Year: 2021

Kona have really upped the stakes in the last couple of years with their range of gravel and adventure bikes aimed at riders with ambitions to explore further afield. This season their bike-packing and gravel bike range is more extensive than ever and caters to all of the subtle nuances associated with the growing trend of heading out on mixed-surfaces to explore on your bike. There’s pretty much a specification to suit all tastes; choose from 700c or fatter 650B wheels & tyres, steel frames or alloy frames, 1x or 2x drivetrains, flat bars or straight bars, full mudguards, dropper posts and pannier racks; the choices are almost endless!

This type of bike is fantastically versatile too, with our customers using them for all types of riding, from quick blasts in the woods to long, multi-day adventures with all of their wild-camping luggage onboard. Kona’s gravel and adventure bikes are the perfect tool for such endeavors and include multiple bolt-on bosses on the frames and forks to allow you to carry as much or as little luggage as you want for bike-packing or perhaps just your daily commute with the help of a rack and panniers.

Kona’s Rove sub-range has been further expanded this year with stunning steel options, lightweight alloy models and a choice of 650b or 700c wheels. These bikes are spec’d to match a wide range of budgets and also include 1x or 2x drivetrain options.

Kona keeps up with the demands of even the most intrepid of bicycle-mounted explorers with their Sutra models being a mash up of the best aspects of modern mountain, road and gravel bikes. The Sutra ULTD is designed for hardcore bike-packers and features revised geometry for more aggressive off-road adventures, with enhanced tyre clearance and multiple luggage mounting options it even includes a dropper seat post to help you move more freely around the bike as you negotiate steep, technical descents. The Sutra Ltd takes a more conventional approach and is aimed at gravel riding and some lightweight bike-packing while Kona’s Sutra unashamedly shouts ‘traditional touring bike’ with a brooks leather saddle, triple chainset, mudguards, pannier rack and bar-end gear shifters.

Dew Plus

Kona’s Dew Plus bike is aimed primarily at the daily commute, but just as their gravel bikes can be used for commuting so too can the Dew be used for mixed-terrain, gravel and adventure riding. It’s got multiple bolt-on bosses so you can fit racks and mud guards for work day duties or rock your bike-packing bags at the weekend, there’s even mounts on the top tube for the type of easily accessible pack that’s become so popular within the burgeoning gravel scene. If you prefer the enhanced control you get from a flat handle bar and feel you would benefit from a large volume 650b tyre then the Dew might be the best option.

We’ve put together a showcase of Kona’s gravel and adventure bikes below, with most models in stock now and a few coming very soon. If you’re looking for a versatile do-it-all bike one of these bikes from Kona would certainly be a great option. Available in-store or online now….

 

 

Kona Rove LTD 2021 £2,399.00

The Rove LTD is back and better than ever. This gorgeous Butted Chromoly frame features a tapered headtube and Kona’s Rove Verso Full Carbon flat mount disc fork with the ability to carry a host of gear. Shimano’s GRX drivetrain and brakes keep this beast running like a dream during nasty, muddy conditions. WTB KOM Light Team i23 TCS rims and Venture TCS dual 650x47c tires help keep the rubber side down when things get tricky. The Rove LTD is the perfect blend of function and aesthetics and is ready for your next adventure.

Frame Material: Kona Butted Chromoly

Fork: Kona Rove Verso Full Carbon Flat Mount Disc

Wheels: WTB KOM Light Team i23 TCS on Shimano 105 Hubs

Crankset: Shimano GRX 810

Drivetrain: Shimano GRX 810

Brakes: Shimano GRX 810 with 160mm front/160mm rear rotor

Seat Post: Kona Deluxe Thumb w/Offset 27.2mm

Cockpit: Kona Road Bar/Kona Road Deluxe Stem

Front Tire: WTB Venture TCS DUAL 650x47c

Rear tire: WTB Venture TCS DUAL 650x47c

Saddle: WTB SL8

Kona Rove LTD 2021 in stock soon…

 

 

Kona Rove NRB SE 2021 £1,699.00

Sometimes we hit a crossroads where the pavement ends, and the dirt begins. Enter the Rove NRB. 650b wheels, a Kona Verso Carbon flat mount disc fork featuring tons of mounting options, and mechanical disc brakes mean that transition from pavement to dirt is seamless. Couple those features with a SRAM Apex 1x drivetrain, and the Rove NRB is begging to take you away from your traditional route and into territories unexplored.

