allowing you to operate it with both of your hands always remaining on the handlebars. The unit displays the bike’s charging status, speed, riding mode, range, trip distance and total distance; the screen is backlit with a non-glare display so it’s easy to read even if you’re only able to quickly glance at it while riding in a busy city environment or during fast, technical off-road rides.
When you’re riding the Cannondale Trail Neo 4 the Purion control unit makes it really easy to toggle between the four motor modes to help make your e-bike ride as fast, efficient AND enjoyable as possible. Eco mode provides maximum efficiency to help you achieve the greatest range possible; Tour mode provides uniform support for long range rides while Sport/eMTB mode gives a more powerful level of support for sporty rides and fast commuting. Finally there’s Turbo mode, the least efficient but most powerful mode, making it ideal for high-cadence sporty riding off-road.
Bosch’s Purion display gives you all the information and control you’ll need…
The Trail Neo 4 is going to get you up to speed quickly and will inevitably push you to ride faster and harder than you may have done previously. To help you keep in control and stay comfortable on harsher off-road terrain Cannondale have fitted the bike with a durable pair of SR Suntour XCM suspension forks providing 100mm of travel; with roads the way they are, peppered with pot-holes you’ll also feel the benefit of these forks on your daily commute!
The capable SR Suntour XCM suspension fork will help keep you in control…
The Cannondale Trail Neo 4 E-MTB features a 9-speed Shimano Alivio drivetrain to give you all the gears you’ll need to be able to take on anything from fast urban road rides to technically-demanding off-road rides that include steep climbs composed of loose gravel surfaces. That single 34T chainring upfront at the motor is matched with a 9-speed cassette which provides a wide range of gear ratios – 11T being your smallest sprocket and 36T being your largest sprocket.
The Shimano Alivio rear derailleur takes care of gear-changing duties…
An easy to use Shimano Alivio trigger shifter gives a really light gear-shifting action; every gear change is crisp and precise and there’s even a small window included in the shifter to indicate which gear you’re in – a useful addition if you’re fairly new to cycling. With regular riding you’ll quickly learn what’s best for you with regard to what gear and motor mode combination is best for you, your riding style and the terrain you are riding on.
The 9-speed Shimano Alivio trigger shifter is easy and intuitive to use…
A fast, agile E-MTB that’s built for fast commutes and fun off-road rides needs a good pair of brakes to help you scrub speed quickly and keep you in control. Cannondale have spec’d a pair of powerful hydraulic Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes to provide consistent braking in all weathers and on all terrains, the hydraulic brake levers and calipers have been matched up with large 180mm RT10 rotors so there’s plenty of surface area to give loads of bite and control without the risk of the braking system overheating; this is a great setup that matches the extra braking demands brought on by an e-mountain bike.
Shimano MT200 hydraulic brakes provide plenty of stopping power…
The Shimano MT200 brake calipers combined with large 180mm rotors help keep you in control, the rear of the frame also features a thru-axle for extra rear wheel security and perfect alignment between the disc brake rotor and the hydraulic brake caliper; also note the addition of the KickFlip mount making it easy to add a kickstand for around-town convenience. There’s also bolt-on mounts on the frame allowing you to fit a rear pannier rack and / or mudguards making the Trail Neo 4 even more versatile – the perfect bike for commuting duties or even light bicycle touring as well as mountain biking.
The Thru-axle is extra secure and provides perfect alignment between brake caliper and rotor…
To help you hold your speed, regardless of whether you’re riding on the road or on the trails Cannondale have very sensibly spec’d the Trail Neo 4 with large 29” wheels and tyres. 29er wheels have become the most popular wheel-size choice on mountain bikes over recent years for a number of really good reasons – they’re fast-rolling and hold their momentum well on all types of terrain and with the addition of the extra power-input of the Bosch motor you’ll benefit from the enhanced traction and control gained from a larger circumference 29” tyres which provide a larger surface contact area with the ground and keep you in control on tight, loose turns.
Fast-rolling 29″ wheels with durable Shimano hubs will stand up well to the rigors of E-MTBing…
Tough Maxxis Ardent 2.4″ tyres features a versatile tyre tread that bite well for enhanced traction and control…
Tyre clearance is good at the rear of the frame so muddy rides won’t bog you down; note the additional bolt-on bosses for mudguards and a pannier rack…
Finishing kit on the Cannondale Trail Neo 4 includes some nice light but strong Alloy components badged up with Cannondale logos. There’s a 780mm wide handlebar made from 6061 Alloy and featuring a 15mm rise to keep you in control, particularly when you’re riding off-and need that extra leverage of a wide bar. The Cannondale handlebars are neatly matched with a compact stem which helps to provide quick, precise steering. Handlebar grips by top parts brand Fabric are lock-on for extra security and are nice and comfortable regardless of whether or not you’re wearing gloves. A Cannondale Ergo XC saddle is light but durable with a profile that is nice and comfortable even during prolonged sessions in the saddle; an Alloy Cannondale 4 seatpost with a 31.6mm diameter is tough but light.
The Cannondale bar and stem helps to make the Trail Neo 4 a responsive, sharp-steering E-MTB…
The Cannondale Trail Neo 4 E-MTB is a great choice of bike if you’re looking for your first e-bike and aren’t completely sure at this stage where your cycling is going to take you. You may be looking for an e-bike that can get you to and from work everyday and are making an effort to use the car less to cut some of your monthly fuel costs. Or you may be more focused on escaping the city and exploring the tracks and trails nearby; this rugged E-MTB is built to handle the rough stuff too. The Bosch Performance Line Cruise e-bike motor is compact and powerful, providing lots of pedaling assistance in each of the four user-friendly modes. With a lightweight alloy frame, a capable suspension fork, powerful disc brakes and a durable groupset featuring a generous range of gears the Cannondale Trail Neo 4 is a confidence-inspiring E-MTB that will encourage you to ride further and faster than ever before.
The Cannondale Trail Neo 4 is perfect for mid-week commuting duties AND off-road weekend adventures…
The Cannondale Trail Neo 4 is available in-store and online now.
Written by Johnny Dodgin
Photos by James Vincent
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The Specialized Turbo Creo SL range of e-road bikes are almost unique in the world of e-bikes with Specialized themselves describing them in their marketing spiel as ‘A Whole New Sport’. It’s a bold claim but it’s one that they can back up with some pretty impressive stats – a unique motor and battery system developed and owned by Specialized which is super-light and compact, a lightweight FACT 11r carbon chassis across the range except for one E5 alloy model and a Future Shock with a hydraulic damper on all models means that the Turbo Creo SL is a really high-performance road bike that just happens to have a motor. These bikes can significantly amplify your power input without some of the usual compromises commonly associated with e-bikes, namely some considerable weight gain and nervous handling. We’ve been lucky enough to test ride some of the Turbo Creo SL models and were really impressed with how they rode; there’s no bigger test than putting a pure roadie on a bike like this and when the feedback is really positive you know that Specialized have hit on something new and exciting…

