Author: John Dodgin

The Garmin Edge 1030 Plus GPS cycling computer is absolutely jam packed with useful functions to help you mold your cycling into a more enjoyable, rewarding and productive experience. You may want to explore new, unfamiliar roads or off-road terrain in which case the navigation functions will really give you confidence to take on new adventures. Perhaps you want to communicate better with your ride group or record and share rides to build up a better riding scene in your area? Concerned about your safety out on the road? The Edge 1030 Plus can alert you to traffic approaching from behind as well as provide live tracking for your nearest and dearest and even send out an alert in the event of an accident. Most significantly you may want to improve your cycling performance and begin to train in a more focused and constructive way. The multitude of performance monitoring and training functions on the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus all come together to form a complete ‘virtual coach’ on your handlebars, helping you to be more precise with your training.

In this feature we’ll take a closer look at some of the key training functions on the Edge 1030 Plus and with the help of Adam Cooper from Garmin UK we’ll highlight some of the best ways you can train effectively with the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus. What better way to get your head round the functionality of this clever bit of tech than to head out on a ride with Adam around the grippy roads of the Lake District before asking him to run through some of the most useful features.

 

Click the link above to watch the video.

 

Hi Adam, I’ve heard a lot about the training functions on the Garmin 1030 Plus and the accompanying Garmin Connect App; how could I get the most out of these features?

Depending on what you want to train towards the device and the app will recommend a number of appropriate training plans and if you already have your own coach there’s compatibility through Garmin IQ to use external training Apps such as Training Peaks. On the device there’s something called ‘The Daily Suggested Workout’ which is actually based around your training load, so it’s always recommending variable and engaging training sessions.

So these Daily Suggested Workouts – are they compatible with Indoor Smart Trainers too?

Yes; because Daily Suggested Workouts are power orientated the Smart Trainer and the Garmin Edge 1030 head unit can communicate with each other via Bluetooth; by selecting a previous activity on the Edge 1030 Plus and setting the Smart Trainer to ‘erg mode’ you’ll be able to replicate the resistance that was originally felt when training outside in real world conditions. You’ll get the required intensity for a suggested workout with a  feeling of continuity between your outdoor and indoor training.

I’m a time-pushed cyclist and every opportunity I get to ride needs to be structured, enabling me to get as much out of it as possible when it comes to focused training. How can the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus help me?

It really can! If you’re struggling to find time to do structured training the Edge 1030 Plus and the accompanying Garmin Connect App will help you start to structure your training and become more effective at building up strength, speed and endurance, helping you to customise your training around Power, Heart Rate or Cadence parameters, whatever works best for you.

I’m a bit of a data nerd, I like Strava, I’m motivated by performance, are there any functions on the Edge 1030 Plus that will help me stay competitive and focused on improvement? I don’t always have someone to train with to help increase the pace, what would you suggest?

I’d suggest our ‘Race a Previous Activity’ function, which is almost like having a ghost rider; so you can see yourself from a previous ride and you’ll compete against that performance. By going head to head you’ll be able to measure your improvement as you glance down to the device and see whether you’re behind or ahead in real time. If you’re a Strava Premium customer you can also star certain segments and motivate yourself by targeting that segment to compete for the KOM, comparing your own performance to all other cyclist who have ridden it. The Edge 1030 Plus will notify you of your previous best as you approach the segment and then you can attack!

 

The Garmin Edge 1030 Plus is a fantastic training tool and can be used as a ‘virtual coach’ to really help keep you focused on quality workouts; after a small amount of time you’ll be able to tailor it to specifically suit your cycling ambitions and it’s a great motivator too! We’ve highlighted all of the most useful training functions on the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus below.

Key Features:

• Training Plans (with Garmin Connect training plans)
• Segments
• Race a Previous Activity
• Workouts
• Interval  Workouts
• Indoor Training
• Dynamic Performance Monitoring

Training Plans – Using the Garmin Connect App on your smartphone you can set up a training plan to suit you and your performance targets before sending it to the Edge 1030 Plus device. Once the training plan has synced with your device you simply scroll through the calendar and select the appropriate day to view or begin the workout.

 

Segments – Using Segments on the Edge 1030 Plus helps to keep your training and general riding more engaging by being able to race a segment, trying to match or exceed your own or other people’s performances. After sending segments from your Garmin Connect App to the 1030 Plus device you can enable prompts so that when your path crosses an enabled Segment you can race it, with the Segment data screen automatically appearing and another message appearing when the Segment is complete.

 

Race a Previous Activity – Similar to racing a Segment, you can race an entire previous activity by selecting a previously recorded activity from the Ride History on your device or by selecting a Saved Course which has previously been downloaded from Garmin Connect.

 

Workouts – If you take a little time you can put together customised workouts on the Garmin Connect App before transferring them to the Edge 1030 Plus. These workouts can include goals for specific distances, times, calories burned or even target heart rate zones where the device beeps and displays a message when you exceed or drop below that zone. When you begin your chosen workout the 1030 Plus will display each step of the workout, any specific target that has been set and the current workout data. When you’re riding hard and not 100% focused on the display you’ll still hear an audible alarm when you’re about to finish a workout.

 

Interval Workouts – You can create interval workouts directly on the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus, based on distance and time. By setting a series of rest and repeat intervals on the display and then activating the Interval Workout as you ride you can follow the audio and visual queues to complete a series of demanding intervals such as short sprints within your ride.

 

Indoor Training – You can pair the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus with any indoor ANT+ compatible smart trainer, allowing you to record speed and distance which will be sent to the device from the trainer. By selecting a specific course, activity or workout already stored on your device it’s possible to ride a simulation of your previous ride with the smart trainer’s resistance automatically generated to match the terrain.

 

Dynamic Performance Monitoring – The Garmin Edge 1030 Plus helps you accurately monitor your performance and your body’s response to structured training with each stat at your fingertips. Track VO2 Max, recovery time, training load, training load focus and more.

 

Other Key Features:

The Garmin Edge 1030 Plus is so versatile that, with a bit of time to get used to navigating all of the features included on the device, as well as on the Garmin Connect App you’ll be able to tailor exactly how and when you use the Edge 1030 Plus to suit you and your riding. The way that the Edge 1030 is set up you can easily move from on-road to off-road to indoor training while using the device to bring out the best in your training and racing performance. We’ve already highlighted the most useful features within the training functions, now lets take a quick look at some other key features on the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus.

Key Features:

• Navigation
• Incident Detection
• Livetrack
• Grouptrack
• Group Messaging
• Di2 Compatible
• MTB Dynamics, Grit & Flow

 

Navigation – The Garmin Edge 1030 Plus boasts a multitude of navigation functions which we’ve highlighted in a separate product feature as there’s just so many useful navigation options. For example if you want your riding to feel more spontaneous and you would like to explore new areas Garmin’s ‘Trendline Popularity Routing’ function will help by taking data from the billions of miles recorded on their devices by other cyclists and selecting the most bike-friendly routes available.

 

Incident Detection – The Garmin Edge 1030 Plus features an Incident Detection function which automatically sends your current location to emergency contacts that have previously been imputed into the device in the event of an accident. This useful feature can be enabled or disabled according to your own preference.

 

Livetrack – By using the Livetrack function you can let your friends and family keep track of your location in real time as well as view your full, pre-planned course. With this feature there’s no need to keep stopping your ride to explain your whereabouts and eta for getting home.

