Author: John Dodgin

WHEELBASE, home of the UK’s largest cycle store in the Lake District National Park has been at the forefront of the bicycle industry for over 25 years. Living and breathing bikes, we’ve successfully built up our business across the North of England with stores in Cumbria, Yorkshire and the North East. As Wheelbase continues to expand it’s rather fitting that we’ve now opened a flagship store in Coventry, a city which can boast a major bicycle manufacturing history.

T: 0247 710 2333

E: coventry@wheelbase.co.uk

Opening Times:

Monday to Friday 9am – 8pm

Saturday 9am – 6pm

Sunday 10.30am – 4.30pm

Bank holidays 9am – 6pm

Closed Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, New Year Day

 

Take a a tour of our Wheelbase Coventry Store…

 

Wheelbase Coventry is ready to serve a city with a rich cycling heritage.

 

More than 100 years ago the city of Coventry was regarded as the home of the British cycle industry and for a significant period of time produced more bicycles than anywhere else in the world. A quick spin on your bike in and around Coventry will quickly reveal the city’s rich cycling heritage. Eagle-eyed cyclists may spot the James Starley statue in Greyfriars Green, a tribute to the English inventor and father of the UK bicycle industry, while a visit to the Coventry Transport Museum showcases over 300 bicycles in their permanent collection.

Test-ride the latest smart indoor trainer in our dedicated Wahoo centre.

 

James Starley’s innovative approach to bicycle manufacturing helped pave the way for the very first mass production of bicycles with his Coventry Machinists Company bringing affordable bicycles to the masses as part of the original ‘cycling revolution’. The UK has seen a similar boom in the popularity of cycling in more recent times with an increasing amount of people making the move from public and private motor transport over to greener pedal-powered options while a rapid growth in technology has also seen the e-bike offer a more accessible route into cycling without some of the potential physical-fitness barriers typically associated with cycling.

We’ve got the best gravel bikes available from brands such as Cannondale, Cervelo, BMC and Pinarello.

 

Wheelbase Coventry are ready to offer customers a large and diverse range of premium bikes with over 200 bikes on the shop floor including mountain bikes, road bikes, gravel and adventure bikes, leisure, commute and family bikes from the best brands available including Trek, Cannondale, Cube, Whyte, Nukeproof, Yeti and BMC. Wheelbase Coventry’s electric bike range is huge with electric road, mountain, and leisure bikes from the leading e-bike brands; their dedicated team are ready to equip you with everything you’ll need to travel more efficiently around Coventry and beyond by e-bike.

We stock Gazelle, Trek, Cannondale, Cube and Whyte e-Bikes for easy commuting around the busy city of Coventry.

 

With a huge range of bikes our Wheelbase Coventry team are ready to provide expert advice on all forms of cycling.

 

As well as providing expert sales advice and guidance for all disciplines of cycling Wheelbase Coventry will support you with the maintenance of your bicycle; whether it’s a simple puncture repair or a full bike service including suspension tuning and hydraulic brake bleeding we’ll be able to help you in our state-of-the-art Park Tool equipped workshop. Staffed by our Workshop Manager and a team of fully-qualified Wheelbase technicians the Wheelbase Coventry workshop will operate seven days a week. Our number one priority is customer service and we want to get you back on two wheels as swiftly and efficiently as possible; all jobs are pre-quoted before work commences and on collection we’ll talk you through all the work undertaken. We pride ourselves on our friendly service and are ready to help you get the most out of your cycling.

The purpose-built Coventry Wheelbase service centre is ready to help maintain your bicycle.

 

Wheelbase Coventry is ready to offer technical help from their state-of-the-art Park Tool equipped workshop.

 

All jobs are pre-quoted before work commences and on collection we’ll talk you through all the work undertaken.

 

Wheelbase Coventry is part of an exciting new shopping experience within the Coventry Go Outdoors Mega Store, the Wheelbase ‘shop within a shop’ sits alongside other specialist retailers, each with their own dedicated retail space. Coventry Go Outdoors customers will also be able to shop for the very best walking, camping, fishing, climbing and equestrian equipment all under one roof. Investing in a new bike can be life changing; with regular riding you can build up fitness and improve mental well-being; Wheelbase pride ourselves on being inclusive retailers who are ready to help EVERYONE get into cycling.

Wheelbase Coventry offers customers a large and diverse range of premium bicycles for all types of cyclist.

 

There’s over 200 bikes on display at Wheelbase Coventry

 

We’ve got a wide range of mountain bikes from the best brands available.

 

Wheelbase Coventry offer a full bike-fitting experience provided by our fully-qualified bike fitters. We provide excellent support and guidance to customers during the bike fitting process, helping to ensure that both comfort and performance are improved. Through a complete analysis of fit on the bike and in motion our team will be able to identify the most appropriate frame size, handlebar width, stack and reach, saddle selection, saddle height, saddle fore/aft, leg extension and cleat placement among other important factors. Whether you’re looking for significant performance improvements or simply want to be more comfortable on your bike to be able to spend longer in the saddle and get more out of your cycling Wheelbase Coventry are ready to help.

Our in-depth bike-fit service will help to improve comfort and performance on the bike.

 

Fully qualified bike-fit staff will work closely with you to fine-tune your fit.

 

No detail is overlooked, with shoe and cleat alignment a key consideration.

 

Using the latest tech our bike-fit service is comprehensive and will significantly improve your ride experience.

 

 

All photos by James Vincent

 

The fast-moving world of cyclocross racing waits for no man (woman or child!) and just one short week after Round 2 in Falkirk, Scotland the National Trophy Cyclocross Series was back in action at the unique venue of South Shields in the North East. This popular seaside resort just a few miles from Newcastle Upon Tyne made a fantastic location for a weekend of cross racing, with an open, exposed and devilishly technical cyclocross course proving popular with racers and spectators alike throughout a weekend jam-packed full of racing.

The South Shields National Trophy Cyclocross course made for a unique & rather dramatic beach-side venue.

 

An exposed coastal cyclocross course meant strong winds were a factor in all race categories.

 

The Gypsies Green course in South Shields included a classic mix of features making it a super-popular venue with racers and spectators alike.

 

Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli fielded a slightly reduced team at Round 3, but were still well-represented across a number of race categories throughout the two days of racing. Elsie Haygarth did well just to get to the start line having been ill and off the bike with a heavy cold for the week leading up to her race. Competing in the Youth Girls (U16) category she raced as hard as she could given the circumstances and made the most of her confident bike-handling skills to take a solid 23^rd place despite not being able to go as deep as she normally would when it came to all-out efforts.

Elsie returned to racing after a week of illness which had kept her off her bike; a stoic ride was rewarded with a solid result.

 

Elsie made short work of a brilliant cyclocross course that was both physically and technically demanding.

 

Despite suffering with the after effects of illness, Elsie would win back time on such obstacles as the 30 metre sand section.

