Author: John Dodgin

 

7PM, THURSDAY 20^TH OCTOBER

THE NEW UNION PUB, KENDAL, LA9 4RF

Join Wheelbase Lake District for an exciting evening of head-to-head racing on the latest Tacx smart indoor trainers and smart bikes at the New Union Pub in Kendal.

Teams of 3 will compete for great prizes from Garmin Tacx and Wheelbase with fast, frenetic indoor racing accompanied by fine beer and live music.

FREE TO REGISTER, ALL WELCOME!

TEAMS OF 3 – PICK YOUR FAST FRIENDS!

HEAD-TO-HEAD KNOCK-OUT FORMAT

PRIZES TO BE WON!

7PM ‘TIL LATE

 

 

 

MASSIVE chapeau! To Andy Cunningham from Wheelbase for taking the WIN at the legendary The Romney’s Kendal Mint Cake Struggle Hill Climb.

Andy, who works at our Wheelbase Yorkshire store, slipped over the border into Cumbria to conquer the unrelenting gradients of the Struggle in a winning time of 13.16.7 This massively popular hill climb attracts a big field of riders looking to test themselves on this iconic climb along with an enthusiastic crowd of road side supporters.

Huge crowds cheered Andy on as he hit the steepest gradients of the Struggle.

 

Andy rode the infamous Struggle climb blind on Sunday, having never ridden the climb before, so his was all the more remarkable considering he didn’t know what was coming and had no idea how to pace the climb which constantly changes in gradient.

Amazingly Andy took the win despite riding the climb blind; he’s already confident that he can beat his time now he knows the course.

 

Next year’s National Hill Climb Championships is due to take place on this iconic climb and Wheelbase are excited to see what Andy and his Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli teammates can do in the UK’s biggest hill climb race of the season. Now that Andy has a clearer idea of how the climb rides he is confident he can knock a significant chunk of time of his winning time from this year.

The Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team will be back in force next season for the National Hill climb Championships, taking place on the Struggle.

 

This special event is organised by NHS paramedic Jack Talbot and it does a great job of raising money for the Great North Air Ambulance with the 2022 edition already raising well over £2K
Congratulations to everyone who took part!

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos By Ellen Isherwood

 

Have you seen our 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…

 

Sunday the 25^th of September saw the triumphant return of the unique racing spectacle that is the 3 Peaks Cyclocross race! The 58^th edition of the race took place on a relatively calm day, with light winds and just a little light drizzle on the 3^rd and final peak of Pen-Y-Ghent around midday. After a brief hiatus due to Covid it was fantastic to see lots of familiar faces returning to the race along with plenty of first time competitors all lining up at Helwith Bridge to take the start just after 9.30am. Waiting ahead of them was a testing 38 mile loop, with 20 miles off-road and 18 miles on-road as well as 5,000 feet of climbing some of which is completely unrideable, as racers summit the 3 peaks of Ingleborough, Whernside and finally Pen-Y-Ghent.

Watch the 3 Peaks Cyclocross 2022 film by Dave MacFarlane…

 

Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli were there in numbers to show themselves at the sharp end of the race and went into this year’s edition with high hopes for their racers, particularly Giles Drake who has continually shown himself to have the potential to take the win in recent years. Coming into the event with great form and with even more focus on the event in his training Giles couldn’t have been better prepared for the Peaks. With a well-organised support crew and some of the very best equipment at his disposal, including his Cannondale SuperSix EVO CX team bikes the only potential fly in the ointment was lady luck. A podium place in 2018 and an unfortunate navigational error early in the 2019 edition had left Giles hungry for success in 2022 and we all went into this race excited for what the outcome could be.

As the front of the race hit the infamous slopes of Simon Fell Rob Jebb and Giles Drake were already pulling away from the rest of the field.

 

Lining up alongside Giles as part of the Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team was experienced racer and current V40 World Cyclocross Champion Lewis Craven. Lewis has also tasted success at the 3 Peaks in previous years, having already raced this unique event 13 times before as well as taking a podium place in the past. Seeing Lewis race in the distinctive World Champion’s Rainbow jersey would be particularly special and we were confident that barring any mishaps Lewis would be towards the front of the race.

Wheelbase’s Lewis Craven, the current V40 World Cyclocross Champion quickly established himself in the top 20 riders up Simon Fell.

 

Wheelbase’s Olli Dawson took an impressive 3^rd place at the UK’s toughest Sportive, the Fred Whitton Challenge earlier in the year behind Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli teammates Giles Drake and Tom Merry so we knew he had the potential to deliver at the 3 Peaks; a super-strong rider on the road who also has jedi-like bike handling skills off-road Olli held a lot of promise going into this year’s Peaks which would be his second attempt at a high placing.

In only his 2nd attempt at the 3 Peaks Wheelbase’s Olli Dawson was right at the sharp end of the race from the very beginning.

 

Wheelbase’s Dave Haygarth was lining up in Helwith Bridge for the 22^nd time! A true veteran of the race Dave probably has more enthusiasm for the 3 Peaks Cyclocross than any other rider. It’s common knowledge amongst the racing fraternity that the 3 Peaks has to be learnt over time and there’s been some hard lessons along the way including the odd broken collarbone for Dave. It could be called the school of hard knocks, but racers like Dave Haygarth, Lewis Craven, Rob Jebb, Paul Oldham and Nick Craig can all claim to have done their homework, carrying an encyclopaedic knowledge of nearly every single metre of the 38 mile course.

Despite feeling a little under the weather Dave Haygarth’s enthusiasm could not be dampened, as he took on his 22nd edition of the 3 Peaks.

 

To capture this amazing a race I firstly positioned myself on the precariously steep slopes of Simon Fell along with our talented photographer James Vincent and brilliant videographer Dave MacFarlane. After the fast-moving peloton of riders had completed the first 3 mile stretch of road they swung off onto the first stretch of grass and open moorland with the infamous, near-vertical gradient directly ahead of them. As the pack thinned out and riders came into clear view it was obvious that there were already two racers pulling away from the group; multiple 3 Peaks Cyclocross winner Rob Jebb had the lead but Giles was directly on his heels and holding pace as they passed us breathing hard but completely focused on the task ahead of them.

Only a couple of places behind was Wheelbase’s Olli Dawson who was clearly feeling strong and displaying an obvious determination to keep the leaders in view as he crested the steepest portion of Simon Fell before taking on the long, exposed plateau on the top of Ingleborough. Lewis Craven passed us shortly after looking comfortable and in good spirits within the top 20 and having enough energy to join in on some hill-side banter with UK mountain bike legend and former 3 Peaks winner Nick Craig who was happily updating us on racing conditions as he negotiated the steepest gradient of the entire route. Further down the fell Dave Haygarth came into view, his distinct silhouette instantly recognisable as his long legs levered him up the hill; it would come to light after the race that Dave had been a little unwell going into the 3 Peaks and this was affecting his ability to hold the sort of pace he typically carries uphill.

The steep gradient of Simon Fell is something to behold. Giles Drake successfully kept pace with fell running specialist Rob Jebb.