 

Grouptrack – With the Grouptrack function you can keep track on all of your riding companions; if your group becomes separated the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus will track up to 50 of your friends in real time. A quick look at the Edge Plus display will indicated where your riding partners are and will help you quickly re-establish the group.

 

Group Messaging – With group messaging you can keep in touch with your ride partners and flag the group when you get left behind or take a wrong turn. No one wants to get separated and miss out on the best mid-ride café stop.

 

Di2 Compatible – If you’re the type of rider who loves their tech and can’t enough data then the Edge 1030 Plus will help you monitor your Shimano Di2 electronic drive train if you have one. Useful mid-ride info on your device display includes Di2 battery life and front and rear gear data.

 

MTB Dynamics, Grit & Flow – The Edge 1030 Plus features Garmin’s own mountain bike-specific metrics to help you measure your off-road cycling performance more accurately. Grit measures the difficulty of the mountain bike trails you’re riding, constantly recording the grade of the trail and the angle of berms and turns. In no time at all you’ll be analysing your off-road rides and will be able to plan future routes to suit your own fitness and riding skills levels; the Garmin Connect App will give you an overall Grit score for each ride and you can view your Grit rating along the trail you’ve ridden; the more difficult the trail, the higher your Grit score will be.

 

Garmin Edge 1030 Plus

Full Specification:

General:

• In-Ride power compatible (via Garmin charge battery pack, not included)
• Dimensions: 58 x 114 x 19mm
• Touchscreen
• Colour Display
• Display Size: 3.5” (88.9mm) diagonal
• Display Resolution: 282 x 470 pixels
• Weight: 124 grams
• Battery Type: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
• Battery Life: 24 hrs
• Battery Save Mode Included
• Water Rating: IPX7

Maps & Memory:

• Ability to Add Maps
• Basemap
• Storage & Power Capacity: 32 GB Internal Memory
• Waypoints/Favourites/Locations: 200
• Navigation Routes: 100 Courses
• History: Up to 200 Hours

Sensors:

• GPS (Global Positioning System)
• Glonass (Global Navigation Satellite System)
• Galileo (Satellite Navigation)
• Barometric Alimeter
• Accelerometer
• Ambient Light Sensor

Daily Smart Features:

• Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+
• Connect IQ (Downloadable watch faces, data fields, widgets and Apps)
• Smart Notifications
• Text Response / Reject Phone Call with Text (Android Only)
• Weather
• Virb Camera Remote
• Smartphone Compatibility: iPhone, Android

Safety & Tracking Features:

• Livetrack
• Group Livetrack
• Rider-to-Rider Messaging
• Incident Detection
• Assistance
• Bike Alarm
• Weather Alerts
• Inreach Compatible

Activity Tracking Features:

• Calories Burned

Training, Planning and Analysis Features:

• Customisable Screen(s)
• Auto Pause
• Interval Training
• Advanced Workouts
• Downloadable Training Plans
• Daily Workout Suggestions
• Auto Lap
• VO2 Max (Run)
• Training Effect (Aerobic)
• Recovery Advisor
• Virtual Partner
• Race an Activity
• Segments
• Auto Scroll
• Physio TrueUp (keeps physiological data in sync between devices)
• Physiological Measurements (requires heart rate strap and power meter)

Outdoor Recreation:

• ClimbPro Ascent Planner

Cycling Features:

• Alerts (triggers alarm when you reach goals including time, distance, heart rate or calories)
• Courses
• On-device Course Creator
• Garmin Cycle Map (routable cycling-specific street map)
• Cycling Dynamics Compatible
• MTB Dynamics
• Integrated Trailforks Trail Data
• Power Meter Compatible
• Compatible with Varia Radar (rear-facing Radar)
• Compatible with Varia Lights

Connectivity:

• Edge Remote
• Varia Remote
• ANT+ Electronic Shifting
• Shimano Di2 Synchro Shift Integration
• Smart Trainer Control

In the Box:

Standard (Device Only):

• Edge 1030 Plus
• Mounts (standard and flush out-front)
• USB Cable
• Tether

Bundle:

• Edge 1030 Plus
• HRM-Dual
• Cadence Sensor
• Speed Sensor
• Mounts (standard and flush out-front)
• USB Cable
• Tether

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Digital Media Production by Dave MacFarlane

 

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…

 

 

My name’s Andrew Barlow and recently I’ve been getting into Grav! Yes, typically you can find me onboard a mountain bike, or more specifically an e-MTB, a tool which I utilise when I need to get up into the Lake District fells as quickly and efficiently as possible. As someone who’s time-pushed and working hard in retail my time out on the bike is precious and so my e-MTB gets me out to where I want to be to get the very best landscape shots I can. Besides my obvious enthusiasm for mountain biking I’m a gravel bike convert too and am increasingly finding them to be the perfect bike for a certain type of adventure. Let me explain..

Both of our chosen gravel bikes feature simple but effective 1x single-ring drivetrains.

 

My main reason for gravel riding is predominantly to stay off the beaten track as much as I can; now you could argue that this would be easier on a mountain bike, however when I’m considering multi-day bike-packing trips with large stretches of tarmac or gravel track bridging the gaps between the more remote off-road stretches a gravel bike is arguably a better choice of bike. In reality, when taking on these sort of adventure rides there’s more valleys and glens than unpredictable mountain-top terrain and when you do eventually come back to stretches of tarmac you can put the power down and cover more ground in less time.

A glorious winter’s day in the Lake District calls for a multi-terrain adventure onboard versatile gravel bikes.

 

Not far from our Wheelbase HQ in the south of Lake District we have miles upon miles of bridleway taking you in almost any direction and this is where the versatility of the gravel bike comes into play; regardless of which way we head out, my riding buddies and I can take on bridleways, singletrack, canal towpaths, dirt, mud, woodlands and just generally anything that isn’t tarmac keeping our adventure vibes going.

Only a twenty minute pedal from our Wheelbase Lake District store Kentmere Valley is the gateway to bigger off-road adventures.

 

My love of a good pedal-assist bike carriers over from the mountain bike to gravel biking so I was pretty happy to get the opportunity to ride Cannondale’s Topstone Neo SL 1 gravel bike featuring an efficient Mahle ebikemotion X35 250wh motor cleverly built into the hub of the rear wheel. It provides just the right amount of pedal-assist power I need to be able to get more distance and fun out of my limited riding time! I love the feel of the Topstone Neo SL 1 which feels like a turbo-charged go-anywhere road bike just with slacker geometry, wider tyres and a much more generous spread of gears within the drivetrain. The Topstone Neo SL 1 is spec’d with a 1x drivetrain – basically a single chainring upfront combined with a wide-ratio cassette and rear derailleur with a clutch mech that prevents the chain from unshipping on rough terrain. This setup is really well-suited to meeting the demands of riding both on and off-road; that simple drivetrain combined with the Mahle ebikemotion X35 250wh hub motor has helped me conquer even the steepest, most technical off-road terrain.

Blink and you’ll miss it, but the Topstone Neo SL 1 gravel bike is actually a neat e-bike with a rear-hub drive system.

 

A capable gravel bike deserves a gravel-specific groupset. Shimano GRX 800/600 fits the bill.

 

Yes, despite its sleek looks the Topstone Neo SL 1 is a powerful e-gravel bike.

