Author: John Dodgin

 

Following hot on the heels of Friday night’s unpredictable, chaotic National Circuit Race in Ilkley, the home of our Wheelbase Yorkshire store, our young Wheelbase Cabetch Castelli team were back in action at Round 2 of the National Road Series. The Stockton Grand Prix has been a popular race in the demanding series for a number of years; as part of the weekend-long Stockton Cycling Festival the men’s race is the main headliner of a series of cycling events and races throughout the weekend, aimed at getting every age and gender out on their bikes in and around the cycling-friendly town of Stockton-on-Tees.

We recently opened a flagship Wheelbase store within Stockton-on-Tee’s Go Outdoors superstore and this race gave us an opportunity to invite the Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team to meet the staff and check out our all-new shopping experience. With a late start of 1.00pm for the men’s race there was plenty of time for the team to relax and fuel up on some great coffee while our small Wheelbase media team took the opportunity to film the riders in the new store before doing some short pre-race interviews to glean each of their hopes and aspirations for the upcoming race.

Watch all the action from the Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team at the Stockton GP

 

The Stockton Grand Prix cannot be underestimated, with some pretty terrifying stats for the casual non-elite cyclist observing from the roadside. The race takes place on country roads just north of Stockton town centre and includes a mix of wide, fast roads combined with tighter lanes that include punchy climbs and sweeping turns where tree lined verges throw a good amount of shade onto some of the rougher road sections. The total distance of the race was 111 miles or 178.6km with 80 miles of the race being played out on the 8.4 mile circuit outside of the town; at the 80 mile mark the racers return to the town centre of Stockton-on-Tees to take on a further 6 laps of a 4 mile circuit around town. That testing overall distance and the contrasting mix of the larger loop combined with the smaller town-centre loop with more of a circuit-race feel makes for a very difficult race to win, requiring riders to change tactics late in the race and endure a really difficult final hour of racing just when their bodies are beginning to really fatigue.

 

Just like the Ilkley circuit race on Friday, the first difficulty for Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli was fielding an effective team for this demanding national-level race; with illness and injury plaguing the team in the build up to the Stockton GP it was going to be a case of some of our younger, less experienced riders stepping up and taking responsibility to be at the sharp end of the race and influence the proceedings as much as they could. We took three riders into the race – Callum Thornley, Matt Fox and Fraser Martin, with a couple of other riders from our squad having to miss the Stockton GP at the last minute. It’s a credit to the young trio that they didn’t panic and stayed cool and focused in the build up to the race.

In the pre-race briefing Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team manager Stu Reid encouraged Fraser to contribute early on to help Callum and Matt stay at the front of the race and ensure that they didn’t miss any significant moves. With Fraser’s form a little low, he was unsure he would be able to contribute late in the race and so the tactic to work hard at the start of the race on behalf of his teammates made sense to the reduced squad. Matt Fox, at the age of just 19 continues to prove himself as a punchy rider with a mean sprint and a mature head which guides him to exactly where he needs to be in any road racing scenario; the lengthy nature of the Stockton GP would prove to be a real test of his abilities and racing experience. Callum Thornley, on a fantastic run of results, continues to show that he has tapped into a rich vein of form and at the young age of 18 is still unsure of how long he can continue before he starts to fade. It was agreed that, for now, he should race as hard as he has been, as both he and the team staff continue to learn just what he’s capable of; as the race progressed we were not to be disappointed.

Just as the race rolled out of Stockton-on-Tees dark clouds started to loom overhead and the afternoon’s action would see intermittent cloud bursts of torrential rain, eventually making the roads wet on the entire circuit. Fresh rain fall on previously dry roads, combined with stretches in tree-lined shade and tight turns, along with a large peloton made up of riders ready to influence the race, created dangerous conditions and we saw some inevitable spills as the race progressed. It’s testament to just how hard the Stockton GP is that riders began fading from the back of the bunch as speeds were increased and the larger pro teams continued to push the pace.

Riding conditions proved difficult with torrential rain affecting rider safety at key sections of the course.  Photo: Will Palmer / SWpix

 

Upfront a small group of 7 riders jumped away to establish a gap; at this point Callum who was riding attentively on the front of the peloton spotted that Finn Crockett (who raced for Wheelbase last year) had made that lead group and knowing that this meant the breakaway may well stick, Callum wisely jumped across the gap to establish himself in the break. As the race quickly progressed from we watched the gap stretch out to over a minute and our Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team car was able to join the back of the break ready to feed Callum and provide mechanical assistance if it was required. This gave me (Johnny – your feature writer) and Dave Macfarlane our filmographer, a rider’s-eye view of the action from the car as excitement built and we all began to hope that Callum could hold on until the finishing circuit and influence the outcome of the race.

Callum Thornley (back rider) made a significant contribution to the break, but knew when to conserve energy too. Photo: Will Palmer / SWpix

 

The group of six riders worked well together to stay away from the chasing pack. Photo: Will Palmer / SWpix

Meanwhile, behind Callum’s breakaway group the race continued to splinter with Wheelbase’s Matt Fox racing strongly in a group of around 20 chasing riders, while the larger peloton languished further behind. It’s a credit to Matt again regarding how he rode; not contributing to the chase of the breakaway but positioning himself towards the front of his group ready to react if the breakaway ahead of him was caught. As the race headed back to Stockton-on-Tees the time gap hovered around 48 seconds and the team cars were instructed to move behind the chasing group to ensure we did not influence the race. A quick check in with Callum while offering up more food before we dropped back confirmed that he was still riding comfortably, making a real contribution to the success of the break while remaining calm and composed as he contemplated the prospect of racing for the win during the final town-centre laps.

Dan Gardner working hard on the front with Callum sitting in attentively. Photo: Will Palmer / SWpix

 

From the team car the final laps of the race were dizzying; with multiple round-abouts and dog-leg turns each lap presented the chance to track the race leaders and the chasing group as they blasted past on the opposite side of the carriageway. Callum was now in uncharted territory, racing further than he’d ever raced before and finding himself at the sharp end for the duration of the race. With 3 laps to go he unfortunately began to fade and started slipping back from the lead group as fatigue began to take a hold. Again, showing great maturity and fore-thought Callum sat up and joined the chasing group rather than stubbornly trying to hang in between groups and quickly recomposed himself to begin thinking about leading-out Matt who was still riding strongly in this second group on the road.

As we came into the final lap the lead group began to splinter, with a handful of riders asserting themselves as others began to fade. Likewise, behind then that chasing group saw some riders attacking off the front, but as the final dog-leg turn came up Callum positioned himself in front of Matt to lead him out for the sprint for the remaining places with Matt taking a fantastic 13 place and Callum rolling over the line in a brilliant 18^th place. Our two young riders showed enormous ability and great fortitude to race as hard and intelligently as they did at this most demanding level of UK road racing. We’re really proud with how they performed throughout the race and the whole team celebrated an excellent showing for Wheelbase at the Stockton GP; we now go onward to more National Circuit Races and another arduous National Road Series race which takes place just down the road from Wheelbase HQ in Lancaster on Sunday the 17^th of July.

Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli’s Callum Thornley riding strongly in the main breakaway of the day. Photo:Photo: Will Palmer / SWpix

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Film by Dave MacFarlane

Photos by Will Palmer / SW Pix

 

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July sees an action-packed month for our Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team, with a demanding mix of attritional National-level road races at the weekend and mid-week fast, frenetic circuit races, dotted all over the UK within the very highest level of competition. Our lads lined up at Round 1 and 2 of the National Circuit Race Series; first in Otley on Wednesday and then in the beautiful Yorkshire town of Ilkley on the Friday before quickly regrouping for the Stockton GP on the Sunday, an 111 mile road race which is part of the National Road Race Series and is recognised as one of the toughest road races of the season with a packed field of the very best professional teams and riders.

 

National Circuit Race Series, Round 1, Otley, Wednesday 29th June

Arriving on Wednesday evening for the popular Otley Crit the Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team were greeted by huge crowds lining this iconic venue featuring a high-speed circuit that includes a gradual climb to the highest point before a long straight at the rear of the course which stretches out the field, followed by a long, sweeping descent with a wide left hand bend at the bottom which is taken at breakneck speed in the final lap as riders jockey for position to take the sprint to the line.