 

I’ve eluded to this already, but it can’t be understated, luck nearly always plays a roll in the outcome of the 3 Peaks. Despite all the meticulous pre-race training and preparation along with all of the equipment-tuning and strategizing of your support team things can and do go wrong very quickly. The 3 Peaks asks a lot from cyclocross bikes that were never designed to handle the sort of terrain encountered in this slightly ridiculous race. Gearing and braking options are keenly debated beforehand but there’s one aspect of bike equipment that’s discussed more than any other – tyre choice and setup. The unforgiving rocky tracks wreak havoc on thin, fragile 35mm cross tyres forcing riders to finesse their bikes downhill as effectively as they can, balancing the benefits of a speedy descent with the ever-present risk of flatting a trye.

Wheelbase’s Giles Drake incurred a slow puncture coming down the first descent down Ingleborough, but thanks to the modern tubeless tyre set-up with sealant inside this one sealed itself and helped Drake to chase down Rob Jebb on the long valley road before starting the arduous climb of Whernside. Waiting at the bottom of the long Whernside descent, stood next to the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct we listened to the race announcer for updates on who had scaled the 2^nd peak first and were overjoyed to hear the Giles had in fact gained the lead along the exposed plateau at the top before the descent back down to civilisation.

Shortly after, it became clear that something had gone seriously wrong as Rob Jebb came into view alone, dropping down to the feed station alongside the viaduct looking focused on putting as much time into the chasers as possible along the next road section. An unfortunate puncture on the descent had seen Giles’ advantage reversed in the time it takes for a cross tyre to eject its air and now he was tasked with chasing alone of the fast road down to the base of Pen-Y-Ghent.

After leading the race on the top of Whernside Giles Drake succumbed to a puncture on the descent, leaving him to chase the leaders alone. 

 

Not long after Olli Dawson arrived at the same spot with a rear wheel puncture and had to quickly seek assistance from his support crew to do a rapid wheel change to prevent him losing too many places. The young rider remained as composed as possible and was soon sprinting back up the remaining gravel track and onto the smooth tarmac for a brief respite before taking on the 3^rd and final peak of Pen-Y-Ghent. Next up was our very own World Champ Lewis Craven who was just quietly getting on with the race, riding strongly where he could, conserving energy on the running sections and gaining significant chunks of time by throwing his bike down the descents with the sort of bike handling skills he’s developed over years of riding this unforgiving course.

Wheelbase’s Olli Dawson incurred a puncture on the way down off Whernside, but remained composed enough to save his race.

 

The effort is obvious for all to see as Olli begins the chase back towards the very front of the race.

 

With 13 editions already under his belt Lewis Craven has all of the experience required to put together a strong result at the 3 Peaks.

 

Resplendent in his V40 World Cyclocross Champion jersey Lewis Craven passed Ribblehead Viaduct ready to make short work of the road section to Pen-Y-Ghent.

 

At the front of the race Giles had put the hammer down and had amazingly clawed his way back to 2^nd place behind a charging Rob Jebb. Pen-Y-Ghent is a little different to its two companion peaks in that riders climb and descend on the same track; this adds a little more chaos to an already frenetic race with the leading riders scaling the top and turning to descend back down as the majority of competitors are still at the foothills, just beginning their ascent. Throw in packs of enthusiastic spectators, family, friends and support crews all along the track and it all gets a bit unpredictable when it comes to line choice. It’s safe to say that with a large portion of the climb up being rideable, racers who have dosed their efforts to this point can make real gains here, however, switch off mentally on the way down and start thinking about the finishing line too soon and you’ll come unstuck.

Descending off the final peak of Pen-Y-Ghent Olli could begin to enjoy his high finishing position of 10th place. A fantastic result!

 

Unfortunately Giles suffered ANOTHER puncture of Pen-Y-Ghent pushing him back from his hard-earned 2^nd position back to 4^th place which he would then hold to the line. A little further back and Olli Dawson was showing his talent for descending more than matched his strength pedalling uphill; he would soon be drifting over the loose pebbled section of track at the bottom of Pen-Y-Ghent and back onto the tarmac for a strong ride back to Helwith Bridge to take a brilliant 10^th place overall. Lewis always enjoys the descent off the third and final peak and cruised down the fast, tight track and back along the road to cross the line in 15^th position – another strong showing from this 3 Peaks veteran. Dave Haygarth was still feeling under the weather and lacking power on the pedalling sections, but was happily picking off riders on the descents where his ’22 rides and counting’ home advantage really came into play.

Lewis remained calm and composed throughout this unpredictable race and came away with another great result of 15th place.

 

All credit to Giles Drake, despite the obvious frustration of having his 3 Peaks race outcome affected yet again by an unwelcome slice of bad luck he quickly composed himself after the race and was philosophical about what could have been; taking his strong performance on the bike (punctures aside) as a sign that the win will eventually come. Rob Jebb’s 2022 win proves that longevity is key in this unique race. That’s no coincidence; it’s down to the fact that racing the Peaks to win is a real art that needs to be refined offer the years. Giles has time on his side and will be back next rear to try again; that’s the beauty of this ridiculous race, you can’t help but keep coming back for more…

We’ll leave Giles to sign this one off…

The 3 Peaks Cycloross race will always be be an uphill battle and I fought with everything I had for the win but luck wasn’t on my side. I punctured, I led the race over Whernside, I punctured again, I clawed my way back to second, I punctured again, I finished 4th. Anyone who lives with me, trains with me, speaks to me about my racing and asks me what matters, they’ll always get ‘Peaks, it’s all about the Peaks’ as a response. So yes, it’s safe to say I’m gutted but I’m truly proud of how I rode/ran/crawled to 4th place. The battle isn’t just against the legend that is Rob Jebb or fellow podium finishers Will Weatherill and Dave Mirfield, it’s against the hills, the terrain & yourself. Thank you to everyone that supported or tolerated me these last few weeks, months, years… it’ll never change & I’m already counting the days till next year…

Despite the frustrations of multiple punctures, Giles was philosophical about his performance. Wheelbase are incredibly proud of his excellent 4th place finishing position!

 

Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli Team Results:

• Giles Drake 4th
• Olli Dawson 10th
• Lewis Craven 15th
• Dave Haygarth 84th
• Ryan Middlemiss 201st

 

Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli’s Dave Haygarth is a true veteran of the 3 Peaks Cyclocross race; you can read his own account of his ride here:

3 Ups and 3 Downs by Dave Haygarth

 

Bike Check

Depending on how the race progresses and how much each racer’s luck holds it’s not unusual to see riders changing bikes at key parts of the course or as a speedy solution to an untimely puncture, rather than a more lengthy wheel change. Giles Drake started this year’s race on his favourite Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team bike; the versatile Cannondale SuperSix EVO CX bike has been designed to handle traditional cyclocross racing AND fast-paced gravel racing with the bike’s geometry hitting a magic sweet spot that suits both styles of racing. This made choosing the SuperSix EVO CX as his ‘first bike’ a no-brainer for Giles.