So what was the design brief for the Turbo Creo SL? Well, Specialized set out to create a superlight E-Road Bike that would give you the pedal assistance required to go further and faster than you would have on an ‘acoustic’ road bike but without some of the extra bulk and subsequent effect on bike handling associated with a conventional E-Bike. To hit that sweet spot between having ride-enhancing pedal-assist power and the feel of a conventional ‘manual road bike’ Specialized have spec’d their very own 240 Watt Specialized SL 1.1 motor (the same motor found on the their popular Turbo Levo SL E-MTB) 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’…

The riding feel of the Specialized Turbo Creo 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 e-road bikes available. 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 still had a proper workout only with a faster average speed, perhaps riding a little further than you would have on your conventional road bike, then this system will give you the confidence to push your riding and actually increase your fitness over time.
Road riding can be a very social affair and this is where the Turbo Creo SL really comes into its own; the bike is a real leveller, allowing riders of mixed abilities and fitness levels to ride more comfortably together. Regardless of the reasons behind your mix-match of fitness levels the Turbo Creo SL will allow you to keep pace with faster groups and help you to take on longer social rides without the fear of running out of energy or constantly having to catch up with faster-paced individuals or groups. Depending on your circumstances and the people you ride with the Specialized Turbo Creo SL can really open up your riding experiences and encourage you to ride further, for longer. Taking time to master the motor’s modes and using them accordingly you’ll find that you are still able to make the rides you do challenging and a really good workout; the SL1.1 motor amplifies rider power up to 240 watts and 35Nm of both peak and sustained power with Specialized tuning the motor to deliver constant, strong support across a wide cadence range for a very natural feel while pedalling.
The compact Turbo Creo SL motor casing is made from Magnesium helping to bring the motor weight down to 1.95 Kg…

What about motor modes? The SL 1.1 Motor features three assisted riding modes: ECO, SPORT and TURBO, here’s how those modes break down:
ECO mode matches your effort by 30%
Sport 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 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 Creo 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 130 kilometres (195 KM with range extender)…

There’s a lot of chat in-store around Wheelbase HQ concerning ‘range-anxiety’. With a lightweight e-road bike such as this you’ll be encouraged to ride further than you may have done on a traditional ‘acoustic’ road bike, spending more hours in the saddle and taking on epic all-day rides. It’s a relatively new consideration for most of us, but as well as ensuring you’ve got enough snacks to keep you fuelled for your ride you’re going to have to think about battery life too. If you’re the type of rider who wants to spend the whole day in the saddle then Specialized have you covered; there’s an option to fit a 160Wh Range Extender battery which fits in your bottle cage taking battery range up to 195 kilometres.
The 160Wh Range Extender is available as an after market product…

The Turbo Creo SL range of e-bikes is pretty broad with some quite significant choices of spec that will suit a number of riding styles from full-on performance road riding to more adventurous gravel riding. All Turbo Creo SL models have tyre clearance for up to 42mm wide tyres on 700c rims; the bikes can be fitted with full mudguards too and still have clearance for 700c tyres up to 38mm wide. With Boost hub spacing of 12x110mm front and 12x148mm rear these e-bikes are compatible with 650b wheels too and will take a whopping 47mm wide tyre. Specialized have split the Turbo Creo SL range between road-focused and gravel-focused models, any of the models with EVO in their title denotes a gravel-specific spec; all models (with the exception of the Alloy E5) feature the same Fact 11R frame the only difference being that the EVO models have a more adventure-ready build. Below is a run down of all of the Specialized Turbo Creo SL models available in 2021…
S-Works Turbo Creo SL 2021 £11,500.00

