SANTA CRUZ HIGHTOWER – THEIR GREATEST HITS OF DESIGN, ENGINEERING AND PERFORMANCE 

DOWN TUBE GLOVEBOX

Place your ride essentials securely in the downtube. The Glovebox comes with a fitted Tool Wallet and Tube Purse, tailored for the frame to keep your tools close to hand and stow all your essentials so you can ditch the pack on your lunch laps and always be ready with the fix.

IMPROVED SUSPENSION KINEMATICS

The leverage curve is more linear than the previous Hightower, with added progression towards the end of the travel. This provides improved bottom-out resistance with more consistent damping and support. The anti-squat in the first 40% of travel has been reduced. This noticeably improves suspension sensitivity in both climbing and descending scenarios due to reduced chain influence on the suspension.

ENDLESS ADJUSTABILITY

 A Flip Chip allows tweakers and finicky shredders to adapt the suspension feel to their needs and desire whilst adjusting the head angle and BB height for a more stable or responsive ride feel. A handy ‘sag window’ now reveals the ‘o’ ring and means setting the sag and viewing the travel used by the suspension system is a doddle.

RIDER SPECIFIC GEOMETRY

 Chainstay length and seat angle is matched to the frame size so every rider, no matter their height, gets the same balanced geometry.

LIFETIME WARRANTY

All Santa Cruz bikes and frames are covered by their lifetime warranty for the original owner. Throughout the lifetime of the bike Santa Cruz will provide free replacement bearings and endeavour to keep their bikes and riders rolling through their Santa Cruz Rider Support.

WORLDS COLLIDE 

If you’re passionate about cycling and performance, you’ve likely heard of the Trek Madone—one of the most iconic names in the world of road bikes. As we head into 2025, Trek has once again pushed the boundaries with their Madone Interstellar edition, designed to redefine what’s possible in aero-road cycling.

The 2025 Trek Madone Interstellar isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a reinvention. Combining cutting-edge aerodynamics, space-age materials, and next-gen technology, this bike is built for the rider who seeks the pinnacle of speed, style, and precision.

With a sleek, futuristic design that draws inspiration from the stars, the Interstellar lives up to its name. From its deep space-like paint job to the integrated tech features, the Madone Interstellar promises to be a head-turner on every road.

Advanced Materials: Ultra-Light Yet Incredibly Strong

Trek’s OCLV 800 Series Carbon frame has been reimagined for the Interstellar edition. It’s lighter, stiffer, and stronger, allowing the bike to remain agile while maintaining superior comfort during long rides. The IsoSpeed Decoupler system has also been enhanced to improve vertical compliance without sacrificing speed, allowing riders to enjoy a smoother ride over rough terrain.

Aero-Optimized Components

From the frame to the cockpit, everything about the Madone Interstellar screams aerodynamics. The integrated handlebar and stem system further reduces drag, while the specially designed deep-profile Bontrager Aeolus wheels ensure maximum speed through any wind conditions.

New for 2025, Trek has also incorporated hidden brake calipers to give the bike a cleaner, sleeker appearance while improving airflow over the bike’s surface.

Tech-Infused Performance

The Madone Interstellar takes cycling technology to the next level. Equipped with Trek’s all-new Project One+ system, riders can fully customise their bike’s geometry, components, and design for a truly personalised experience.

Additionally, the bike is fully integrated with wireless shifting via the SRAM Red eTap AXS groupset, offering fast, precise, and seamless shifting without the need for cables. The integrated power meter tracks every watt of your output, ensuring that riders can monitor their performance and make real-time adjustments.

A New Era of Riding Comfort

For 2025, Trek has completely revamped the IsoSpeed system, further separating the seat tube from the top tube to allow for even more compliance. Whether you’re racing or cruising, this innovation ensures a smoother, more comfortable ride even on the toughest roads.

Sustainability Focus

In response to growing concerns about sustainability, the 2025 Madone Interstellar is built with eco-conscious manufacturing techniques. Trek has committed to using more sustainable materials and production methods, reducing waste while still delivering high-performance bikes.

The Future of Speed, Today

Whether you’re a competitive racer or an avid road cyclist, the 2025 Trek Madone Interstellar offers an unparalleled combination of speed, performance, and style. It’s more than just a bike; it’s a glimpse into the future of cycling.

With its stunning design, ultra-advanced technology, and top-tier components, the Madone Interstellar is set to become the new gold standard in aero-road bikes.

So, are you ready to leave Earth behind and explore new limits of speed? The Trek Madone Interstellar 2025 is here, and it’s poised to take you to the stars.

The 2025 Trek Madone Interstellar is in stock now at Wheelbase.co.uk. 