 

Part of Cannondale’s extensive Topstone gravel bike family the Neo SL 1 gives riders some welcome assistance on long adventures.

 

Leaving the roads behind, the hills of the south Lake District start to pull us further into the wilderness.

 

I headed out on an afternoon ride with one of my gravel biking buddies onboard his Cervelo Aspero Apex 1 gravel bike; the Aspero is well-liked within the gravel community thanks to its super-slick carbon frame with aerodynamic tube profiles for ‘free speed’ when the hammer goes down. This one in particular had the most stunning paintjob which my photos don’t really do it justice; shifting from purple through to gold as you move around the bike it’s a true work of art!

The paintjob on the Cervelo Aspero Apex 1 gravel bike is simply stunning.

 

The slight dusting of snow hinted towards more difficult conditions higher up on the fells.

 

Looking across Kentmere Reservoir towards Nan Bield pass. 

 

The dusting of snow further up the Kentmere valley made our local trails look even more stunning than they normally do and as we made our up to the end of this dramatic valley we moved fast and efficiently over a good mix of tarmac and gravel before challenging ourselves on some impromptu deviations onto more technical ascents and descents. This is where a short afternoon ride can quickly turn into something more fun with our gravel bikes soon forcing us to pick cleaner lines and think a little more about how and what we were riding compared to the usual scenario of blatting through rocky terrain onboard our full suspension trail bikes.

The dusting of snow made the south Lake District landscapes even more stunning.

 

Cannondale Topstone Neo SL 1 2022

• Frame: SmartForm C2 Alloy, 135mm bolt-on, tapered headtube, flat mount disc, multiple gear/bottle mounts
• Fork: Full Carbon, 1-1/8″ to 1-1/4″ steerer, 55mm OutFront offset, flat mount disc, internal routing, 12×100 thru axle
• Drive Unit: Mahle ebikemotion X35+ 250W
• Battery: Mahle ebikemotion X35 250Wh
• Charger: Mahle ebikemotion X35
• Display: Mahle ebikemotion iWoc ONE integrated controller
• Crank: Shimano GRX 600, 40T
• Rear Cassette: Shimano SLX, 11-42, 11-speed
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano GRX 812, Shadow RD+
• Shifters: Shimano GRX 600, 1×11
• Handlebar: Cannondale 3, butted 6061 alloy, 16 deg flare drop
• Stem: Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, 31.8, 7°
• Handle Bar Tape: Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, 31.8, 7°
• Headset: Integrated, 1.5″ lower to 1-1/8″ upper, 25mm Alloy top cap
• Brakes: Shimano GRX hydraulic disc
• Brake Rotors: 160mm RT56 rotors
• Hubs: Front – Formula CRX-512, 12x100mm thru-axle, Rear – EbikeMotion X35
• Rims: Cannondale Disc, double wall, tubeless ready 32h (R) / 28h (F)
• Tyres: WTB Resolute TCS, 700 x 42c, tubeless ready
• Saddle: Fizik Aliante Delta, S-alloy rails
• Seatpost: Promax SP-2032, Alloy, 27.2

 

Cervelo Aspero Apex 1 2022

• Frame: Cervelo All-Carbon, Aspero
• Fork: Cervelo All-Carbon, Aspero
• Crank: SRAM Apex 1 40T
• Rear Cassette: SRAM PG-1130, 11 spd, 11-42
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM Apex 1
• Shifters: SRAM Apex 1 HRD, 11 spd
• Handlebar: Easton EA50 AX Alloy
• Stem: Easton EA50 Alloy
• Headset: FSA IS2 1-1/8 x 1-1/2
• Brakes: SRAM CenterLine 160mm
• Wheels: Alexrims Boondocks-7D, 28h (F), 28h (R), 24mm IW, 6-Bolt, Tubeless Ready
• Tyres: Panaracer Gravel King SK Sport Folding 700×38 60tpi
• Saddle: Cervelo Road Saddle
• Seatpost: Easton EA50 Alloy

 

Written by Andrew Barlow

Photos by Andrew Barlow

 

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…

 

Say hello to the all-new Tesoro Neo X 1, a brand-new release from Cannondale which is a super sporty e-bike commuter from the American brand. At the heart of the Tesoro is a powerful Bosch Performance Line CX motor fuelled by a 750Wh battery which will see off any potential for ‘range-anxiety’ thanks to its brilliant efficiency. Built to handle the demands of the weekly commute thanks to its intelligent spec, when the weekend comes leave your pannier bags at home and head out into the countryside for day-long rides on a single charge.

 

The Headliners:

Power, Range and Sophistication. There’s limitless power from the Tesoro Neo X 1 thanks Bosch’s brilliantly efficient Smart System featuring a long-range 750Wh battery, powerful Performance Line CX motor, LED remote and a large, easy to read Kiox 300 display. Now you can strike out on epic adventures without any worries when it comes to battery life.

Adventure Ready. Cannondale have spec’d a capable SR Suntour XCR34 suspension fork with 100mm of travel to handle those unmade roads that you may want to seek out; while practical additions such as the full mudguards, rear pannier rack, front & rear lights and super-low gearing are all there to enhance the versatility of this adventure e-bike and make your ride more fun.

Fast and Fun. Cannondale have nailed it with a comfortably sportive riding position on the Tesoro Neo X 1 combined with precise handling and a capacity to conquer unpredictable terrain thanks to that 10mm travel suspension fork. Ride the commute in confidence during the week and head out on more adventurous rides at the weekend on this powerful and rugged e-bike.

The powerful Cannondale Tesoro Neo X 1 is particularly rugged, making it a really versatile e-bike.

The Tesoro Neo X 1 is available with a step-thru frame too. 

 

Key Features:

1. Two Frame Options. Cannondale have made the all-new Tesoro Neo X 1 available in two different frame configurations to suit your own riding preferences. A dropped step-thru option gives you more freedom maneuvering in urban areas while those who are more confident may prefer the traditional top tube option.
2. Bosch Smart System. The Cannondale Tesoro Neo X 1 features Bosch’s Smart System consisting of a powerful Performance Line CX e-bike motor, efficient 750Wh battery, Kiox 300 display and eBike Flow app. The system stays fully up to date with ‘over the air’ updates to provide you with a totally connected ride.
3. See and be Seen. Keeping visibility high on their list of priorities the Cannondale designers have included aesthetically integrated lighting in the headtube of the frame and the rear pannier rack.
4. Durable Drivetrain. The Tesoro Neo X 1’s drivetrain has been spec’d to meet the specific demands of a rugged, trekking e-bike which faces daily usage on the commute to and from work.
5. Easy Accessibility. For quick top-up charges Cannondale have located the bike’s charge port high on the frame. The battery is removeable too if you prefer to charge it off the bike.
6. Intellimount Stem. This adjustable stem routes cables internally for a neat look and lets you mount your phone easily and securely too.

 

The Tesoro Neo X 1 is packed full of user-friendly tech.

 

The Tesoro Neo X 1 features Bosch’s Smart System which includes a powerful Performance Line CX motor.

 

The SR Suntour XCR34 suspension fork provides 100mm of plush suspension travel.

 

You can charge that efficient 750Wh battery on or off the bike, whatever your preference.

 

The Tesoro Neo X 1 includes aesthetically integrated lighting in the headtube of the frame and the rear pannier rack.

 

A durable drivetrain with a huge spread of gears adds to the Tesoro’s versatility.