Frame Material: Kona 6061 Aluminum Butted

Fork: Kona Rove Verso Full Carbon Flat Mount Disc

Wheels: WTB Asym i23 TCS 650b

Crankset: SRAM Apex

Drivetrain: SRAM Apex 11spd

Brakes: TRP Spyre C 160mm front/160mm rear rotor

Seat Post: Kona Thumb w/Offset 31.6mm

Cockpit: Kona Road Bar/stem

Front Tire: WTB Horizon Road Plus TCS 650x47c (650x40c size 46)

Rear tire: WTB Horizon Road Plus TCS 650x47c (650x40c size 46)

Saddle: WTB Volt Comp

Kona Rove NRB SE 2021 in stock soon…

 

 

Kona Rove DL 2021 £1,499.00

How do you improve on a bike that already feels pretty damn close to perfect? Steel seemed like a solid move. Helping to smooth out your ride and turn heads, the Rove DL (formerly called the Rove ST) features a stunning Kona Butted Cromoly frame and Project Two Chromoly Disc fork. A reliable SRAM Rival 1×11 drivetrain and TRP Spyre C brakes ensure the bike functions as nicely as it looks. The all-new Rove DL is running on WTB KOM Light Team i23 TCS rims wrapped in WTB Venture TCS 47c tires, making it ready for anything!

Frame Material: Kona Butted Chromoly

Fork: Kona Project Two Chromoly Disc

Wheels: WTB KOM Light Team i23 TCS 2.0 650b

Crankset: SRAM S350

Drivetrain: SRAM Rival 1 11spd

Brakes: TRP Spyre C with 160mm front/160mm rear rotor

Seat Post: Kona Deluxe Thumb w/Offset 27.2mm

Cockpit: Kona Road Bar/Kona Road Deluxe Stem

Front Tire: WTB Venture TCS DUAL 650x47c

Rear tire: WTB Venture TCS DUAL 650x47c

Saddle: WTB Volt

Kona Rove DL 2021 in stock now…

 

 

Kona Rove 2021 £1,199.00

The Rove has become the go-to bike for people all over the world that are itching to just…. go! Affordable, spec’d just right, and easy on the eyes, the Rove makes quick work of the commute, gravel trail, or the after-work fitness lap on your local hill. The all-new Rove gets a serious makeover with a gorgeous Chromoly frame and Project Two Chromoly disc fork. Running a 9-speed Shimano Sora drivetrain, Tektro Dual Piston disc brakes, and WTB rims and tires, the Rove is ready to roll!

Frame Material: Kona Butted Chromoly

Fork: Kona Project Two Chromoly Disc

Wheels: WTB ST i23 TCS 2.0 650b

Crankset: Shimano Sora

Drivetrain: Shimano Sora 9spd

Brakes: Tektro C550 with 160mm front/160mm rear rotor

Seat Post: Kona Thumb w/Offset 27.2mm

Cockpit: Kona Road Bar/stem

Front Tire: WTB Venture Comp DUAL 650x47c

Rear tire: WTB Venture Comp DUAL 650x47c

Saddle: WTB Volt

Kona Rove 2021 in stock now…

 

 

Kona Rove AL DL SE 2021 £999.00

When the ride requires speed, it’s important to pay attention to the little details. Fenders for bad weather and 9-speed gearing provide the comfort and range needed to access any kind of road in any kind of weather. The Rove DL is the answer to your road needs no matter when and where you ride.

Frame Material: Kona 6061 Aluminum Butted

Fork: Kona Project Two Aluminum Disc

Wheels: WTB ST i19 700c

Crankset: Shimano Sora

Drivetrain: Shimano Sora 9spd

Brakes: TRP Spyre C 160mm front / 160mm rear rotor

Seat Post: Kona Thumb w/Offset

Cockpit: Kona Road Bar/stem

Front Tire: WTB Riddler Comp 700x37c

Rear tire: WTB Riddler Comp 700x37c

Saddle: Kona Road

Kona Rove AL DL SE 2021 in stock now…

 

 

Kona Rove AL 650 2021 £799.00

The Rove AL 650 is the 650b-wheeled companion to the Rove AL 700. A perfect entry-level bike suitable for pavement and tire clearance big enough for off-road riding, the Rove AL 650 keeps you rolling steady at a budget-friendly price. For those riders looking for a 650b wheeled machine with all the features of its bigger sibling, look no further. A 2x Shimano 8-speed drivetrain, Hayes disc brakes, and 47c WTB Venture Comp tires make the Rove 650 AL an excellent choice for all terrain.