 

Elsewhere in the Vet 50 category Dave Haygarth lined up for his 4^th race in 8 days. Dave loved this classic course, packed full of the sort of features he loves to ride and, gridded on the second row was up for a fast start. In the chaos of the first lap he got baulked and was left with a 10 second gap to close to the lead group on an open and exposed course which if you found your self isolated could prove rather frustrating. Digging deep to try to close that gap Dave would eventually succumb to the difficult racing conditions but valiantly held on to take a solid 14th place despite the rain becoming more persistent, asking more of his handling-skills on each lap as his intermediate-grip tyres began to slip and slide.

A busy cyclocross race season meant that this was Dave’s 4th race in 8 days.

 

Racing through falling rain, Dave was pushing his intermediate-grip tyres to their limits.

 

Dave spent the majority of his race working hard to close a gap to the lead group.

 

Long-time connoisseur of U.K. cyclocross courses Dave Haygarth gave South Shields the seal of approval.

 

Following his successful weekend of cyclocross racing in Falkirk Davie Lines was able to enjoy a much better gridding position on the 2^nd row of the Vet 40 race at South Shields. With very little time to practice before his race Davie was still confident he could race well on a course which he felt would suit him. When the gun went he got a decent start, jumping into the top 10 but shortly after on a sharp bend he was hit from behind and the chain on his bike derailed. By the time he had sorted his untimely mechanical Davie was dead last and left with a considerable amount of work to do. Davie’s years of racing experience helped him keep calm and composed as he set about working through the field in an attempt to get as far up the results as possible. In an amazing show of strength Davie would eventually cross the line in 7^th place, helping to consolidate his overall points and gridding position for future races.

After a successful weekend of racing at Round 2 Davie Lines was back in action in the Vet 40 race.

 

Davie felt that the exposed South Shields course really suited his strengths.

 

A fast start was unfortunately impacted by crash on lap one, leaving Davie dead last with lots of work to do.

 

Davie kept calm, re-focused and fought back to a brilliant 7th place by the end of the race.

 

Elsewhere in the Vet 40 race we had our very own World Champion Lewis Craven racing alongside long-time teammate Davie Lines. Lewis had missed Round 2, returning to racing after a week’s holiday in Spain and admitted afterwards that the fast start was a bit of a shock to the system! Lewis is an experienced campaigner though and quickly composed himself to move himself up through the field of riders and onto the back of the lead group. Just as he did so there was a rare error of judgement and Lewis crashed on a steep drop-off landing on his back; quickly onto his feet with no damage he chased on with the aim of making it to the podium by the end of the race. Local lad Tony Fawcett of Scott Racing kept the pace high in that lead group preventing Lewis from catching them as the bell of the final lap sounded; despite choosing smoother lines as the race progressed Lewis would finish in 4^th place which was a little frustrating for him but prepared him well to go again in the senior Elite race on Sunday.

After missing the previous round in Falkirk and a week’s holiday in Spain Lewis’ return to racing was initially a shock to the system.

 

Lewis quickly recomposed himself to fight his way up to the lead group after a poor start.

 

A rare moment of misfortune saw Lewis Craven having to chase following a heavy fall on one of the technical drop offs.

 

Lewis would refine his line choice as the race progressed and finished in a strong 4th place.

 

Come Sunday and our reduced Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team would face similar conditions to the day before with intermittent rain and strong coastal winds making racing on the exposed course a real challenge. Our young U23 rider Flynn Gregory would again show his racing consistency, mastering the course to take a solid 32^nd place overall while consolidating his Under 23 sub-category placing with an excellent 17^th place in a race which is now all-but-dominated by younger racers.

The course remained fast and mostly dry in windy conditions on the Sunday.

 

Flynn Gregory working hard on one of the more exposed sections of the course.

 

Flynn would finish 32nd overall, taking 17th place in the Under 23 sub-category.

 

Lewis Craven would line up again, this time in his Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli jersey rather than his Vet 40 World Champion jersey to take a fantastic 17^th place overall. This was more proof that Lewis responds really well to ‘double-header’ weekends and goes incredibly well with a race already in his legs from the day before. Our team was also represented by Olli Dawson who had recently taken a super-impressive 10^th place at the infamous 3 Peaks Cyclocross race in the Yorkshire Dales. We’re not sure what happened at the time of writing but unfortunately Olli was listed as a DNF (did not finish) at the end of the South Shields cyclocross race. We’re sure he’ll be back at the sharp end of racing with a more complete team including Giles Drake and Rory McGuire in the coming rounds of the National Trophy Cyclocross Race.

Our Vet 40 World Champ Lewis Craven was back in action, racing the senior race on Sunday.

 

With his body responding well to already racing the previous day Lewis would be at the sharp end of the Elite senior race.

 

The technical South Shields course played to Lewis’ strengths as a superior bike-handler.

 

Following his impressive result the day before Lewis would finish in an excellent 17th place in the senior race.

 

Ollie Dawson recently took a brilliant 10th place at the 3 Peaks Cyclocross and was back in action for Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli at South Shields.

 

Unfortunately Ollie would be a DNF at the South Shields National Trophy Cyclocross race.

 

Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli Results:

Day 1 Saturday

YOUTH Girls (U16)

23^rd Elsie Haygarth

VET 40 Men

4^th Lewis Craven

^7th Davie Lines

VET 50 Men

14^th Dave Haygarth

Day 2 Sunday

Elite Men

^17th Overall / 1^st Vet 40 Lewis Craven

32^nd Overall / 17^th U23 Flynn Gregory

DNF Olli Dawson

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by Man Down Media

 

Have you seen our weekly Fast Bike Friday feature? Missed some of our best bikes? You can now see all of our featured bikes in one place over on Pinterest where you’ll find links to each of our Fast Bike Friday Blogs too!

Click the link below and search our archive…

 

On the 22^nd and 23^rd of October our Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli Cyclocross team headed to Scotland for round 2 of the National Trophy Cyclocross series. Returning for its second year on the calendar the Falkirk edition has quickly proven itself as a premium venue which is popular with racers and spectators alike thanks to its technical course with challenging features such as ‘The Wall’ and the ‘Bombhole’ as well as its stunning backdrop of Callendar House in Falkirk’s popular Callendar Park.

Callendar House made a stunning backdrop to the weekend’s racing.

 

In dry conditions the course would have been testing, but factor-in intermittent rain throughout the weekend and the subsequent mud meant each and every race was a real test of each rider’s bike-handling skills as well the hard-working pit-crews and their ability to quickly and effectively clean bikes in an effort to keep their riders at the sharp end of the race.

Falkirk’ National Trophy cyclocross course included the infamous ‘Wall’.

 

The slick, steep, muddy descents were not for the faint-hearted.

 

Elsie Haygarth was back in action representing Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli in the very competitive Youth Girls (U16) category; round 2 of the National Trophy series would see 40 racers lining up to compete for the win, another reflection on just how popular cyclocross racing has become with the younger age groups in recent years. This trend bodes well for the future of cross racing in the UK and big numbers in this sort of race means a deeper pool of racing-talent and greater opportunities to hone racing skills within harder racing at a relatively young age. Elsie would improve on her 27^th place from the first round of the series taking an excellent 21^st place on the testing Falkirk course.