Cannondale SuperSix EVO CX RRP £4,000.00 OFFER PRICE £3,199.00

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

All photos by James Vincent

Video by Dave MacFarlane

 

It was great to see everyone back at the 3 Peaks Cyclocross race this year! James Vincent managed to capture the sheer grit, unpredictability and downright craziness of this unique race in a series of great photos; scroll through below….

 

 

 

 

A HUGE congratulations to all of the riders who took part in the Rapha Women’s 100 ride supported by Wheelbase!

Sunday the 18^th of September saw the Rapha Women’s 100 taking place all over the world, with groups of women coming together to enjoy a social ride with like-minded female cyclists. Keen to get behind this global initiative Wheelbase teamed up with Rapha and local gravel rider Emily Wormald to organise a unique point-to-point mixed-terrain ride starting at Wheelbase Yorkshire in Ilkley and finishing at Wheelbase Lake District in Staveley. Emily plays an important role in the running of the Lakes Gravel Gang, an all-women group of gravel riders who meet regularly for social rides on some of the best trails in the Lakes; with Em at the sharp end of the route-planning we were excited to have a really fun group ride planned which would take the cyclists over scenic gravel tracks and quiet country lanes while travelling west through the stunning scenery of Yorkshire and the South Lakes covering a distance of over 100km with a total elevation of just over 2,000 metres.

The Rapha Women’s 100 features some fantastic kilometres of gravel.

 

Watch the Rapha Women’s 100 supported by Wheelbase video by Dave MacFarlane

 

The Rapha Women’s 100 supported by Wheelbase was hosted by 3 qualified female cycle guides for the duration of the ride, with a total of 16 riders coming together to ride an epic journey. Riders met at our Wheelbase store in Staveley at 6.00am before jumping onto a mini bus to be taken to the start of the ride at Wheelbase Yorkshire in Ilkley; their large fleet of gravel bikes, already laden with everything required to take on this 100km ride, were loaded onto the Wheelbase van and ferried to Ilkley too for a scheduled ride start shortly after 8.00am.

With calm, dry weather for the majority of the route riders could enjoy scenic views across the Yorkshire moors.

 

The drive across to Ilkley was a chance for all of our riders to chat and get to know one another and once there it was time to listen to the ride briefing, do a quick bike check and split into two groups before heading out of the popular Yorkshire spa town and onto the first stretches of gravel in the picturesque Yorkshire hills.

There was plenty of climbing spread over the 100km route with a total of elevation of just over 2,000 metres.

 

Once the ride had commenced our Wheelbase support vehicle followed the route stopping at pre-arranged liaison points to provide food and nutrition for our riders or any mechanical assistance if it was needed. Dave and Deb were always there when they were needed and helped to keep spirits high as the two groups of riders headed west out of Yorkshire and towards Cumbria. As well as that excellent logistical support Emily and her team had thoughtfully scheduled in some proper café stops along the way too, with some of the best farm shops, bakeries and ice-cream parlors in the North peppered throughout the 100km ride.

There was plenty of time to chat and form new friendships along the way as riders shared the experience of a long day in the saddle.

 

Both groups of riders had a fantastic day on the bike, with a route that really showcased the most scenic parts of Yorkshire and Cumbria, providing some really fun riding made up of challenging climbs, fast & flowy descents and a healthy mix of gravel and tarmac to help keep the momentum of the Rapha Women’s 100 ride as it headed ever closer to its final destination of Wheelbase Lake District.

There were plenty of points of interest along the way including this short tunnel which descended into Clapham.

 

The first group of riders rolled back into Staveley as the light was beginning to fade, while the second group dealt with some untimely punctures shortly before the home-stretch into the South Lakes, slightly delaying their progress. With camaraderie strong and spirits still high the second group negotiated the final few miles in total darkness before arriving at Wheelbase Lake District to cheers and congratulations from their fellow riders as well as the team of Wheelbase staff who had provided support throughout the day. It had been a fantastic achievement for all the riders taking part, covering 112km, climbing over 2,000 metres and completing a challenging 12 hour ride with more than half of the group riding over the 100km distance for the very first time!

The journey west back to Wheelbase Lake District included some more familiar roads as the riders got closer to home.

 

MASSIVE thanks go to…

• THE RIDERS! – You really helped to make the Rapha Women’s 100 a success
• Emily Wormald – route planner, event organiser, cycle guide
• Karen Lederer – cycle guide
• Lucy Allan – cycle guide
• Dave & Deb – logistical support
• Billy Reid – logistical support
• Dave MacFarlane – media
• James Vincent – media

 

Wheelbase were proud to play their part in the Rapha Women’s 100 global initiative and we’ll be back next year to be part of it again. If you weren’t able to get involved this year look out for the 2023 edition when we will return with another fantastic ride…

Check out the official Rapha Women’s 100 supported by Wheelbase Route on Komoot.

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

All photos by James Vincent

Video by Dave MacFarlane

 

Scroll through all of James’ photos from the Rapha Women’s 100 supported by Wheelbase….

 

 

 

IT’S BACK! THREE YEARS AFTER THE PRE-COVID 2019 EDITION, THE 3 PEAKS CYCLO CROSS RACE TAKES PLACE IN THE STUNNING YORKSHIRE DALES NATIONAL PARK ON SUNDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER.

The 58^th edition of the 3 Peaks provides a unique spectacle for competitors and spectators alike. There’s simply no other race like the 3 Peaks Cyclo Cross, an event which attracts a mix of anxious first-timers keen to tick this grueling challenge off their cycling bucket list, experienced racers who have travelled far and wide to measure up against a race like nothing else and seasoned campaigners who welcome another chance to take on the 3 Peaks and refine their race craft (our own team rider Dave Haygarth has completed 21 editions to date!)

Photo: Dan Monaghan

 

We have a number of Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team riders taking part in this year’s race including Giles Drake, who has shown his strength in recent editions of the race, finishing in 3^rd place in 2018 behind multiple 3 Peaks winners Paul Oldham and Rob Jebb. In the most recent race in 2019 Giles was looking good for at least another podium position, however a navigation error in thick fog on the top of the first peak saw Giles plummet from 2^nd place to 45^th and trail 10 minutes behind race-leader Rob Jebb. Giles went on to recompose himself to take an excellent 7^th place in the 2019 race, however that mistake cost him dearly and we know just how much that has motivated Giles to return to the race this year in full form and ready to deliver the kind of result that we all know he can achieve – the win.

Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli will also field experienced 3 Peaks competitor and current World Masters Cyclo Cross Champion Lewis Craven who has already ridden this event 13 times before and can be considered as a true expert of the Peaks who can always be found at the sharp end of the race. When it comes to the 3 Peaks Cyclo Cross race there aren’t many competitors on the start line that are more enthusiastic than Dave Haygarth; having competed in the Peaks more than 20 times Dave knows every sweeping turn, steep rise and jagged rock on the course. Two of our younger racers will be in action too with Oli Dawson and Ryan Middlemiss both showing that magic mix of race fitness and sublime bike-handling skills required to take a good result on this technical course.

