Author: John Dodgin

A 360° Approach to Aerodynamics.

Watch our first ride impressions video.

 

Orbea Orca Q&A Session

Dominic Bond, UK Marketing Manager at Orbea recently called into Wheelbase HQ with a beautiful new Orca Aero road bike. Launched earlier this year just ahead of the Tour De France it was hailed as an aero road bike designed to be fastest in real-world settings rather than in the wind tunnel like most other aero road bikes. Dom very kindly left the bike with me so that I could find out for myself just how the bike handled on the local and somewhat unpredictable roads of the South Lakes, but before I headed out we had the chance for a quick Q&A session on the all-new Orbea Orca Aero.

 

Johnny – Dom, thanks for bringing the Orca Aero, the new aero bike from Orbea. What’s the headline with this bike?

Dom – So the headline straight off the bat. I want to say that the objective for this bike was for it to not be the fastest bike in the wind tunnel. We wanted it to be the fastest bike in real-world settings. And for us, that means focusing on three main areas. The first one, of course, is the frame design. The second one involves getting a crystal ball out and looking at the future racing standards, and where the World Tour peloton is going. And then the third area is that total system approach of looking at the bike with the rider on it, and again, not just in a wind tunnel scenario. So out in the real world.

 

Johnny – That makes total sense. Alright, let’s talk about Aero 360°. Just please elaborate on what that means to Orbea.

Dom – So what it means for Orbea is taking a 360° approach to aerodynamics. So, taking those three points that I mentioned before and applying that to the development of this bike. Firstly, with the frame design we’ve made some minor adjustments to get this bike fastest at every other angle then just pointing straight ahead.

 

We know in the real world setting that a zero-degree angle with the bicycle heading perfectly into a headwind is near impossible. So, we’ve made some tweaks to make this bike as aerodynamic as possible at every other angle. Some of those key changes are a narrower seat post, which in fact has also given us a narrower seat tube as well. We achieved this by moving the Di2 battery from the seat tube to the bottom bracket area for improved weight distribution and aerodynamics.

 

The seat post has got reduced frontal drag and it’s reversable too to allow you to fine tune your position. The front aero fork is designed to work perfectly with the design of the frame, and we’ve also introduced a BB keel, which is a keel underneath the bottom bracket, which is interesting because that doesn’t show up in wind tunnel testing and it actually took computer functional dynamics to see that there were some inefficiencies underneath.

 

Johnny – Wow. Okay. Brilliant. Thank you.

Dom – Focusing on bringing this bike to the market with the lowest bottom bracket drop available gives the rider three clear benefits. The first one being that it reduces the frontal drag by decreasing the overall height of the bike. Secondly the height between the rider and the ground is reduced, increasing stability, allowing riders to put a more consistent amount of power through the pedals, particularly on terrain like the Paris Roubaix or on rough UK roads. The third benefit is a tangible reduction in weight of the frame as we’re able to use less carbon material in the construction of the frame.

 

Johnny – Right, there’s a weight saving as well. Awesome. Sounds good. Dom, I’m super-excited to get out on the Orca Aero. If there was one thing you could pick out that I would notice the most on my first ride, what would that be?

Dom – So before you even turn the pedals and you’ve swung a leg over this bike, I think you’ll really appreciate the aerodynamic tubing and the minor tweaks we’ve made to the frame design, including the fork that you’ll see is really nicely integrated into the frame design. Then when you’re riding, I think you’re really going to appreciate the handling of this bike. It rides like a gimbal. It wants to stay straight, and it wants to stay on as a straight course as possible to reap the aerodynamic benefits.

Johnny – Excellent. I’m really excited to get on the road. Thanks a lot Dom. Cheers.

 

First Ride Impressions

Having already heard Dom explain the thinking behind the new Orca Aero, I was keen to find out whether those real-world performance claims translated into a better ride experience. Aero bikes have traditionally asked riders to make compromises, often prioritising outright speed over comfort, stability or day-to-day usability. The Orca Aero felt different.

 

The first thing that struck me was how easy it was to ride. Despite its aggressive appearance and obvious racing pedigree, it never felt twitchy or nervous. From the first few pedal strokes I was able to settle in and focus on the road ahead rather than having to adapt to the bike itself.

What stood out even more was the sense of stability when cornering, allowing me to navigate tight technical turns with confidence. Orbea’s Aero 360° philosophy places significant emphasis on real-world speed, and part of that comes from helping the rider remain composed and efficient in changing conditions. Whether sweeping through fast corners, descending at speed on narrow roads or riding over rougher road surfaces, the Orca Aero felt remarkably planted. Rather than feeling nervous or overly reactive, it tracked confidently through turns and inspired trust when I increased the pace.

 

I was keen to hit the flat lands of the Lyth Valley to see just what the Orca Aero could do when it came to straight line speed. During filming for our feature video, I was required to hit as many high speed stretches of road as possible to ensure we got the footage we were after. With each long seated acceleration the bike carried momentum exceptionally well, encouraging me to keep pressing on, holding my speed for longer so we could get the shot.

 

Power transfer was equally impressive. When accelerating out of corners or responding to changes in gradient, the bike reacted immediately, while avoiding the harsh ride quality often associated with high-performance aero machines. There was just enough compliance built into the chassis to take the sting out of the typically rough Lake District road surfaces, making it easier to remain comfortable and maintain power over longer distances.