Elsie Haygarth was able to utilise her riding skills in the wet, slippery conditions.

 

Another strong performance bagged Elsie an excellent 21st place in the national Youth Girls race.

 

Our cyclocross-mad racer Dave Haygarth lined up for the Vet 50 race on a course that was perfectly suited to his bike-handling skills, honed over years of riding skinny-tyred bikes off-road. Dave was cramming in as much racing into the weekend as possible; taking on the National Trophy on the Saturday before cheering on his daughter Elsie in the Youth (U16 race) and then hot-footing it back down to the North West of England to take on another round of the North West Cyclocross league at Beacon Park on the Sunday. Dave would make short work of the technical Falkirk course placing in an excellent 19^th at the end of this fast, frenetic Vet 50 race, backing up his solid 16^th place in the first round at Derby for a high overall placing going into round 3 of the series.

The excellent Falkirk cyclocross course was much to Dave Haygarth’s liking.

 

Dave made short work of the barriers in wet & muddy racing conditions.

 

Haygarth would take an excellent 19th place at round 2 of the National Trophy Cyclocross series.

 

Be under no illusion, Vet 50 racing is fast and frenetic and requires you to go VERY deep.

 

Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli’s Davie Lines is one of the team’s unsung heroes; racing a full road-season campaign while captaining for us, guiding the young riders on the art of racing, before quickly making the switch off-road to represent us in the chaotic world of cyclocross racing. For once our plucky Scot didn’t have to travel too far! And the draw of his ‘local race’ meant that Davie would in fact line up twice over the weekend, once in the Vet 40 on Saturday and again in the Elite senior race on the Sunday afternoon.

Scottish Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli racer Davie Lines excelled on Falkirk’s technical course in the Vet 40 race.

 

After missing the first round Davie was gridded around 9 rows back and would have his work cut out simply getting to the front of the race. In conditions that weren’t too muddy overall but were slick and slippery in key sections thanks to the on/off rainfall. Davie utilised his bike-handling skills to make up time on the numerous technical sections, riding everything except the infamous ‘Wall’. By the middle of the 2^nd lap he had managed to work his way up to 3^rd place chasing eventual winner Paul Oldham and 2^nd place Tony Fawcett, but the effort to make up all those places would take effect towards the end of the race with Davie unable to hold on to the leading riders, eventually finishing in 5^th place, an excellent result considering his difficult starting position.

Racing was tight; here Davie almost tangles with eventual podium finisher Rob Jebb.

 

A confident bike handler off-road, Davie made short work of the steep, super-slick descent.

 

Davie overcame a poor starting position to take an excellent 5th place in the Vet 40 race.

 

Fast-forward to Sunday afternoon and the biggest race of the weekend, the Elite race which features a mix of under-23 racer and senior racers all competing for the win. Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli was represented by young Scottish talent Rory McGuire, seasoned campaigner Giles Drake, up and coming racer Flynn Gregory and last but not least the hardest working racer of the weekend Davie Lines!

The final race of the busy weekend saw 4 of our Wheelbase team take on the Elite race.

 

Rory McGuire had a solid 5^th place from the first round to consolidate; his strong result in Derby meant his start line gridding position was guaranteed, so he could focus on his customary fast start, a tactic which typically sees him well-positioned going into the tighter more technical sections of the course without being held-back by the congestion further back down the packed field of racers. Rory would battle with the leaders for the duration of the race, making the most of the super-efficient bike changes on offer from his hard-working pit crew; with a clean bike at his disposal all Rory had to do was focus on the racing, attacking out of each corner and putting the power down as and when he could.

The first lap of the race meant the riders all hit ‘The Wall’ in one tight pack.

 

Rory McGuire was able to make his customary fast start at Falkirk, giving him a clear run through the chaos of lap one.

 

Difficult race conditions meant that there was plenty of running on each lap of the course.

 

Rory McGuire was able to follow up his excellent 5th place at round 1 in Derby with another brilliant 5th place here in Falkirk.

 

Eventually the win was taken by Cameron Mason of Trinity Racing, the talented Scot with a ton of international racing experience, taking an emphatic win. Behind him our own Rory McGuire was locked into battle with his usual Under 23 category sparring partners, racing strongly in the upper portion of the top 10; eventually he would finish in 6^th place, backing up his excellent 5^th place in the first round for a high overall placing in the series. It’s worth mentioning too that within the Under 23 sub-category Rory took a brilliant 3^rd place so he’s sitting pretty in that overall league category too.

With two 5th places so far Rory McGuire is set for a high overall placing in the National Trophy Cyclocross series.

 

Giles Drake had another good ride, taking a solid 11^th place in the biggest race of the weekend. There was some frustration with an unfortunate coming-together with another competitor on the first lap, leaving Giles in around 35^th position with a lot of work to do to make it back up to the front of the race. Re-composed he quickly began moving up through the field, picking off a big chunk of riders on each lap with his last lap being the fastest of his race. Eventually Giles would finish in 11^th place, just 7 seconds off a top 10 position.

Giles Drake is another rider on the Wheelbase squad who excels in the sort of difficult race conditions encountered at Falkirk.

 

Speedy remounts were the order of the day if you wanted to stay at the sharp end of the race.

 

After being taken out in a crash on the first lap Giles would fight his way back from around 35th up to an excellent 11th finishing place.

 

Flynn Gregory continues to impress. Now in his third year racing for Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli Flynn has progressed smoothly through the ranks from the Junior categories to racing against the very best UK riders in National Trophy Cyclocross Series. Flynn raced strongly in difficult conditions to take 18^th overall and placing 11^th in the Under 23 category; following on from his 21^st place finishing position in the first round Gregory’s season has started well.

Young racer Flynn Gregory made short work of the steep, slippery run-ups.

 

With all of our riders competing in wet, slippery conditions our hard-working pit crew were kept busy cleaning bikes throughout the race.

 

Flynn had another good ride at round 2 of the Trophy series taking 18th place overall and finishing 11th in the U23 category.

 

Our man Davie Lines was back for more, following on from his brilliant 5^th place in the Vet 40 race on the Saturday, what would Sunday’s main race bring? Let’s leave the last word to Davie and his brief account of the race…

‘For Sunday’s senior race I was again gridded poorly, this time on the second to back row, so had lots of guys to get past.  I never went too deep at the start of this one and just picked my way through.  The course today was a lot slicker due to the overnight rain and all of the subsequent races that had happened, but I was still managing to ride a lot of the technical sections and bankings.  The legs, arms and back were real nippy from the V40 race the day before so the extra power required to get the speed back up out the corners and tech stuff was tough.  I benefitted from regular bike changes today with Stu and Tyla in the pits keeping the bikes running sweet and a quick drop in tyre pressures helped too for improved grip in the slicker conditions.  At the end of this attritional race I was pleased to finish in 26^th position overall, while placing as 10th senior rider.’