 

Cannondale’s Intellimount stem routes cables internally for a neat look and lets you mount your phone easily and securely too.

 

With a nod to how this bike will be used Cannondale have included an Abus 4650X frame lock.

 

Cannondale Tesoro Neo X 1 geometry.

 

Cannondale Tesoro Neo X 1 Step Through RRP £5,000.00

 

Cannondale Tesoro Neo X 1 RRP £5,000.00

 

Full Specification:

• Frame: SmartForm C1 Alloy, step-thru, removable 750Wh downtube battery, integrated front running light, tapered headtube, internal cable routing, 135mm QR hub spacing, IS disc mount, motor protection
• Fork: SR Suntour XCR34, 100mm, coil, boost spacing, offset – 44mm (S) / 51mm (M, L)
• Drive Unit: Bosch Performance Line CX 250W
• Battery: Bosch PowerTube 750Wh
• Display: Bosch Kiox 300 / LED remote
• Charger Bosch 4A
• Rims: WTB STX i30 TCS, 32h, tubeless ready
• Hubs: (F) Shimano MT400, 15x110mm thruaxle, (R) Shimano R600, 32H, QR
• Spokes: Stainless Steel, 14g
• Tyres: Maxxis Pace 29×2.1” 53-622 (M,L) / 27.5×2.1” 53-584 (S)
• Pedals: Cannondale Fitness
• Crank: Bosch Gen4, 38T
• Chain: LinkGlide 10-speed
• Rear Cassette: Shimano Deore LinkGlide, 11-43, 10-speed
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore LinkGlide Shadow RD+
• Shifters: Shimano Deore LinkGlide, 10-speed
• Handlebar: Cannondale Trekking
• Grips: Cannondale Ergo Fitness Dual Density, Lock-on
• Stem: Cannondale Urban Intellimount, internal cable routing, SP-Connect compatible phone mount
• Headset: Integrated Sealed Bearing, Tapered, internal cable routing
• Brakes: Magura CT 2-piston hydraulic disc, MDR-C rotors, 203mm/203mm
• Brake Levers: Magura CT hydraulic disc
• Saddle: Selle Royale Lookin
• Seatpost Parallelogram Suspension Seatpost, 31.6, 300mm (SM), 350mm (MD), 400mm (LG) Sizes SM, MD, LG
• Extras: Integrated headtube running light, Cannondale Urban rear rack (25kg, Racktime compatible), Curana Apollo fenders, Axa Blueline 30 headlight / Blueline taillight), kickstand, Abus 4650X frame lock (key-matched with battery lock)

 

 

Launched today! Wahoo has rolled out their all-new KICKR ROLLR. Yes, that’s right, the market leaders in smart trainer technology have created their very own smart roller. Those of you who are keen pro cycling fans may have spotted pre-market versions of the ROLLR at last year’s World Championship road race where a small selection of Wahoo sponsored pro teams had their riders warming up on these new smart rollers. There was quite a bit of noise around the KICKR ROLLR back then, but Wahoo kept us waiting on a release date through Autumn and Winter, however as of today they are available to us mere-cycling-mortals too! So why would you choose the KICKR ROLLR over one of Wahoo’s existing direct drive smart trainers? Well, it suits certain situations better and will give a more versatile training solution for some people’s circumstances; here’s how…

The KICKR ROLLR gives you all the benefits of a smart trainer without any need to remove your rear wheel.

 

Unlike their direct drive smart trainers the Wahoo KICKR ROLLR doesn’t require you to remove your rear wheel before using it. This means it’s much easier to take bikes on and off, making it better suited to riders wanting to move quickly and as fuss-free as possible from riding outdoors to indoors, or for racers warming up before an event. It also suits a household of cyclists who all want to access the same smart trainer but with no lengthy adjustment process between bikes.

The KICKR ROLLR suits a household of cyclists who want to use a smart trainer with the minimum of setup fuss each time.

 

The KICKR ROLLR accommodates a wide range of frame and tyre sizes via a quick-release adjustable wheelbase clamp; upfront their Safety Tyre Gripper secures the front wheel so that there’s no wheel removal required and your bike stays completely intact ready for a quick exit to the start line. Unlike traditional rollers the KICKR ROLLR provides a stable platform for big out-of-the-saddle efforts thanks to that secure front wheel clamp while the dual rollers give a more natural, singular ride feel compared to a direct drive trainer.

The Safety Tyre Gripper can accommodate tyres up to 2.1″ (53mm) wide.

 

The KICKR ROLLR’s Safety Tyre Gripper secures the front wheel quickly and easily.

 

One of the limits of a traditional set of indoor rollers is the lack of resistance available to replicate a hard session on the road; there’s no such concerns with the Wahoo KICK ROLLR thanks to controlled resistance and connectivity options that provide accurate power measurement and smart trainer control. The KICKR ROLLR seamlessly connects with bike-mounted ANT+ power meters and Wahoo are actually offering a bundle that includes the KICKR ROLLR along with their Wahoo SPEEDPLAY POWRLINK ZERO single-sided power meter pedals to provide you with everything you need for training to power indoors and outdoors.

The Wahoo POWRLINK ZERO pedals are available as part of a bundle deal along with the KICKR ROLLR smart rollers.

 

Quick and easy to fit a complete bike, the KICKR ROLLR is portable for pre-race warm-up sessions.

 

 

Enjoy the natural feel of riding rollers with the added security of the Safety Tyre Gripper configuration.

 

The Wahoo KICKR ROLLR smart bike rollers help bridge the gap between riding indoors and outdoors.

 

Wahoo KICKR ROLLR smart bike rollers RRP £699.99

Wahoo KICKR ROLLR smart bike rollers & Powrlink Zero single-sided power meter pedals bundle: RRP £1,199.99

 

Full Specification:

• Weight: 50 lbs / 22.6 kgs
• Product Dimensions:
  – Width: 31.25” / 79.5cm (front end)
  – Height: 34” / 86.5cm
  – Length: 57.5” – 65” / 146 – 165cm (wheelbase)
• Resistance Type: Electromagnetic
• Accuracy: +/- 1% (of external power meter)
• Connectivity: ANT+ FEC, Bluetooth, Direct Connect
• Max User Weight: 250 lbs / 113 kgs
• Maximum Power Output: 1500 watts
• Flywheel Weight: 10.5 lbs / 4.8 kgs
• Rear Wheel Size: 700c Road

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

 

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

Click the link below and search our archive…

 

 

The wait is finally over! Launched today – Wahoo’s POWRLINK ZERO pedal-based power meter; the first dual-entry pedal-based power meter for road cyclists POWRLINK is built around the iconic Speedplay Zero pedal platform. There’s two POWRLINK ZERO models available allowing you to choose between a double-sided power meter or single-sided power meter configuration to suit your requirements and budget.

With POWRLINK designed around the hugely popular Speedplay Zero pedal system you’ll benefit from low stack height, easy dual-sided entry and, what they’re most famous for, that generous amount of float which is adjustable between  0-15 degrees.

The Wahoo POWRLINK ZERO is the first dual-entry pedal-based power meter for road cyclists.

 

Wahoo based their power meter design brief around ease of use and versatility; by locating the power meter within the body of their POWRLINK ZERO pedals they’ve made transferring your power meter from one bike to another quick and easy (compared with typical crank-based power meters for example).

Convenient and easy to switch from one bike to another the POWRLINK ZERO pedals are a really versatile power meter option.