 

Reflecting on those first couple of rides on the Orca Aero, when I consider how it felt on a wide variety of terrain, including long flat straight roads, short sharp climbs and plenty of tight technical and narrow back lanes I have to say everything that Dom and I discussed in our initial Q&A was felt on those rides. Rather than chasing wind tunnel numbers for their own sake, Orbea have focused on creating a bike that’s faster, more stable and more efficient in the environments where real riders spend their time. It delivers the speed expected of a modern aero road bike, but does so in a way that feels balanced, confidence-inspiring and enjoyable.

 

The Orbea Orca Aero is available at Wheelbase, with selected models available in-store and online now and more options coming very soon.

Orbea Orca Aero M11 LTd £9,999

 

Orbea Orca Aero M20i LTD £5,899

Cycling Comfort When the Weather Turns

It never takes long for autumn to remind us that cycling isn’t always sunshine and dry roads. After our glorious summer it’s time to adapt to cooler temperatures, shorter days and the return of wet weather. While some of us begin reaching for an indoor smart trainer, others simply make a few smart changes to their clothing and continue enjoying everything that autumn and winter riding has to offer.

 

Founded in Denmark in 2000, GripGrab has built a reputation for producing cycling clothing and accessories specifically designed to help riders stay comfortable when conditions become challenging. Developed in a country where cold temperatures, strong winds and very wet weather are a regular part of life on the bike, the brand has spent more than two decades focusing on the equipment cyclists rely on most when the seasons change.

 

Rather than trying to produce every type of cycling product imaginable, GripGrab became known for solving some of cycling’s most common cold-weather problems. Cold hands, wet feet and poor protection from the elements can quickly take the enjoyment out of a ride. GripGrab’s range is built around addressing those issues, helping riders stay warm, dry and comfortable for longer.

 

For UK cyclists, that philosophy feels particularly relevant. Autumn and winter riding often means dealing with changing conditions within a single ride. A crisp, dry start can quickly turn into heavy rain, while road spray and cold winds can have as much impact on comfort as the temperature itself. Having the right accessories can make a remarkable difference.

If there’s one category that has become synonymous with the GripGrab name, it’s cycling gloves. From lightweight autumn gloves designed to take the edge off cool mornings to heavily insulated winter options for freezing temperatures, the range is aimed at keeping riders comfortable without compromising grip or control. Waterproof and windproof models provide additional protection when the weather deteriorates, while carefully considered designs help maintain dexterity for braking and shifting even when conditions are at their worst. Good gloves are often one of the most noticeable upgrades a rider can make ahead of winter. Warm hands mean greater comfort, improved confidence and, ultimately, a more enjoyable time on the bike.

 

Ask experienced winter cyclists where comfort is won or lost, and many will point straight towards their feet. GripGrab’s range of cycling socks and overshoes is designed to tackle exactly that challenge. Overshoes create a protective barrier against rain, road spray and cold winds, helping to keep feet warmer while also protecting cycling shoes from the worst of the weather. For riders who spend long hours on exposed roads, they’re often one of the most valuable additions to a winter wardrobe.

 

Alongside overshoes, GripGrab offers a range of cycling socks suited to everything from summer riding through to the depths of winter. Merino wool options remain particularly popular thanks to their ability to provide warmth while continuing to manage moisture effectively, helping feet stay comfortable across a wide range of conditions.

As the weather becomes more unpredictable, now is the ideal time to make sure your cycling kit is ready for the months ahead. A quality pair of gloves, warm cycling socks and effective overshoes can transform cold-weather riding, helping you stay comfortable, extend your riding season and keep enjoying time on the bike long after summer has ended.

 

Whether you’re commuting through the week, training through winter or simply looking to stay comfortable on weekend rides, GripGrab’s range offers practical solutions for riding through the colder months. Explore the latest collection at Wheelbase and discover why so many cyclists rely on GripGrab when the weather becomes part of the challenge.

Here’s some of our top Grip Grab picks for this Autumn and Winter..

 

Giles Drake vs. Lachlan Morton. Respect Between Rivals.

 

Watch Giles Drake, Lachlan Morton, Isla Short and more in action at the 2026 3 Peaks Cyclo-Cross.

 

The 62nd edition of the 3 Peaks Cyclocross took place beneath dark skies, with strong winds across the Yorkshire Dales adding another layer of difficulty to an already demanding race.

For Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli’s Giles Drake, the goal was simple: return to the top step of the podium. After a disappointing fourth-place finish in 2025, the two-time champion arrived determined to rediscover the form that had brought him victory in both 2023 and 2024.

Giles made his intentions clear immediately. Leading the way up Simon Fell.

 

Standing in his way was a stacked field of challengers. Defending champion Jenson Young was absent, but one name stood out above the rest. Returning for a third attempt at the race was EF Education rider Lachlan Morton, one of the world’s most accomplished endurance cyclists and a rider who had become deeply invested in the unique challenge of the 3 Peaks.

Foreshadowing how the rest of the day would play out Lachlan Morton was hot on Giles’ heels.