Frame Material: Kona 6061 Aluminium Butted

Fork: Kona Project Two Aluminium Disc

Crankset: FSA Tempo Adventure

Drivetrain: Shimano Claris 8spd

Brakes: Hayes CX Comp with 160mm front/160mm rear rotor

Seat Post: Kona Thumb w/Offset 27.2mm

Cockpit: Kona Road Bar/stem

Front Tire: WTB Venture Comp 650x47c

Rear tire: WTB Venture Comp 650x47c

Saddle: Kona Road

Kona Rove AL 650 2021 in stock soon…

 

 

Kona Rove AL 700 2021 £799.00

The Rove AL 700 is what you’ve come to love as the dependable go-anywhere steed. The Rove is willing to go the distance whether on pavement, dirt, or even gravel. An aluminium frame is outfitted with Hayes mechanical disc brakes, a wide gear range, and WTB SX19 700c wheels with WTB Riddler Comp 37c tires, making the Rove AL 700 an affordable, road-ready companion.

Frame Material: Kona 6061 Aluminium Butted

Fork: Kona Project Two Aluminium Disc

Crankset: FSA Tempo Adventure

Drivetrain: Shimano Claris 8spd

Brakes: Hayes CX Comp with 160mm front/160mm rear rotor

Seat Post: Kona Thumb w/Offset 27.2mm

Cockpit: Kona Road Bar/stem

Front Tire: WTB Riddler Comp 700x37c

Rear tire: WTB Riddler Comp 700x37c

Saddle: Kona Road

Kona Rove AL 700 in stock now…

 

 

Kona Sutra ULTD 2021 £2,399.00

The Sutra ULTD is the continuation of Kona’s dream to make a drop bar bike as badass as possible. The beloved steel chassis of the Sutra and Sutra LTD plays host to the next iteration of the lineup. The butted Chromoly frame and Project Two Chromoly disc fork hold WTB KOM Light Team i27 TCS 2.0 rims on Maxxis Recon Race EXO TR 29×2.25” tires. When the descents get hairy, you can get low with a Trans-X +RAD dropper post. SRAM Rival 1 flat mount disc brakes and drivetrain keep things moving (and stopping) nicely. This bike is as beautiful as it is beastly, with a gorgeous Prism paint job. Turn heads while you turn over the miles on the brand-new Sutra Unlimited.

Frame Material: Kona Chromoly Butted

Fork: Kona Project Two Chromoly Disc Touring

Wheels: WTB KOM Light Team i27 TCS 2.0 29”

Crankset: SRAM NX

Drivetrain: SRAM Rival 1 11spd

Brakes: SRAM Rival 1 with 160mm front/160mm rear rotor

Seat Post: Trans-X Dropper +RAD Internal 31.6mm

Cockpit: Kona Road Bar/Kona Road Deluxe Stem

Front Tire: Maxxis Recon Race EXO TR 29×2.25″

Rear tire: Maxxis Recon Race EXO TR 29×2.25″

Saddle: WTB Volt

Kona Sutra ULTD 2021 in stock soon…

 

 

Kona Sutra LTD 2021 £2,059.00

The Sutra LTD is one of those bikes that just changes everything. You thought you were a mountain biker, but you find yourself sneaking off on adventures on the LTD. You thought you were a roadie, but find yourself riding singletrack when no one else is looking. That’s the best part about the Sutra LTD—it broke the mold of what a bike has to be. The Chromoly steel frame holds an 11-speed SRAM Rival 1 drivetrain and brakes with 160mm rotors, providing ample power to climb and stop the bike. Velo Shock-proof bar tape keeps the vibrations down and WTB Venture TCS 700x50c tires make quick work of tricky terrain.