Photo: Dan Monaghan

 

There’s over 1500m of vertical ascent spread over the 68km course with riders required to summit the peaks of Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-Y-Ghent. In between those formidable peaks there are fast sections of road, unsurfaced bridleways and 6-8km of completely unrideable terrain, which sees riders having to shoulder their bikes and walk or run up those unforgiving gradients. If the distance, terrain and cumulative ascent weren’t enough throw in some likely inhospitable late-September Yorkshire weather and there’s a recipe for a grueling but spectacular bike race. We’ll be there with our photographer and videographer to capture all the action from the 3 Peaks Cyclo Cross race; look out for a full report coming shortly after the race.

This year’s race takes place this coming Sunday, 25th September. Riders will roll out from Helwith Bridge at 9:30am. More information can be found on the 3 Peaks Cyclo Cross official website.

Photo: Dan Monaghan

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

All photos by Dan Monaghan

 

Photo by Michael Curry

 

It seems a long time ago since I last raced Ard Moors in 2019, a lot has happened since then!

One thing I remember about this one is how much fun it was, I must have erased from my memory how physical it was, but I don’t think I can complain about it this time really…..because I raced my e-bike!

Photo by Phill Rodham

 

After being entered for the Enduro I decided at the last minute to change to the E-bike category, as I have been enjoying riding my new Cannondale Moterra Neo e-MTB so much that I thought it was time to see what it was like racing it.

Photo by Calvin Jarman

 

Needless to say months and months of glorious dry weather did not prepare me for the super-wet riding conditions on Saturday for practice. I’m pretty tech-savvy and love to tinker in the workshop almost as much I love to ride. Thankfully I’ve spent a lot of time setting my suspension up recently, which makes a huge difference on the e-bike with all the extra weight. It’s also the first time I’ve ran a coil shock and it’s tremendous!

Photo by Michael Curry

 

The stages were as I remembered, albeit this time somewhat damp and super slippery, but it was great fun and I enjoyed course practice almost as much as racing. I had a lot of interesting chats with other riders out on course and was pleasantly surprised that the general outlook on e-MTBs is changing and most folk are loving them now. After an action-packed event I was super pleased to take the win in the Female Enduro E-Bike category; I will definitely be back to race this one next year!

Photo by Calvin Jarman

 

Written by Lucy Bell

Special thanks to the following race photographers for allowing us to share their fantastic photos of Lucy in action…

Michael Curry

Phill Rodham

Calvin Jarman 

 

Have you seen our 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…

Launched today! The NEW Wahoo KICKR and KICKR BIKE with WiFi. It’s time to say goodbye to some of the typical frustrations of a smart trainer connected by Bluetooth; with potential issues around drop outs and Bluetooth/ANT+ signal strength, picking cadence back up in ERG after a pause or slow down and outdated firmware which is not able to be updated all being issues of the past with this new WiFi configuration.

The switch over to WiFi rather than Bluetooth/ANT+ will help eliminate some connectivity issues.

 

Introducing WiFi to both the KICKR and KICKR BIKE means range and connectivity is greatly improved with data transfer speeds up to 65% faster vs. standard Bluetooth/ANT+ speeds. Now Wahoo’s ERG ramp allows you to get off the bike and back on with a smooth transition to high wattage levels, should you find yourself having to step off to grab a dropped bottle or similar. WiFi connectivity helps to future-proof your smart trainer too with automatic firmware updates helping ensure you always get the best out of your indoor training sessions.

Automatic firmware updates via WiFi will keep your Wahoo smart trainer up to date for a superior ride experience.

 

NEW Wahoo Kickr with WiFi RRP £1,099.99

New Features:

• WiFi connectivity
• ERG Easy Ramp

Now with WiFi

Now with WiFi, the new-generation Kickr allows for easier connectivity to your home network, allowing automatic firmware updates.

ERG Easy Ramp

Interval interrupted? ERG Easy Ramp returns you to your power target over 10 seconds, easing you back into your workout so you can hit your targets.

Built to Perform

A virtually silent design, combined with a 16lb flywheel and a heavy-duty frame, makes the Kickr the most realistic and durable indoor training experience.

Serious and Precise Power

With over 2,200 watts of resistance that’s accurate to within +/-1% Kickr stands up to the demands of the world’s most powerful cyclists.

Structured Training

Use  your KICKR BIKE with Wahoo SYSTM to get the most out of your training sessions. Wahoo’s cutting-edge sports science automatically tailors the workouts to you to helping you get fit for your next race.

Virtual Riding

Ride on real roads using Wahoo RGT, a virtual training platform with ultra-realistic roads. Ride with friends, race against others and enjoy some of the most famous roads in the world.

 

NEW Wahoo Kickr Bike with WiFi RRP £3,499.99

New Features:

• WiFi connectivity
• KICKR Direct Connect
• Max Power now 2500 Watts
• ERG Easy Ramp

1. Easy, adjustable fit and component customisation, with adjustable crank arm length
2. Programmable virtual shifting and custom gear configuration
3. Simulated grade of +20% to 15% for realistic climbing and descending

Connectivity

Connect your KICKR BIKE to all of your devices, now with KICKR DIRECT CONNECT and connectivity over your WiFi network. KICKR Direct Connect attaches your KICKR to your router for a constant streaming virtual ride or race. Connecting on your WiFi network for a faster and more stable connection to your devices, as well as getting automatic firmware updates when needed.

KICKR Ride Feel

KICKR BIKE combines KICKR’s legendary resistance and grade simulation technologies to replicate the sensation of riding outdoors. Interval interrupted? ERG Easy Ramp returns you to your power target over 10 seconds, easing you back into your workout so you can hit your targets.

True Fit

Guided by an intuitive setup app, Wahoo has made it simple to match the KICKR BIKE’s fit to your outdoor bike’s exact geometry. dial in your fit with easy access quick release levers – even customise with your own components for optimal comfort and performance.

Reality Shift

Virtual shifting and custom gears allow you to match the gear ratios of your outdoor bike, including number of speeds and even cassette tooth count, replicating most major groupsets to create the most personalised ride experience.

Structured Training

Use  your KICKR BIKE with Wahoo SYSTM to get the most out of your training sessions. Wahoo’s cutting-edge sports science automatically tailors the workouts to you to helping you get fit for your next race.

Virtual Riding

Ride on real roads using Wahoo RGT, a virtual training platform with ultra-realistic roads. Ride with friends, race against others and enjoy some of the most famous roads in the world.

Compatible with ELEMNT GPS Bike Computer

The ELEMNT GPS bike computer directly controls the KICKR BIKE in multiple modes including re-riding outdoor routes, importing planned workouts or setting your target watts.

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

 

Have you seen our 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…

 

 

Cervélo have launched a fantastic new road bike which is both lightweight AND aerodynamic; available in a number of different specifications it features a model-name that may well be familiar to you, particularly if you’ve been cycling since the early 2000’s. But don’t call it a comeback! While this Cervélo may share the same name as the iconic bike that carried the pros to multiple pro wins around 15 years ago, the all-new Soloist boasts a raft of contemporary design-features that helps make it a brilliant all-round road bike capable of dancing up the climbs and cutting through the wind on exposed roads.