 

From the moment the riders hit the steep slopes of Simon Fell it became clear that Drake and Morton were the strongest men in the race. Chased by Jack Lucas, the pair quickly established themselves at the front and began a battle that would continue uninterrupted for the next 38 miles. As the race reached the lower slopes of Whernside, Drake appeared to have a slight advantage whenever the riders were forced off their bikes. Carrying his bike on his shoulder, he repeatedly lifted the pace and opened small gaps on Morton.

Jack Lucas looked strong and was chasing, not far from Giles and Lachlan.

 

At the steepest section of the ascent, Drake continued to run strongly up the jagged stone steps while Morton settled into a steadier hiking rhythm. However, the Australian never looked concerned. Experience had taught him to climb at his own pace confident he could claw back any losses across the exposed summit and on the fast descent towards Ribblehead.

Lachlan Morton and Giles Drake were inseparable, swapping the lead multiple times.

 

By the time the leaders swept through the pit area at Ribblehead, Morton had rejoined Drake and, for a brief period, Jack Lucas was able to bridge back to the leading pair as well. A block headwind on the road section towards Pen-y-Ghent encouraged a temporary truce. Knowing the final climb would likely decide the race, the leaders sensibly shared the workload before launching their next attacks on the lower slopes of the final peak.

Giles came in the 3 Peaks with some great form, having recently taken the 40-44 Gravel National Champion title.

 

Unlike Ingleborough and Whernside, the lower section of Pen-y-Ghent offers riders more opportunities to remain on the bike, and both Morton and Drake looked keen to exploit that fact. Each attempted to establish a decisive advantage, but neither could shake the other. While Lucas eventually dropped away, the leading duo remained locked together as they headed towards Helwith Bridge.

Coming off the descent of Pen-Y-Ghent Giles and Lachlan were still locked together in a two-way battle for the win.

 

As the pair approached the finish side-by-side, spectators realised they were about to witness a rare sprint finish for the win. After negotiating the loose gravel and tight turns that define the final approach, both riders emerged upright and shoulder-to-shoulder. What followed was a full-gas sprint to the line, with Morton edging ahead by little more than half a wheel length to take victory after more than three hours of racing.

For Drake, the disappointment was obvious. After such a faultless performance, he had come agonisingly close to adding a third title to his impressive record. Yet the overwhelming feeling after the race was one of mutual respect.

After 38 miles and 7,064ft of elevation over the three infamous peaks it came down to half a wheel in the sprint for the line.

Credit for this photo – Dan Monaghan

 

During post-race interviews, both riders paid tribute to one another after spending almost the entire race locked in battle. Having raced wheel-to-wheel across the three infamous peaks and 38 miles of Yorkshire terrain, both knew that the day’s outcome could easily have gone the other way. While we would, of course, have loved to see Giles take the victory, we were equally pleased to see Morton finally achieve his long-standing goal. On his third attempt at the race, he delivered a performance worthy of the occasion and claimed a hugely popular victory. Over recent years he has won over riders, organisers, volunteers and spectators alike, while helping shine a global spotlight on one of cycling’s most unique events.

Jack Lucas 3rd, Giles Drake 2nd, Lachlan Morton 1st.

Bryony Halcrow vs. Isla Short. Records are broken.

The women’s race arrived with plenty of anticipation. Bryony Halcrow came into the 2026 edition as the favourite, having won each of the previous three editions. However, this year a new generation of challengers had arrived, including international mountain bike racer Isla Short.

After three successive wins Bryony Halcrow was back to defend her title.

 

A longtime competitor on the UCI Cross Country World Cup circuit and a multiple-time Great Britain representative, Short possessed the aerobic capacity and technical skills required to excel at the 3 Peaks. The question was whether she could match Halcrow on the sections where riders are forced to shoulder their bikes and climb on foot.

Likewise, could Halcrow stay competitive on the descents against a rider whose career had been built racing some of the most technical mountain bike courses in the world? The early signs suggested she could.

Isla Short made her debut at this year’s 3 Peaks Cyclo-Cross and what a debut it would turn out to be.

 

Halcrow immediately put her fell-running strength to good use, leading the race up the steep slopes of Simon Fell and opening a small advantage on her debutant rival. But much like Morton in the men’s race, Short remained calm. Rather than responding to every acceleration, she rode her own race and trusted her strengths.

As the race unfolded, the contrast between the two riders became increasingly clear. Halcrow remained formidable on the steep climbing sections, carefully picking her way over rough terrain and maximising every opportunity to gain time on foot. By the summit of Whernside she still held an advantage, but Short remained firmly in contention.

Madeline Moorhouse-Smith rode strongly throughout the race to take the last step on the podium.

 

Attention then turned to Pen-y-Ghent. Many riders believe the final climb favours cyclists more than runners thanks to its more rideable lower slopes, and those conditions began to play directly into Short’s hands. Staying mounted for longer than her rival, she gradually started to edge away and establish a gap that finally appeared significant.

Isla’s depth of strength, gained from years of international mountain bike racing, paid off in the latter half of the race.

 

What perhaps surprised observers most was that Halcrow continued to pressure Short on the technical descents. Afterwards, Short admitted she was still adapting to drop-bar bikes after spending most of her career racing mountain bikes, meaning the defending champion was never far away.

Bryony was locked in a two-way battle with Isla, but who would come out on top?