Our man Davie lined up again on Sunday for the Elite race, after taking 5th place in the Vet 40 race the day before.

 

Davie never stops; after a full season of road racing he seamlessly switched to cyclocross taking 5th place on Saturday and 26th place on Sunday.

 

Excelling in difficult racing conditions Davie made the most of his ‘home National Trophy race’.

 

Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli Results:

Day 1 Saturday

YOUTH Girls (U16)

21^st Elsie Haygarth

VET 40 Men

5^th Davie Lines

VET 50 Men

19^th Dave Haygarth

Day 2 Sunday

Elite Men

6^th Overall / 3^rd U23 Rory McGuire

11^th Overall / 4^th Senior Giles Drake

18^th Overall / 11^th U23 Flynn Gregory

26^th Overall / 10^th Senior Davie Lines

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by Man Down Media

 

Have you seen our weekly Fast Bike Friday feature? Missed some of our best bikes? You can now see all of our featured bikes in one place over on Pinterest where you’ll find links to each of our Fast Bike Friday Blogs too!

Click the link below and search our archive…

 

The Garmin Tacx Team Race Night went off in style on a rainy Thursday evening in Kendal! Garmin Tacx came together with Wheelbase Lake District and the popular New Union Pub in Kendal to host a fun-filled night of fast and frenetic racing on cutting-edge Tacx Neo Smart Bikes as each team of three riders took on the infamous Yorkshire climb of Fleet Moss in a team-relay format, all done virtually through Tacx’s brilliantly immersive racing platform.

Video: Dave MacFarlane

 

With the focus firmly set on everyone having a good time the racing was kept fun and somewhat chaotic as each rider put out a full-on effort to ride one kilometre of the climb before the next rider would jump on the same bike to complete their leg of the race. Eight pre-registered teams of three made up a stacked field of twenty four riders ready to duke it out, with two teams racing head-to-head and the losing team of each race being eliminated until we were left with just two teams fighting it out for the big win.

Photo: Dave MacFarlane

 

There was a great mix of riders ready to give it their all, with plenty of mixed gender teams and a wide range of abilities all strategizing on how best to take on the climb, utilising their collective strength in an attempt to take overall victory.  In between racing there was plenty of good beer consumed and a fantastic level of support from the crowd for each and every rider; noise levels were through the roof as each competitor gurned their way through the steepest sections of the climb.

Photo: Dave MacFarlane

 

Speaking of gurning, there was a fantastic price on offer for the best pain face of the night! Each racer had their pain face captured on camera before it was opened up to the crowd at the end to cheer for their favourite. The winner of the best pain face would go home with their own height in beer! Special thanks to Lakes Brew Co. for this excellent prize!

Photo: Dave MacFarlane

 

The grand final of the team race would see the Penrith Pedallers taking on Lactic Intolerance; both teams featured just the right mix of cycling talent with a combination of flyweight climbers for the steep portions and big powerful units ready to put out some huge watts on the flatter sections. Needless to say the racing was close, but in the end Penrith Pedallers’ magic mix of cycling talent took the victory with riders each receiving £100.00 in Wheelbase vouchers as well as some Wheelbase Castelli cycling kit.

Photo: Dave MacFarlane

 

Garmin Tacx also provided a separate price for the fastest climber of the night on a grueling course that featured cobbles and gradients of up to 21%. Our winner posted an impressive time and took a Garmin Varia RCT715 Radar Camera & Tail Light worth £349.99

Photo: Dave MacFarlane

 

Everyone who attended was also eligible for the free prize draw with one lucky winner taking home a fantastic Tacx Flux 2 Smart Trainer worth £499.00 while Garmin also provided a free goody bag to everyone at the Tacx Team Race Night.

A massive thank you to everyone who came to our event and made it such a fun night! We’re already looking forward to doing it all again soon! Scroll through below to see some of the best pain faces of the night and our price winners!…

Photo: Dave MacFarlane

 

Photo: Dave MacFarlane

 

Photo: Dave MacFarlane

 

Photo: Dave MacFarlane

 

Photo: Dave MacFarlane

 

Photo: Dave MacFarlane

 

Photo: Dave MacFarlane

 

Photo: Dave MacFarlane

 

Photo: Dave MacFarlane

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos / Video by Dave MacFarlane

 

Save up to 25% on selected bikes at Wheelbase! It’s the End of Season Sale!

Enjoy big discounts on Road, Gravel, Mountain and Kid’s bikes as well as E-Leisure and E-Mountain Bikes while stocks last. We’ve also got 25% off all our clothing from leading brands including Fox, Endura, Troy Lee Designs and Castelli.

Cannondale SuperSix EVO Disc Ultegra

 

Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 RL

Whyte G-180 S MX

 

Trek Procaliber 9.6

 

Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE

 

BMC URS 01 Three Rival AXS Eagle

 

Cannondale Mavaro Neo 5+

 

Cannondale Adventure Neo 2 EQ

 

Cannondale Moterra Neo 4

 

Cannondale Trail Neo 3

 

Eightshot X Coady 24 FS

 

Trek Precaliber 24 8-Speed

 

See all Sale Bikes

 

As well as our heavily discounted range of bikes we’ve also got 25% off all our clothing from leading brands including Fox, Endura, Troy Lee Designs and Castelli; shop now while stocks last!

25% off Endura Clothing

 

25% off Castelli Clothing

 

25% off Troy Lee Designs Clothing

 

25% off Fox Clothing

 

 

We’ve got 25% off all of our clothing! Save on the best brands including Castelli, Endura, Fox and Troy Lee Designs, while stocks last…

Save 25% on Endura clothing now!

 

Save 25% on Castelli clothing now!

 

Save 25% on Troy Lee Designs clothing now!

 

Save 25% of Fox clothing now!

 

Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli are now taking rider applications for 2023!

The UK’s longest-running elite road racing team, Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli are now accepting applications for the 2023 season.

After another massively successful year of racing we have seen our team of young racers excel at the highest level while we continue to serve as a significant stepping stone to international road racing.

You can be part of this friendly and ambitious team in 2023.

Please send your racing palmares and a few words about yourself to team@wheelbase.co.uk

 

Racing and Training photos by…

Warren Davies

Ellen Isherwood

James Vincent

Joe Cotterill 

 

Watch our 2022 Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team launch video by Dave MacFarlane…

 

Yes, it’s bike launch time again! And you’d be excused for thinking this was simply another new top of the range carbon road bike from market leaders TREK. But look a little closer, notice the + symbol in the product name and you’ll quickly realise that this in fact a brand new e-road bike! The TREK Domane+ SLR is a somewhat revolutionary e-bike that only weighs around 11.8kg and features a drive system that’s so cleverly integrated into the bike it’s almost invisible. The technology that TREK have used to power the bike is compact, superlight and almost completely silent; so what tech have TREK used to produce such a natural looking and feeling e-road bike? Let’s learn a little more about the cutting-edge Domane+ SLR …

The TREK Domane+ SLR is a somewhat revolutionary e-bike that only weighs around 11.8kg

 

It’s easy to miss the fact that the Domane+ SLR is in fact an e-bike because it’s superlight and almost completely silent.