S-Works Turbo Creo SL EVO 2021 £11,500.00

Specialized Turbo Creo SL Expert 2021 £7,500.00

Specialized Turbo Creo SL Expert EVO 2021 £7,500.00

Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon 2021 £5,750.00
Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon EVO 2021 £5,750.00
Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp E5 2021 £4,000.00

Bikes from the popular Specialized Turbo Creo SL range are selling quickly, check in with us in-store or online for more information on stock availability…
Written by Johnny Dodgin

As E-Bike systems continue to revolutionise how a growing number of our customers participate in cycling, hi-tech brands with their fingers on the pulse continue to push their design and manufacturing processes to create e-bike hardware and software that really improves rider-experience; Shimano is one such company and is arguably one of brands at the forefront of e-bike development. Calling on their wealth of experience in the development of e-bike technology Shimano are back with an all new e-bike motor – introducing the Shimano Steps EP8 motor….

The Shimano Steps EP8 motor in detail…

The new EP8 motor is considerably more quiet that its closest predecessor, boasting a significantly lighter weight overall, cleaner, more compact integration and smoother, more natural feeling pedaling assistance. Key improvements include:
The Shimano Steps EP8 motor has a maximum torque output of 85Nm with the power delivery being direct but incredibly smooth to ensure you are in full control with a natural ride feeling. The motor features a Magnesium drive unit casing which is more compact than previous Shimano motors as well as being 300g lighter than their E8000 motor.

EP8 Hardware – Key Features:



Using the EP8 Assist Switch…
The EP8’s system includes an SW-EM800-L assist switch to control the motor. Improvements on this model over its predecessors include a more ergonomic concave button profile and easier operation without gloves.
Key features include:


EP8 Software explained…
Shimano haven’t just stopped at improving their e-bike motors; they’ve focused on the system’s software too with a number of advancements in technology on previous versions.
Key improvements:

When you’re riding in Optimised Trail mode it’s possible to control the motor so that there is less energy consumption at low input torques, however, when you push harder the EP8 motor provides additional support to help you power up the trail.

The Shimano Steps EP8 software enables you to customise a multitude of factors to suit a wide variety of bikes, terrains and riding styles; using the E-TUBE PROJECT App you can customise:

Using the 2 pre-set Profiles…
To get you out there riding, Shimano have pre-loaded two profiles which are accessible via the display. These profiles are suited to a variety of terrain, from challenging singletrack and flowing fire roads all the way through to technical rocky sections. The original factory settings consist of Profile 1 with more versatile assist settings that cover everything from fire roads to challenging single tracks and a Profile 2 with high-performance default assist settings tuned for extreme riding, rapidly delivering the maximum assist in technical sections without sacrificing controllability. The rider can then adjust these profiles to his or her needs.
Profile 1:
Profile 2:


So what about the EP3 system’s Battery?…
To accompany their new Steps EP8 e-bike motor system Shimano have produced an equally compact integrated battery for the downtube, freeing up bike brands to create even more svelte-looking e-bikes, as seen here on the Merida eOne-Sixty 8000 e-MTB. This 630Wh integrated battery is quick charging with a 50% charge taking 2.5 hours and a full charge taking 6 hours.


So that’s a quick highlight of some of the best aspects of the brilliant Shimano Steps EP8 e-bike motor; you’ll see this system being spec’d on more and more e-MTB’s in the coming months. We’ve recently taken delivery of the very impressive Merida eOne-Sixty 8000 e-MTB with it’s super-cool 27.5 / 29″ wheel ‘mullet’ configuration (business up front, party at the back). Check out a full review of the bike in our Fast Bike Friday Blog now…
Written by Johnny Dodgin
Merida eOne-Sixty 8000 Photos by James Vincent