Always a popular race venue, Otley saw large crowds for a packed evening of racing. Photo Credit: Warren Davies

 

Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli fielded a reduced team at Otley with Callum Thornley and Logan Maclean making the trip from Scotland following a successful weekend at the National Championships which saw Callum take a brilliant Silver medal in the U23 time trial and Logan bridge across to the main break of the day in the road race, spending time racing alongside eventual winner Mark Cavendish before being reabsorbed by the main bunch. Joining Callum and Logan was our punchy Aussie sprinter Matt Fox who is well-suited to the Crit style of circuit racing and was carrying good from into this block of racing.

Wheelbase’s Callum Thornley was always at the sharp end of the race. Photo Credit: Warren Davies

 

At just an hour long the racing action started immediately as riders jockeyed for position, with the larger teams dictating the pace as individual riders attempted to attack off the front to establish a breakaway. As the race progressed there were a few impromptu rain showers adding an element of jeopardy on the corners as the large bunch hit the turns at full speed; Callum, Logan and Matt raced intelligentially, keeping themselves well-positioned near the front of the bunch. The hour passed quickly with multiple moves made until two riders established a break at around one minute ahead of the peloton, but as the race came to the final lap the pair only had seconds to contest the sprint before being swamped by the chasing pack which was now opening up the bunch sprint. Callum proved that his great form was still there taking an excellent 6th place, with Matt Fox taking 11th place and Logan taking 21st place. It was a great way to start this demanding block of racing and the lads finished the race already looking forward to moving on to Ilkley to do it all again.

Logan Maclean chasing the moves at Otley. Photo Credit: Warren Davies

 

National Circuit Race Series, Round 2, Ilkley, Friday 1st July

The Ilkley Circuit Race is always a firm favourite with us, partly down to the fact we have our own Wheelbase Yorkshire store based in the town making this our ‘local race’ despite its national importance. The popular former spa town, just 16 miles from the City of Leeds and nestled in the picturesque Wharfe Valley, boasts elegant Victorian architecture and a multitude of wine bars, restaurants and pubs; the Ilkley circuit race always features a large crowd made up of a mix of genuine cycling fans and curious onlookers who happen to be on a night out meaning this race is popularly referred to as the ‘Posh Crit’.

The Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team calmly preparing for action. Photo Credit: Warren Davies

 

The Ilkley circuit is made up of a relatively short loop on tightly-packed roads right through the centre of Ilkley. The long start and finishing straight lined with pubs and bars saw crowds of spectators five-people deep shouting encouragement on every lap before riders turned abruptly to the right to sprint out of the saddle up a steep, short & sharp climb before turning right again onto a more gradual but no-less demanding climb to the furthest point of the circuit. This section would see riders attacking off the front and trying to break the will of the peloton before swinging down a long tree-lined descent with a wide, but super-fast corner back onto the finishing straight.

Fraser Martin in action as the rain began to fall. Photo Credit: Warren Davies

 

Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli fielded four riders at Ilkley, with the reduced team being affected by ongoing illnesses including Covid which has spread throughout the peloton over recent weeks. Hot off his brilliant Silver medal position at the National Time Trial Championships Callum Thornley was looking to cash-in on his good run of form which had already seen him take a fantastic 6th place at Round 1 of the National Crit Series in Otley on Wednesday evening. Alongside him was our Aussie wonder-kid Matt Fox who is really beginning to show his talent for racing at the sharp end as the season continues; he’s got a smart head and knows how to position himself as well as having a great final kick for the sprint at his disposal. Tim Shoreman made the quick transition from his recent track-racing focus for British Cycling back to Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team duties and we were hopeful that he could capitalise on his leg speed for the Crit. Rounding out our reduced team was Fraser Martin who brought a wealth of racing experience with him, having competed at Ilkley on numerous occasions.

The short, sharp climb influenced the race with riders attacking every lap. Matt Fox is in the chase. Photo Credit: Warren Davies

 

We expected action from the start and were not disappointed, with moves being made as soon as the gun went off. The nature of the tight, short circuit encourages riders to make sharp accelerations into that steep climb in an effort to break away, and very quickly this is what happened, with the field already splintered into smaller groups by the second lap. As the race settled down a little a group of 6 riders including the National Circuit Race Champion Matt Bostock began to work together to stretch out their lead from the main bunch. Only a few seconds behind we were happy to see Wheelbase’s Callum Thornley chasing hard with a small number of racers, but only time would tell to see if he could make it across to the leading riders.

Callum Thornley taking the long, sweeping turn at full chat. Photo Credit: Warren Davies

 

The following hour of racing proved to be chaotic and increasingly difficult to keep track of from the road side as racers began to lap the small groups that had lost significant time to this demanding circuit. By this point Callum was isolated with two riders from the same team and looked to be doing the majority of the work on the front of the chase to that small group of riders further up the road. A quick count-back from the leaders confirmed that even if he was beaten in the sprint by both riders Callum would take 9th place on the night with the peloton now too far back to pose any danger to his race position. The race leaders caught the main bunch in the final lap making for a chaotic and confusing sprint for the win which saw Sam Watson from the Groupama FDJ continental team take the win.

Callum would go on to chase the leaders as part of a trio along with the two Team Inspired riders (in green). Photo Credit: Warren Davies

 

Close behind Callum was lighting up the sprint against the two riders from Team Inspired; racing for 7th place and up against the duo who had seemed to sit on Callum’s wheel for the majority of the race it was always going to be a tall order to finish ahead of them both but Callum did manage to take a brilliant 8th place on the line, consolidating his high overall position in the National Circuit Series. Elsewhere our squad had mixed results in this chaotic evening of racing with Matt Fox taking 32nd, Tim Shoreman taking 44th and Fraser Martin taking 49th on the night. It was a great showing from the team and as we packed down all of the kit for the journey home our thoughts were already turning to the longer, more demanding National Road Series coming up quickly in Stockton-on-Tees on the Sunday.

Callum Thornley’s streak of good from served him well at the Ilkley Crit. Photo Credit: Warren Davies

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by Warren Davies

 

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FREE CANNONDALE JUNCTION MIPS HELMET WHEN YOU PURCHASE A TOPSTONE ALLOY GRAVEL BIKE*

 

Claim your free Cannondale Junction Mips helmet (RRP £65.00) with the purchase of any new

Topstone Alloy 0, 1, 2, 3 & 4 until September 30th 2022

 

Redeem this offer by scanning the QR code below after you have received your new Topstone Alloy.

You’ll be taken to an online document to fill in your basic contact details and provide Cannondale with your bike’s serial number along with a proof of purchase.

The free helmet offer is provided to the customer independently by Cannondale UK and is not part of an offer from Wheelbase Lakeland Limited.

Please scan the QR Code to read terms and conditions.

 

It’s time for another exciting product launch from Trek! Say hello to the all-new Trek Madone SLR, designed to help you perform faster and more efficiently than ever before and in more comfort than previously thanks to their clever new IsoFlow technology. Eagle-eyed road racing fans may have already spotted the all-new Madone being raced by the Trek Segafredo pro cycling team at the Criterium Du Dauphine, a week-long race that is casually referred to as the ’Tour De France tune up’. With its distinctive profile and dramatic cut out between the top tube and seat tube it didn’t take long for cycling journalists and tech geeks alike to start sharing spy-shots of this beautifully sculpted aero road bike. So now it’s officially launched and out in the open let’s take a deeper look at the 2023 Trek Madone SLR…

With its distinctive ‘IsoFlow’ cut-out the all-new Madone SLR was easy to spot in the peloton.

 

Believe it or not this is the 7^th generation of Madone from Trek; what started out as a pretty conventional carbon road bike with caliper brakes all those years ago has gradually evolved to be Trek’s out-and-out aero race machine. Somewhere through the bike’s evolution it moved to being disc brake only and has also seen a couple of different iterations of Trek’s brilliant IsoSpeed decoupler which gave this super-stiff and responsive aero road bike a tangible level of comfort in the saddle.

Lighter, more aerodynamic and even more comfortable, the Trek Madone SLR features some significant improvements.

 

The all-new Trek Madone SLR is packed full of new features and never-seen-before technology including their new IsoFlow seat tube configuration. Compared to its predecessor the Gen 7 Madone boasts increased comfort and compliance which is now achieved by the frame’s clever carbon construction and that distinctive profile with its cut-out section sitting below an integrated carbon seat mast that extends directly from the top tube and is designed to flex, giving you noticeable comfort in the saddle. Another advantage of this new, sculpted carbon frame is an overall decrease in weight; not only that, it’s more aero too with some solid aerodynamic testing proving that air flows more efficiently through the frame than previously, hence the name ‘IsoFlow’.