 

Let’s get one thing straight, the all-new TREK Domane+ SLR is crazy light for an e-bike, weighing in at an incredible 11.8kg. That’s thanks in no small part to Trek’s all-new 800-series OCLV frame that is over 700g lighter than the outgoing Domane+ combined with the cutting-edge TQ Harmonic Pin Ring motor which is currently re-writing the rule book when it comes to e-bike motors, thanks to its compact size, light weight and natural feel. Those of you who have been following TREK closely over the past few months will have seen the same motor featuring on their ‘e-mtb-lite’ option – the Fuel EXe launched in July which is Trek’s offering for a rapidly growing market of e-bikes designed to give a much more natural ride feel without unnecessary levels of power and unwanted extra weight.

TREK have utilised the sublime qualities of the TQ motor already seen on their Fuel EXe e-mountain bike.

 

The beautifully integrated TQ drive system is not much larger in diameter than a typical fizzy drink can and takes up very little room in the Domane+ SLR frame; likewise the compact internal battery, located in the downtube, is slim and light so the proportions of the carbon frame look right and there’s sensible weight distribution for a low centre of gravity that doesn’t negatively affect how the bike handles. So how have TQ managed to shrink their motor so significantly? Well most other e-bike motors use gears and belts to transmit power, taking up more space and creating more noise; the TQ Harmonic Pin Ring motor uses a harmonic drive transmission instead which is significantly smaller AND quieter.

The TQ motor is so compact it’s easy to miss it entirely.

 

Here’s some more quick facts on the TQ System…

• Motor: TQ-HPR50 with 50 Nm of torque, up to 300 watts of peak power
• Downtube Internal Battery: TQ360 360Wh
• Battery Range: Approx 80 miles (130 miles with optional Range Extender), 2hr charge time
• Range Extender (sold separately): 160Wh (40% additional range) 900grams, 1hr charge time
• Assist Modes: 3
• Mode-Change Buttons: Mounted to shifters
• Trek Central App: Motor tuning customisation – adjust max power, assist power and pedal response according to assist level. Range estimations, general e-system information

TQ are leading the way when it comes to the move towards lighter, more natural feeling e-bike drive systems.

 

The svelte display is set neatly into the Domane+ SLR’s top tube.

 

Trek’s Central App lets you fine-tune how your Domane+ SLR’s TQ motor assists your pedalling.

 

The TQ motor has been tuned specifically to give a natural-feeling level of pedal assistance which really suits how road bikes are typically ridden; you don’t feel an obvious kick like you do from some other e-bike motors, it’s more of a subtle but equally powerful level of assistance. The TQ motor’s compact size means the Domane+ SLR features a close to standard Q factor (the width of the bottom bracket and chainset combined) while the motor’s control buttons are located on the hoods which all contributes to an authentic real road feel. The Domane+ SLR features all of the same endurance-focused features as the traditional Domane including Trek’s unique IsoSpeed decoupler to smooth out rough roads as well as rider-friendly geometry for all-day comfort. Tyre clearance has been increased too with 40mm now being the maximum compatible tyre width, meaning you’re all set to venture from smooth tarmac to gravel. In summary you benefit from all of the features of the much-loved original Domane with an added natural-feeling boost on the hills or during long rides into rather testing headwinds.

Enjoy a natural-feeling road bike with the added boost required to sail up the hills.

 

Trek Domane+ SLR 9 eTap RRP £12,900.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: 800 Series OCLV Carbon, TQ drive system, tapered head tube, rear IsoSpeed, internal routing, flat mount disc, mudguard mounts, 142×12 mm thru axle
• Fork: Domane+ carbon, tapered carbon steerer, internal brake routing, mudguard mounts, flat mount disc, 12×100 mm thru axle
• Motor: TQ-HPR50, 50 Nm, 250 watt max cont rated power, 300 watt peak power
• Battery: TQ360 Wh
• Controller: TQ Hood-mounted
• Charger: TQ4A
• Stem: Bontrager RCS Pro
• Cassette: SRAM XG-1271, 10-44, 12-speed
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM RED XPLR eTap AXS
• Shifters: SRAM RED eTap AXS, 12-speed
• Chainset: Praxis Carbon, 42T SRAM X-SYNC Chainring
• Chain: SRAM RED D1, 12-speed
• Brakes: SRAM RED eTap AXS HRD
• Brake Rotors: SRAM CenterLine X, CenterLock, 160 mm
• Wheels: Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37V Carbon
• Tyres: Bontrager GR1 Team Issue
• Handlebar: Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-SF
• Handlebar Tape: Bontrager Supertack Perf
• Saddle: Bontrager P3 Pro, short nose
• Seatpost: Domane Carbon Seat Post

 

Trek Domane+ SLR 9 RRP £12,500.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: 800 Series OCLV Carbon, TQ drive system, tapered head tube, rear IsoSpeed, internal routing, flat mount disc, mudguard mounts, 142×12 mm thru axle
• Fork: Domane+ carbon, tapered carbon steerer, internal brake routing, mudguard mounts, flat mount disc, 12×100 mm thru axle
• Motor: TQ-HPR50, 50 Nm, 250 watt max cont rated power, 300 watt peak power
• Battery: TQ360 Wh
• Controller: TQ Hood-mounted
• Charger: TQ4A
• Stem: Bontrager RCS Pro
• Cassette: Shimano Dura-Ace R9200, 11-34, 12-speed
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace R9250 Di2
• Front Derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace R9250 Di2, braze-on, down swing
• Shifters: Shimano Dura-Ace R9270 Di2, 12-speed
• Chainset: Praxis Carbon, 50/34T
• Chain: Shimano Dura-Ace/XTR M9100, 12-speed
• Brakes: Dura-Ace R9100 Flat Mount
• Brake Rotors: Shimano MT900, CenterLock, 160 mm
• Wheels: Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 Carbon
• Tyres: Bontrager R3
• Handlebar: Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-SF
• Handlebar Tape: Bontrager Supertack Perf
• Saddle: Bontrager P3 Pro, short nose
• Seatpost: Domane Carbon Seat Post

 