 

Ultimately, however, Short’s combination of climbing strength, endurance and technical ability proved decisive. Emerging from Pen-y-Ghent with an advantage, she continued to extend her lead on the road section to the finish, eventually crossing the line just over two minutes ahead of Halcrow to claim a remarkable victory on debut.

The emotion at the finish was impossible to miss. Relief, joy and disbelief all poured out as Short realised she had won one of cycling’s toughest races at the first attempt. In post-race interviews she spoke openly about what the achievement meant to her, while Halcrow reflected positively on a race that had pushed her harder than any edition in recent years.

Isla Short made her move late into the race on Pen-Y-Ghent and would go on to win by over two minutes.

 

The results revealed just how extraordinary the women’s race had been. Isla Short claimed victory on her first attempt at the 3 Peaks Cyclocross while setting a new women’s course record. Such was the pace at the front that Bryony Halcrow’s runner-up time also bettered the previous mark, underlining the level of competition between the pair. For Short, it capped one of the most impressive debut performances in the event’s history.

Isla Short took the win and broke the women’s record for the fastest time around the course. 2nd placed Bryony would also beat the record.

All photos unless stated otherwise by Joel Jameson Check out some more great photos below.

Full 3 Peaks Cyclo-Cross Photo Album HERE

 

Three Peaks legend Rob Jebb took a fantastic 4th place. With 13 victories to his name he continues to be at the sharp end of racing.

 

The steep gradients of Simon Fell are relentless. 

 

Will Weatherill took a fantastic 6th place overall and also took the parent/son win with his Dad Ian Weatherill.

 

Joel Hurt took a brilliant 7th place overall and also won the Under 23 category.

 

Trail running superstar and winner of the UTMB Tom Evans took 21st place. He vowed to work on his bike handling skills before returning to the race.

 

Experienced Three Peaks competitor took 11th on the Vet 50 category.

 

Charlotte Lissaman made her Three Peaks debut and took 1st place in the Female Junior category.

 

Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli rider Dave Haygarth for his 26th race around the Peaks.

 

Georgia Stevens racing for Ratio Technology.

 

Robb Jebb looked strong throughout the race to eventually finish just off the podium in 4th place.

 

It was great to see big name athletes from other sports taking on the Three Peaks. Tom Evans joked it was tougher than the UTMB.

 

Rob Jebb knows every twist and turn of the course and can steal time on the technical descents.

 

Previous podium finisher Oli Dawson had another strong ride finishing in an excellent 5th place.

 

Tom Simpson, another previous podium finisher, placed 12th despite racing the grueling Three Shires fell race the day before.

 

Late into the race the third peak of Pen-Y-Ghent tests fatigued riders.

 

Multiple Elite podium finisher Helen Jackson had some bad luck and battled injury to finish the race and take the FV40 win.

 

Feeling deflated that it’s over for another year? The 3 Peaks Cyclo-Cross will be back in 2027.

SPD-SLR Compatibility Explainer

Have you heard? After 23 years Shimano have updated the pedal and cleat interface of their much-loved road pedal system. Shimano says SPD-SLR delivers a lower stack height, faster engagement, lighter cleats and a more direct shoe-to-bike connection, but it also abandons the backwards compatibility that SPD-SL riders have enjoyed since 2003.

Watch our SPD-SLR compatibility explainer video.

 

Paris-Roubaix 2026 – the secret’s out.

That lack of compatibility between the outgoing SPD-SL and the new SPD-SLR was inadvertently brought to everyone’s attention at this year’s edition of Paris-Roubaix, as Mathieu Van Der Poel punctured and swapped onto teammate Jasper Philipsen’s bike rather than wait for mechanical assistance from his team car. With Philipsen riding the Shimano SPD-SL pedals and Van Der Poel on the pre-release SPD-SLR pedals Mathieu couldn’t clip in and the frustration was clear for everyone to see.

Of course, what happened at Paris-Roubaix is an extreme example of that backwards compatibility; us mere mortal amateur cyclists don’t have the luxury of mid-race bike swaps so don’t need to worry, nevertheless when it’s time to switch out our current Shimano shoes, pedals or cleats that backwards compatibility is certainly going to be a consideration.

 

Evolution not revolution.

Shimano are confident that any potential confusion or frustration about the lack of compatibility is worth overcoming in the long run. So, what was wrong with SPD-SL? Let’s take a closer look at the spec of the new SPD-SLR and breakdown the differences between the two systems while we identify the benefits of the new SPD-SLR system.

Shimano admit there was nothing majorly wrong with the outgoing SPD-SL system, but they were keen to eliminate any unwanted movement between the pedal and the cleat for a more secure connected feeling between rider and bike. They haven’t completely reinvented their clipless pedals they’ve refined them while chasing marginal gains for cycling’s most important contact point.

 

Four key changes to the new Shimano SPD-SLR pedals.

Lower stack height.

This is most definitely the headline feature, with Shimano claiming improved stability, control and power transfer. There’s a 2.3mm reduction in stack height from the pedal and cleat system making them around 16% lower than the previous Dura-Ace pedal system.

Faster engagement.

This is probably a factor which is most relevant to us amateur road cyclists and may well be a benefit everyday riders may notice most. There’s a wider catch zone and the engagement angle has been reduced from 15.5° to 10.5° making clipping in feel markedly easier with quicker engagement.

Lighter cleats.