 

The POWRLINK ZERO is brilliantly accurate when it comes to measuring power, with Wahoo taking the +/-1% accuracy seen in their KICKR series of smart trainers and applying it to these pedal-based power meters. POWRLINK ZERO uses an internal gyroscope to help compensate for cadence variation to give amore precise power measurement overall. Pedalling cadence data helps you refine your pedalling technique while the double-sided option will provide an insight into your power distribution between your right and left leg.

With the double-sided POWRLINK ZERO option you’ll be able to monitor power distribution between your right and left leg.

 

The single-sided POWRLINK ZERO option will measure your power and accuracy measurement within +1%

 

Wahoo have developed a neat rechargeable solution which clips around the POWRLINK ZERO pedal spindle; the rechargeable battery provides up to 75 hours of ride time while connection to devices is taken care of by ANT+ and Bluetooth. With integration at the front of their minds Wahoo have launched the all-new KICKR ROLLR smart rollers at the same time and are offering the single-sided POWRLINK ZERO pedals with it as part of a special bundle deal; this is another reflection of just how versatile these new pedal-based power meters can be, allowing you to transition your ride from outdoors to indoors.

Wahoo have developed a neat rechargeable solution which clips around the POWRLINK ZERO pedal spindle.

 

The rechargeable battery provides up to 75 hours of ride time.

 

The original Speedplay pedals were always highly regarded for their light weight and the new POWRLINK ZERO pedals don’t weigh much more, with the single-sided (left power measurement only) option weighing only 250 grams. Previously, with other power meters from other brands we’ve seen temperature fluctuations compromising the accuracy of the power readings that are generated; the POWRLINK ZERO pedals cleverly compensate for temperature variations providing precise power measurement in any riding conditions.

Wahoo POWRLINK ZERO Double-Sided power meter pedal RRP £849.99

 

Wahoo POWRLINK ZERO Single-Sided power meter pedal RRP £549.99

 

Full Specification:

Double-Sided

• Weight: 276g
• Dimensions: 3.9”x2” / 99mmx51mmx51mm
• Power Measurement: Dual Sided Power Measurement
• Cadence: Yes
• LED Indicators: Yes
• Left/Right Balance: Yes
• Battery Type: Rechargeable Lithium Battery
• Battery Life: 75+ Hours
• Connectivity: Multiple Bluetooth and ANT+
• Accuracy Power Measurement: +1%
• Temperature Compensation: Yes
• Water Resistance: IPX7
• Q-Factor: 55mm (Additional spacers available)
• Stack Height: 13mm
• Compatible Cleats: Speedplay Standard (included) and Easy Tension (sold separately)
• Max Rider Weight: 113.4KG

Single-Sided

• Weight: 250g
• Dimensions: 3.9”x2” / 99mmx51mmx51mm
• Power Measurement: Single (left) Sided Power Measurement
• Cadence: Yes
• LED Indicators: Yes
• Left/Right Balance: No
• Battery Type: Rechargeable Lithium Battery
• Battery Life: 75+ Hours
• Connectivity: Multiple Bluetooth and ANT+
• Accuracy Power Measurement: +1%
• Temperature Compensation: Yes
• Water Resistance: IPX7
• Q-Factor: 55mm (Additional spacers available)
• Stack Height: 13mm
• Compatible Cleats: Speedplay Standard (included) and Easy Tension (sold separately)
• Max Rider Weight: 113.4KG

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

 

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We’re nearly there folks! It’s lighter in the mornings and the days are beginning to stretch out with dusk being later in the evening already, but beware! As we all know too well, Winter will come along and give us a final kicking in February and March, reminding us who’s boss before Spring arrives and smothers us with warmer air and the blessed relief of the sun upon our skin once again. Our intrepid landscape photographer Andrew Barlow is only too familiar with this cruel twist of fate, particularly here in the Lake District; with this in mind he headed out to put some of the best winter kit to the test…

Winter mountain biking in the Lake District brings its own challenges.

 

It’s that difficult time of the year when it takes more effort and logistical organisation to keep the cranks turning. Having the right choice of kit and the right bike setup can make or break a day in the hills and with temperatures dropping by roughly 1° Celsius for every 100 metres of elevation gained I’ve learned the hard way that getting your clothing right means you can stay in the hills for longer, with more time to capture that cracking landscape shot! I’ve put together a small selection of essential kit and clothing intended to keep the worst of the winter weather at bay.

Riding at elevation in winter means a 1° Celsius drop in temperature for every 100 metres gained.

 

Starting from the bottom up let’s focus on base layers and insulation; I usually work in a layering system to get the best efficiency of staying dry from the inside out. Excuse me if I’m preaching to the converted, but to the uninitiated AVOID cotton! Cotton is lovely in the right scenario, however out on hills, under exertion it’ll quickly pick up body moisture, has no sweat-wicking properties and insulate your body temperature. Switch to a synthetic base layer or better still a natural merino wool layer. Both fabrics wick moisture away from the skin moving it to the outer layer of the fabric keeping you dry and helping you to stay warm.

Winter kit and hardtails – if you’re well-organised mountain biking in the winter can be a really rewarding experience.

 

Over my base layer, I tend to wear some form of synthetic insulation, my main reason for this is that if it were to get wet it still retains 80% of its insulating qualities, keeping you warm! Sticking to synthetic insulation in the UK’s climate is a wise decision with it often being wet and cold; why am I recommending synthetic insulation over natural insulation options? Well, traditional down-filled products do not perform so well in really wet conditions as the down clumps together and sinks to the bottom of the jacket rendering it completely useless when it comes to retaining body heat.

Staying warm and dry is key to an enjoyable winter ride in the Lake District.

 

Now, let’s consider that all-important outer layer, namely waterproofs! The most effective waterproofs for mountain biking in the depths of winter are made from a breathable but protective ‘hydrophobic’ fabric that lets body moisture out but doesn’t let larger drops of water in; those rain drops should simply bead and fall away from the surface of your jacket. Made from a sophisticated form of polyurethane my breathable waterproof jacket will keep my entirety dry regardless of just how many hours of riding I’ve squeezed into those short winter days. The same goes for riding trousers designed specifically for mountain biking – they’ll certainly be more comfortable and protective from the elements on long, wet rides than conventional trousers or dare I say it – the sort of Lycra leggings typically worn back in the day.

A good waterproof jacket designed specifically for mountain biking will protect you from the elements while staying breathable.

 

Mountain bike trousers do a good job of repelling water and protecting you from cold winds.

 

When it comes to gloves the balance between warmth and dexterity is super-important because you’ll need your digits to do very important stuff such as shifting and stopping! Off-road there’s the added factor of crash protection, let’s be honest you need your hands to stay safe and injury-free regardless of temperature. I tend to wear gloves all year round giving me protection no matter what the weather and benefit from the enhanced grip when there’s a tendency to have sweaty hands. Look for a good pair of winter gloves that have been designed specifically for mountain biking, they’ll offer the perfect mix of warmth, crash protection and water-proofing without compromising on dexterity.

Good winter gloves will keep your hands warm and dry without compromising on dexterity.