Trek Domane+ SLR 7 eTap RRP £9,750.00

• Frame: 800 Series OCLV Carbon, TQ drive system, tapered head tube, rear IsoSpeed, internal routing, flat mount disc, mudguard mounts, 142×12 mm thru axle
• Fork: Domane+ carbon, tapered carbon steerer, internal brake routing, mudguard mounts, flat mount disc, 12×100 mm thru axle
• Motor: TQ-HPR50, 50 Nm, 250 watt max cont rated power, 300 watt peak power
• Battery: TQ360 Wh
• Controller: TQ Hood-mounted
• Charger: TQ4A
• Stem: Bontrager RCS Pro
• Cassette: SRAM XG-1271, 10-44, 12-speed
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM Force XPLR eTap AXS
• Shifters: SRAM Force eTap AXS, 12-speed
• Chainset: Praxis Carbon, 42T SRAM X-SYNC Chainring
• Chain: SRAM Force, 12-speed
• Brakes: SRAM Force eTap AXS HRD
• Brake Rotors: SRAM CenterLine X, CenterLock, 160 mm
• Wheels: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V Carbon
• Tyres: Bontrager GR1 Team Issue
• Handlebar: Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-SF
• Handlebar Tape: Bontrager Supertack Perf
• Saddle: Bontrager P3 Elite, short nose
• Seatpost: Domane Carbon Seat Post

 

Trek Domane+ SLR 6 eTap RRP £8,900.00

• Frame: 800 Series OCLV Carbon, TQ drive system, tapered head tube, rear IsoSpeed, internal routing, flat mount disc, mudguard mounts, 142×12 mm thru axle
• Fork: Domane+ carbon, tapered carbon steerer, internal brake routing, mudguard mounts, flat mount disc, 12×100 mm thru axle
• Motor: TQ-HPR50, 50 Nm, 250 watt max cont rated power, 300 watt peak power
• Battery: TQ360 Wh
• Controller: TQ Hood-mounted
• Charger: TQ4A
• Stem: Bontrager RCS Pro
• Cassette: SRAM XG-1251, 10-44, 12-speed
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS
• Shifters: SRAM Rival eTap AXS, 12-speed
• Chainset: Praxis Carbon, 42T SRAM X-SYNC Chainring
• Chain: SRAM Rival, 12-speed
• Brakes: SRAM Rival eTap AXS HRD
• Brake Rotors: SRAM Paceline, CenterLock, 160 mm
• Wheels: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V Carbon
• Tyres: Bontrager GR1 Team Issue
• Handlebar: Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-SF
• Handlebar Tape: Bontrager Supertack Perf
• Saddle: Bontrager P3 Elite, short nose
• Seatpost: Domane Carbon Seat Post

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

All photos by Sam Needham / Trek

 

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Autumn is here, we’re into October and that can mean only one thing – it’s Cyclocross season! The Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team headed to Round 1 of the National Trophy Cyclocross series taking place at the iconic Moorways, Derby venue. With a healthy sized team spread over a wide range of race categories Wheelbase was well-represented over a weekend packed full of elbow-to-elbow racing on a fast track, which despite a week of rain, stayed dry and hard-packed throughout the weekend.

The Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team were back in action at Round 1 of the National Trophy Cyclocross series.

 

Scottish lad Rory McGuire was returning to national-level racing for Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli, hoping to continue where he left of last season; Rory won a round of the Trophy series in 2021 and consistently placed in the top ten, finishing 3^rd overall in both the Senior and Under 23 categories. Giles Drake was back between the tapes 2 weeks after his strong showing at the infamous 3 Peaks Cyclocross race where he placed 4^th, a result he was frustrated by as a series of untimely punctures had impacted his race while leading on Whernside and looking good for the win. Meanwhile Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli’s very own Vet 40 World Champion would do his customary ‘double-header’ looking resplendent in his Rainbow jersey on Saturday in the Vet 40 race before donning his standard Wheelbase team jersey for the elite race on Sunday.

Lewis Craven would race twice over the weekend.

 

With the popularity of cyclocross racing in the UK growing each year we once again saw huge fields of racers in every age and gender category throughout an incredibly busy weekend of racing. Nowadays it’s not unusual to see whole families racing cross, with Mum, Dad and the kids all lining up in their respective races; their collective love for the sport shared within a super-social and safe environment. A great example of this shared passion comes in the form of our very own Wheelbase team racers Dave and Elsie Haygarth; Dave has been racing cross for decades and his family have always been in close attendance, now his Daughter Elsie can rival his own obsession with ‘cross and is gradually working her way through each age category as she continues to grow.

Elsie Haygarth has grown up racing cyclocross from an early age.

 

Dave Haygarth is one of the most passionate cyclocross advocates in the UK.

 

Elsie would ride strongly within the Youth Girls (U16) category in a fast and frenetic race made up of 48 girls all vying for position on a tight and technical course that saw fast laps thanks to the dry terrain; when the checkered flag was waved Elsie would cross the line in an excellent 27^th position. The Vet 50 race category is stacked full of racing talent that can be traced back 30 years or more to the hey-day of cross country mountain biking in the UK. The results sheet typically reads like a who’s who of successful racers who have dominated the domestic calendar in MTB and Cyclocross races; the best example of this is good friend of Wheelbase, Nick Craig, riding for SCOTT Racing who took another fantastic win in a super-competitive field. Wheelbase’s Dave Haygarth raced well to take a very respectable 16^th place, setting the scene for another successful season of national-level racing.

Elsie took an excellent 27th place in the Youth Girls (U16) category.

 

Dave had a strong showing in the V50 category, finishing in 16th place.

 

The Vet 40 race was another opportunity for our very own World Champion Lewis Craven to pull on his special Rainbow jersey and line up for a fast-paced battle with his fellow competitors. It’s well-known within the Wheelbase team that Lewis prefers his cyclocross races to take place in wetter, more muddy conditions; he tends to really find his racing sweet-spot later on in the season when conditions are much more grueling and his jedi-like bike-handling skills combined with his enviable power-output all but guarantee him the win. Despite the dry conditions Lewis would race strongly at the head of the race eventually taking an excellent 3^rd place podium spot while still keeping half an eye on the elite race still to come on the Sunday.

In his first race of the weekend Lewis Craven got to wear his Vet 40 World Champion rainbow jersey.

 

Lewis prefers wetter, more muddy conditions but still took an excellent 3rd place in the V40 race.

 

Fast forward to the 2^nd day of competition and Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli would field 5 riders in the biggest race of the weekend; the elite race saw last year’s revelation Rory McGuire line up alongside seasoned campaigners Giles Drake and Lewis Craven along with Flynn Gregory who showed real promise last year and Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli’s newest recruit Callum Laborde, a talented young racer who has competed overseas for Team GB.

Callum Laborde is Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli’s newest recruit and is a major cyclocross racing talent.

 

With dry weather and blue skies once again the technical course remained hard-packed, encouraging fast-paced racing from the start. Rory’s high overall placing at the end of last season meant he was gridded on the front row and was able to take his customary fast start before beginning to jostle with the very best racers in a field packed with racing talent. The front of the racing pack seems to be increasingly dominated by strong U23 riders with a similar look and feel to where we left of last year and Rory racing elbow to elbow with the likes of Toby Barnes and National Cyclocross Champion Thomas Mein. At the end of the race 21 year old Belgian Witse Meeuseen of the Pauwels Sauzen – Bingoal team would get the better of our top UK competitors with Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli’s Rory McGuire taking an excellent 5th place as well as finishing in 3rd place overall within the U23 category.

A front row gridding and Rory’s signature fast start saw him in the thick of the racing from the gun.