The new SPD-SLR cleats are 16 grams lighter than the SPD-SL equivalent, reduced from 71g to 55 g demonstrating Shimano’s desire to optimise every detail of the pedal and cleat system. That weight saving is down to a thinner cleat with less stack and a simplified bolt configuration with the old washers removed.

Easier setup.

This is something that is often overlooked but anyone who has had to replace worn cleats knows the abject fear of fitting new ones to their shoes, second guessing themselves on whether they’ve got them set up in the same position as their old cleats. Those first few rides with new cleats are somewhat nerve racking as you wait to see if your knees are overly sensitive to any unwanted position changes. For the SPD-SLR have redesigned the alignment markings and improved the fit adjustment system.

 

There’s another compatibility consideration.

One major watch out is how adjustable the new SPD-SLR cleats are with your current road cycling shoes. In an effort to lighten and slim down the new cleats Shimano have done away with the metal washers and removed the fore and aft adjustability, meaning if the bolt holes on your current road shoes are fixed then you’ll only be able to adjust the cleats from side to side, not fore and aft. Shimano road shoes do feature a moveable bolt hole configuration in their shoes so fore and aft adjustability is possible with the complete Shimano road shoe, pedal and cleat setup.

Alternatively, if you do have road shoes with fixed bolt holes and need fore and aft adjustability Shimano have created an after-market cleat which is compatible with the new SPD-SLR pedals that does feature fore and aft adjustability and metal washers. To accommodate this Shimano have had to make the cleat slightly thicker meaning the stack height will be slightly higher. This feels a bit like you’re back where you started with the previous SPD-SL configuration and we’d suggest maybe waiting until you’re ready to switch to a full Shimano road shoe, pedal and cleat setup.

 

 

Should you update to the SPD-SLR system?

You can relax; your current system isn’t obsolete. Serious competitive road cyclists may see the benefits of the marginal gains we’ve highlighted and will be able to justify an immediate switch. Enthusiasts might want to upgrade the next time they are replacing their shoes and pedals. Existing SPD-SL users have less reason to rush to upgrade and can be assured that their current systems aren’t obsolete.

SPD-SLR isn’t revolutionary because it changes the way we ride. It’s significant because Shimano believes there’s still marginal performance gains to be found in a system that already has a huge presence in professional road cycling. Whether those gains justify abandoning twenty-three years of compatibility is a question us amateur road cyclists will have to answer ourselves.

Shop Shimano SPD-SLR Cleats | CL-SL130

Shop Shimano Ultegra SPD-SLR Pedals | R8200

Shop Shimano Dura-Ace SPD-SLR Pedals | R9300

Meet Routes: Building a New Cycling Community in the Lake District

At its heart, Routes is about bringing people together through a shared love of riding bikes. See the ROUTES.CC website to keep up to date!

Watch Esme introduce Routes CC.

 

Founded by local cyclist Esme Kilshaw after moving back to the Lake District from London, Routes was created with a simple goal: build the kind of cycling community she wanted to be part of. Inspired by the energy, diversity and social atmosphere of urban cycling culture, Routes set out to offer something a little different from the traditional cycling club model.

Routes CC was founded by local cyclist Esme Kilshaw after moving back to the Lake District from London.

 

In a relatively short period of time Routes has grown into a welcoming and inclusive community where riders of all backgrounds and abilities can find their place. The focus is firmly on making cycling accessible, removing barriers to participation and creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable turning up and getting involved.

Routes has grown quickly since being founded in May this year.

 

The community was built around a simple Thursday evening ride from Natland Green, just outside Kendal. That weekly ride is the backbone of Routes CC, with different pace groups ensuring nobody gets left behind. From that initial weekly ride, the calendar has expanded to include faster-paced ‘Rocket Rides’, classic rides, social pizza rides and a variety of other events designed to bring people together both on and off the bike.

The group at Natland Green every Thursday.

 

Routes riders get organised into their appropriate pace groups. No one is left behind.

 

While riding is at the core of everything Routes does, the community extends far beyond the miles covered. Coffee stops, conversations, friendships and shared experiences are just as important as the cycling itself. Routes have also made a conscious effort to support local businesses, regularly incorporating cafés, pubs and independent venues into its rides and events.

Routes CC have made a conscious effort to support local businesses with coffee stops, pizza rides and more.

 

The Routes community extends far beyond the miles covered, with plenty of time off the bike for good food and conversation.

 

As Routes continues to grow, so too does its impact within the local cycling scene. That’s why we’re excited to be partnering with the group through a series of collaborative projects, rides, events and workshops in the months ahead. Together, we’ll be creating opportunities for cyclists to learn new skills, meet like-minded riders and enjoy more great experiences on two wheels.

Wheelbase are excited to be partnering with Routes CC on a number of collaborative projects in the coming months.

 

For Routes, cycling isn’t just about the ride. It’s about community, connection and creating memorable experiences. Having already brought together a fantastic network of riders across the region, the future looks incredibly bright and we’re excited to be part of the journey. Over the coming months we’ll be working closely with Routes to support group rides, social events, basic bike maintenance workshops, and community stories from across the Lake District and beyond. Be sure to follow both Wheelbase and Routes CC to keep up with everything that’s planned.

Having already brought together a fantastic network of riders across the region, the future looks incredibly bright for Routes CC.