This week our Fast Bike Friday feature focuses on the Kona Rove DL gravel bike; on first impressions this is an uber-cool, quirky gravel bike with a retro feel, but beyond the styling is there a bike that rides well and meets the demands of modern gravel riding? Well, yes! In this case steel is most certainly real…
As we’ve mentioned in previous features, when it comes to gravel bikes there’s an increasingly wide range of ‘sub-types’ within this genre of riding – from super-lightweight carbon aero race machines to tough alloy options with slack geometry and a playful setup. Kona have most definitely focused on the more utilitarian, bike-packing & adventure approach to gravel and have put together a very comprehensive range of bikes with frames made from a wide choice of materials, 650b or 700c wheel sizes, 1x or 2x drivetrains and flat or straight handle bars. We featured a brief overview of the complete Kona gravel and adventure range HERE recently; today we are taking a detailed look at the all-new Rove DL.
The all-new Kona Rove DL…
Kona tell us that the Rove DL replaces their previous Rove ST model, taking everything they had perfected with the ST and changing things up significantly by building the Rove DL with their own Kona Butted Cromoly steel tubing for a stunning frame and Project Two Cromoly Disc fork producing a bike that not only smooths out your ride but is guaranteed to catch plenty of attention thanks to its super-stylish retro looks.
The Kona Rove DL embraces the ‘steel is real’ mantra…
Kona have embraced all that’s good with steel bicycle frame construction and then brought it bang-up-to-date with all of the small detailing and technical innovations you’d expect from a modern gravel bike. You’ll hear enthusiasts of steel bikes talking about the unique ‘feel’ of the ride when compared to carbon or aluminium bikes; Kona have never strayed from featuring bikes made from this material somewhere in their range as they recognise steel’s shock absorbing properties, durability and supple ride characteristics. It’s exactly these properties that makes steel such a great material for gravel bikes that have been designed to handle long-distance, mixed-surface adventures where comfort, durability and load-carrying capacity are all non-negotiable.
Kona’s Cromoly Butted steel construction produces a comfortable, durable frame…
Looks can be deceptive, beyond its headlining Cromoly steel construction and retro-styling there’s still plenty of technical innovation going on in the construction of the Rove DL’s frameset. The head tube of the frame is tapered with more girth positioned at the bottom to help better distribute shock force from rough terrain and helping eliminate any potential for front brake shudder. That tapered head tube also means that the bikes’ lower headset bearing is safely stowed away internally inside the frame / fork junction to significantly increase the life of the bearings.
There’s a modern tapered headtube on this retro-styled gravel bike…
Continuing the theme of a cutting-edge gravel bike that’s cleverly disguised as a retro classic Kona have included contemporary axle spacing with a rear 12×142 thru-axle keeping things stiff and responsive, your wheel secure and the rear wheel’s disc brake rotor remaining perfectly aligned; the 12mm diameter rear axle creates a stiff interface between the rear hub and the frame, further adding to just how responsive this bike feels when you’re stomping on the pedals, there’s no loss of energy through this setup.
The durable Rove DL frame features neat welds and subtle graphics…
Upfront Kona have spec’d a Project Two Cromoly Disc fork; once again this is just a good way to utilise the inherent properties of steel – that springy, compliant feel decreases the vibration through to your hands reducing rider fatigue. These durable Cromoly steel forks are thru-axle too, just like the setup at the rear of the frame this means that your front wheel is extra-secure and your disc rotor is perfectly aligned all of the time. The 100x12mm hub / fork interface helps provide precise steering with excellent tracking through rough terrain and as you’ll see from the photos the Project Two fork also includes multiple bolt-on bosses to allow you to load up your Rove with bags for multi-day bike-packing adventures.
A Project Two Cromoly Disc fork with thru-axle and multiple bolt-on bosses…
Neat front brake hose routing and stylish graphics adorn the Project Two steel forks…
In days gone by a robust, steel bike built for riding on cycling adventures and designed to carry a load would have featured a triple chainset including a tiny 28T ‘granny ring’ up front combined with a rear cassette featuring a 32T cog to give you the gearing required to climb steep hills when your bike is fully laden. Thankfully things have moved on quite significantly since then and this is most certainly the case with the drivetrain spec on the Kona Rove DL. To keep things simple and efficient the Rove DL features a SRAM Rival 1x 11-speed drivetrain which consists of a single 40T chainring upfront combined with a massive wide-ratio rear cassette; the smallest cog is a tiny 11T and the largest is a whopping 42T. This clever, stripped-back system gives you all the gearing you’ll need so that you won’t spin out on fast, flat roads or run out of climbing gears on the climbs, even when you’re fully loaded up with all of your bike-packing gear.
The SRAM Rival drivetrain keeps things simple but brilliantly functional…
If you’re unfamiliar with this type of gearing you may be wondering about chain security – the ability to keep the chain on the front chain ring and rear cassette, particularly over rough & unpredictable terrain. Traditionalists may well panic at the lack of a front derailleur which, as well as allowing you to change up or down gears on a conventional drivetrain also prevents the chain from dropping off the chainrings. Fear not! The SRAM Rival drivetrain takes technology first used on their mountain bike groupsets and applies it here for the similar demands of gravel biking; the 11-speed rear derailleur includes a built-in clutch which cleverly adds tension to the chain to help prevent it from unshipping. Similarly that single chainring upfront features a narrow-wide tooth profile which also helps to keep the chain safely located.
The Rival rear derailleur features a clutch to help prevent the chain from unshipping…
The 11-speed SRAM Rival shifter simple to use…
SRAM’s right hand DoubleTap lever takes charge of gear-changing duties…
The SRAM Rival single chainring creates a simple, uncluttered drivetrain…
SRAM’s narrow/wide profiled 40T chainring helps to keep the chain securely located…
Kona have spec’d mechanical disc brakes to the Rove DL rather than an a hydraulic option; this has enabled them to keep the Rove DL at a competitive price point and whilst mechanical disc brakes are sometimes seen as a significant compromise compared to fit-and-forget hydraulic units these TRP Spyre brake calipers stand out as one of the most powerful, user-friendly mechanical disc brakes available. Unlike many other mechanical disc brake options the TRP Spyres actually have dual pistons rather than a single piston, which makes them significantly more powerful and much easier to set up and maintain; this dual piston setup means even pad and rotor wear because the rotor does not need to flex to one side during braking. The calipers also feature a cable barrel adjuster to allow you to fine tune pad / rotor clearance and are paired up with 160mm rotors front and rear to provide plenty of stopping power even in wet off-road conditions.
TRP Spyre mechanical disc brake calipers are powerful and easy to adjust…
Kona have spec’d 160mm rotors for enhanced stopping power…
The TRP Spyres feature cable barrel adjusters for on-the-fly adjustments…
In a move that reflects how Kona sees this bike being used – for rowdy riding and off-road adventures, they have spec’d 650b rather than 700c wheels. By using the slightly smaller diameter wheels Kona are able to fit a larger volume tyre for enhanced comfort and control off-road while retaining an overall diameter that is very similar to a larger 700c wheel with a smaller-volume tyre fitted; this means that the wheels roll just as fast as a conventional 700c wheel but with the added comfort and compliance of a larger volume tyre. Kona have spec’d a wheelset consisting of tough WTB KOM Light Team i23 rims laced to durable Formula thru-axle hubs with fast-rolling WTB Venture TCS DUAL 650x47c tyres which feature a minimal tread pattern down the centre of the tyre for fast road sections and smooth terrain combined with a more aggressive tread pattern on the outer edges of the tyre to keep you in control on tight, technical off-road terrain.
650b WTB wheels are ready for rowdy riding…
There’s plenty of clearance between tyre and frame even with large volume 47c tyres…
Kona have spec’d durable Formula thru-axle hubs on the Rove DL…
There’s a minimal tread pattern down the centre of the tyre for fast road sections…
Finishing kit on the Kona Rove DL consists of lightweight, durable alloy Kona stem, handlebar and seatpost as well as a comfortable and hard-wearing WTB saddle that includes Kona branding.
Light, strong Kona components finish of the Rove DL…
The Kona handle bars are wide without being ridiculous and suit this off-road-focused gravel bike…
A clean, clutter-free cockpit leaves plenty of room for a bar bag…
The Kona branded saddle is actually made by well-respected component brand WTB…
The Kona Rove DL is a fantastic contemporary gravel bike that’s cleverly hiding behind some very cool retro looks. The Cromoly steel frame and fork brings its own unique feel which is perfectly suited to the demands of gravel riding and multi-day bike-packing adventures; similarly the smaller 650b wheelset fitted with large volume 47c tyres encourage you to push your riding to the limit, making this a fun bike to ride if you’ve only got a couple of hours spare to blast around your local woods. By fitting the Rove DL with a SRAM Rival groupset Kona have given you all the gears you’ll need regardless of the load you’re carrying, with the simple 1x drivetrain keeping things simple and brilliantly functional in all riding conditions. Whether you’re dreaming of days gone by and want to rediscover the joys of riding a classy steel bike or are considering your first foray into steel the Kona Rove DL is a versatile, durable, FUN option to go for.
Considering your first foray into steel? The Kona Rove DL gravel bike is a great option…
The Kona Rove DL is available in-store and online now.
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!