Frame Material: Kona Chromoly Butted

Fork: Kona Project Two Chromoly Disc Touring

Wheels: WTB KOM Light Team i25 TCS 2.0 700c

Crankset: RaceFace Aeffect

Drivetrain: SRAM Rival 1 11spd

Brakes: SRAM Rival 1 with 160mm front/160mm rear rotor

Seat Post: Kona Deluxe Thumb w/Offset 27.2mm

Cockpit: Kona Road Bar/Kona Road Deluxe Stem

Front Tire: WTB Venture TCS 700x50c

Rear tire: WTB Venture TCS 700x50c

Saddle: WTB SL8

Kona Sutra Ltd 2021 in stock now…

 

 

Kona Sutra 2021 £1,499.00

The Sutra is many things. It’s functional. It’s stylish. It’s incredibly versatile, and it comes ready for the long haul on the bike tour of your dreams. The Kona Chromoly steel frame is outfitted with a Brooks saddle, cork bar tape, BarCon shifters, fenders and rack. It also features a Shimano Deore 3×10 drivetrain to give you the maximum gear range, and smooth-rolling Schwalbe Marathon Mondial 700x40c tires on WTB STi23 rims for those long days on the pavement. It’s quite the looker right out of the box, and it’s ready for your biggest adventure.

Frame Material: Kona Chromoly Butted

Fork: Kona Project Two Chromoly Disc Touring

Wheels: WTB ST i23 TCS 2.0 700c

Crankset: Shimano Deore

Drivetrain: Shimano Deore 10spd

Brakes: Tektro Spyre C with 160mm front/160mm rear rotor

Seat Post: Kona Deluxe Thumb w/Offset 27.2mm

Cockpit: Kona Road Bar/Kona Road Stem

Front Tire: Schwalbe Marathon Mondial 700x40c

Rear tire: Schwalbe Marathon Mondial 700x40c

Saddle: Brooks B17 Leather

Extras: Fenders w/ Mudflaps, Pannier Rack

Kona Sutra 2021 in stock now…

 

 

Kona Dew Plus 2021 £699.00

When riding your bike, you want a few simple things. Comfort, function, and control are at the top of the list, so Kona built the Dew Plus with all three in mind. The Dew Plus features a 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain for smooth shifting and a broad gear range. Hydraulic disc brakes keep the bike in control in tricky conditions. With geometry that keeps the rider comfortable on rides long or short and a kickstand, it’s a great choice for the daily commute too.

Frame Material: Kona 6061 Aluminium Butted

Wheels: Double wall alloy 650b

Fork: Kona Project Two Aluminium Disc

Crankset: Samox

Drivetrain: Shimano Deore 10spd

Brakes: Tektro HDM275 with 160mm front/160mm rear rotor

Seat Post: Kona Clamp

Cockpit: Kona Aluminum Riser, Kona Control Stem, Kona Key Grip

Front Tire: WTB Horizon Comp 650x47c

Rear tire: WTB Horizon Comp 650x47c

Saddle: Kona Commuter

Extra: Kickstand

Kona Dew Dew Plus 2021 in stock now…

 

Blog written by Johnny Dodgin

 

 

 

 

 

Happy New Year! A whole new year lays in front of us, with the potential to fill it with new personal challenges and targets. There’s even hope on the horizon that we can start to put 2020 behind us as the Coronavirus vaccine starts to roll out into society and race and event organisers begin to adapt how they run professional and amateur competition. Personal experience tells us that while we’re still in the depths of winter the next eight to twelve weeks will fly by and we’ll all soon be starting to take on our own cycling challenges. Whether you’re planning to hit the local crit racing scene with renewed vigour, are taking on an epic ride like the Fred Whitton Challenge in the heart of the Lake District or are simply looking for a way to get a little more enjoyment from your cycling by being a little fitter and more comfortable, taking on longer rides, it’s important to start getting focused on your training now.

We’ve seen a real boom in the popularity of indoor training over the past few years, particularly in 2020 as the impact of Coronavirus and the uncertainty around how and when we were able to ride during the various different lockdowns really impacted our cycling outside. As the technology of smart trainers has improved and the Zwift App has gained global popularity, riding indoors on a static trainer doesn’t fill cyclists with dread the way it used to. The impact of Zwift on the indoor smart trainer market cannot be overstated; this brilliant interactive App brings cyclists from all over the world together to train and compete in a virtual screen-based cycling world.