 

Follow Routes CC to keep up to date with group rides and other social activities.

Photo Credits: Ben Huggett / Megs

Video Credits: ohheckmedia.co.uk / OH HECK MEDIA

 

 

Ones to Watch

3 Peaks Cyclo-Cross 2026, Yorkshire Dales. 27th September 2026

The 3 Peaks Cyclo-Cross is unlike any other race on the calendar. Part bike race, part fell race and a test of pure resilience. To win competitors need to possess a rare combination of fitness, great technical bike handling skills and be efficient at covering ground at pace when shouldering their bikes.

This year’s edition promises to be one of the most compelling in recent memory. Defending champions return with targets firmly on their backs, established 3 Peaks specialists are hunting for another place in the history books, and a host of high-profile newcomers from the worlds of triathlon, mountain biking and ultra-running are set to test themselves against one of cycling’s toughest challenges.

We’ve looked at the riders we believe are most likely to shape the race at the sharp end of the field. From proven winners and perennial podium contenders to exciting wild cards with all the ingredients to cause an upset, here are our Ones to Watch for the 2026 3 Peaks Cyclo-Cross.

Giles Drake

• Total Raced: 7
• Podiums: 1^st Place 2023, 2024
• Race Prediction: Win
• Pre-race Insight: The 3 Peaks Cyclo-Cross rewards strength, endurance, bike-handling skill and, above all, experience. Giles has all four in abundance and, after narrowly missing the podium in 2025, he’s fully focused on returning to his best. Nothing less than victory will do.

 

Lachlan Morton

• Total Raced: 2
• Podiums: 2^nd Place 2025
• Race Prediction: 2^nd Place
• Pre-race Insight: Lachlan has brought worldwide attention to the 3 Peaks Cyclo-Cross while winning over riders, organisers, volunteers and fans alike. While we’re of course backing our man Giles, we’d also love to see Morton deliver another outstanding race.

 

Alistair Brownlee

• Total Raced: 0
• Podiums: N/A
• Race Prediction: 3^rd Place
• Pre-race Insight: Multiple Olympic Triathlon medallist Alistair Brownlee combines elite cycling strength with serious fell-running credentials. After taking 3rd at the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Running Race in 2025, we think he can do the same on his 3 Peaks Cyclo-Cross debut. The only question is whether he has the off-road bike handling skills to match.

 

Tom Evans

• Total Raced: 0
• Podiums: N/A
• Race Prediction: 4^th Place
• Pre-race Insight: Western States 100, UTMB and Yorkshire Three Peaks Running Race winner Tom Evans has the engine to excel at the 3 Peaks. The unknown is whether his off-road bike handling skills and lack of race-specific experience will hold him back on debut.

 

Rob Jebb

• Total Raced: 26
• Podiums: 13x Winner
• Race Prediction: 5^th Place
• Pre-race Insight: Thirteen-time winner Rob Jebb remains one of the most feared riders in the field. Now racing in the V50 category, his unrivalled 3 Peaks experience, fell-running pedigree and strength on the bike still make him a serious threat at the sharp end of the overall race.

 

Dave Haygarth

• Total Raced: 25
• Race Prediction: Top 20 V50
• Pre-race Insight: Few riders embody the spirit of the 3 Peaks quite like Dave Haygarth. A 25-time finisher, his passion for the race extends far beyond race day, helping to tell the stories, celebrate the characters and keep the event’s unique culture thriving. With daughter Elsie also racing, the Haygarths remain a special part of the 3 Peaks community.

 

Bryony Halcrow

• Total Raced: 4
• Podiums: 1^st Place 2023, 2024, 2025 / 2^nd Place 2022
• Race Prediction: Winner
• Pre-race Insight: Three-time defending champion Bryony Halcrow is the clear favourite for victory. Like Rob Jebb, she combines elite fell-running ability with exceptional bike-handling skills, making her equally comfortable on the steep climbs as the technical descents. It’s hard to look beyond Halcrow for a fourth consecutive win.

 

Helen Jackson

• Total Raced: 6
• Podiums: 2^nd Place 2000, 2023, 2024, 2025 / 3^rd Place 2019
• Race Prediction: 2^nd Place
• Pre-race Insight: Helen Jackson’s record speaks for itself. A multiple-time podium finisher and perennial contender, she continues to take the fight to riders half a generation younger. It would take something special to beat Halcrow, but if anyone can spring a surprise, it’s Helen.

 

Nichola Jackson

• Total Raced: 0
• Podiums: N/A
• Race Prediction: 3^rd Place
• Pre-race Insight: Yorkshire Three Peaks Running Race winner Nichola Jackson has all the strength and mountain-running pedigree needed to thrive at the 3 Peaks. The question is how she’ll handle the bike, particularly on the technical descents and long road sections. If everything clicks, she could be this year’s surprise podium contender.

Isla Short

• Total Raced: 0
• Podiums: N/A
• Race Prediction: 4^th Place
• Pre-race Insight: Isla Short’s elite mountain bike pedigree makes her one of the strongest technical riders in the field. The descents should play to her strengths, but the unknown is how her running will compare to the race’s fell-running specialists. If she stays in touch on the climbs, expect her to come on strong as the race unfolds.