Photo Credit – James Vincent Photography

Aurora Borealis | October 2024 | Staveley | Wheelbase

Here at Wheelbase we are proud to announce that we are now Santa Cruz dealers, offering their legendary trail, enduro, XC, DH and eBikes both online and in-store from Wheelbase North East.

Santa Cruz bikes is the world’s number one premium mountain bike manufacture, renown for their unique ride feel from their VPP suspension design which offers uncompromised descending prowess and pedalability.

Santa Cruz places the rider at the forefront, every decision needing to be made, is made from the perspective of the rider. From the design of the latest suspension platform through to the lifetime rider support including:

• Lifetime warranty
• Lifetime bearing replacement
• Lifetime support on all models purchased

They strive to ensure every Santa Cruz rider has the ultimate ride experience out on the trail.

SANTA CRUZ VALA E-BIKE – CLASS LEADING POWER MEETS SANTA CRUZ DYNAMICS

SANTA CRUZ BRONSON – THE CORE ALL ROUNDER WITH A WILD SIDE

When you can only have one bike, and your mission is to ride that bike into oblivion then this is the one. From manicured bike parks to blown out loamy berms, alpine lines to backyard trails, the Bronson is as at home in the air as it is in the dirt. For the rider with a Peter Pan disposition or who wants to get into a pan flat tabletop position, the Bronson encourages bad behavior.

Available in: Carbon C & Carbon CC
Wheel size: MX
Front travel: 160mm
Rear travel: 150mm

SANTA CRUZ HIGHTOWER – AN ALL TERRAIN THRILLER 

BIG TRAVEL FOR BIG MOUNTAINS

Big wheels, big travel, big fun. With a 150mm Fox Float 36 Factory Grip X fork, Float X Factory rear shock delivering 140mm of rear wheel travel and Fox Transfer Factory dropper post, you have the capability to push the limits of your riding in any situation. The angle-adjustable headset lets you tailor the handling to your specific requirements too.

 

ANY TRAIL, ANY TIME

Featuring quieter performance, less weight and smarter sensors, expect to see the Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5 motor fitted to a lot of e-MTBs for 2025 and beyond.

Following on from the success of the GEN 4 Performance Line CX motor, which earned a reputation for its power, responsiveness and overall reliability, is the all new GEN 5 Performance Line CX motor. From the outside, there doesn’t appear to be any obvious points of difference with the new Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5 motor. The overall shape and size is pretty similar, and it’s said to produce the same 85Nm and 600W of peak power output as the current GEN 4 drive unit, however the real innovation is on the inside, which equates to a whole new riding experience.

GEN 5 Performance Line CX product innovation includes:

The new CX motor is quieter and lighter than ever. When riding downhill, the external drivetrain (chain, chainring, cassette) is decoupled from the internal drivetrain (freewheel, gearbox, motor). This further reduces the mechanical noise generated by comparable drive units on the trail. The rider’s full focus then soley remains on the trail and the surrounding nature. The weight of the Performance Line CX has also been reduced by around 100 grams compared to the previous version. Furthermore, its magnesium housing can withstand the toughest conditions. A black powder coating protects against stone chips and damage as well as corrosion.

Bosch PowerTube 600 Battery – 3kg

Bosch PowerTube 800 Battery – 3.9kg

To go along with the Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5 motor there are two new batteries; the PowerTube 600 and PowerTube 800.

These utilise the same updated cells as the CompactTube 400 battery that debuted with the lightweight SX motor last year. They feature a higher energy density, which simply means more watt-hours at a lower weight;

• Bosch PowerTube 600 Battery – 3kg
• Bosch PowerTube 800 Battery – 3.9kg

To put that into perspective, the new PowerTube 800 is 400g lighter than the old PowerTube 750 battery despite offering greater capacity and since both batteries share the same size, they are easily interchangeable without the need for an adapter.

Purion 400 Display

Featuring a 1.6in screen, the new Purion 400 bears a close resemblance to Shimano’s EM800 display and complements the Performance Line CX drive unit, featuring a minimalist design tailored for eMTBs and optimally protected within the handlebar triangle. The 1.6-inch transmissive display, which remains easily readable in bright sunlight, provides a clear overview of useful data such as speed, range, power output, and total distance. You’ll find the new Purion 400 display on the majority of new 2025 eMTBs.

Bikes featuring the new Performance CX Line drive unit

At the time of launch we know that new 2025 Cube Kathmandu Hybrids, Reaction Hybrids and Stereo Hybrids will be fitted with the new GEN 5 Performance CX Line drive units and expect that many other manufacturers will also be fitted with the new technology as standard, so stay tuned to find out who these are as they are manufacturer launches it’s 2025 model year range.