Trek’s new IsoFlow technology dramitcally reduces overall weight, is even more comfortable AND is aerodynamically more efficient too.

 

Trek are boldly billing the new Madone as the fastest road race bike they’ve ever made, measuring it as 19 watts faster than the previous generation (measured at 45 km/h) – thanks to that new aero frame shaping, a redesigned bar stem and an overall more aerodynamic riding position. The Madone’s new race bar is 3 cm narrower in the hoods than the drops – taking inspiration from how a lot of the best pro road cyclists have been running their brake levers turned in for a more aero position. By configuring the bars this way in production there’s less need to do that and the overall hand position is more ergonomic while giving you great control. Trek recommend that riders use their typical bar size when buying the new Madone SLR – so if you normally use a 42 cm bar stem, opt for 42 cm in the drops and 39 cm in the hoods.

Following feedback from Trek’s own Trek Segafredo pro cycling team the American brand have developed a new, more aero and ergonomic integrated handlebar.

 

Trek Madone SLR 2023 – Quick Facts…

• All new Kamtail shaping – each aero tube profile has been refined
• IsoFlow – new seat tube technology provides a smooth, compliant ride, improves aerodynamics and reduces frame weight
• Enhanced integration of handlebar and stem
• Improved internal seat clamp – more user friendly adjustability
• New handlebar shape improves aerodynamics of rider position without compromising comfort and control
• Fits up to 28mm tyres
• Madone frame only compatible with electronic groupsets
• Threaded T47 bottom bracket
• Race-oriented H1.5 frame geometry

Trek Madone SLR 9 eTap Red RRP £13,800.00

 

Trek Madone SLR 9 Dura Ace Di2 RRP £12,700.00

 

Trek Madone SLR 7 eTap Force RRP £9,600.00

 

Trek Madone SLR 7 Ultegra Di2 RRP £9,150.00

 

Trek Madone SLR 6 eTap Rival RRP £7,450.00

 

Trek Madone SLR 6 105 RRP £6,850.00

 

A lot of time and attention has been spent improving the Madone’s cockpit for improved aerodynamics.

 

IsoFlow is an innovative design solution that improves aerodynamics, comfort and reduces overall weight.

 

We’ll see the all-new Trek Madone in action at this year’s Tour De France and Tour De France Féminin.

 

Seen from the side it’s clear how the integrated seat mast and top tube is designed to flex and increase compliance in the saddle.

 

Will Trek Segafredo’s Mad Pederson pilot his all-new Madone SLR to a home win in the Tour France? This year’s edition starts on the roads of Denmark.

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

All photos by Trek

 

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Check out this absolute beauty which we recently asked our talented photographer James Vincent to shoot for our regular Fast Bike feature. He’s done a crackin’ job of capturing the stunning Mondraker Raze Carbon RR trail bike which boasts 150mm of travel upfront combined with 130mm of rear travel facilitated by Mondraker’s super-plush Zero floating suspension configuration. There’s a reason why the Raze Carbon RR is silver and yellow, it’s a visual cue from Mondraker that this thing goes like a hot knife through butter!

The Raze Carbon RR is a lightweight carbon trail bike that can also boast plush suspension and agile, playful geometry.

 

Spanish brand Mondraker is particularly popular with our more discerning mountain biking customers, thanks in no small part to the reputation they have for the super-agile ride quality of their bikes. The sheer amount of work and refinement that they’ve put into the development of their trail geometry over recent years is apparent every time you jump onboard a Mondraker; at the heart of their ‘Forward Geometry’ design principle is an extended reach frame combined with a super-short stem. Mondraker were the absolute pioneers when it came to establishing this geometry concept and it’s perfectly suited to the specific demands of riding more confidently and in control downhill; it’s the same design principle that we’ve seen every other bike brand arrive at subsequently, increasing stability at speed, providing better front wheel control and dramatically improving front tyre grip.

The Mondraker Raze Carbon RR is a carbon beauty that features plenty of innovative engineering.

 

For 2022 Forward Geometry is in its ninth season but the evolution doesn’t stand still. Most recently Mondraker have introduced shorter fork offsets to match their existing Forward Geometry. After extensive testing they have proved that shorter fork offsets give the biggest benefits in combination with the Forward Geometry concept, giving super-responsive and direct steering thanks to a short stem and long reach top tube. This design principle gives the Raze Carbon RR a more playful ride and a feeling that you can attack harder into the corners.

Mondraker were early pioneers of progressive geometry with their ‘Forward Geometry’ now being imitated by many big brands.

 

Mondraker’s Stealth Carbon provides a magic mix of structural rigidity, trail buzz absorption and excellent lightness to durability ratio. 

 

The lust-worthy Raze Carbon RR is constructed from Mondraker’s ‘Stealth Carbon’, the most refined, lightest frame material at their disposal. As you’ll have already noticed when casting your eyes over all of those beautiful angles, the Stealth Air Carbon manufacturing process creates an aero-style profile combined with maximum stiffness, an overall lighter weight and enhanced compliance for more comfort and control off-road. In fact this clever carbon manufacturing process has been specifically developed to eliminate trail chatter and all of this manufacturing technology gives the Raze Carbon RR its distinctive silhouette too, complete with that razor-thin top tube, beautifully sculpted headtube junction and stylish curves.

The Raze’s unique razor-thin top tube and clever junction into the frame’s headtube is super-light while being stiff and particularly strong too.

 

The Mondraker Raze Carbon RR boasts 130mm of plush rear travel thanks in no small part to their sophisticated ZERO dual link suspension configuration which sees the shock floating between two suspension links and compressed from both ends. This clever suspension system means that the Raze is both extremely sensitive on small bumps while being able to handle big hits too.

Mondraker’s ZERO dual link suspension configuration facilitates a floating shock between the two links and is compressed from both ends.

 

There’s another massive benefit to the ZERO suspension configuration, which is particularly useful on a superlight trail bike like the Raze Carbon RR which has been designed to skip UPHILL as easily as it dives DOWN them; ZERO technology eliminates any potential for power loss when you pedal, giving a stable ride with no unwanted bobbing or movement. ZERO also eliminates pedal kickback with minimum chain growth as the bike travels through its suspension. Finally the ZERO configuration prevents brake jack, isolating braking and suspension forces from each other meaning that Mondraker’s ZERO does away with a whole raft of issues that are often encountered on similar trail bikes from rival brands.

One of ZERO’s main advantages is that the configuration incurs ZERO power loss giving a completely stable ride when pedalling.

 

ZERO suspension can handle big hits while remaining super-sensitive to small bumps.

 

OK, have you noticed the small black attachment on underside of the fork crown? What about the small black coin-sized attachment sitting on the main pivot of the rear suspension? This is Mondraker’s MIND, an integrated telemetry system to help you fine-tune your own Raze Carbon RR’s suspension to specifically suit you and your riding style. You may have seen some Downhill and Enduro mountain bike pros test-riding their suspension setups with complicated and expensive telemetry systems, supplied by their suspension sponsors and retro-fitted to their bikes. Well, Mondraker have taken that technology and made it available to the masses in the form of these compact and discrete attachments.

Mondraker’s MIND technology gives you integrated telemetry to help you set up your Raze’s suspension properly. 

 

Mondraker’s MIND works in unison with the myMONDRAKER App; data is collected by the integrated sensors on the bike before combining GPS riding data with suspension activity data for simple and easy to understand analysis on the App. MIND will help you to better understand how your suspension is working on your chosen route giving you detailed information including ride times, total ride distance, average speed, elevation gain and more, as well as other important mountain-biking-specific parameters like suspension sag, maximum front and rear suspension travel and whether or not your suspension bottomed out at any time. All of this data will help you set your Raze Carbon RR trail bike to better suit your riding style.

MIND collects data from every ride you do and sends it, together with suspension activity data, to the ‘myMondraker’ App.