 

My final essential item for winter riding off-road is a neck gaiter. It may seem a small and insignificant piece of kit but it can aid you in many different ways during cold weather rides. My primary use of a neck gaiter is as a helmet liner, keeping the brain freeze at bay especially on the long descents. The second way is as its name suggests – used as a neck gaiter and when the weather gets really Baltic and I’m braced against the wind on the hilltops I’ll use it to cover my face to protect me from that savage wind-chill. On a particularly cold, wet day in the Lake District, you’ll catch me wearing all of the above to keep that pesky weather at bay!

A neck gaiter is a truly versatile piece of kit that helps shield you from the worst of the weather.

 

Now that we’ve got winter clothing sorted what about your ride? All hail the humble hardtail! Yes, we might all be seduced by the latest super-plush enduro bike but when it comes to mountain biking in the depths of winter it’s hard to argue against a hardcore hardtail. They stand up well to the elements, are easier to maintain and will help sharpen up your bike handling skills too. Here in the Lake District, with every ride featuring unforgiving, steep, rocky, loose terrain we run our hardtails with long-travel forks, wide handle bars, dropper seat posts and 29er wheels fitted with wide tyres and featuring plenty of puncture protection. Winter kit and hardtails – it’s survival mode, but it works!

A hardcore hardtail – the perfect ride for a winter in the Lake District.

 

Written by Andrew Barlow

Photos by Andrew Barlow

 

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Join us on Saturday the 5th of March for the Wheelbase Spring Classic Sportive!

 

Photo by James Vincent

We’ve almost made it through another long winter and are now quickly heading towards Spring; what better to mark the transition into slightly warmer, longer days than joining us for the return of our Wheelbase Spring Classic Sportive.

Starting and finishing at our Wheelbase Lake District store in the village of Staveley in the South Lakes the Spring Classic Sportive takes you through scenic valleys and over hills with stunning vistas. There’s two great courses to choose from with both routes heading south eastwards through Cumbria taking in some very quiet back lanes that you’re probably completely unaware of (unless you’ve done our Sportive before!).

Choose between our shorter 34 mile route or longer 55 mile route to suit you and your own abilities for a really social ride with like-minded cyclists on some the best roads the UK has to offer, taking in the beautiful views of the Howgills, Dent and Barbon.

To keep things interesting we’ve included a timed hill climb up Shacklabank, a tricky little climb which will see our fastest male and female cyclists crowned King and Queen of the Mountain with a £75.00 Wheelbase gift voucher awarded to both winners.

Choose the long route and head further afield but get a bonus refreshments stop before heading back to Staveley for tea, cake and time to check out our huge range of bikes in the UK’s largest cycle store. Saturday the 5th of March is also the date for one of Procycling’s most demanding Spring Classic races – the Strade Bianche race which takes place on the white gravel roads of Tuscany in Italy; we’ll have it on live on the big screen at Wheelbase HQ when you finish the Sportive!

Entries are limited so make sure you get your entry in now!

 

Date: Saturday 5th March
Venue: Wheelbase Lake District, Staveley
Registration: From 08:30
Event Start: From 09:30
Minimum Age to enter: 16
Places available: 250

 

 

Have you heard the news?..

The National Cyclo-Cross Championships is coming to Cumbria!

Wheelbase are pleased to announce that next season’s Cyclo-Cross season will culminate with the big one – The 2023 National Cyclo-Cross Championships will take place just down the road from our Lake District HQ at the Westmorland Country Showground near Milnthorpe and conveniently located just off the M6 motorway.

Wheelbase team rider Lewis Craven in action at Westmorland Cross in October 2021.

 

As some of you will already know Wheelbase have been the event sponsors at the venue for a number of years and have enjoyed watching the race venue move from a regional-level event as part of the North West Cyclocross Association league races to a national-level event as part of the UK’s National Trophy series, all under the guidance of Wheelbase Cyclo-Cross Team’s Dave Haygarth and his loyal band of helpers. With Dave’s passion for racing AND race organise he has consistently delivered, creating a challenging race course that suits both elite racers and less-experienced racers alike. Overcoming many challenges including the restrictions around the COVID-19 pandemic Dave and his team were the only national-level race venue to be able to successfully run a round of the National Trophy series in October 2020 when the Coronavirus was at its height. Wheelbase along with Dave and his team have been justly awarded for their efforts over these past few years with British Cycling awarding us next year’s National Cyclo-Cross Championships.

Wheelbase’s Rory McGuire took the holeshot at last year’s edition of the National Trophy at Westmorland.

 

British Cycling’s Cycling Delivery Director, Dani Every, said:

“It’s been incredible to watch cyclo-cross really flourish in Britain over recent years, with fans able to celebrate an unprecedented 13 podium finishes across the past six world championships. It also makes us incredibly proud that the likes of Tom, Zoe and Nathan have all honed their craft at our National Series, raising the level of racing and inspiring new and young riders to take up the sport.

“For next season I’m pleased that we’ve been able to add two new venues to the calendar, seeing the series now stretch from Falkirk to Torbay, and I’m sure that Dave Haygarth and the team in the North West will deliver another championships to remember. We know that cyclo-cross events are a great day out for all the family and I’m sure that we’ll see some fantastic support once again – regardless of the weather!”

Giles Drake had another stellar year with Wheelbase and had a good showing at Westmorland in 2021.

 

Dave Haygarth of the North West Cyclo-Cross Association is the national championships organiser, and said:

“We’re both excited and proud to be stepping up to the 2023 National Cyclo-cross Championships, after three years of hosting some thrilling rounds in the National Trophy series.

“The venue is perfect for any conditions and we can adapt to make the most challenging course for some thrilling racing. We can’t wait and are planning already.”

Not only does Dave Haygarth organise the Westmorland races, he pins a number on and shows everyone how it’s done too!

 

2023 National Cyclo-cross Championships:

Westmorland County Showground, Milnthorpe: 14 – 15 January

 

Written by JohnnyDodgin

Photos by James Vincent

 

If you’re a purist mountain biker or any form of cyclist for that matter you may absolutely resent the cycling-revolution of the past ten years, the e-bike! Everyone’s entitled to their opinion and it’s fair to say that some cyclists just know from the off that e-bikes are not for them; there are, however multiple reasons why e-bikes are absolutely brilliant. Apologies in advance for my small e-bike manifesto but I think e-bikes are mint!..

First off, as an alternative to using a car for short journeys an e-bike is better for the planet, by commuting or going anywhere for that matter on an e-bike you produce a far lower amount of Co2 pollution per kilometre than cars or motorcycles. As reliable research states, an e-bike produces around 22g compared to a car which produces around 270g. There’s less power drawn from the grid and using an e-bike helps improve air quality which is a massive positive in terms of combating global warming and pollution.

Using an e-bike for his regular rides has helped Andrew get through some of the toughest conditions of the year here in the Lakes.

 

Another big driver for owning and commuting on an e-bike is affordability. After the initial investment you’ll see a significant cut in your weekly expenses; with fuel prices going up and the general cost of living ever increasing you’ll see your outgoing costs going down. In the UK the average commute is only around 4 miles, generally the range on a fully charged e-bike is 18-50 miles so charging your e-bike once a week should be sufficient making the charging costs negligible compared to fuelling a petrol or diesel car. Just think of those potential savings next time you’re driving that short commute when you could be riding!

Then there’s the health benefits to consider; among many positive outcomes there’s the boost to your immune system, an increase to your metabolism as well as improved cardiovascular health. Beyond the outward-facing health benefits, if we look inward to a potential to improve your mental health there’s plenty of evidence to support the theory that regular exercise, less screen time and an immersion into the natural world all help to keep you feeling better on the inside too. ‘Acoustic’ cyclists on non-electric bikes may look down their nose at us but e-bikes should be heralded as a gateway to getting yourself fitter and enjoying a more active lifestyle without some of the traditional barriers.