Are you just getting into cycling? If you’re planning on buying your first road bike then look no further than the Specialized Allez road bike, available in three different specifications they’re designed to suit your budget and cycling ambitions.
Whether you want to start riding socially on the road or to save money and get fit by commuting to work the Specialized Allez is a fantastic road bike to start your journey. Perhaps you want to set up your new road bike on a static indoor trainer during the week and then quickly and easily head out at the weekends to explore your local roads? Have you set yourself a cycling challenge such as a Sportive or are attempting your first Triathlon? We would recommend a Specialized Allez for a number of reasons, not least because of the amount ‘trickle-down technology’ included on these bikes.
What’s trickle-down technology? It’s a term we use in the bike industry to describe design innovation and componentry that was initially implemented a lot further up the food chain but is now utilised on entry-level bikes, what does this mean in reality? It means you’ll directly benefit from technology that makes your entry into road cycling all the more user-friendly and enjoyable.
At the heart of each Allez model is a superlight Specialized E5 frame and carbon fibre fork. Taking a lot of the engineering principles that the Specialized designers have developed on their top-of-the-line carbon fibre frames each alloy tube is cleverly manipulated and shaped to save weight and increase strength and stiffness where it is needed most. While some entry-level road bikes feature alloy or cheap carbon fibre forks which detract from the overall ride quality, there’s no such compromise here. Specialized have fitted a full FACT carbon fibre fork which drops the overall weight of the bike, contributes to better handling and gives you more confidence to ride faster on tricky descents and tight turns.
With versatility in mind and the consideration that you may well be commuting on your Allez during the week Specialized have included pannier rack and mudguard mounts to allow you to equip your bike for the daily demands of riding to and from work. The geometry of the bike (how it fits you) has been developed using Specialized’s 30+ years of experience in designing and constructing bikes; the Allez features user-friendly geometry that is comfortable and confidence-inspiring while still providing performance-minded handling that you’d expect from your first road bike.
The alloy frame and carbon fibre fork is the same across all three Allez bikes we are looking at here, so what determines the price difference? If you chose to pay a little more what are you getting that’s different and how will it benefit you and your riding? The biggest, most significant difference between each bike is the ‘Groupset’ it has been spec’d with. When we talk about the groupset we are referring to the componentry that drives the bike forward, handles the gear changing and takes care of the braking duties. When you pay a little more you can expect a groupset with a wider choice of gearing (basically there are more gears available on the bike); all three models feature two chainrings at the front of the drivetrain combined with a cluster of gears (cassette) on the rear wheel. The Allez Elite features an 11-speed cassette, the Allez Sport a 9-speed cassette and the Allez an 8-speed cassette; the more gears that are squeezed into the cassette the wider choice of gearing you’ll have. What’s the main benefit of this? Well it means that the change between each gear is less dramatic allowing you to pedal more smoothly and feel less fatigued and you’ll also find that you have a gear to suit every gradient you encounter.
All three Allez models come spec’d with Shimano groupsets – Shimano are the world leaders in cycling drivetrain componentry. The key differences of each Shimano groupset as you move up towards the higher-priced options are the quality of the gear changing mechanisms (the front and rear derailleur) which move the chain to the gear you have selected, with components becoming lighter and slightly more efficient as you move up the Allez range. It’s worth pointing out that, again, Shimano groupsets are an excellent example of trickle-down technology in the bicycle industry with all of the componentry being heavily influenced from their predecessors further up the Shimano range. This means that each component gets more and more user-friendly with each generation, providing lighter-action, more precise gear selections with each iteration.
Another key consideration when you’re choosing your first road bike, along with seeking a light & comfortable frame and efficient groupset is the brakes that have been spec’d. If you’re starting out riding on a road bike you’ll want to feel confident and in control at all times; a lot of that control comes from your bike’s braking system and how effective it is, particularly when something unforeseen happens in front of you.
You’ll have no-doubt seen that more and more road bikes now feature disc brakes (brakes located at the centre of the wheel on the hub); this is relatively new technology that typically features higher up the price range of road bikes. The reason for this is that the technology and materials involved to make the disc brakes and disc-brake-specific wheels is more expensive. We’ve not yet seen this sort of technology available at the price point of the Allez road bikes we’re looking at here; it’s also important to note that if and when disc brakes ARE spec’d on bikes at this price point (as you may see with some alternative bike brands) the cheaper, more affordable disc-brake-specific-wheels tend to be noticeably heavier than a conventional wheel.
All three models of Specialized Allez feature conventional rim brakes which are powerful and easy to modulate, this simple, effective setup keeps the overall weight of your bike down and makes for a more lively, spritely feel on the road. Specialized have spec’d light, durable road 700c diameter road wheels to all of the Allez and have shod them with slick, fat-rolling Specialized Roadsport wheels with a 26mm width to help cushion you from harsh road surfaces and provide you with plenty of confidence-inspiring grip on flowing downhill descents.
If you’re considering your first road bike the Specialized Allez is a fantastic option, with a range of specifications and prices to suit your cycling ambitions and budgets. The bikes are packed full of proven technology and have been designed to be versatile and user-friendly as you begin to progress in the sport of cycling. As the weather improves and the days get longer there’s more opportunities to get out and get fit so now is the time to get properly equipped for the more enjoyable days ahead. If you want more advice and guidance why not come in and see us in any of our three stores – Wheelbase Lake District, Yorkshire and North East or get in touch with our customer support team and shop conveniently online. We have some great buying options too; why not spread the cost of your new bike with our Finance options or buy through a Cycle to Work Scheme….
Buying your first road bike? Look no further than the Specialized Allez…
Specialized Allez Elite £1,249.00
Specialized Allez Elite Specification:
Frame: Specialized E5 Premium Aluminum, fully manipulated tubing w/ SmoothWelds, 1-1/8″- 1-3/8″ tapered head tube, internal cable routing, threaded BB, 130mm spacing
Fork: Specialized FACT carbon, 1-1/8″ to 1-3/8″ taper, fender eyelets
Stem: Specialized, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise
Handle Bars: Specialized Shallow Drop, 6061, 70x125mm, 31.8mm clamp
Brakes: Axis 1.0 caliper
Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105 R7000 GS, medium cage, 11-speed
Shift Levers: Shimano 105 R7000, 11-speed
Cassette: Shimano 105, 11-speed, 11-32t
Chainset: Praxis Alba
Wheels: DT R460, sealed cartridge hubs, 14g spokes
Front Tyre: RoadSport, 700×26
Rear Tyre: RoadSport, 700×26
Saddle: Body Geometry Bridge Saddle, steel rails
Seat Post: Alloy, 2-bolt Clamp, 12mm offset, 27.2mm, anti-corrosion hardware
Specialized Allez Sport £999.00
Specialized Allez Sport Specification:
Frame: Specialized E5 Premium Aluminum, fully manipulated tubing w/ SmoothWelds, 1-1/8″- 1-3/8″ tapered head tube, internal cable routing, threaded BB, 130mm spacing
Fork: Specialized FACT carbon, 1-1/8″ to 1-3/8″ taper, fender eyelets
Stem: Specialized, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise
Handle Bars: Specialized Shallow Drop, 6061, 70x125mm, 31.8mm clamp
Brakes: Axis 1.0 caliper
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Sora, 9-speed
Shift Levers: Shimano Sora, 9-speed
Cassette: SunRace, 9-speed, 11-32t
Chainset: Praxis Alba
Wheels: Axis Sport
Front Tyre: RoadSport, 700×26
Rear Tyre: RoadSport, 700×26
Saddle: Body Geometry Bridge Saddle, steel rails
Seat Post: Alloy, 2-bolt Clamp, 12mm offset, 27.2mm, anti-corrosion hardware
Specialized Allez £799.00
Specialized Allez Specification:
Frame: Specialized E5 Premium Aluminum, fully manipulated tubing w/ SmoothWelds, 1-1/8″- 1-3/8″ tapered head tube, internal cable routing, threaded BB, 130mm spacing
Fork: Specialized FACT carbon, 1-1/8″ to 1-3/8″ taper, fender eyelets
Stem: Specialized, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise
Handle Bars: Specialized Shallow Drop, 6061, 70x125mm, 31.8mm clamp
Brakes: Tektro, alloy, dual-pivot
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Claris, 8-speed
Shift Levers: Shimano Claris 2000, 8-speed
Cassette: SunRace, 8-speed, 11-32t
Chainset: Shimano Claris R200
Wheels: Axis Sport
Front Tyre: RoadSport, 700×26
Rear Tyre: RoadSport, 700×26
Saddle: Body Geometry Bridge Saddle, steel rails
Seat Post: Alloy, 2-bolt Clamp, 12mm offset, 27.2mm, anti-corrosion hardware
Feature written by Johnny Dodgin
Photos by James Vincent