 

With such a sophisticated floating shock rear suspension configuration and that unique telemetry system the Mondraker Raze Carbon RR deserves to have the highest quality fork and rear shock available to help bring the very best out of this brilliantly engineered trail bike. Mondraker have gone with Fox’s top of the range Fox 36 29 Float GRIP2 suspension fork with their gold Factory Kashima finish on the stanchions helping to deliver a super-plush 150mm of travel upfront. That MIND telemetry is quickly going to let you know how best to run your suspension fork, encouraging you to be selective with the 3 position micro adjust compression, low-speed rebound and air preload. Mondraker have spec’d a Fox Float DPS Factory Kashima evol LV rear shock giving 130mm of travel and again it features plenty of adjustment for you to fine tune how it behaves once you’ve harvested all of that valuable data from the Mondraker MIND.

 The Fox 36 29 Float GRIP2 Factory suspension fork with Kashima coating gives the Raze its capacity for big hits on the trails.

 

Mondraker have spec’d the Raze Carbon RR trail bike with a nice mix of SRAM components to make up a versatile drivetrain which gives you all of the gears you’ll need to open up your riding regardless of whether you’ve got the Raze pointed downhill or uphill. A Sram X01 Eagle 12-speed rear derailleur with a Type 3 roller bearing clutch can handle the unpredictable nature of aggressive trail riding, keeping your chain securely located as you move through a huge selection of gears on the wide ratio 10-52T cassette. Every gear selection is positive and immediate thanks to the simple SRAM GX Eagle trigger shifter, meaning that you can be confident in every selection, even during the most chaotic of riding scenarios.

The Mondraker Raze Carbon RR is spec’d with a wide ratio 12-speed rear derailleur helping to ensure you’ve got plenty of climbing gears.

 

SRAM’s GX Eagle trigger shifter gives a positive gear shift every time, so you’ll never fluff your gears.

 

The SRAM 12-speed cassette gives you a huge spread of gears from 10T to 52T.

 

Continuing the bling factory spec and contributing to the overall light weight of the Raze Carbon RR, Mondraker have included a superlight, stiff SRAM X1 Carbon Eagle Boost chainset with DUB axle and a 32T direct mount chain ring. That narrow / wide chain ring will do a good job of keeping your 12-speed chain securely located on its own, however Mondraker are taking no chances and have included a small integrated chain catcher too, preventing any possibility of a chain derailment compromising your favourite downhill trail.

Keeping weight to a minimum Mondraker have included a super-light, super-stiff SRAM X1 Carbon Eagle chainset featuring a 32T chainring.

 

Pointed uphill it’s surprising just how spritely the Raze Carbon RR feels; it’s testament to how that clever floating rear shock and ZERO suspension platform is behaving with it not being negatively affected by pedalling input; the bike’s lightweight Stealth Air carbon fibre construction with a magic blend of stiffness and comfort helps too of course. Point the Raze downhill at the top of your favourite trail though and this 130mm travel trail bike really comes to life; with the 150mm travel fork up front you’ll very quickly find yourself charging into tight turns and technical terrain at speeds you’re unaccustomed to. It’s at this point that you’ll need effective anchors to scrub off speed quickly and efficiently; SRAM have you covered with their Sram G2 RS brake levers and powerful 4-piston hydraulic brake calipers. Matched up with large diameter 180mm disc rotors front and rear braking feels instantaneous at the lever, with just the right amount of pull and plenty of moderation, giving you a feeling of confident control regardless of how rowdy your riding gets.

There’s a positive, immediate feel to the SRAM G2 RS hydraulic brake levers.

 

A fast bike like the Raze Carbon RR is going to gain speed quickly; the SRAM G2 RS 4-piston calipers and 180mm rotors will keep you in control.

 

The Raze Carbon RR comes spec’d with a 29” wheelset from popular wheel brand DT Swiss. Finding a pair of wheels that strikes that delicate balance between being lightweight and efficient while also being able to stand up to the rigors of aggressive gravity-focused trail riding isn’t always easy and a poor set of wheels on an otherwise brilliant bike can be a real breaker. Thankfully Mondraker have scored another success here with the DT 350 wheelset which features wide DT Swiss XM1700 Spline 29 rims with a 30mm internal rim width helping to create a tyre sidewall profile that can handle the inevitable big hits and severe compressions that come with riding hard downhill. A pair of DT 350 hubs with Boost spacing and cartridge bearings are smooth rolling and durable while the rear hub features DT’s 36T SL Ratchet system freehub body which facilitates instant engagement when you stomp down on the pedals out of fast, swooping turns.

You can’t go wrong with a DT Swiss wheelset, they’re light, smooth-rolling and durable too.

 

When it came to tyre selection for the Raze Carbon RR, Spanish brand Mondraker made an intelligent choice, fitting a pair of capable 29” tyres designed to excel on demanding downhill trails where premium grip and control is required on unpredictable trails. Upfront we’ve got a 2.4” wide Maxxis Dissector with an extra level of sidewall protection from EXO+ and an aggressive tread pattern with large side knobs ready to bite when throwing the Raze into tight, loose turns. Complimenting the Dissector is a slightly narrower 2.3” Maxxis Aggressor on the rear designed to cope with the forces incurred while shredding high-speed mountain bike trails. With a slightly shallower central tread it’ll roll fast on smoother terrain while providing plenty of grip when conditions get softer and more unpredictable.

Tough, wide DT Swiss XM1700 Spline 29 rims shod with Maxxis tryes are ready for whatever is thrown at them.

 

A nice wide 2.4″ Maxxis Dissector tyre with EXO+ protection will help you barrel through any trail, regardless of how rocky they are.

 

The Maxxis Dissector features a versatile tread pattern that rolls fast but provides plenty of control when you’re railing the Raze into tight berms.

 

A Fox Transfer Factory dropper seatpost featuring a durable Kashima coating will get your saddle out of the way fast and effectively.

 

Rounding out the spec of the Mondraker Raze Carbon RR is a tidy selection of components including stem and handlebars from Spanish compatriots OnOff. A super-short 30mm OnOff Krypton FG stem has a significant affect on just how sharp the handling of the Raze feels and a carbon OnOff Kripton handlebar contributes the bike’s low overall weight while being specifically designed and constructed to handle the extra forces incurred while riding hard on the trails. Elsewhere those Fox Factory suspension forks and the rear shock are complimented by a matching Kashima coated Fox Factory Transfer dropper seatpost with lengths and the amount of drop sized appropriately to each frame size. The Transfer dropper is quickly and easily activated via a simple trigger lever set below the handlebar on the left of the bars, allowing you to get your saddle out of the way in an instant when you plumet down steep drops.

The Fox Transfer Factory dropper seatpost is quickly activated by a lever on the left of the handlebar.

 

The Mondraker Raze Carbon RR mid-travel trail bike represents all that’s good with the modern mountain bike and it’s fair to say that the Spanish brand has stolen a march on some of its rival brands when it comes to a trail bike that really excels in all riding scenarios. It’s typical to cast your eyes over certain bikes and quickly make a visual audit of what is and isn’t going to work for you. For example one choice may be featherlight and be ready for tough day-long rides but compromises on suspension travel and big hit capability, while another choice may fill you with confidence when it comes to being able to barrel down the toughest, most unpredictable rocky descents but rides like a dog when you point it back up hill. The Raze Carbon RR with its pedal-efficient ZERO suspension configuration along with the light and stiff STEALTH carbon construction gives you all of the climbing performance you’ll need to get you to the top of your favourite trails while the sorted FORWARD GEOMETRY helps you descend with confidence and gives a really agile ride with that ZERO suspension coming to life and giving you 130mm of plush travel in the rear. Throw in Mondraker’s unique MIND telemetry system and you’ve got all the tools you’ll need to set up your Raze to perfectly suit your riding style and the environment you’re riding in.

A lot of bike brands like to claim they’ve created a mountain bike that can do it all; Mondraker ain’t lying when it comes to the Raze Carbon RR.