The Soloist is back! It’s time for a new generation of cyclists to get acquainted with a race bike made famous in the early 2000s.

 

Yep, the Soloist is back and it’s time for a whole new generation of cyclists to enjoy Cervélo’s most famous road bike. With sophisticated carbon fibre construction that creates a chassis which is light, stiff and responsive the Soloist remains comfortable thanks to clever carbon layup techniques and is super-fast thanks to those cleverly-profiled frame tubes and aero-efficient junctions at the headtube, bottom bracket and seat tube.

The original Soloist was way ahead of its time and took multiple Pro Tour race wins in the early 2000’s.

 

Unlike the original, the all-new Soloist is not aimed squarely at the pros; this versatile road bike is designed for the week-in, week-out amateur racer who just wants to turn up and race hard on the SAME bike every time, regardless of whether they’re competing in their weekly circuit race or are lining up for a gruelling road race featuring multiple climbs and long, exposed stretches on flat roads. With increased clearance you can run fatter road tyres too, meaning you’ll feel more comfortable and less beat up on rough road surfaces while gaining greater control in all riding conditions.

The versatile Soloist will suit amateur racers looking for a road bike that excels in all scenarios.

 

So where exactly does the Cervélo Soloist fit within their wider range of road bikes? Well, it’s lighter than their full-on aero S5 but is way more aerodynamic than their lightweight R5 climbing bike. In short it’s the most versatile and user-friendly road bike in the current Cervélo fleet. There are plenty of elements that will suit the time-pushed amateur racer too, including a unique threaded bottom bracket configuration and an integrated cockpit that still allows for quick stem swaps. Built to accept mechanical or electronic shifting the Soloist comes in a number of lust-worthy specifications and price points, as well as being available as a frameset only. Read on to find out about each Cervélo Soloist model…

Light AND aero, the all-new Cervelo Soloist has been designed to climb brilliantly and perform efficiently on the flatter roads.

 

A nice simple cable routing configuration looks great but doesn’t over-complicate tasks like stem swaps.

 

Just like any other good modern road bike there’s plenty of clearance for fatter road tyres, maxing out at 34mm.

 

Cervélo’s BBRightT-47 bottom bracket makes home maintenance a much easier consideration.

 

Cervelo Soloist Force eTap AXS £7,100.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: Cervélo Soloist Carbon
• Fork: Cervélo All-Carbon, Tapered Soloist Fork
• Headset: FSA IS2 1-1/8 x 1-3/8
• Thru Axles: Cervélo Aero Thru-Axles, 12×100/142
• Rear Wheel: Reserve 44, 25mm IW, Zipp 176,12x142mm, XDR freehub, 24H, centerlock, tubeless compatible
• Front Wheel: Reserve 40, 25.5mm IW, Zipp 76, 24H, centerlock, tubeless compatible
• Tyres: Vittoria Rubino Pro TLR G 28c Black
• Crankset: SRAM Force AXS, 48/35T, DUB, with power meter
• Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB, T47 BBright
• Chain: SRAM Force, 12 speed
• Front Derailleur: SRAM Force AXS, 12 speed
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM Force AXS, 12 speed
• Cassette: SRAM Force, 10-33, 12 Speed
• Shifters: SRAM Force AXS, 12 speed
• Handlebar: Cervélo AB07 Alloy, 31.8mm clamp
• Stem Cervélo ST36 Alloy
• Brake Calipers: SRAM Force
• Brake Rotors: SRAM Paceline Centerlock
• Saddle: Selle Italia NOVUS BOOST EVO SuperFlow Manganese
• Seatpost: Cervélo SP27 Carbon
• Accessories: Cervélo Faceplate Front Computer/Accessory Mount, Cervelo Rear Accessory Mount

 

Cervelo Soloist Ultegra Di2 £6,800.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: Cervélo Soloist Carbon
• Fork: Cervélo All-Carbon, Tapered Soloist Fork
• Headset: FSA IS2 1-1/8 x 1-3/8
• Thru Axles: Cervélo Aero Thru-Axles, 12×100/142
• Rear Wheel: Reserve 44, 24.4mm IW, Zipp ZR1 ST,12x142mm, HG freehub, 24h, centerlock, tubeless compatible
• Front Wheel: Reserve 40, 25.4 IW, Zipp ZR1 ST, 24H, centerlock, tubeless compatible
• Tyres: Vittoria Rubino Pro TLR G 28c Black
• Crankset: Shimano Ultegra R8100, 52/36T, 12 Speed
• Bottom Bracket: JY BBright T47, for 24mm spindle
• Chain: Shimano M8100, 12 speed
• Front Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra, R8150, 12 speed
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra, R8150, 12 speed
• Cassette: Shimano Ultegra, 11-30, 12 Speed
• Shifters: Shimano Ultegra, R8170, 12 speed
• Handlebar: Cervélo AB07 Alloy, 31.8mm clamp
• Stem: Cervélo ST36 Alloy
• Brake: Calipers Shimano Ultegra
• Brake Rotors: Shimano MT800 Centerlock
• Saddle: Selle Italia NOVUS BOOST EVO SuperFlow Manganese
• Seatpost: Cervélo SP27 Carbon
• Accessories: Cervélo Faceplate Front Computer/Accessory Mount, Cervelo Rear Accessory Mount

 

Cervelo Soloist Rival eTap AXS £5,000.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: Cervélo Soloist Carbon
• Fork: Cervélo All-Carbon, Tapered Soloist Fork
• Headset: FSA IS2 1-1/8 x 1-3/8
• Thru Axles: Cervélo Aero Thru-Axles, 12×100/142
• Wheelset: Fulcrum Racing 600 DB, 12×100(F)/142(R), 24H, 20mm IW, XDR freehub, centerlock, tubeless compatible
• Tyres: Vittoria Rubino Pro TLR G 28c Black
• Crankset: SRAM Rival, 48/35T, DUB
• Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB, T47 BBright
• Chain: SRAM Rival, 12 speed
• Front Derailleur: SRAM Rival AXS, 12 speed
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM Rival AXS, 12 speed
• Cassette: SRAM Rival, 10-36, 12 Speed
• Shifters: SRAM Rival AXS, 12 speed
• Handlebar: Cervélo Alloy, 31.8mm clamp
• Stem: Cervélo ST36 Alloy
• Brake: Calipers SRAM Rival
• Brake Rotors: SRAM Centerline Centerlock
• Saddle: Selle Italia Model X SuperFlow FeC
• Seatpost: Cervélo SP27 Carbon
• Accessories: Cervélo Faceplate Front Computer/Accessory Mount, Cervelo Rear Accessory Mount

 