LOOKING FOR A NEW OPPORTUNITY? THEN LOOK NO FURTHER THAN A COMPANY THAT IS GOING PLACES.
WHEELBASE is the UK’s largest cycle store and we have been at the forefront of the industry for the last 25 years. We live and breathe bikes and have built up our business in the Lake District National Park with some of the UK’s best mountain and road rides right outside our HQ. We opened our second store WHEELBASE North East in 2016 and our third store WHEELBASE Yorkshire in 2018. We have ambitious plans for further expansion of our retail and ecommerce divisions.
Location: WHEELBASE Lake District, LA8 9LR
We are currently looking for the right applicants to join our ever-growing Store Sales Team at our Lake District super store in Staveley.
In a busy and exciting environment, we strive to deliver outstanding service to our customers. Providing the latest products from the leading brands across all disciplines of our sport – mountain, road, electric, leisure, kids and adventure.
ABOUT THE JOB:
YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO:
ABOUT YOU:
SALARY: We offer a competitive salary based on ability and experience.
PLEASE SEND YOUR C.V. AND COVER LETTER TO: jobs@wheelbase.co.uk
CLOSING DATE: No closing date currently set, please apply now.
Our ecommerce division is based out of our Lake District HQ and has seen significant growth over the past year; we pride ourselves on offering a premium shopping experience to our mail order customers through excellent customer service via our website, telephone and email.
ABOUT THE JOB:
YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO:
ABOUT YOU:
SALARY: We offer a competitive salary based on ability and experience.
PLEASE SEND YOUR C.V. AND COVER LETTER TO: jobs@wheelbase.co.uk
CLOSING DATE: No closing date currently set, please apply now.
We are currently looking for bicycle mechanics to join our growing Mail Order bicycle packing team located at our Lake District super store in Staveley. Our bikes are fully built, tuned and expertly packed before being shipped to anywhere in the UK. As part of our expansion we are now looking for a Bike Builder to join our busy mail order team.
ABOUT THE JOB:
YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO:
ABOUT YOU:
SALARY: We offer a competitive salary based on ability and experience.
PLEASE SEND YOUR C.V. AND COVER LETTER TO: jobs@wheelbase.co.uk
CLOSING DATE: No closing date currently set, please apply now.