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid Pro 800 2025

The CUBE Kathmandu Hybrid’s design is classically elegant – familiar, even – but it’s stuffed full of innovation and clever touches. The neatly housed Bosch CX drive and PowerTube battery are just the start. Efficient Comfort Geometry is designed around a 100mm travel suspension fork, for better control even when the going gets rough. Integrated cables complement the frame’s clean lines and help reduce the need for maintenance, while a UDH dropout is tough, versatile and future-proof. And, of course, there’s an integrated chainguard mount and our tough, sturdy and exceptionally neat Integrated Carrier 3.0, so you can carry everything you need for your adventures.

Cube Stereo Hybrid One44 HPC AT 800 2025

The Stereo Hybrid One44 HPC AT is all about sweating the details. The 4-piston Shimano XT hydraulic brake calipers harness the incredible grip of Schwalbe’s Magic Mary and Big Betty 2.4in tyres to deliver assured speed control, no matter the conditions. Sram’s XO Eagle Transmission 1×12 gears transfer the combined power of your pedalling and the Bosch CX drive unit – which can deliver up to 85 Nm of extra torque – to the Newmen Beskar 30 wheelset, backed up by an battery for the best possible range. And with a Fox Float 36 Factory Grip X fork, Float X Factory rear shock and remote dropper post, the only component missing is you.

The Whyte E-160 RS – The trail e-MTB without equal!

Wherever you ride – trail, e-enduro, or adventure – the E-160 RS has the capability to help you conquer everything. With its award-winning and confidence-inspiring Total Geometry handling, trail-proven parts, large 750Wh battery and high performance Bosch Performance Line CX 85Nm motor, on the E-160 RS you will truly be able to turn up the fun on every trail.

Chris Akrigg and his Whyte E-160 – Power and Agility

Whyte E-160 RS – Ride Further, Faster!

The E-160’s 750Wh battery gives you the range to ride further for longer in between charges and the Bosch Performance Line CX 85Nm motor will truly be able to turn up the fun on every trail.

Confidence On Any Terrain

Whyte’s Total Geometry approach gives the E-160 RS a generous reach, reassuring head angle and short offset fork, making it the on of the most confidence-inspiring and nimble e-bikes on the market. It also has a rock-bottom centre of gravity by optimising the distribution of the battery and motor mass within the chassis. So you can expect exceptional cornering agility and a planted feel on even the choppiest terrain.

You can also adjust the bike’s geometry using its Shape.It Link, which is switchable from the stock ‘High’ setting to ‘Low’ to slacken the bike out  and lower the bottom bracket for even more gravity-focused handling.

Built to Perform

Mid-range doesn’t mean mid-pack when it comes to the E-160 RS. It’s dressed in a parts list that maximises the performance bang for your buck where it really counts: SRAM GX T-Type AXS 1×12 wireless electronic gearing, Maxxis tyres, SRAM Code R four-piston brakes, and more. Whyte’s custom-tuned suspension from Fox has also been tuned and tested to deliver you outstanding grip with the support you need to right out of the box.

Built For Life

Whyte engineered the E-160 RS not just to perform today but for every day you want to ride it – for years to come. Everything from making the daily tasks simple. Like hassle-free battery installation/removal, room for a water bottle in the main frame, and in-the-bike-charging.

Whyte are also with you for the long haul, with the best rider support out there, four-year extended frame warranty and a lifetime warranty on bearings for total peace of mind.

Bosch Smart System

With the Bosch Smart System you can have even more information at your fingertips to manage, tailor and personalise your bike just how you want. Tune the motor support levels; keep track of your bike’s performance and battery consumption; plan and navigate routes; keep your software up to date. And much, much more.

KICKR CORE – A Benchmark in Budget Indoor Trainers

Widely regarded as the benchmark in budget indoor trainers, then KICKR Core is a slightly simplified design compared to the Wahoo KICKR and makes this a perfect option for riders who are keen on a direct drive trainer at a lower price point. Utilising the new belt system of the updated KICKR, the Core in operation is almost silent, ensuring you can train day or night without causing a disturbance.

Whether you’re looking to climb, sprint or both, your needs will be well met by the 16% simulated gradient and 1800 watt maximum power output. With them. KICKR Core the +/- 2% accuracy means you’ll be able to rely on the data outputs. No matter the app you wish to use, you’ll be can connect a core, via ANT+ FE-C, ANT+ Power or Bluetooth Smart.

The only downside of the standard KICKR Core is that a cassette isn’t included with the trainer, so you either have to take one off a wheel, which can be time consuming and frustrating if you’re planning to use more than one bike on the trainer and they have different drivetrains (11- and 12-speed, say), one cassette won’t work with both.