Cervelo Soloist 105 Di2 £5,000.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: Cervélo Soloist Carbon
• Fork: Cervélo All-Carbon, Tapered Soloist Fork
• Headset: FSA IS2 1-1/8 x 1-3/8
• Thru Axles: Cervélo Aero Thru-Axles, 12×100/142
• Wheelset: Fulcrum Racing 600 DB, 12×100(F)/142(R), 24H, 20mm IW, HG freehub, centerlock, tubeless compatible
• Tyres: Vittoria Rubino Pro TLR G 28c Black
• Crankset: Shimano FC-RS520, 50/34T, 12 Speed
• Bottom Bracket: JY BBright T47, for 24mm spindle
• Chain: Shimano M7100, 12 speed
• Front Derailleur: Shimano 105, R7150, 12 speed
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105, R7150, 12 speed
• Cassette: Shimano 105, 11-34, 12 Speed
• Shifters: Shimano 105 Di2, R7170, 12 speed
• Handlebar: Cervélo AB07 Alloy, 31.8mm clamp
• Stem Cervélo ST36 Alloy
• Brake Calipers: Shimano 105
• Brake Rotors: Shimano RT70 Centerlock
• Saddle: Selle Italia Model X SuperFlow FeC
• Seatpost: Cervélo SP27 Carbon
• Accessories: Cervélo Faceplate Front Computer/Accessory Mount, Cervelo Rear Accessory Mount

 

Cervelo Soloist Ultegra £4,500.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: Cervélo Soloist Carbon
• Fork Cervélo All-Carbon, Tapered Soloist Fork
• Headset FSA IS2 1-1/8 x 1-3/8
• Thru Axles Cervélo Aero Thru-Axles, 12×100/142
• Wheelset Fulcrum Racing 600 DB, 12×100(F)/142(R), 24H, 20mm IW, HG freehub, centerlock, tubeless compatible
• Tyres Vittoria Rubino Pro TLR G 28c Black
• Crankset Shimano Ultegra, R8000, 52/36T, 11 Speed
• Bottom Bracket JY BBright T47, for 24mm spindle
• Chain Shimano HG701, 11 speed
• Front Derailleur Shimano Ultegra, R8000, 11 speed
• Rear Derailleur Shimano Ultegra, R8000 GS, 11 speed
• Cassette Shimano Ultegra, 11-30, 11 Speed
• Shifters Shimano Ultegra, R8020, 11 speed
• Handlebar Cervélo Alloy, 31.8mm clamp
• Stem Cervélo ST36 Alloy
• Brake Calipers Shimano Ultegra
• Brake Rotors Shimano MT800 Centerlock
• Saddle Selle Italia Model X SuperFlow FeC
• Seatpost Cervélo SP27 Carbon
• Accessories Cervélo Faceplate Front Computer/Accessory Mount, Cervelo Rear Accessory Mount

 

Cervelo Soloist 105 RRP £3,500.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: Cervélo Soloist Carbon
• Fork: Cervélo All-Carbon, Tapered Soloist Fork
• Headset: FSA IS2 1-1/8 x 1-3/8
• Thru Axles: Cervélo Aero Thru-Axles, 12×100/142
• Rear Wheel: Alexrims Boondocks 5, 12x142mm, 24H, 21mm IW, HG freehub, 6 bolt, tubeless compatible
• Front Wheel: Alexrims Boondocks 5, 12x100mm, 24H, 21mm IW, 6 bolt, tubeless compatible
• Tyres: Zaffiro Pro V G2.0 700x28c
• Crankset: Shimano FC-RS510, 52/36T, 11 Speed
• Bottom Bracket: JY BBright T47, for 24mm spindle
• Chain: Shimano HG601, 11 speed
• Front Derailleur: Shimano 105, R7000, 11 speed
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105, R7000 GS, 11 speed
• Cassette: Shimano 105, 11-30, 11 Speed
• Shifters: Shimano 105, R7020, 11 speed
• Handlebar: Cervélo Alloy, 31.8mm clamp
• Stem: Cervélo ST36 Alloy
• Brake Calipers Shimano 105
• Brake Rotors: Shimano MT800 Centerlock
• Saddle: Selle Italia Model X SuperFlow FeC
• Seatpost: Cervélo SP27 Carbon
• Accessories: Cervélo Faceplate Front Computer/Accessory Mount, Cervelo Rear Accessory Mount

 

Cervelo Soloist Frameset £3,000.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: Cervélo Soloist Carbon
• Fork: Cervélo All-Carbon, Tapered Soloist Fork
• Headset: FSA IS2 1-1/4 x 1-1/2
• Thru Axles: Cervélo Aero Thru-Axles, 12×100/142
• Seatpost: Cervélo SP27 Carbon
• Accessories: Cervélo Faceplate Front Computer/Accessory Mount, Cervelo Rear Accessory Mount

 

Cervelo Soloist Frame Geometry

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

 

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The Moterra Neo 3 represents all that’s good with the modern e-mountain bike. For today’s product feature we’re taking a detailed look at Cannondale’s latest full-fat e-MTB spec’d with Bosch’s most powerful Performance Line CX motor and a super-efficient 750Wh PowerTube battery; providing endless amounts of pedal assistance the Moterra Neo 3 is ready to make your riding sessions way more fun.

Built to go the distance, the Moterra Neo 3 boasts a super-efficient Bosch 750Wh PowerTube internal battery. 

 

The all-new Moterra Neo range launched in April, with all 5 models featuring the larger capacity 750Wh battery, making ‘range anxiety’ a thing of the past. With a mix of carbon fibre or aluminium frame options each one is tailored specifically to suit certain styles of riding as well as different budgets with all Moterra Neo bikes featuring Bosch’s Performance Line CX motor controlled by their SmartSystem software, viewed on a compact Kiox display. The Moterra Neo 3, constructed from SmartForm C1 alloy is already a popular choice here at Wheelbase thanks to its relatively affordable price point, dependable Bosch drive system, capable suspension configuration and intelligently spec’d componentry.

At the heart of the Moterra Neo 3 is that powerful Bosch Performance Line CX motor featuring pedal assistance with a torque of up to 85Nm, giving instant and powerful acceleration while being more compact and quieter than its predecessor. The motor includes 5 different modes to select from as you ride; choose from Sport, eMTB, Tour and Tour+ or use Auto mode which automatically regulates the level of assistance between Tour and Turbo depending on the riding situation. A full-on e-MTB like this will no-doubt encourage you to head out into the most technical terrain; at some point, regardless of how powerful the Bosch motor is you’ll find physics playing their part in forcing you to dismount and push up the very steepest, lose terrain. The last thing you want to be doing is pushing an e-MTB up that sort of incline, but thankfully Bosch have got this covered; Smart Walk will power the bike’s rear wheel as you hike, while the Hold Function activates to stop the bike rolling backwards, working for 10 seconds without the brake being applied.

A powerful 250W Bosch Performance Line CX motor brings the Moterra Neo 3 to life, helping you skip up the climbs with little effort.