 

Mondraker Raze Carbon RR RRP £6,799.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: Raze 29 Stealth Air full Carbon, Zero Suspension System, 130mm travel, Forward Geometry, Carbon Monoblock upper link, Boost 12x148mm rear axle, tapered head tube, 73mm BSA bottom bracket, dedicated 1x drivetrain design, HHG internal cable routing, Enduro MAX sealed bearings, shock mudguard, ISCG 05, custom frame protectors.
• Rear Shock: Fox Float DPS Factory Kashima evol LV, 205×57.5mm. Settings: Compression 3 positions lever, low-speed compression, low-speed rebound, air preload. Trunnion top mount, 30x8mm bottom bushings
• Shock Settings: Light compression, light rebound, air volume spacer 0.6
• Headset: Acros custom for 1-1/2″ head tube, angular contact bearings 40x52x7, Internal cable routing
• Derailleur Hanger: SRAM UDH
• Fork: Fox 36 29 Float GRIP2 Factory Kashima, 150mm, tapered steerer tube, Boost 15x110mm axle, 44mm offset. Settings: 3 positions with micro adjust compression, low-speed rebound, air preload
• Derailleur: Sram X01 Eagle, Type 3 roller bearing clutch, cage lock, 1x12s, X-Actuation 1:1
• Shifter: Sram Trigger GX Eagle, 12s, X-Actuation 1:1
• Cassette: Sram XG-1275, 10-52T, 12s
• Cranks: Sram X1 Carbon Eagle, Boost, DUB axle, Direct mount chain ring, S/M size: 170mm, L/XL size: 175mm
• Chainring: 32T, CNC-machined alloy, X-SYNC 2
• Bottom Bracket: Sram DUB BSA, sealed bearings, 73mm
• Brakes: Sram G2 RS, 4-piston caliper
• Brake Levers: Sram G2 RS, SwingLink, tool-free reach adjust
• Rotors: Centerline 180mm IS 6 bolts one-piece rotor, steel-backed organic pads
• Rims: DT Swiss XM1700 Spline 29, 30mm internal width, welded aluminum, tubeless ready, 28 spokes
• Spokes: DT Competition, straight pull
• Front Hub: DT 350, Boost 15x110mm, IS 6 bolts
• Rear Hub: DT 350, Boost 12x148mm, 36T SL Ratchet system, IS 6 bolts, XD freehub
• Front Tyre: Maxxis Dissector 29×2.4 WT, tubeless ready, 3C MAXX TERRA compound, EXO+ protection, 120TPI, folding bead
• Rear Tyre: Maxxis Aggressor 29×2.3, tubeless ready, dual compound, Exo protection, 60TPI, folding bead
• Stem: Onoff Krypton FG 30mm, CNC, 31.8mm barbore
• Handlebar: Onoff Kripton Carbon 1.0, rise: 25mm, width: 800mm, 9º backsweep, 5º upsweep, 31.8mm barbore
• Grips: Onoff Diamond, 1lock-on, 135mm
• Saddle: Fizik Antares R7
• Seatpost: Fox Transfer Factory Kashima internal, diameter 31.6mm, S size: 363.5x125mm, M size: 418.3x150mm, L/XL size: 475.1x175mm

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by James Vincent

 

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The biggest, most important road races of the year took place on the unforgiving roads of Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland over the last weekend of June, as the very best male and female British road cyclists based in the UK and beyond came together to decide who would wear the prestigious red, white and blue National Champion jerseys in the specific disciplines of the Time Trial, the Circuit Race and the Road Race.

Our young Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team, made up predominately of Scottish riders were keen to prove themselves on what could be described as their ‘home roads’. Already this season the lads have proven themselves to be hard working and tenacious when taking on the most challenging road races in the UK, racing against stacked fields of the best national racers. The next few days of racing would prove to be their biggest test yet as they not only took on the UK’s best domestic riders but also squared up to the ever-growing contingent of British racers based in Europe as part of the very best professional cycling teams including Ineos, Quick-Step and EF Education.

Exposed Scottish roads, high winds and intermittent rain made for difficult racing conditions. Photo by SW Pix

 

Thursday the 23^rd of June saw the first action of the extended National Championships weekend with riders competing in the Time Trial; a discipline which pits riders against the clock on specialist aerodynamic Time Trial bikes complete with disc wheels and aero handlebars. We had high hopes for the Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team going into the event, with three of our riders competing in the challenging Under 23 category, made up of a mix of domestic riders and young pros who had returned from their international racing duties in Europe. Matti Dobbins, Logan Maclean and Callum Thornley donned their Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli skins suits and aero helmets to take on the 22 kilometer circuit.

Callum Thornley on his way to a brilliant 2nd place in the National Under 23 Time Trial Championships. Photo by SW Pix

 

We had particularly high hopes for Callum Thornley who, at only 18 years of age is already proving himself to be a formidable powerhouse on the road, especially against the clock where he recently set the second fastest Scottish 10 mile time of 18 minutes and 38 seconds coming close to the Scottish record of 18 minutes and 12 seconds set by John Archibald in 2021. His performance at the National TT Championships didn’t disappoint! Taking an excellent 2^nd place behind an in-form Leo Haytor (younger brother of Ethan Haytor from Team Ineos) who had just returned from winning the ‘Baby Giro’ – the Under 23 version of the Giro d’Italia stage race. Taking the Silver medal Callum finished just 16 seconds behind Haytor and came in ahead of a formidable list of national and international U23 riders bursting with talent; all of the hard work and time spent on his time trial machine, refining his position paid off, Chapeau Callum! Logan Maclean continues to impress; really stepping up his racing this year and showing his talent for racing hard after his long comeback trail, following some potentially life-changing injuries just two seasons ago. Logan would take an excellent 13^th place in the TT while Wheelbase teammate Matti Dobbins would take 33^rd place.

Callum took the silver medal behind Leo Hayter who had recently won the prestigious ‘Baby Giro’ in Italy. Photo by SW Pix

 

Callum Thornley’s impressive performance in the Time Trial has confirmed racing talent against the clock. Photo by SW Pix

 

There was no let-up at the National Championships with five of our Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli squad lining up for the Circuit Race the very next day after the Time Trial. Matti Dobbins, Tim Shoreman and David Duggan were joined by Callum Thornley, our Silver Medalist from the previous day to take on an hour of the most fast and frenetic racing seen all weekend. The circuit took in the scenic harbour town of Kirkcudbright, but there was no time for sight-seeing during the elbow-to-elbow racing which saw an early break of four riders getting away from the main bunch. Later in the race with the peloton continuing to chase Callum made multiple attacks in attempt to get across, showing yet again what great form he has at the moment. At the end of this chaotic race Matt Bostock from rival team WiV Sungod took the win with Thornley our highest placed finisher taking 16^th place, while David Duggan took 27^th. Matti and Tim unfortunately succumbed to untimely punctures, however with the main event still to come, our riders had time to recompose ready for the tough 202km National road Race on Sunday.

This was to be the biggest test of the weekend for our young squad; with Under 23 riders and Senior riders all racing together in a stacked field of national and international riders including such luminaries as Mark Cavendish and Ben Swift, both former winners of this race, as well as fellow pros Ethan Haytor and Owain Doull. Racing conditions couldn’t have been more difficult with 30mph winds, driving rain early in the race and an exposed course full of long, draggy climbs. A breakaway of talented racers got away only 20 kilometers into the race and included Mark Cavendish who was full of ambition to win the National Champion’s Jersey and secure a place on his team for the upcoming Tour De France.

The National Circuit Race Championships saw fast and frenetic bar to bar racing. Photo by SW Pix

 

With many of the more established pro teams and riders sitting tight in the bunch waiting to see how the race would play out Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli’s Logan Maclean went on the attack and rather amazingly made the junction to the breakaway group. It was fantastic to see Logan make this brave move and get some welcome exposure for the team on national and international television coverage, spending the next 15 miles in the break before the race got too attritional. 202km of racing with a stacked international field, racing at an average speed of 27mph took its toll on our young team, with none of our riders able to feature in the finishing results on this occasion. Regardless of the outcome of the final day of racing we are extremely proud of how the team performed over the previous few days with the highlight most certainly being that fantastic Silver medal for Callum.

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by Simon Wilkinson

 

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Andrew Barlow and his Bikepacking crew, made up of Wheelbase staff and other local riding buddies got together for a Summer Solstice micro-adventure. The plan was simple – head out for a ride; watch the sunset, bivvy out for the night and cruise straight back into work the next morning..

We headed out straight after work from Wheelbase HQ in Staveley in the Lake District on a Summer Solstice micro adventure. With warm temperatures, dry & dusty trails and the shortest amount of darkness of any night of the year camping out with the crew was a no-brainer.

Straight out of the door of Wheelbase Lake District to a Bikepacking micro-adventure.