 

3 Peaks Cyclo-Cross 2026, Yorkshire Dales. 27th September 2026

A Deep Dive into Tom Martin’s Cannondale SuperX Gravel Race Bike

Just ahead of the Gravel National Championships Elite Race Tom Martin talked us through his race bike.

 

Watch our Cannondale SuperX bike check video.

 

With the road season barely over, Wheelbase CabTech Castelli rider Tom Martin headed straight to Scotland for the inaugural Gravel National Championships in Ae Forest, Scotland.

Fresh from finishing second overall in the National Road Series behind teammate Tom Armstrong, Martin arrived carrying excellent form into his short gravel season which would also see him racing at the European Championships in Belgium, the UCI Gravel World Series in Ruthin, Wales and sea Otter Europe in Girona, Spain.

Ahead of the Gravel National Championships, we took a closer look at his Cannondale SuperX and discussed the setup choices he believes will give him the best chance of success on one of the biggest gravel races of the year.

 

A Familiar Feel

For Martin, one of the keys to transitioning quickly from road racing to gravel is maintaining a familiar riding position and handling feel.

The Cannondale SuperX shares much of its DNA with the SuperSix he rides throughout the road season, allowing him to move between disciplines with minimal adaptation.

“The geometry is very similar to my road bike,” he explains. “The gravel bike is slightly shorter, which helps with handling and makes it a little more agile, but it’s also much more compliant and comfortable.”

The similarity goes beyond race preparation. Living and training in the Lake District, Martin regularly uses the SuperX for road rides as well, taking advantage of its ability to smooth out rough, unpredictable lanes.

 

SRAM XPLR 13-Speed One-By Drivetrain

For 2026, Martin has opted for a SRAM one-by setup paired with the latest 13-speed cassette.

While the simplicity of a single chainring has obvious advantages in racing, the main reason for the switch was tyre clearance.

“Last year I was running a two-by setup, which limited me to a 45mm rear tyre. Moving to the one-by gives me significantly more clearance and allows me to run tyres up to 50mm if I need to.”

The simplified drivetrain also removes one more decision during racing.

“In gravel, there’s already so much happening. Having one less thing to think about when selecting gears is definitely a benefit.”

To maximise reliability, Martin runs a chain guide after experiencing chain drops during particularly rough sections at The Gralloch earlier in the season.

“The issues only really happened in extremely rough conditions, but having a chain guide gives a bit of extra peace of mind.”

 

 

Road-Derived Cockpit Setup

Continuity is a recurring theme throughout Martin’s bike build, and his cockpit setup is no exception.

The handlebars are exactly the same as those used on his road bike, helping maintain consistency in position, comfort and control.

Keeping touch points identical allows Martin to move seamlessly between bikes throughout the year without making significant positional adjustments.

 

Manuka Cycleworks Wheels and Panaracer GravelKing Tyres

Wheel and tyre selection can often make or break a gravel race, particularly at an event such as the National Championships where every watt matters.

Martin’s choice is a set of 50mm carbon wheels from Manuka Cycleworks, featuring a wide internal rim width designed to better support modern gravel tyres.

“The wheels are actually the same depth as I use on the road. The wider internal width works really well with larger gravel tyres and provides excellent support.”

For Ae, he chose Panaracer’s GravelKing X1 R in a 45mm width, prioritising outright speed over additional puncture protection.

The tyre features an extremely fast-rolling centre section with more aggressive shoulder knobs to provide grip when cornering on loose surfaces.

“It’s their lightest and fastest casing. There’s almost no tread through the centre, which keeps rolling resistance low, while the side knobs still give plenty of confidence in the corners.”

With dry weather forecast and a relatively fast course expected, Martin was willing to accept a little additional puncture risk in exchange for reduced weight and faster rolling speeds.

“It’s definitely an all-in choice for this race, but the conditions should suit it perfectly.”

 

Race-Day Puncture Strategy

Even with a lightweight tyre setup, Martin had no intention of being caught out by a puncture.

His race-day toolkit is deliberately minimal but designed for speed.

A tubeless repair kit will be taped to the stem along with a CO₂ cartridge on the frame, allowing rapid repairs without searching through pockets.

“If I do puncture, everything is ready to go and easy to reach.”

As a backup solution, Martin also carries an SKS electric pump in a jersey pocket.

Importantly, he approaches any mechanical issue with a calm mindset.

“There’s no point panicking. If something happens, you just deal with it as quickly and calmly as possible. You’ll always recover better if you stay composed.”

 

Hydration and Fuel

Unlike some gravel racers, Martin won’t be using a hydration pack for the 90km National Championships course.

Instead, he plans to rely on conventional bottle cages and large-capacity OTE bottles.

With only two laps to complete, he believes carrying excessive hydration would simply be unnecessary weight.

“There’ll be plenty of fuel available from two large bottles, and I can always pick one up through the feed if I need to.”

 

Confidence Heading into the Nationals

After an outstanding road season and several strong gravel results throughout the year, including a top ten finish at The Gralloch, Martin headed into the Gravel National Championships full of confidence.

“I believe I’ve got good legs,” he says. “I’ve been in the right moves all season and had some good results on the gravel as well. It would be nice to put together a really strong ride tomorrow.”