Spring is almost upon us, we can feel it! Get set for better times and the freedom to explore. The Eightshot Kid’s bike brand is available now at Wheelbase, take advantage of our sale prices now!…
In stock now, the Eightshot X-Coady 24 SL and Eightshot X-Coady 24 FS are great examples of this German brand’s complete focus on high-quality, child-friendly bikes designed specifically to make cycling more fun for kids. How have they achieved this? By very careful consideration of every detail, from each component spec’d, to the geometry and sizing of these great kid’s bikes.
Eightshot X-Coady 24 SL
Eightshot X-Coady 24 Fs
These Eightshot bikes with 24” wheels have been designed for children within the age range of 7-12 years, with a height range of 128-155cm and an inside leg measurement somewhere between 61-72cm. The X-Coady 24 SL and FS models are not downsized adult bikes, a process some bike brands are prone to do, these bike have been designed and refined using feedback from children and parents until every consideration has been tweaked to make your child’s riding more comfortable AND more fun.
Eightshot X-Coady 24 SL
Eightshot have designed the X-Coady 24 SL and FS bicycle frames around the dimensions of kids with some key considerations including bottom bracket height. Eightshot have slightly lowered the bottom bracket compared to other kid’s bikes from other brands; the reason for this is simple – as children begin to explore more demanding terrain they tend to have to put their feet down quickly to steady themselves. A lower bottom bracket combined with shorter cranks means pedalling clearance is maintained while your child is positioned slightly lower to the ground and is able to dab their feet as and when they need to.
Eightshot X-Coady 24 Fs
Eightshot X-Coady 24 FS
We also love Eightshot’s focus on a child-friendly Q-Factor; to quickly explain Q-Factor, it is the overall width of the bike’s bottom bracket, cranks and pedals, as the diagram below shows, many kids bikes just mirror the Q-Factor from their adult’s bikes, however that combined width is excessive for smaller children. Eightshot’s smaller Q-Factor keeps your child’s legs closer together making pedalling more comfortable and efficient all round.