 

So, what is summer solstice’s significance I hear you ask. Well, In Northern and Central European Neolithic cultures, the summer solstice may have been related to timings of crop cycles. It was typically marked by Celtic, Slavic and Germanic people by lighting bonfires, intended to boost the sun’s strength for the remainder of the crop season and ensure a healthy harvest. Numerous Neolithic stone circles also appear to have been built around the movement of the sun at solstices, there’s a multitude of them here in the Lakes although, as there are no written accounts from the time period which is quite unfortunate however it did begin around 12,000 years ago!

Dry, warm conditions and the longest hours of daylight of the year made for a great riding and wild-camping opportunity.

 

 

Andrew’s crew are all regular Bikepackers and Wild Campers, with well organised kit lists.

 

We headed west, over Lake Windermere via the ferry and along Claife Heights, sitting pretty around 177 meters above sea level where we were treated to great views of the surrounding fells. A mixture of rolling countryside, plantation, quaint tarns and  ancient woodlands presented us with plenty of good options for a wild camp. Everyone in my riding group is already well-versed, however it’s worth reinforcing – that we all observe the ‘leave no trace’ principle when wild camping in the Lake District.

The Claife Heights trail alongside Lake Windermere made for a great gravel bike ride.

 

The Summer Solstice ride was an opportunity for friends to get together and celebrate the longest day of the year.

 

A perfectly still evening meant a dip in the tarn to cool off from one of the hottest rides of the year was in order, followed by a couple of cold beverages with the boys and girls to wind down and watch the Summer Solstice Sun set. The next morning we all awoke to a chorus of geese on the tarn. The cloud had descended which left us in a sea of mist and fog for a moody, really atmospheric start to the day.

The Solstice ride was a laidback affair, with gravel riding, tarn swimming and beer supping filling the group’s evening.

 

The Solstice Sleep Out coincided nicely with a dry spell of weather in the Lake District.

 

We packed the bikes back up, holstering our bivvy bags, sleeping bags and the luxury items we had decided to bring with us, not forgetting to leave no trace, collecting our rubbish and some more that was already there (good karma) then descended to the ferry to make our way back across Lake Windermere to arrive at work in a timely manner but mainly making sure that we had time to have breakfast at the fabulous More Bakery of course!

 

Bike light, ride fast; speed was going to be something we needed too as it turned out.

 

Disaster strikes! As we get to the ferry we find out it wasn’t running due to essential maintenance and were immediately forced into a 30km TT round the top of the lake to Ambleside before climbing all the way up to Windermere before and tackling some steep backroad climbs and descending down into the village of Staveley to get set for another day working at Wheelbase HQ. What I have learned from that unwelcome surprise is always expect the unexpected and make sure you’ve always got enough time if you’re potentially going to be racing against the clock!

Best laid plans. We were disappointed to find the Ferry closed and quickly had to launch ‘Plan B’. 

 

Written by Andrew Barlow

Photos by Andrew Barlow

 

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A question that we’re often asked at Wheelbase HQ is ‘how do you carry all of your stuff?’ Now, what I consider carrying on a daily ride doesn’t usually contain everything including the kitchen sink but it usually consists of a multi-tool, inner-tube, pump, tyre levers, tyre boot patches, a quick link, energy gels and/or bars and either a gilet or a lightweight waterproof jacket. This is what I’d consider as my necessities to get me out of trouble with Mother Nature and the inevitable flat tyre here in the Lake District where weather conditions can change very quickly, particularly when we’re riding at elevation.

A hip pack is ideal for all of the small essentials you need to access quickly.

 

Where to carry all of this kit is the question that quickly follows and my usual response is a hip pack! So why choose a hip pack, bum bag or ‘fanny pack’ as the Americans call it? It’s a great choice when you just need a little bit more carrying capacity but don’t want to commit to wearing a bulky backpack. Recently, our good friends down at Apidura have developed their very own hip pack as part of their Backcountry series and passed one on to us prior to its commercial release to allow us to put it through a long-term test in the challenging conditions of the Lake District.

A hip pack makes a great alternative to a heavier, more bulky backpack.

 

When I first laid eyes on the Apidura Backcountry 2.5 Litre Hip Pack it was immediately obvious that this was one of the most intricate and well thought out pieces of kit I’ve ever had the privilege of using. Starting off with the technical details here’s some defining features – the Backcountry Hip Pack is made from nylon ripstop; a rugged fabric made to Apidura’s own exacting specifications for durability and waterproofing. Designed specifically for the demands of off-road riding, this Apidura fabric is light weight, low stretch, with high resistance to abrasion and tearing. With waterproofing being a no-compromise requirement the Apidura Backcountry Hip Pack features taped seams to create a watertight seal helping ensure that the hip pack remains completely waterproof. Other key features include…

• Fully waterproof two-way one finger zipper providing convenient and easy access on the go
• Adaptive fit for waist sizes ranging from 70cm to 115cm (28 inches to 45 inches)
• Chain link zipper puller stores a spare chain link for emergency trailside repairs
• Endurance on-bike anatomic fit provides all-day comfort on tough terrain
• Flexible and secure waist strap creates a secure but comfortable fit
• External zippered pocket for quick access for mid-ride essentials
• External mesh pocket provides flexible, easy access on the go
• Internal zippered pocket for secure storage of valuables
• Integrated light attachment point for increased visibility
• High-contrast reflective graphics to enhance visibility
• Padded structure for added comfort and protection
• Internal mesh pocket
• Interior key hook

Every Apidura product is slowly developed during endless hours of riding so that each factor has been considered and refined.

 

The Apidura Backcountry Hip Pack may just be the perfect piece to the puzzle that everyone is looking for. My main appreciation for this hip pack during some truly epic rides over the past few months came down to just how tough and waterproof it proved itself to be. I managed to get caught out in really unpleasant weather on numerous occasions during my time testing the Apidura Hip Pack and I’m pleased to report that everything inside the pack remained dry and protected; as I ended more than one ride feeling a little like a drowned rat it was nice to find bits like my Buff neck gator and my car keys not swimming in a puddle! I also really appreciated the internal zippered storage pocket which helped ensure my  wallet didn’t go walk about and the clever quick link storage within the zip which stays where it’s supposed to be until you need it.

A recent addition to the Apidura Backcountry range, the 2.5L hip pack is a really welcome addition.

 

To conclude, the Apidura Backcountry Hip Pack is now very much a must have in my kit line-up; whether it’s commuting to work, adding extra room on a Bikepacking trip or simply taking all the necessities on a regular mountain bike ride Apidura have me covered with the well-engineered do-it-all hip pack from Apidura.

Apidura Backcountry Hip Pack 2.5L £76.00

 

Written by Andrew Barlow

Photos by Andrew Barlow

 

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Our Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team are ready to race the British Cycling National Road Championships over the coming few days on what could be considered by almost all of the riders as a ‘home race’, with the team’s largely Scottish contingent getting set to race on the demanding open roads of Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland.

Our young squad are relishing the chance of racing against an international field on their home roads of Scotland. Photo credit: Joe Cotterill

 

The Elite National Championship will see titles being crowned in the Time Trials, Circuit Races and the main event, the Elite Road Race Championships with National Championship jerseys being the prize that all riders will be aiming for. Every year the National Road Championships sees the very best riders coming together to fight for the title, with a considerable amount of professional racers returning to the UK having already raced in the toughest one day classics and stage races. This year’s lineup includes defending champion Ben Swift, Mark Cavendish, Ethan Hayter and many more with both the men’s and women’s field stacked with international-level talent. Our young team will have their work cut out to make their mark over the coming days, however we have some exciting prospects, particularly in the Under 23 National Time Trial Championships taking place on Thursday the 23^rd of June…

The Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team will be guided through the weekend of racing by Directeur Sportif Stu Reid. Photo credit: Warren Davies

 

Our young under 23 racers Callum Thornley, Logan Maclean and Matti Dobbins are ready to race the testing 44.2KM course held at the Crichton in Dumfries and it’s fair to say that they’re all coming into the race on good form. A slight lull in the road racing calendar has played into the lad’s hands, giving them plenty of time to train specifically for the time trial; there’s been plenty of testing going with body positions being refined and plenty of speed work in the run up to the race.

Logan Maclean has good form going into the National Road Championships, held on his home roads of Scotland. Photo credit: Warren Davies

 

Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli have got particularly high hopes for local lad Callum Thornley; he’s had some really impressive time trial results in the run up to the National Championships and only a couple of weeks ago set an amazing time of 18 minutes 38 seconds for a local 10 mile time trial, coming close to the Scottish record of 18 minutes and 12 seconds set by John Archibald in 2021.