KICKR CORE ZWIFT ONE with integrated Swift Cog

The new KICKR Core Zwift One comes with Zwift’s Cog, which is a singlespeed sprocket in a plastic spacer that’s pre-installed on the freehub body of the trainer. With this now integrated with the KICKR Core you simply fit your bike to the trainer, shift the gears so the chainline is straight and then you’re good to go, whatever drivetrain your bike runs with.

This eliminates the need for your physical shifter and means you have one mechanical gear ratio, so all shifting is virtual via Zwift now made through a wireless remote button (Zwift Click), which can be fitted to any contact point on your bike. Virtual shifting is triggered by the Zwift Click and works by adjusting the trainer resistance to emulate a gear shift without any chain movement. You get 24 sequential gears which cover a wider range than a standard road bike drivetrain, so you should have ratios to cover whatever Zwift throws at you.

The built-in guard keeps your chain in place for mess-free and maintenance-free riding and you can remove the Zwift cog to reveal a standard Shimano HG free hub which can be used to fit a standard cassette should you wish to shift using a conventional cassette and gears at any point.

National Cycle to School Week – 23rd to 27th September

Getting to school just got awesome with National Cycle to School Week. Here are a few tips to make it a safe and fun week.

Courses like Bikeability are great and have come on a long way since cycling proficiency began. Cycle training teaches valuable skills, such as good road positioning, signalling and visibility and can help parents and children feel at ease on busy streets.

We understand that cycling isn’t always a viable choice for families. As a driver, there are precautions you can take to make the environment around the school gates as child-friendly as possible. For example, why not park your car away from school and walk and cycle the rest of the journey to help ease congestion.

Try to purchase a bike that is the right size and avoid the temptation to buy one which is too big, so that they can ‘grow into it’. This is important because a large bike will be more difficult to control and can put young children off cycling.

The biggest concern for adults when it comes to children cycling to school is danger from traffic. For those concerned about safety, ride in a line with children in the middle of adults for maximum protection and visibility. If there’s only one adult, take up a position at the back to ensure all children are in plain view and all wear high visibility clothing and helmets.

Take a smooth, flat route so that it’s suitable for younger cyclists. You’ll be surprised by how many quiet roads or back streets there are in your area that lead to school.

Mornings are a busy so pack bags the night before and leave helmets by the front door, so in the morning you can just get up and go.

We have a great range of urban mobility solution from Riese and Muller, Trek, Cannondale and Cube

Ease in with small trips to the park, shops or your local pump track.

Tips compiled with assistance from Cycling UK. www.cyclinguk.org

Check out our range of bikes and accessories to make cycling to school fantastic fun…

Flat bars and suspension on a Cervelo?

When it comes to racing Cervelo are all-in. The Z bikes—the ZHT-5 and the ZFS-5, Cervelo’s hardtail and full-suspension, respectively—made their race debut at the Nove Mesto World Cup in 2023 and since then they have been taking the Mountain Bike XCO race scene by storm. Now the bikes that made it to the podium are in production and ready to hit the trails, now with up to 53% off RRP.

Progressive but racy. The ZFS-5 was built for today’s evolving XCO courses—it had to pedal well and handle quickly, but also take on the chunks, jumps, and drops littering the course. ZFS-5’s 67.8-degree head tube angle delivers the precision required for elbow-to-elbow hole shot sprints, and the confidence to let off the brakes when the track gets rough. And in 120mm-outfitting, the 66.6-degree head angle will give you the extra confidence to push harder, and ride faster, even when the trail gets a bit…hellish.

Cervelo ZHT-5. Modern geometry for modern XC riders

ZHT-5 is a Cervélo through and through: fast, efficient, and fun to ride. The 69-degree head tube angle, modern reach, and short chainstays combine to make a bike that’s stable at speed and nimble enough for pack racing. There’s room to maneuver in the cockpit, whether you’re darting inside on an uphill hairpin, or hanging off the back to make time on the descent.

Cyclocross, sport for masochists, or a great way to stay fit in the off season? Either way, the Cube Cross Race is the bike you’ll want to have underneath you (or on your shoulder). It’s light, responsive, easy to carry and has clearances designed for muddy courses.

It also doubles up as a lightning fast gravel bike or super comfortable winter road bike. With a choice of builds on offer from the race focussed Cross Race SLX to the versatile 2x set up of the Cross Race Teamline. Whatever your riding focus, the Cross Race will take it to the next level!

With an Easton 1x EC90 carbon crank and CUBE finishing components, it’s all you need to make a dash for the podium.