 

Using a combination of their eBike Flow App and the Kiox 300 display unit you’ll be able to custom tune how the Moterra Neo 3 rides and understand exactly how the bike is performing, with both the drive system’s stats and your own fitness data including power, cadence and calories burned all in front of you on a compact but clear display which can be understood at a glance. With the Kiox 300 display connected to a small LED remote located on the left of the handlebar you’ll be able to toggle through each riding mode, operate the Kiox display and perform updates to the SmartSystem when required.

The Moterra Neo 3 is controlled by Bosch’s sophisticated SmartSystem software and is viewed on the simple Kiox display.

 

The compact Bosch LED remote on the left of the handlebar lets you toggle through motor modes, helping you to ride more efficiently.

 

We’ve already mentioned that the full range of Cannondale Moterra Neo e-mtb’s all feature the large capacity 750Wh battery; in fact this is one of the bike’s main headliners thanks to its increased range over a 625Wh battery option that used to be top of the tree. The PowerTube 750 battery is stored neatly in the downtube and all but eliminates any potential for ‘range-anxiety’ during the type of rides which see you constantly seeking increased pedal assistance to help you negotiate tough terrain. Recently we rode a similar e-MTB from a rival brand with the same Bosch 750Wh battery up to the top of the gruelling Helvellyn mountain and back down again, taking in 11.5 miles over 1.5 hours and including some extremely steep gradients. Despite those demands on the 750Wh powered e-MTB there was still an amazing 55% of charge remaining at the end of the ride, giving an indication of just how efficient this system is when it comes to taking on long, demanding mountain bike rides.

Charging the large-capacity 750Wh battery is quick and simple, with the Bosch 4A charger attaching just above the motor.

 

The large 750Wh Bosch PowerTube internal battery can be removed and charged off the bike or stored separately while transporting the bike.

 

This model is constructed from SmartForm C1 alloy rather than the carbon fibre that you’ll find further up the Moterra Neo range; helping to hit a more competitive price point with little or no compromise. Aluminium tube manufacturing and bicycle frame building have evolved so much in recent years that brands such as Cannondale are now able to almost completely mirror the same frame profiles as their carbon options while engineering in comparative strength, stiffness and responsiveness. A burly long-travel e-MTB like the Moterra Neo, built for hard riding on tough terrain needs to be robust and durable; the SmartForm C1 alloy chassis is more than up to the job.

The Moterra Neo 3 is constructed from Cannondale’s superlight, tough SmartForm C1 alloy.

 

That large diameter headtube helps to ensure steering is sharp and precise even in the most demanding riding conditions.

 

The SmartForm C1 alloy frame is stiff and strong, featuring some beautifully-crafted tube profiles for a responsive chassis.

 

The Moterra Neo 3 features 150mm of plush front and rear suspension travel facilitated by a Rockshox Deluxe Select Debonair rear shock with 2-position adjustment out back and a pair of RockShox Yari RC forks upfront. It’s a big clue to how Cannondale see this e-MTB being ridden – hard! With both the rear shock and the front fork being tuned specifically to accommodate the extra demands of an e-mountain bike (i.e. increased speeds and force) these customisable shocks can be tailored to suit you and your riding style and are ready to help really open up your riding on a bike that has been designed specifically to handle even the most aggressive forms of gravity-induced riding.

That RockShox Deluxe Select DebonAir air shock helps to facilitate 150mm of rear travel, helping the Moterra Neo 3 cope with big hits.

 

Upfront the RockShox Yari RC with 150mm of plush travel makes the perfect companion to the RockShox rear shock.

 

The RockShox Yari RC’s have been tuned specifically to meet the demands of aggressive e-mountain biking.

 

When it comes to the Moterra Neo 3’s drivetrain (the same sort of gearing that you’d find an acoustic, non-eMTB and extra to the bike’s Bosch pedal-assist system) Cannondale have put together a clever mix of components from the Shimano Deore and XT groupsets. A simple 1X configuration sees a single 34T chainring upfront combined with a wide-ratio 10-51T 12-Speed cassette on the rear wheel to give you every possible gear ratio you could need regardless of whether you trying to complete a super-steep climb with no dabs or are careening downhill at full-chat.

The Moterra Neo 3’s drivetrain is made up of a mix of Shimano Deore and XT components.

 

A 12-speed Shimano XT rear derailleur makes short work of each gear selection, with the chain moving smoothly up and down the rear cassette across the gears with precision. The XT rear derailleur includes a clutch mechanism to add increased tension to the chain helping to prevent chain-slap on rough terrain and keeping the chain securely located on your chosen cog. On the right of the bike’s handlebars there’s a simple Shimano Deore trigger shifter allowing you to select any one of the 12 gears available; each press of the shifter is crisp and light with gear selection being instantaneous. Cannondale have made a smart move by including a small eThirteen chainguide too above the chainring to further eliminate the possibility of dropping your chain when your riding gets particularly rowdy.

A 12-speed Shimano XT rear derailleur with clutch mech provides precise gear selections in all riding conditions.

 

The 12-speed Shimano Deore trigger shifter gives a light feel to every gear change.

 

Cannondale have included an eThirteen chain guide to help ensure there’s no possibility of a dropped chain when your riding gets rowdy.

 

Needless to say, the Cannondale Moterra Neo 3 is capable of carrying A LOT of speed thanks to that powerful Bosch drive system, large amounts of suspension travel and its fast-rolling 29” wheels. Carrying plenty of speed into tight, technical terrain means things can get out-of-hand very quickly and the need to scrub off speed and remain in control becomes critical; with this in mind Cannondale have spec’d a pair of powerful SRAM DB8 brakes, opting for 4-piston hydraulic calipers matched up with large diameter rotors to slow you down quickly and effectively in any riding conditions. The DB8 brake levers feel great in your hands with just the right amount of lever pull giving positive and powerful braking even when you’re just braking with one finger.

The SRAM DB8 hydraulic brake levers have just the right amount of pull and feel instantly responsive.

 

Powerful SRAM DB8 hydraulic brake calipers and large-diameter rotors provide plenty of stopping power even when you’re negotiating the steepest of drops.

 

Just like any good modern trail bike (regardless of whether it’s an e-MTB or an acoustic) the Cannondale Moterra Neo 3 boasts a pair of fast-rolling 29” wheels. As technology has improved the overall weight of these wheels has magically decreased at the same time as them becoming stronger and more durable – some kind of voodoo! The geometry of today’s trail bikes has improved significantly too brilliantly accommodating the larger wheels with no negative impact on handling, making the spec of the super-fast 29” wheel option a total no-brainer. A pair of 29” WTB ST i30 TCS wheels featuring super-wide & strong rims shod with a clever combination of front and rear Maxxis tyres adorns the Moterra Neo 3; a 2.6” wide Maxxis Minion DHF downhill-specific front tyre provides enhanced control on tight, lose turns while a 2.6” Maxxis Rekon on the rear features a less aggressive tread pattern to strike the balance between just the right amount of traction and being able to roll fast with little resistance.

Fast-rolling 29″ WTB ST i30 TCS wheels with wide rims are particularly durable and are ready to handle hard off-road riding.