We’ve got high hopes for Callum, Matti and Logan in the U23 Time Trial. Race photo credit: Warren Davies

 

Friday will be all about fast & frenetic racing with the National Circuit Championships taking place in the quaint harbour town of Kirkcudbright. A tight circuit will see elbow-to-elbow racing from the starting gun in men’s and women’s races that boast star-studded lineups; we’ve fielded six of our Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli squad in the men’s race and look forward to seeing what they can do in this unpredictable circuit race.

Matti Dobbins (main pic) and his fellow racers are ready to take on the unpredictable circuit race. Race photo credit: Joe Cotterill

 

The main event comes on Sunday the 26^th of June, with all of the major players from the world of professional cycling coming back to the UK to compete against our domestic racers. The Dumfries and Galloway roads are notoriously grippy with plenty of short sharp climbs and exposed roads that can be affected by strong winds. The National Road Race Championships is always particularly grueling with the total distance typically playing a role in grinding riders down until the very strongest rides are left to duke it out for the win. We have three Scots in the race and two additional riders as reserves; Logan Maclean, Tim Shoreman and Matti Dobbins are confirmed to race with Callum Thornley and Tom Merry as reserves. Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli would like to wish all of our racers and team staff the very best of luck for the next few days of racing at the British Cycling National Road Race Championships!

The National Road Race Championships on Sunday will be a huge test for our young team. Main photo credit: Joe Cotterill

 

2022 British Cycling U23 Men National Time Trial Championships

Thursday 23^rd June

• Callum Thornley
• Logan Maclean
• Matti Dobbins

2022 British Cycling Men’s National Circuit Race Championships

Friday 24^th June

• David Duggan
• Fraser Martin
• Tom Merry
• Tim Shoreman
• Callum Thornley
• Matti Dobbins

2022 British Cycling Men’s National Road Race Championships

Sunday 26^th June

• Logan Maclean
• Tim Shoreman
• Matti Dobbins
• Callum Thornley (Reserve)
• Tom Merry (Reserve)

 

You can the follow all the racing action on GCN+, Eurosport and British Cycling YouTube, with highlights on ITV 4. More details HERE

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Rider Portraits by James Vincent

 

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For our latest product feature we’re taking a detailed look at the rather stunning Genesis Croix De Fer Ti gravel, adventure and Bikepacking bike that can boast classic looks combined with a bang up-to-date contemporary specification. Most of you will be way ahead of us here, but for the uninitiated, the Ti in the Croix De Fer’s model name signals this adventure bike’s headlining feature – it’s constructed from one of the finest, most-desirable materials available in frame building – Titanium.

It’s fair to say that nowadays Titanium bikes are pretty niche; a rarity in a sea of cutting-edge carbon fibre frames and sleek hydroformed aluminium bikes. The reasons for this are complex and are mainly down to commercial viability within a very competitive bicycle industry rather than reflection on the material itself. Jump back in time to the late 1990’s and early 2000’s and titanium was a more popular material, particularly within the mountain bike world. This was before aluminium frame manufacturing had become as sophisticated as it is now and predated the clever manipulation of carbon fibre materials which give us such cutting-edge bikes today.

The Genesis Croix De Fer Ti boasts classic looks blended with a contemporary spec.

 

As steel bicycle frames began to fade away as the first choice for mass-produced but high-end, premium bikes Titanium jumped in as the most sought-after material thanks to its magical mix of being light weight and more compliant than steel; giving a more lively, springy feel than the best steel tubing available. Alongside these benefits there was probably one of the most unique elements of this wonder material – one that is today instantly recognised by those in the know, one which is quickly referenced when anyone is extoling the virtues of Titanium – it’s unequalled durability.

Bombproof versatility is the name of the game when it comes to this durable gravel adventure bike.

 

It’s a well-known reference point made almost anywhere in the world during casual conversation – Cockroaches are so indestructible that they’d no-doubt survive a nuclear apocalypse! I did a quick Google fact-check and apparently there’s evidence that most Cockroaches can in fact survive moderate amounts of radiation with 20% even surviving atom-bomb level radiation. Why am I referencing this within a bike review? Because I’d like to make a small addition to this popular folklore; come the nuclear apocalypse not only will there be the surviving Cockroaches, there’ll be a healthy amount of titanium bicycle frames too! They really are that durable; you see, Titanium doesn’t corrode like other frame materials and is particularly hardwearing. That means you don’t have to paint it either and the end result is a frame that will look as good now as it does in a hundred years’ time. Post the apocalypse will the surviving Cockroaches eventually evolve to ride the remaining Titanium bikes? Only time will tell…

Infographic illustrating Johnny’s theory of future evolution.

 

Genesis are famed for their retro-styled steel bikes; a number of years ago they nailed their flag to the mast and committed to producing the majority of their bike models from steel, they famously even fielded a professional road racing team on lightweight steel bikes for a short while before conceding and moving over to carbon frames just like the rest of the peloton. Racing at the highest level aside though, the steel Genesis bikes found a wide fan base for a number of reasons including an appreciation for how the material behaves, with a lively, more compliant feel than a super-stiff alloy alternative and a large cohort of cyclists nostalgically looking back to the dream steel bikes they fawned after in their earlier years.

It’s not until you get up close that you begin to notice all of the special little details that make the Croix de Fer Ti so desirable.

 

Nowadays steel bicycle frame construction is almost exclusively the reserve of custom frame builders, with the finished product coming at a high price thanks to the almost endless hours that go into their creation. Genesis saw a niche and jumped on it; producing desirable steel bicycle frames in the Far East in a more affordable manner to bring classic steel bikes back to the masses. It seemed pretty obvious that after spending some time reinvigorating the steel bike market that Genesis would eventually explore the possibility of producing a Titanium alternative in a similarly more-affordable way to the traditional custom frame building business model.

Subtle Croix De Fer branding is etched into the bare titanium frame.

 

I’m no expert, but over the years I’ve heard a lot of bike brands explain just how difficult Titanium frame construction can be. The welding process has to be free of contamination with the welding environment free of draughts, humidity, dust and what is generally described as ‘atmospheric contamination’. This is what increases the cost of a Titanium frame compared to a frame manufactured from an alternative material; the construction process takes more time and requires greater levels of quality control throughout. It’s testament to Genesis that they have been able to achieve a similar result to their previous endeavours with steel frame construction and bring a Titanium frame, produced in the Far East to a more affordable price-point.

The craftmanship that’s gone into this titanium frame is sublime.

 

Needless to say, Genesis have nailed it when it comes to build quality, with every weld bead looking neat and flawless. Then there’s all the little details on the frame that stand out and reflect the craftmanship that has gone into the overall production process. With brand logos subtly etched into the raw Titanium and multiple bolt-on bosses peppered all over the frame as well as nice little details including traditional-looking brass barrel adjusters there’s a magic mix of classic looks blended with bang-up-to-date, contemporary functionality. While the Croix De Fer Ti’s gear cables run externally the rear hydraulic disc brake hose runs internally through the frame and modern thru-axles keep wheels aligned and secure. Upfront the frames’ headset is internal while a compliant full-carbon fork adds comfort and compliance to the ride.

The Croix De Fer Ti frame will not corrode or pick up the kind of typical cosmetic blemishes that a painted frame normally does.

 

Titanium is notoriously hard to work with, with the welding process being particularly complex, but the end result is stunning.

 

Even the Genesis head badge is stripped back and raw.

 

This Titanium gravel bike is made for so much more than just a quick blast around on your local trails. It can do that of course but the Croix De Fer Ti has also been designed to ferry you further afield, encouraging you to head out on multi-day Bikepacking adventures with the minimum of bike luggage or even go for front and rear pannier racks and set off on long bicycle touring expeditions. There’s so many bolt-on bosses throughout the frame and fork so you’ll be able to spend time refining and configuring your preferred Bikepacking set-up; this latest version of the Croix De Fer Ti has seen an increase in tyre clearance too with the option to run tyres up to 45mm on the rear and 50mm on the front.

There’s plenty of clearance between tyre and frame allowing you to run 700x45mm tyres in the rear.

 

The versatile Croix De Fer Ti is more than just a simple gravel bike; it can take multiple bags for cycle touring or Bikepacking adventures.

 

Brass barrel adjusters are stylish and a nice retro touch to this classic looking gravel bike.