 

The dry racing conditions suited Rory’s powerful, dynamic style of racing.

 

Rory McGuire made short work of the barriers.

 

Rory was competing against some familiar faces at the head of the race, as the young U23 riders excelled in the dry conditions.

 

Rory would take to the podium as 3rd place overall in the Under 23 category.

 

A little further down the results we saw strong and consistent racing from Giles Drake and Lewis Craven who both finished in the top 20 taking 17^th and 19^th place respectively. After spending a good majority of the race riding together Giles joked at the finish that he had been part of a ‘Lewis Craven bike-handling skills workshop’ for the duration. Flynn Gregory wasn’t far behind the pair finishing a very creditable 21^st while our new recruit Callum Laborde had a fantastic race, showing real strength to be consistently positioned in the top 10 before misfortune would strike on the last lap. A minor but ill-timed crash snapped his Shimano Di2 gear shifter leaving his bike unrideable, however a quick run to the pits ahead of him saw him jump on his spare bike to eventually take 29^th  place. His frustration after the race was understandable and he’s now itching to show us what he can do when luck is on his side.

Giles Drake was back in action, racing strongly in the top 20 of the Elite race.

 

Lewis was back in his standard Wheelbase race kit for Sunday’s Elite race.

 

Flynn Gregory pretty much picked up from where he left off last season and was racing strongly throughout the race.

 

Giles found himself riding the majority of the Elite race with teammate Lewis Craven and enjoyed the impromptu skills masterclass.

 

Callum Laborde had an impressive debut race for Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli.

 

With a solid result under his belt Giles Drake is ready for another consistent cyclocross season.

 

Callum Laborde suffered some misfortune towards the end of the race but is already ambitious for round 2.

 

Well done to all of our Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team riders for a great showing at this first round of the National Trophy Cyclocross Series. A massive thanks to all of our team helpers behind the scenes who worked hard before, during and after the races to make sure each rider was able to focus solely on the racing. The team now head to Falkirk in Scotland for round 2 of the Trophy series; will Rory McGuire’s ‘home race’ spur him on to take the win? We’ll have to wait and see!..

 

Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli Team Results

Day 1 Saturday

YOUTH Girls (U16)

27^th Elsie Haygarth

Vet 40 Men

3^rd Lewis Craven

Vet 50 Men

16^th Dave Haygarth

Day 2 Sunday

Elite Men

5^th (3^rd U23) Rory McGuire

17^th Giles Drake

19^th Lewis Craven

21^st Flynn Gregory

29^th Callum Laborde

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by Man Down Media

 

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Check out this hot-looking gravel bike from TREK! The Checkpoint SL 6 eTap, made from lightweight 500 Series OCLV carbon fibre, boasts TREK’s popular IsoSpeed decoupler for enhanced comfort in the saddle and a super-aero frame featuring truncated tube-profiling and a cleverly integrated cockpit with internal cable routing. Yes, the front of the bike takes a lot of its inspiration from TREK’S lightweight and aerodynamic road-going model, the Emonda, for a gravel bike that’s built ready to race over long distances while being as aerodynamically efficient as possible.

TREK are not the first to go down the aero-gravel path as part of product development and their reasons are simple – as riders continue to push the boundaries of gravel racing and we see speeds increasing it’s fair to say that every little aero detail and their potential benefits are quickly multiplied over the type of longer distances we’re now seeing in the most challenging gravel events.

Constructed from 500 Series OCLV carbon and featuring their distinctive IsoSpeed decoupler the Checkpoint SL6 is fast AND comfortable.

 

Is a gravel bike like this solely reserved for race day? Well, no, while it’s clear that the Checkpoint SL 6 eTap promises free speed thanks to its aero-profile TREK have also ensured that this a fun and agile gravel bike that comes to life when the tracks and trails become more technical. Compared with the previous-generation Checkpoint this latest iteration features more progressive frame and fork geometry, with a longer front centre and a slacker head angle, helping to keep the bike stable at high speeds while a shorter stem helps keep steering nimble and responsive.

The versatile Checkpoint SL6 is a super-fast and efficient gravel bike built to race, but will also handle the rigours of bike-packing duties.

 

The Checkpoint SL 6 eTap is constructed from TREK’s own superlight 500 Series OCLV carbon fibre in a sophisticated construction process which, thanks to a clever carbon-layup, means that the frame is stiff and responsive where it needs to be while remaining more compliant in key areas to provide a more forgiving ride. So while the Checkpoint SL 6 looks slick and aero it’s not at the expense of the comfort and durability required over long off-road distances.

Trek’s own grade of 500 Series OCLV carbon has been used in a sophisticated construction process, producing a bike that can hold speed without beating you up.

 

You’re probably already familiar with TREK’s IsoSpeed decoupler, seen on their Domane endurance road bike, Boone cyclocross bike, Procaliber mountain bike and even the Madone, TREK’s super-aero road bike. There’s also been numerous iterations of IsoSpeed in recent years depending on the model of bike, but regardless, it features here on the Checkpoint in its original format. The TREK Checkpoint SL 6 IsoSpeed decoupler enhances the compliancy of the carbon fibre frame by amplifying the amount of flex at the junction between the seat tube and the rest of the frame. When IsoSpeed is paired with the clever carbon fibre layup in the construction of the frame this portion of the chassis flexes vertically to take the sting out of the trail when you’re in the saddle while remaining laterally stiff for a super-responsive frame when you put the power down to sprint out of the saddle.

Designed to isolate you from rough terrain, we’ve seen Trek’s IsoSpeed decoupler on a wide range of Trek bikes and including one on the Checkpoint gravel bike was a no-brainer.

 

It’s not just about Isospeed; with clever carbon layup in the construction process and some sophisticated tube profiling the whole of the Checkpoint’s chassis plays an important role in providing in-the-saddle comfort without compromising pedalling efficiency.

 

Aero is everything; even within gravel racing it’s a legit consideration. Trek have sculpted the front of the Checkpoint to cut through the air more efficiently.

 

Despite the bike clearly leaning towards the racier end of the gravel bike market, with its aero profiling and integrated cockpit, the Checkpoint SL 6 has also been configured to be as versatile and practical as possible when it comes to carrying loads on longer rides or multi-day bikepacking adventures. There’s mounts for mudguards, a top tube pack, frame bag and front and rear racks.

Internally routed cables and an almost seamless transition between headset, headtube and fork means a more aero cockpit and faster overall times. 

 

There’s another brilliant new feature, borrowed from some of Trek’s mountain bike models including the Fuel EX and Slash, a clever in-tube storage system making it easy to carry a multitool, spare inner tubes or even a small pack-down waterproof to add a little more security and peace of mind to your rides without unnecessarily cluttering up the outside of your bike. This is a real plus if you’re racing high-speed gravel events on the Checkpoint SL 6 where every little aero advantage is a serious consideration.

Trek’s inclusion of a downtube storage chamber allows you to stash tools, innertubes or snacks in the frame, helping to keep things a little more aero.