Andrew has been onboard the super-fun, all-new Focus Jam2 7.0 E-Mountain Bike this winter.

 

One last point, which is personal to me. The use of an e-bike, or more specifically in my case an e-Mountain Bike makes the difference between me riding multiple times a week or not at all. It’s fair to say that living here in the Lake District means that nearly every bike ride, regardless of whether you’re riding on or off-road, involves struggling uphill for a fair portion of each ride. Those stunning vista have to be earned! There’s no easy way to get to those mountain-top views and I love to capture the Fells with my camera in all seasons.

Riding an e-bike has put the fun back in all those meters of elevation which I face on a weekly basis, my riding group looks forward to those long climbs now rather than loathing them; on the steeper technical terrain I now see the ups as fun and engaging as the downs, with each climb presenting me with the challenge of overcoming the terrain rather than quickly accepting my fate and pushing up. It’s also the difference between me riding with my fitter friends and not, with an e-bike I’m much more likely to be seen riding at the front of the pack rather than getting dropped at any point of ascent.

The very best part of the e-bike revolution is that it makes any form of cycling more accessible and inclusive for everyone, just like the entire cycling world should be!

Using the Focus Jam2 7.0 through winter has opened up more riding possibilities for Andrew.

 

We recently published a launch feature on the all-new Focus Jam2 7-Series; you can read it here.

 

Launched in December ’21 the Cannondale Moterra Neo 4 is a true ‘trail-bike’ e-Mountain Bike built ready for action. 

 

With a compact Shimano EP8 motor the Moterra Neo 4 feels as agile as an ‘acoustic’ trail bike.

 

Both the Focus Jam2 7.0 and the Cannondale Moterra Neo 4 feature Shimano’s brilliant EP8 Motor; click the image to read more. (J. Vincent photo)

 

Written by Andrew Barlow

Photos by Andrew Barlow

 

Have you seen our weekly Fast Bike Friday feature? You can see bikes like the Pinarello dogma and more every Friday. 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!

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Today for our Fast Bike Friday feature we’re taking a detailed look at the all-new Cannondale Synapse 2 RL which was part of the range of new Synapse bikes launched globally this week! As official launch partners of Cannondale we published a full product launch feature earlier in the week when the bikes went live around the world.  READ THE LAUNCH FEATURE HERE…

The Cannondale Synapse has had a dramatic make-over for 2022.

 

 Click the link to watch our full run-through of the Cannondale Synapse 2022

 

We were lucky enough to receive the Cannondale Synapse 2 RL 2022 a month before launch, giving us the opportunity to put this versatile road bike through its paces on the unforgiving back lanes of the Lake District National Park in some of the most difficult riding conditions of the year. Riding at this time of year has its own challenges when it comes to unpredictable weather, poor road surfaces and low light conditions and the new Synapse was more than up to the job, particularly during the short daylight hours, but before we get into the ride here’s a run down of what makes the all-new Cannondale Synapse such a versatile and user-friendly road bike.

The all-new Synapse 2 RL excels on the sort of lumpy back lanes found in the Lake District.

 

The Cannondale Synapse range has had a dramatic make-over for 2022 and includes a complete re-design of the Synapse’s frame and fork as well as a big injection of tech, with its unique fully integrated ‘SmartSense’ system reflecting a holistic approach to technology implementation from Cannondale. The new Synapse’s headliners include…

SmartSense – Fully integrated tech developed in partnership with Garmin
All-Road Ability – Strikes a versatile balance between road and gravel
Enhanced Comfort – Increase to frame compliance with size-specific proportional response construction
Faster – New subtly aerodynamic frame and fork tube profiles, more speed – less effort

There’s been a big injection of tech with Cannondale’s sophisticated ‘SmartSense’ system.

 

The Synapse’s frame and fork has had a major overhaul for this all-new version; some elements of Cannondale’s full-on road racing machine the SuperSix EVO have clearly migrated over to the Synapse. There’s the dropped seatstays we’ve grown familiar with and squarer, flattened-off truncated airfoil tube profiles lifted directly from the SuperSix; squint and it almost looks like a SuperSix EVO with a slightly shorter, sloping top tube and a slightly higher head tube; naturally with this configuration the Synapse has gained more speed and even more compliance than its predecessor.

The all-new Synapse is more aero than its predecessor but is just as light. 

 

We all know the saying ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’. When it comes to the Synapse’s geometry that’s exactly what Cannondale have done, with the previous version winning multiple awards in numerous reviews thanks in no-small-part to its comfort over long distances the designers at Cannondale have kept that dialed rider position, which strikes a balance between racy, forward-leaning efficiency and upright comfort. The 2022 Synapse model sees a further increase in comfort and compliance with those newly dropped seatstays and a sophisticated carbon fibre layup process both playing their part in enhancing rider comfort. Cannondale have also applied their ‘Proportional Response Construction’ principle to the new Synapse, with sensitive differences to frame construction across all sizes so that the properties of the frame and fork – compliance where it’s needed and stiffness where it counts are consistent across all size options.

While the model name and frame geometry stays the same everything else is new and cutting edge.

 

As I’ve already mentioned, the Synapse has inherited some of those truncated airfoil tube profiles from its cousin the SuperSix EVO; these subtly aerodynamic frame and fork tube profiles help this all-road bike cut through the air more efficiently and, as has been proved over recent years, even at lower speeds on ultra-long grueling gravel rides those small aero gains all add up. It’s worth noting too that while the profiles of the Synapse’s tubing had become more aero overall weight of the frame and fork stay the same, there’s no weight-gain despite these improvements.

All tube profiles have become more aerodynamic to make the Synapse more aero-efficient over longer distances.

 

The new Synapse is described by Cannondale as the perfect ‘road’ bike with the ‘road’ in inverted commas signaling how this bike has been designed to strike the perfect balance between a road and gravel bike. The Synapse feels natural to ride on all kinds of roads and a wide range of surfaces including smooth tarmac, more unpredictable un-made back lanes and gravel tracks.

Taking its inspiration from the Cannondale SuperSix EVO race bike the Synapse now has dropped seatstays for added comfort.

 

The Synapse 2 RL boasts big tyre clearance too, accommodating tyres up to 35mm wide and allowing you to actually run gravel tyres with a minimal tread; with those 35mm tyres fitted there’s still 6mm of clearance between the tyre and frame/fork. Just like the previous version Cannondale have included bolt-on bosses for mudguards so if you want to set up your Synapse for winter riding duties you can still run tyres up to 30mm wide with full mud guards.

There’s plenty of tyre clearance on the all-new Synapse, allowing you to run up to 35mm wide tyres or 30mm tyres with mudguards.

 

Upfront the fork boasts the same amounts of tyre clearance.

 

The rear triangle of the Synapse 2 RL features a reflective paint finish to catch driver’s attention.