Let’s face it, here in the UK the weather is going to be against us for the coming weeks and months, then there’s the limited amount of daylight hours as well as the impact of other commitments such as work and family life; all of which impact just how effective you can be during your time-pushed training sessions. Using a smart trainer allows you to structure your training around your other daily responsibilities, it allows you to be more precise in the way that you train and enable you to focus on improving your weak spots in a safe and controlled environment. As you build up to the start of a new season you want to see yourself improving and again smart trainers are particularly helpful here, helping you to accurately record and analyse all of your training data which ends up motivating you more as you begin to see evidence of your fitness improving.

Today our Friday Feature Brand looks in more detail at Tacx smart trainers and some of their key models in the Tacx range. Typically, like any new technology there’s a lot of information to digest when you’re considering buying a smart trainer, including software compatibility, ride feel, power measurement, compatibility with your bike and even simple things like how much noise they produce. Below you will find all of the key information you’ll need to help you decide what is right for you. We wish you the best of luck in achieving your goals during 2021 and remember the well-known saying – ‘winter miles = summer smiles’.

 

Tacx Neo 2T Smart Trainer

The iconic, progressive and popular NEO 2 Smart has been optimised into an even quieter and more powerful Smart direct drive. The NEO 2T motor is redesigned in order to provide a better indoor cycling experience and ride feel, especially during climbs and sprints. The NEO 2T Smart is more silent than ever delivering powerful, realistic and accurate training.

Tacx Neo 2T Key Features:

• Redesigned magnets significantly improve stillness. The noise coming from internal vibrations has been significantly reduced
• Improved ride feel thanks to increased motor power giving a more authentic feel during climbs and sprints
• Includes pedal stroke analysis with ANT+ Cycling dynamics to allow you to analyse your pedal stroke via third party software
• Accurate measurement of power with incredible precision; no need for calibration the NEO 2T measures your power accurately within 1%
• Smooth ride feel, the trainer reacts instantly to speed or incline changes
• Dynamic inertia compensates for weight, speed and angle of incline to provide the most realistic, smooth ride feel possible
• Compatible with many axles, without the need for adapters. Directly compatible with all bikes. (Additional adapter required for 135×10 and 135×12)
• Authentic descent simulation with NEO 2T accelerating automatically on descents
• Stable yet flexible the Neo 2T allows a few degrees of movement left and right while cycling to give a more authentic real-world riding feel
• No mains required – the Neo 2T generates its own energy from your own cycling making this trainer more portable than others

Tacx Neo 2T Cycling Software, Apps & Devices:

• 1 month free Tacx Premium software included. Explore the world with high quality Films & GPS workouts. Train efficiently with structured training plans and cycling workouts. Analyse your data, export your activity to Strava.
• Neo 2T compatible with Zwift, TrainerRoad and Sufferfest cycling apps
• Tacx utility app allows you to upgrade firmware, test and calibrate your smart trainer; free to download
• Easily connect your Smart trainer to your bike computer or sports watch and display your workout data on these devices

Tacx Neo 2T Specifications:

• Type of Trainer: Interactive Smart direct drive with motor brake
• Magnets: 32 Neodymium magnets
• Transmission: None
• Electrical Requirements: 100-240 Volt (Mains power optional)
• Power Indicator: Multicolour LED, spot on floor
• Connection Indicator (ANT/BT): 2 LEDs
• Firmware Upgradable: Yes
• Suitable Cassettes: Shimano / SRAM (Campagnolo, SRAM XD and XD-R bodies sold separately
• Suitable Axles: 130mm, 135mm, 142mm & 148mm (Adapter for 135x10mm available)
• Supplied with : Front wheel support, Quick release for road bikes and mountain bikes, Direct drive quick release with adapter set 142x12mm & 148x12mm, 1 month Tacx Premium software

Tacx Technical Data:

• Power (40km/h): 2200 watt
• Incline: 25%
• Simulation of descent: Yes
• Torque: 85Nm
• Brake Force: 250 N
• Flywheel: Virtual
• Mass Inertia: Variable to 125kg (275.6lbs)
• Calibration: No calibration required