 

Trek’s downtube storage chamber includes a small storage bag that fits neatly in the cavity and prevents unwanted rattling.

 

The TREK Checkpoint SL 6 comes spec’d with a brilliantly functional 1X drivetrain, consisting of a single chainring upfront combined with a wide-ratio rear cassette, providing a large spread of gears while remaining simple and less prone to mechanical issues by eliminating a second chainring and a front derailleur. This simple drivetrain suits the unpredictable nature of gravel riding, where grit, grime (and inevitably mud in the U.K.) are all factors that can impact the efficiency of your bike.

TREK have chosen SRAM’s third-tier electronic, wireless groupset ‘Rival’ to make up the Checkpoint’s 1X drivetrain. For those of you unfamiliar with SRAM’s groupset hierarchy this (previously mechanical, now electronic) groupset sits as their third-tier offering under SRAM Red eTap AXS at the top of the tree with SRAM Force eTap AXS sitting as second tier. If you’re more familiar with Shimano componentry then think of Rival’s equivalent as Shimano’s 105 Di2 electronic groupset offering.

It’s worth noting too that while SRAM Rival eTap AXS may be described as ‘third tier’ it consists of a straight transfer of technology from the SRAM Red and Force eTap AXS groupsets with absolutely NO functional compromises in terms of how this wireless electronic configuration operates and performs. That’s the beauty of a fully digital system; the high-quality performance can be directly replicated; the only difference is the materials that the components are made of and consequently the overall weight of the drivetrain, which is slightly higher.

Trek have spec’d the Checkpoint SL6 with SRAM’s cutting-edge Rival eTap AXS wireless groupset.

 

Needless to say each gear change is completely precise thanks to its digital format, with the wireless shifter consistently activating the Rival eTap AXS rear derailleur, powered by a tiny internal motor. The rear derailleur includes a clutch mechanism to help keep the chain tight and prevent it unshipping from the front chainring over rough ground and the whole system holds up really well to the sort of conditions encountered when riding hard off-road. TREK have spec’d a 12-speed SRAM XG rear cassette with a huge spread of gears from a tiny 10T cog right up to a huge 44T so you’ll always be able to find just the right gear to overcome any terrain.

The electronic 12-speed Rival eTap AXS rear derailleur’s gear selections are made with flawless digital precision.

 

Another key factor to the off-road reliability of the SRAM Rival eTap AXS drivetrain is the simple 40T single chainring with alternate narrow/wide chainring tooth profiling designed to help keep the chain securely located. You’ll have no-doubt noticed the unique flat-topped chain too; this configuration does two things – it adds some additional strength to this particularly narrow 12-speed chain and it also helps keep it stay securely located in its path through the rear derailleur and around the front chainring.

A simple one-by drivetrain with a 40T chainring upfront is brilliantly functional and performs well in all riding conditions.

 

The new Sram Rival eTap AXS gear and hydraulic brake levers look great, are ergonomic and are noticeably more compact than their more expensive SRAM Red and Force cousins, albeit slightly heavier. They feel great in your hands and you can even fine-tune the fit by adjusting the reach of the lever, enabling you to match them to your hand size for enhanced comfort and control.

Clean, compact and ergonomic SRAM Rival 12-speed shifters send a wireless signal to the rear derailleur, with gear changes being instant.

 

The SRAM Rival hydraulic brake calipers combined with those ergonomic hydraulic brake levers provide powerful, easy-to-modulate braking which stays consistent in all weathers and in all riding conditions. The 160mm SRAM Paceline rotors work brilliantly with the Rival calipers to scrub off speed quickly and effectively when you’re descending at speed on loose, unpredictable off-road terrain.

Despite their neat, compact looks the SRAM Rival eTap AXS HRD hydraulic disc brake calipers are particularly powerful.

 

Tyre clearance on a gravel bike can be a deal-maker or a deal-breaker. Thankfully TREK have you covered with a maximum tyre width of 45mm on a 700c wheel which will enhance your comfort and control when you’re really pushing the limits off-road, while that clever frame and fork configuration including a dropped chain stay on the drive side helps to prevent any potential mud build up on wet off-road rides. The Checkpoint SL 6 comes spec’d with a pair of Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25 tubeless-ready wheels fitted with slightly narrower 40mm Bontrager GR1 Team Issue tubeless-ready tyres, another hint towards how TREK see this aero gravel bike being raced.

40mm wide Bontrager GR1 Team Issue gravel tyres roll fast but provide ample grip.

 

The TREK Checkpoint SL 6 gravel bike, constructed from superlight OCLV carbon fibre and boasting a super-slippery aerodynamic silhouette with an integrated cockpit screams out free speed. As gravel racing gets more and more competitive and the smallest differences in aerodynamic efficiency multiply over the longer distances of a typical gravel race a bike like the Checkpoint is ready to excel. Look beyond that speedy chassis though and you’ll find a versatile gravel bike featuring some clever engineering which greatly enhances your comfort during long hours spent in the saddle; TREK’s IsoSpeed decoupler plays an important roll in ironing out rough terrain without compromising stiffness and responsiveness when you put the power down. With clearance for up to 45mm gravel tyres and plenty of bolt-on-bosses peppered throughout the frame and fork the Checkpoint SL 6 can be ridden hard off-road on more playful single track terrain or loaded up with bike-packing luggage and ridden out into the wilderness for a multi-day adventure.

The Trek Checkpoint SL6 eTap is a super-aero carbon fibre gravel bike ready for racing and long-distance  adventures.

 

Trek Checkpoint SL6 eTap Geometry

 

Trek Checkpoint SL6 eTap RRP £4,000.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: 500 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeed, internal cable routing, downtube storage door, 3S chain keeper, T47 BB, rack and mudguard mounts, integrated frame bag mounts, flat-mount disc, dropper post compatible, 142×12 mm thru axle
• Fork: Trek Checkpoint, full carbon, tapered carbon steerer, rack mounts, mudguard mounts, flat-mount disc, 12×100 mm thru-axle
• Stem: Bontrager Pro, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree
• Cassette: SRAM XG-1251, 10-44, 12-Speed
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM Rival eTap AXS, 12-Speed
• Chain: SRAM Rival AXS 12-Speed
• Shifters: SRAM Rival eTap AXS
• Chainset: SRAM Rival 40T DUB Wide
• Brakes: SRAM Rival eTap AXS HRD
• Brake Rotors: 160mm SRAM Paceline, CentreLock
• Front Wheel: Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25, Tubeless Ready, 25mm Wide, 100×12 Thru Axle
• Rear Wheel: Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25, Tubeless Ready, 25mm Wide, SRAM XD-R 12-Speed Freehub, 142×12 Thru Axle
• Tyres: Bontrager GR1 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength Casing, 40mm wide
• Handlebar: Bontrager Elite Gravel
• Saddle: Bontrager P3 Verse Comp
• Seatpost: Bontrager Carbon 27.2mm

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by James Vincent

 

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