 

A good tyre choice can really enhance the handling of your bike; a 2.6″ wide Maxxis Minion DHF front tyre provides unprecedented control. 

 

Cannondale have spec’d a Maxxis Rekon on the rear, substituting a little of that enhanced control for a more efficient, faster-rolling tyre.

 

Rounding out the Moterra Neo 3 is a collection of well-thought-out components from Cannondale including a DownLow dropper seatpost to help you get your saddle out of the way on steep descents. The internally-routed cable activated dropper lever sits on the left of your handlebars;  it’s simple and clutter-free meaning it doesn’t interfere with the Bosch remote that’s already taking up valuable real estate on your bars. A Fabric Scoop Shallow Sport saddle with steel rails features a sensible profile which will suit most riders while an additional layer of protection on the corners of the saddle will help prevent scuffs and abrasion in the event of a crash.

The Cannondale DownLow dropper post with cable-activated remote instantly get your saddle out of the way for technical descents.

 

A 780mm wide alloy Cannondale 3 Riser handlebar gives you plenty of control and helps you muscle the Moterra Neo around tight turns as well as helping to give a  really stable feeling when you’re straight-lining the bike at speed. There’s plenty of attention to detail on the Moterra Neo 3 too with the American brand fitting a significant piece of protection to the downtube in the form of a rubberised skid plate as well as a substantial chainstay guard. Elsewhere there’s the inclusion of a mount allowing you to retrofit a kickstand, which on first impressions seems a little unnecessary, however we do get a lot of our e-bike customers asking for them simply because it makes it easier to park up at mid-ride café stops etc. rather than risking leaning their e-MTB against a wall only to watch it slide expensively to the ground, taking the paint off the frame just as you sit down to enjoy your decaf soy latte.

Nice little details include a substantial chainstay guard and injection moulded skid plate.

 

We get a lot of requests for kickstands on e-bikes, with a heavier bike, parking it up securely can be a concern, Cannondale have you covered with this mount.

 

Relatively speaking e-mountain bikes have come a very long way in a very short period of time; market-leaders Bosch are providing bike manufacturers with ever more sophisticated e-bike drive systems controlled by clever integrated software and constantly-improving digital technology for a truly holistic e-bike riding experience. Cannondale have been able to take such a system and build a really capable e-MTB around it utilising all that’s good with modern trail bikes including a tough and light chassis, sorted geometry, super-plush suspension, fast-rolling 29” wheels and a wide collection of components that are themselves evolving to cope better with the extra forces incurred from e-mountain biking. The Cannondale Moterra Neo 3 is a fantastic example of this evolution and really delivers on being an e-MTB that’s ready to enhance your riding and help you to explore further while encouraging you to ride harder and have more fun then you’re ever had before on a mountain bike.

Uphill or down, the Cannondale Moterra 3 has been designed from the ground up to enhance your riding experience.

 

Cannondale Moterra Neo 3 Geometry

 

Cannondale Moterra Neo 3 RRP £5,750.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: Moterra Neo, SmartForm C1 Alloy, 150mm travel, Proportional Response Tuned Suspension, removable downtube battery, injection molded skid plate, 55mm chainline, internal cable routing, 148x12mm thru-axle, UDH hanger, post mount brake, tapered headtube, 18mm two-bolt kickstand mount, integrated rear rack mounts
• Rear Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select, DebonAir, 2-Pos mode adjust, adjustable rebound
• Fork: RockShox Yari RC, 150mm, 15x110mm Boost, 44mm offset
• Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX 250W
• Display: Bosch Kiox 300 w/ LED remote
• Battery: Bosch PowerTube 750Wh
• Charger: Bosch 4A
• Chainset: FSA Bosch E-bike w/ 55mm chainline, 160mm, 34T
• Chainguide: eThirteen
• Cassette: Shimano Deore M6100, 10-51, 12-speed
• Chain: Shimano Deore 6100, 12-speed
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT, 12-speed
• Shifters: Shimano Deore M6100, 12-speed
• Handlebar: Cannondale 3 Riser, 6061 Alloy, 15mm rise, 8° sweep, 4° rise, 780mm
• Grips: Fabric FunGuy
• Stem: Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, 31.8, 0°
• Headset: Integrated Sealed Bearing, Tapered
• Brake Levers: SRAM DB8 hydraulic disc
• Brakes: SRAM DB8 4-piston hydraulic disc, 203/203mm rotors
• Wheels: WTB ST i30 TCS, 32h, tubeless ready rims, Stainless Steel, 14g spokes, (F) Formula 15x110mm thru-axle / (R) Shimano MT410, 12x148mm thru-axle hubs
• Front Tyre: Maxxis Minion DHF, 29 x 2.6″, EXO, tubeless ready
• Rear Tyre: Maxxis Rekon, 29 x 2.6”, EXO, tubeless ready
• Saddle: Fabric Scoop Shallow Sport, steel rails
• Seat Post: Cannondale DownLow dropper post, 31.6, 130mm (S), 150mm (M-XL)

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by James Vincent

 

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It’s time for another great gravel ride here in the Lake District National Park! Check out Andrew Barlow’s ride guide for the Langdale Loop…

 

This route takes you through Great Langdale and Little Langdale. Little Langdale has one of the largest industrial pasts within the Lake District, surprising for this picture postcard landscape.

 

 

It rains a lot in this valley, 2408mm a year to be precise, much higher than the Lake District average so I’d make sure you pack waterproofs even on the good days. The weather here is always so changeable and as always, wild!

 

If you’re coming in to the Lakes by car there is ample parking in Tilberthwaite and it’s rare that you won’t be able get a space, however it is now pay and display; if you’re struggling to park there then you should be able to find various spots nearby, but will involve riding to the start point of this ride.

 

This ride can be ridden in any orientation however I prefer to ride it clockwise, mainly because coming up from the bottom the Great Langdale is much more arduous than coming over from Little Langdale, even with the 25% incline from Wrynose bottom up to Blea Tarn.

 

You’ll encounter varied terrain throughout this ride but most is either B roads or what I’d deem as prime gravel (smooth and predictable) so you can keep the hammer down if you consider yourself a hitter or alternatively cruise along and take in the scenery. I much prefer the latter.

 

To summarise this stunning Lake District ride you’ll see iconic landmarks such as Blea Tarn, the Langdale Pikes and the vast glacial plateaus such as Mickleden and Oxendale.

 

There’s plenty of places to stop for refreshments such as the Three Shires in Little Langdale, Old Dungeon Ghyll, New Dungeon Ghyll and Stickle Barn in Great Langdale and finally The Wainwrights and the Britannia Inn, both situated in Elterwater. Click the link below to see the full gravel ride route on Komoot.

See the Langdale Loop on KOMOOT

 

The riding on and off-road around Langdale is sublime and has plenty of great cycling to offer; why not make a weekend of it and tick off some more of the great cycling routes in the area. There’s plenty of great places to stay locally with camping, touring and glamping sites near Langdale, hit the CAMPING link to find out more.

 

Written by Andrew Barlow

Photos by Andrew Barlow

 

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