Tacx Data Output & Control :

• Wireless Communication : ANT+ FE-C, Bluetooth Smart Open
• Control By: ANT+ FE-C bike computers, Connect to computer via ANT+antenna, Smartphone, stand alone, tablet
• Output: Cadence, power, speed
• ReadOut On: Bike computer, Computer with ANT+antenna, Smartphone, Sports watch, Tablet
• Accuracy: 1%

Tacx Neo 2 Smart Trainer

The Tacx NEO 2 Smart trainer is packed full of immersive features such as Dynamic Inertia, Road feel and Descent simulation. With an improved ride feel and more accurate power measurements, this smart bike trainer has everything you need for an enjoyable and efficient indoor training session.

Tacx Neo 2 Key Features:

• Improved cadence sensor takes measurements with a contactless capacitive sensor
• Neo 2 can handle sprints up to 2,000 watts
• Neo 2 allows you to track your performance, measuring power, speed and cadence
• Simulated inclines up to 16% to add authenticity and real-world feel
• Accurately measures your power to within 2.5%
• Compatible with all main cycling Apps including Zwift and Tacx
• Stable, well-balanced design with large footprint ensures maximum stability even when sprinting out of the saddle
• Neo 2 features a 7.6kg flywheel helping to create an authentic ride feel and good responsiveness
• This trainer is smooth and silent, taking vibration and noise levels to a minimum
• Neo 2 includes additional axle adapters to significantly improve axle compatibility
• Stand-alone mode allows you to ride the Neo 2 without mains power, simulating a flat road, the faster you ride the higher the resistance

Tacx Neo 2 Cycling Software, Apps & Devices:

• 1 month free Tacx Premium software included. Explore the world with high quality Films & GPS workouts. Train efficiently with structured training plans and cycling workouts. Analyse your data, export your activity to Strava.
• Neo 2 compatible with Zwift, TrainerRoad and Sufferfest cycling apps
• Tacx utility app allows you to upgrade firmware, test and calibrate your smart trainer; free to download
• Easily connect your Smart trainer to your bike computer or sports watch and display your workout data on these devices

Tacx Neo 2 Specifications:

• Magnets: 8 Permanent ferrite magnets and 8 electromagnets
• Transmission: None
• Electrical Requirements: 110-240 Volts
• Power Indicator: None
• Connection Indicator: 2 LEDs
• Suitable Cassettes: Shimano / SRAM (Campagnolo, SRAM XD and XD-R bodies sold separately
• Suitable Axles: 130mm, 135mm, 142mm & 148mm (Adapter for 135x10mm available)
• Supplied with : Quick release for road bikes and mountain bikes, Direct drive quick release with adapter set 142x12mm & 148x12mm, 1 month Tacx Premium software

Tacx Technical Data:

• Power: 2000 watt
• Incline: 16%
• Simulation of descent: None
• Torque: 41Nm
• Brake Force: 120 N
• Flywheel: 16.8 lbs (7.6kg)
• Mass Inertia: 68.8 lbs (31.2 kg)
• Calibration: Spin down

Tacx Data Output & Control:

• Wireless Communication : ANT+ connectivity, BLUETOOTH wireless technology
• Control By: Smartphone, tablet, ANT+ bike computers, stand alone, computer connection via ANT+ antenna
• Output: Cadence, power, speed
• ReadOut On: Bike computer, Computer with ANT+antenna, Smartphone, Sports watch, Tablet
• Accuracy: 2.5%

Tacx Boost Bundle

The Tacx Boost indoor trainer is easy, affordable and quiet. Now you can keep your training going year-round while tracking how far and how fast you ride and even train with your favourite app. This affordable wheel-mount trainer is a great option if you’re just starting out with indoor training; the Tacx Boost Bundle gives you everything you’ll need to get started.