 

A compliant carbon fork takes the sting out of the trails and also features multiple bolt-on bosses for Bikepacking luggage.

 

A capable gravel biking and Bikepacking campaigner like the Croix de Fer Ti needs a reliable & durable groupset to handle the continuous demands of riding unpredictable terrain off-road as well as being able to cope with the extra weight of a fully-laden Bikepacking rig. Genesis have spec’d one of Shimano’s brilliant gravel-specific GRX groupsets with the Croix De Fer Ti featuring the top of the range GRX 810 11-speed option (the equivalent of their Ultegra groupset on the road).

Genesis have spec’d the Croix De Fer Ti with a durable and dependable gavel-specific Shimano GRX 11-speed 810 groupset.

 

There’s a two-way split when it comes to bike brands fitting a single or a double chainring on their gravel bikes. A single ring keeps things simple and clutter free, as well as being a little and lighter and easier to maintain thanks to not having to run a front derailleur. The counter argument against this configuration is that gear ratios can be somewhat limited, with the potential that the gear ratios available are too low on faster road sections and too high when you get offroad and are negotiating super-steep inclines. Factor in the extra weight of carrying Bikepacking luggage and it’s easy to find yourself looking for more gears during long days in the saddle. With these factors in mind Genesis have gone for a double chainring setup; with a 46/30T combination upfront and a wide ratio 11-34T cassette outback they’ve given you all the ratios you’ll need to be able to pedal as efficiently as possible in all scenarios – uphill off-road on loose surfaces, on fast, flat tarmac sections and everything in between.

Genesis have gone with a double chainring chainset for a larger spread of gears over a single-ring option.

 

Shimano took their time producing their first gravel-specific groupsets and in the meantime we saw a lot of riders adapting their road-bike-specific Shimano groupsets to do the job, however there was a really good reason for the delay, with the Japanese component manufacturers famously only ever releasing kit when they are absolutely happy with the durability and functionality of the product. The GRX ST-R810 11-Speed shifters are a great example of this ethos with Shimano choosing to design the unit from the ground up rather than just re-badging an existing road bike shifter; the key changes that make all the difference when being used off-road are a taller hood shape to help provide a more secure hand position, an alternative, higher braking pivot on the lever to make braking from the hoods (rather than the drops) more effective and a reshaped, wider brake lever with a clever rubberised finish for enhanced grip in wet riding conditions. The levers are also slightly more angled; tilted laterally to be more in line with a flared gravel bike handlebar as apposed to a conventional road bike handlebar.

Shimano designed the GRX shifter and brake lever units to perfectly suit the unique demands of gravel riding.

 

With a 46/30T double chainring chainset there’s a gear to suit every riding scenario, regardless of whether the bike’s fully-laden or not.

 

As part of this brilliant gravel-specific groupset there’s a pair of direct-mount Shimano GRX BR-RX810 hydraulic disc brake calipers to provide plenty of stopping power in even the most difficult riding conditions. The compact direct-mount brakes sit neatly within the rear triangle meaning that there’s no possibility of them interfering with any of your Bikepacking luggage or being harmed during any of the small tumbles you may have on the bike which inevitably come with regular off-road riding. Shimano’s hydraulic braking technology has slowly evolved over the years, seeing regular improvements when it comes to braking consistency, power modulation and rotor cooling, with all those benefits coming to the fore when the GRX BR-RX810 calipers are faced with the unpredictable conditions of riding off-road on technical terrain.

Neat flat-mount hydraulic disc brake calipers don’t interfere with your Bikepacking luggage while providing  plenty of stopping power.

 

Likewise, upfront the flat-mount GRX brake caliper will scrub off speed quickly and effectively.

 

Genesis have spec’d the Croix De Fer Ti with a durable but lightweight pair of 700c wheels featuring nice wide WTB ST Light i23 TCS 2.0 rims laced to a pair of durable and smooth-rolling Formula hubs. A wide rim profile means that the WTB Raddler gravel tyres benefit from a better sidewall profile and more surface contact with the ground; how so? Because the wide rim means the tyre is less pinched in for a squarer sidewall which is less prone to damage and pinch flats. That square profile means that more of the tread pattern stays in contact with the ground instead of curving away from the ground as you’d get with a narrower rim. More ground contact means more traction and greater control on loose terrain. As we’ve grown to expect, both the rim and tyres are tubeless ready and it’s worth reiterating, there’s plenty of benefits to setting your bike up tubeless, allowing you to run lower trye pressures, avoiding the potential for pinch flats and incurring less punctures from small thorns and the like thanks to the sealant inside your tyres.

The Genesis Croix De Fer Ti comes spec’d with durable WTB  ST Light i23 TCS 2.0 tubeless-ready rims shod with WTB Raddler tyres.

 

The tubeless-ready Raddler gravel tyres roll fast on harder terrain but still provide plenty of grip on softer terrain.

 

The Croix De Fer Ti comes with 40mm wide tyres but can accommodate tyres up to 50mm wide.

 

There’s lot’s of nice little design details on the Croix De Fer Ti including this custom headset top cap.

 

When it comes to finishing kit on the Croix De Fer Ti Genesis haven’t cut any corners; there’s a brilliantly comfortable Brooks saddle which features a modern profile that will suit most riders thanks to its supportive width and fairly short nose. Brooks is a saddle brand with a rich cycling heritage in the UK and its traditional leather saddle complete with iconic rivets is instantly recognisable; it’s clear to see that Brooks have taken inspiration from that original saddle to create the new C15 Cambium All Weather saddle, giving it a modern twist with a weather-proof vulcanised rubber surface providing the sort of durability that’s perfectly suited to the demands of riding off-road. The Croix De Fer Ti’s cockpit is made up of Genesis-labelled alloy components with a conventional stem matched with a gravel-specific flared handlebar; a 16” flair of the drops giving you a feeling of greater control when you’re blasting down hill on technical terrain and helping you lever the bike into tight, loose turns.

The Brooks saddle features a modern profile but includes retro styling with rivets for a classic look.

 

The Brooks C15 Cambium all-weather is durable and grippy with a vulcanised rubber surface.

 

With a bike like the Genesis Croix De Fer Ti it’s very easy to fall into the trap of using clichéd descriptions like a ‘modern classic’ or ‘retro styled with a modern twist’ but that’s exactly what this bike is. The Croix De Fer Ti is a fantastically stylish bike made from one of the most durable and aesthetically pleasing materials available; Titanium doesn’t age, is bombproof and is ready to take on the demands of Bikepacking and gravel riding long into the future. A Titanium frame like this can be seen as an investment; components will come and go, will wear out and become obsolete, however the Croix De Fer Ti frame will stand the test of time. As I’ve already highlighted, Genesis have found a way to produce a Titanium frameset which boasts all of the sort of craftmanship you’d find on a more expensive custom-built frameset crafted by an artisan frame builder and brought it to the masses in a more affordable package. If you’re looking for the ultimate gravel bike that is equal parts exotic as it is practical then this Titanium masterpiece is the perfect bike for you; the Genesis Croix De Fer T is ready to accompany you on adventures for years to come.

This bike is more than a seasonal campaigner; it may well be a life-long cycling companion in one form or another.

 

Genesis Croix De Fer Ti RRP £4,999.99

Full Specification:

• Frame: 3AL-2.5v Double-Butted Titanium
• Fork: Full Carbon
• Headset: PT-1860BC IS42 Upper / IS52 Lower
• Stem: Genesis Alloy 31.8mm -6° 100mm
• Cassette: Shimano CS-HG800-11 11-34T 11-Speed
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano GRX FD-RX810 11-Speed
• Front Derailleur: Shimano GRX FD-RX810
• Shifters: Shimano GRX ST-R810 11 Speed
• Chainset: Shimano GRX FC-RX810-2 46/30T
• Chain: KMX X11
• Brakes: Shimano GRX BR-RX810
• Wheels: WTB ST Light i23 TCS 2.0 Rims, Formula Front – CL-712 / Rear – RXC-142S Hubs
• Tyres: WTB Raddler 700 x 40c Tubeless Ready
• Handlebar: Genesis Alloy, 16 deg flare
• Handlebar Tape: ODI Longneck Slide-On
• Saddle: Brooks C15 Cambium All Weather
• Seatpost: Genesis Alloy 27.2 x 350 mm

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by James Vincent

 

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