We know from experience, both as retailers and as parents to children who love to ride with their family, that as kids grow and get to the 7-12 age range that these bikes are aimed at they naturally want to go further afield and explore more varied terrain. The demands of kid’s bike increase significantly at this point and the Eightshot X-Coady bikes are certainly up to the job.
Eightshot X-Coady 24 SL
So what are the key elements required for such a bike? Well, firstly there doesn’t need to be any gimmicks. We want bikes that are light but tough, have sensible gearing to help little legs cope with the demands of riding more difficult terrain & longer distances, reliable brakes that can be easily operated by smaller hands and contact points that have been designed to work well specifically with children – for example a smaller saddle, narrow handlebars, slimmer grips and brake levers that are positioned closer to the bars so that little hands can reach them quickly and easily.
Both the X-Coady 24 SL and X-Coady 24 FS feature Shimano Tourney 8-Speed gearing with a great spread of gear ratios to enable kids to ride up hills with ease and keep up with their older siblings and parents on fast, flat terrain. A simple to use twist-shift gear shifter is easy and intuitive for kids to use and by being incorporated into the handle bar grip it’s less lightly to get damaged than some typical gear levers.
With safety in mind Eightshot have spec’d a chainring guard to help stop little fingers getting trapped as well as protecting the components from the rough and tumble of every day riding.
Both bikes feature 140mm cranks that have been scaled to fit the dimensions of the bike and to match an average inside leg length for children that this bike is aimed at. Large, flat pedals mean your child’s feet will stay stable and secure on them, with less risk of slipping a pedal on rough terrain.
Braking on the X-Coady 24 SL and X-Coady 24 FS is taken care of by powerful v-brakes which are simple and easy to maintain. The brake levers on the handlebars have been designed with small hands in mind and are close to the bars so reaching for the levers in the heat of the moment is quick and safe.
Contact points have been considered too with Eightshot’s own child-specific saddle fitted; the profile of the saddle is shorter and slightly wider that the equivalent dimensions of an adult saddle, this gives increased support and enhances comfort when your child is pedalling while seated. The bike’s stem is 60mm so that reach is child-friendly and your kids aren’t in a stretched position, similarly the handle bars are 580mm wide to accommodate narrow shoulders giving a comfortable feel.
Eightshot have managed to hit a sweet-spot with their wheels & tyres combination on both X-Coady 24 bikes. Ideally a child’s bike should have tyres with sufficient volume to help kids navigate rough terrain and cushion them on the occasional curb hit; equally they’ll need a fast-rolling tyre that isn’t working against them, making pedalling harder. Eightshot have this aspect sorted too with their 24 x 2.0 tyres featuring a grippy tyre tread that provides traction on soft ground while rolling well on smoother tarmac surfaces.
Both bikes feature 24” wheels that are easy to get rolling but are big enough to help carry speed, keeping your child rolling without having to constantly pedal hard to get going again. The wheels have 32 spokes for a tough build to keep their wheel true and sealed-bearing hubs feature quick release wheels allowing you to quickly and efficiently remove wheels if you need to transport the bike in your car.
There is really only one key difference between the X-Coady 24 SL and X-Coady 24 FS in terms of specification and this is the child-specific suspension fork on the X-Coady 24 FS. Eightshot have spec’d an RST CAPA T24 fork with 50mm of suspension travel and features a soft spring that has been designed to work well with the lower weights of an averaged sized child. The addition of a suspension fork on this model means that when you venture off-road with your child they’ll be more comfortable and will be able to stay in control as the terrain gets rough.
So that’s our detailed look at the excellent Eightshot X-Coady 24 SL and X-Coady 24 FS kid’s bikes. We’re really impressed with the quality of these bikes from a brand that is focused solely on developing bikes for children. If you’re looking for a child’s bike that is going to reinforce their love of riding with friends and family and want to encourage them to start to stretch their riding to longer distances, possibly on more challenging terrain then these two models are a great choice.
In stock now – Eightshot X-Coady 24 SL…
In stock now – Eightshot X-Coady 24 SL…
Eightshot kid’s bikes are ready for proper riding and MORE fun…
Blog written by Johnny Dodgin
Photos by James Vincent