Tacx Boost Key Features:

• Manually control flywheel resistance with 10 levels and up to 1,050 watts of resistance with handlebar mounted lever
• Speed sensor included allows you to track speed, distance and virtual power when training with such Apps as Zwift, Tacx Training and TrainerRoad
• Super simple, quick and easy setup in two clicks
• Quiet and realistic ride feel from flywheel thanks to closed resistance unit
• Small footprint means less space is taken up but Boost trainer remains stable
• Multifunctional front wheel support ensures a natural cycling position and also acts a handle to carry your trainer
• No external main power required, forceful magnetic brake allows you to directly apply resistance

Technical Data:

• Power: 1050 watt
• Torque: 17Nm
• Brake Force: 50 N
• Flywheel: 1.6kg
• Mass Inertia: 9.2 kg
• Calibration: Spin down

Data Output & Control:

• Wireless Communication : ANT+ connectivity, BLUETOOTH wireless technology
• Control By: Handle bar resistance lever with 10 positions
• ReadOut On: Bike computer, Computer with ANT+antenna, Smartphone, Tablet

Blog written by Johnny Dodgin

For our first Fast Bike Friday of 2021 we’re taking a look at something VERY special! A unique custom build from our road bike department – introducing the Cannondale Systemsix aero road bike complete with a Fat Creations custom paint job!

Our customer was looking for something truly unique, with a dream build made up of some of the very best road bike components available combined with a super-aero chassis; the Cannondale Systemsix which is already well-proven on the UCI World Tour fit the bill perfectly.

As used by our very own Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli road racing team in the (albeit limited) races that took place in 2020, the team will continue to ride the Systemsix in 2021. We love the feel of this bike which is super-aero, reducing drag and helping you to ride faster for longer. As we all know, small differences in performance can be hard to measure but when your road bike is this aerodynamically efficient you don’t just benefit from enhanced straight-line speed but also gain an advantage in tight sprints, technical descents and even on long climbs.

The Systemsix ticks all of the boxes of what is expected from a modern aero road bike; namely an aerodynamically profiled carbon frame, internal brake & gear cables, neat flat-mount disc brakes and fully-integrated handlebar and stem which features internal cables that run seamlessly into the frame, all helping to make this bike efficient at cutting through the wind.

The wear marks on the chainring teeth are a giveaway – this customer has transferred some of their favourite components over to this new custom bike build. The Rotor chainset featuring Rotor Aldhu cranks is combined with Rotor’s INspider spider-integrated power meter. Easy to use and install the INspider gives accurate measurement taking power data from both the left and the right and records power output and cadence amongst other useful data. A solid Rotor outer chainring further ads to the Systemsix’s aerodynamic efficiency.

Shimano’s top-tier groupset features on this dream build with the 11-speed Dura Ace Di2 electronic transmission guaranteeing precise, faultless gear changes on every shift. Small details like the K-Edge chain keeper, neatly integrated into the front derailleur mount mean that if our customer was to unship the chain for any reason the chain won’t drop between the chainset and frame, helping to prevent any potential damage to the carbon frame.

Stopping duties are handled by Shimano’s excellent flat-mount Dura Ace hydraulic disc brakes providing powerful, easy to modulate braking that is consistent in any weather conditions and on any road surface regardless of whether they’re wet or dry. Thru axles provide a secure junction between wheel and frame, ensuring brake caliper and disc rotor are perfectly aligned.

A dream build with an amazing Fat Creations custom paint job and a super-aero frameset needs the ultimate wheelset to finish it off. This Systemsix features a pair of much-sought-after ENVE SES 7.8 Disc carbon fibre wheels to take the aero-efficiency of this custom build off the chart! These wheels have been structurally optimised for use with disc brakes; featuring lightweight and deep-profile carbon rims they dramatically reduce drag and have been designed to accommodate larger volume road tyres, in this case the brilliant Continental Grand Prix 5000.

The ultimate wheelset needs to feature the very best hubs available, ENVE have spec’d Chris King hubs which have an undisputed reputation within the industry as high-quality, beautifully machined hubs with smooth sealed bearings that offer almost infinite longevity.

If you’re familiar with Chris King hubs you’ll instantly recognise whir of the rear hub’s freewheel. It’s basically an audio-signal to all other cyclists around you, this bike is BLING!

This is one HAWT custom build, it’s been great fun building up one of the best aero road bike framesets available  with a selection of the ultimate bicycle components out there. Then there’s that amazing paint job by Fat Creations, with a beautiful fade and colours that will brighten up the dullest of days we love the look of this dream road bike.

Blog written by Johnny Dodgin

Bike Photos by James Vincent