With proven form, a carefully considered bike setup and favourable conditions forecast, Martin was undoubtedly one of the riders to watch; he would go on to take an excellent 6^th place from a two-up sprint for the line with his Cannondale SuperX performing flawlessly without any mechanicals or punctures.

First Ride: The All-New Scott Addict Gravel | Lenzerheide, Switzerland

We recently spent some time with SCOTT in Lenzerheide, Switzerland as they showcased their full range of 2027 bikes, giving us the lowdown on their newest models and giving us the chance to demo some of their most exciting bikes in a beautiful Alpine location. After spending a couple of days test-riding their all-new Spark mountain bikes we swapped flowing singletrack for some of the best local gravel riding trails and put the all-new Addict Gravel through its paces.

SCOTT Addict Gravel test ride in Lenzerheide.

 

At first glance, the new Addict Gravel looks every bit the performance-focused gravel race bike. With its lightweight carbon frame, carbon wheelset and purposeful geometry, it’s undeniably fast and responsive. Look a little closer, however, and you’ll find a bike that’s designed to do far more than pin on a race number.

 

A major focus for Scott’s engineers was improving comfort. The new frame incorporates additional compliance through the rear triangle, while a distinctive bow-legged fork helps absorb vibrations and impacts at the front of the bike. The result is a ride that feels noticeably smoother without sacrificing the sharp handling and efficiency riders expect from the Addict name.

 

Another standout feature is the bike’s versatility. There are mounting points on the frame and fork for bike packing luggage, making the Addict Gravel equally at home on multi-day adventures as it is on fast gravel loops. Whether you’re planning a lightweight ‘credit card’ bike-packing trip or simply want extra storage for longer rides, the capability is built in.

 

Perhaps the biggest surprise was the tyre clearance. Our test bikes were fitted with 50mm tyres, which completely transformed what the bike was capable of. Running lower tubeless pressures brings extra comfort, grip and confidence, allowing you to tackle rougher terrain without losing the lively feel of a drop-bar bike. Better still, the new Addict Gravel accepts tyres up to 57mm wide, opening the door to terrain that would previously have been reserved for a mountain bike.

 

Combined with wide-range gearing and a simple single-chainring setup, the Addict Gravel is ready for everything from steep alpine climbs to loaded bike-packing adventures.

 

After spending time on the trails around Lenzerheide, one thing is clear: the all-new Scott Addict Gravel successfully blends the speed and efficiency of a gravel race bike with the comfort and capability of a mountain bike. It’s fast when you want it to be, comfortable when the ride gets rough, and versatile enough to take you far beyond the end of the tarmac.

The SCOTT Addict Gravel is available in-store and online at wheelbase.co.uk

 

SCOTT Addict Gravel 10 £5799

 

SCOTT Addict Gravel 20 £4999

 

SCOTT Addict Gravel 30 £3499

 

SCOTT Addict Gravel 40 £2499

Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli take to the Gravel at AE Forest

We recently headed north to Scotland for the inaugural Gravel National Championships, held on the stunning gravel roads of Ae in Dumfries and Galloway. Fresh from their most successful road racing season to date, a select group of Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli riders swapped their road bikes for gravel machines and lined up to contest the first official Gravel National Championship jersey in the history of this rapidly growing discipline.

Watch Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli in action at AE Forest

 

In the Elite race Tom Martin and Dexter Leeming-Sykes worked well together for the duration of the hilly 8okm two lap race with Martin finishing 6^th in a sprint for the line followed by Leeming-Sykes, just 8 seconds behind, in 7^th place.

Meanwhile in the Open 40-44yrs category former 3 Peaks Cyclocross Champion rode strongly throughout the race to take the win, showing great form ahead of the 2026 edition of the Peaks coming up in September. Scottish ‘local’ Davie Lines took a brilliant top 10 in the Open 45-49yrs category finishing in 8^th place.

Elite Race

Tom Martin 6^th

Dexter Leeming-Skyes 7^th

Open 40-44yrs

Giles Drake 1^st

Open 45-49yrs

Davie Lines 8^th

 

Same price, significant upgrade for 2027 – introducing the Reaction Hybrid Pro 800 2027

Five fast facts about the new Cube Reaction Hybrid Pro 800 2027

 

Cube Reaction Hybrid Pro 800 2027: What’s New?

At first glance, the Cube Reaction Hybrid Pro 800 2027 looks very similar to the outgoing 2026 model, and that’s no bad thing. The Reaction Hybrid has become one of Cube’s most popular hardtail e-MTBs thanks to its blend of comfort, capability and impressive Bosch-powered performance.

So what’s changed for 2027?

The biggest update is the move to a RockShox Recon Silver RL suspension fork, replacing the SR Suntour fork found on the previous model. It’s a significant upgrade that brings improved control, smoother performance and greater confidence when riding rougher trails and uneven terrain.

Everything else that made the Reaction Hybrid Pro such a great all-rounder remains firmly in place. You still get Bosch’s powerful Performance Line CX motor with up to 120Nm of torque, a huge 800Wh integrated battery, Shimano XT gearing, four-piston hydraulic disc brakes and a dropper post as standard.

Rather than reinventing an already successful bike, Cube has focused on improving the component that riders are most likely to notice on the trail.

In the video above, we break down five fast facts about the new Cube Reaction Hybrid Pro 800 2027 and explain exactly why this latest version could be the best Reaction Hybrid yet.