 

When the team at Cannondale ran through the new Synapse there a number of other notable features that were highlighted to us which are worth mentioning here too. First off there’s top tube mounts for you to easily fit a bento box for easy storage on long rides, then their downtube switch plate, which already features on their SuperSix EVO road bike makes an appearance; this small plate is interchangeable and facilities the neat routing of cables or a Di2 junction box. Home mechanics will rejoice at the news of ‘tube-in-tube’ cable routing allowing for quick and easy cable and brake hose changes while the return of a standard threaded BSA bottom bracket instead of Cannondale’s BB30 press-fit standard will have certain members of the cycling fraternity back-flipping for joy at the thought of silent bottom brackets and easy fitting and removal in the future. One last detail worth noting on the new Synapse is the bike’s rear Thru Axle, it is now ‘trainer compatible’ with a configuration that fits your indoor smart trainer without having to faff around with different adaptors; it’s a small thing but it’s a welcome addition.

The addition of top tube mounts on the new Synapse helps open up the bike’s versatility.

 

A neat Cannondale switch plate means that whatever the cable configuration the looks are neat and the functionality is enhanced.

 

The return of a standard threaded bottom bracket is a welcome change from the previous generation Synapse.

 

It’s a small detail but worth noting that the rear thru axle is now smart trainer compatible.

 

Fast, comfortable, versatile and fast thanks to those aero-profiled tubes; the Synapse 2 RL is packed full of great, ride-enhancing features.

 

It’s sign of the times that despite all of the new features on the Synapse’s frame and fork the main talking point of this range of bikes is actually Cannondale’s unique, fully-integrated SmartSense system; it’s almost as if we’ve all just come to expect a versatile disc-brake-equipped aero, lightweight and responsive road bike capable of sporting larger volume tyres as standard. It’s the Synapse’s brilliant chassis and all of the additions and improvements over its predecessor which help make this a true ‘all-road’ bike, but now let’s take a look at SmartSense, a fully integrated system that works as one but is made up of the following constitute parts…

SmartSense

• Front & Rear Lights
• Rear Facing Radar
• Radar Unit LED Display
• Power Pack
• Cannondale Wheel Sensor
• Cannondale App (updated)

The SmartSense Radar consists of a Garmin Varia rear facing Radar adapted for SmartSense; it is designed to give you more confidence riding on the open road in traffic and helps to prevent you from having to constantly look over your shoulder. The Radar detects vehicles approaching from behind at a distance of 140 metres and gives a visual and audible signal alerting you to the oncoming vehicle on the handle-bar-mounted Radar LED Display. This clever system indicates the relative position and speed of all contacts and signals warnings for vehicles coming up too fast or too close, activating the rear light and increasing the brightness of the light as the vehicle approaches, helping to alert the driver. Upfront the Synapse’s SmartSense front light also brightens to warn you of traffic moving up towards you. It’s worth noting that while the Synapse bike ships with the standard Radar LED display unit the Radar SmartSense system also works with a Garmin, Wahoo or similar GPS head unit or your Smartphone installed with the Cannondale App, lighting up in the same way.

The integrated Radar and Hindsite rear light form an important part of the complete ‘SmartSense’ system.

 

As cars approach from the rear the SmartSense Radar detects them and indicates exactly what’s happening on the Radar LED display unit. 

 

Glancing down at the Radar display quickly becomes second nature and is far safer than constantly looking over your shoulder.

 

The SmartSense system on the Synapse 2 RL includes their own front and rear lights developed in partnership with leading bike light brand Lezyne; the front ‘ForeSite’ light is neatly fitted to the out-front handlebar mount and the ‘Hindsite’ rear light fits neatly under the saddle and comes with various adapters to allow you to set it up with a saddle bag too if required. Both the SmartSense lights and the Radar system are powered by the SmartSense Powerpack developed by Garmin with both lights powering up and turning on automatically when you begin to ride. This is a sophisticated lighting system with some clever features including ambient light sensors to help ensure you have optimal visibility in all light conditions; the rear Hindsite light responds to your bike decelerating and brightens as you slow down to warn vehicles behind you. As I’ve already mentioned when I talked about the Radar system your rear light will also brighten when vehicles approach you from behind at a distance of 140 metres; you can also customise how your lights and the Radar system behave via the Cannondale App.

Cannondale have worked with leading light brand Lezyne to develop the ForeSite SmartSense front light.

 

The ForeSite reacts to the SmartSense Radar, brightening as cars approach from behind to draw your attention.

 

The front ForeSite head light throws out a 350 lumens beam.

 

The rear HindSite light integrates with the SmartSense Radar and also acts as an inertial brake alaert. 

 

You can fine-tune how the SmartSense Radar and integrated lights function via the Cannondale app.

 

The SmartSense Powerpack brings all of the Synapse’s integration together; developed in partnership with Garmin this powerpack is an intrinsic part of the Synapse’s frame, reflecting Cannondale’s commitment to their integrated-system design principle. With a specially made cradle sitting neatly in a special recess that’s been molded into the carbon frame during production the SmartSystem’s rechargeable battery is easily removed and refitted using a simple and secure lever and means that there is just one single power source for your lights, Radar system and GPS head unit if you use one, which can stay permanently attached to your bike.

Cannondale’s integrated PowerPack powers the whole SmartSense system from central point.

 

The SmartSense powerpack is quick and easy to remove and fit making charging convenient.

 

If you want to find out more and read a full in-depth review of the Cannondale SmartSense system check out our Synapse Product Launch feature published earlier this week.

Cannondale’s wheel sensor pairs with the SmartSense system activating the integrated lights and Radar as well as communicating with the App. 

 

The Cannondale Synapse 2 RL comes spec’d with Shimano’s functional, precise-shifting, no-nonsense Ultegra mechanical 11-speed groupset. You may be aware that Shimano launched a new 12-speed iteration of the Ultegra groupset late last year; that version of Ultegra is Di2 only – an electronic transmission. For now this 11-speed mechanical version of Ultegra lives on and you’ll be seeing it on a wide range of road bikes from the leading brands. In use this groupset provides crisp, predictable gear shifts every time you select a gear and with the sort of challenging riding the Cannondale have in mind for the Synapse they have sensibly spec’d the 2 RL with compact gear ratios that can handle hilly rides and portions of your ride that require you to stay in the saddle negotiating loose gravel-type climbs and rough roads.

The Cannondale Synapse 2 RL is spec’s with a brilliantly functional Shimano Ultegra mechanical groupset.

 

An 11-speed rear derailleur is matched with a wide ratio 11-34T cassette.

 

Upfront there’s a compact 50/34T chainset, matched with a wide ratio 11-speed 11-34T cassette giving you all the gears you’ll need to conquer the steepest climbs you can find; when the road flattens out or points downwards that 50/11T gear ratio means there’s no danger of you spinning out and running out of gears. Disc brakes on road bikes have very quickly become the norm and there’s no surprises to see a pair of neat, flat-mount Ultegra calipers paired with compact, self-cooling 160mm disc brake rotors here. These brakes give you all the braking power you need and really prove themselves on the sort of rides that the Synapse has been designed to excel on; these Ultegra brakes are easy to modulate, providing just the right amount of braking power you need in any riding scenario. The consistency of hydraulic disc brakes cannot be understated and are a big benefit towards the end of long all-day epic rides when you’re feeling fatigued and perhaps your hands are cold and weak.

Powerful Shimano Ultegra hydraulic calipers provide controlled braking in all riding conditions.

 

160mm diameter disc rotors front and rear help scrub off speed quickly and in control.

 

Cannondale have spec’d a capable Fulcrum Rapid Red 900 wheelset that features smooth, durable sealed-bearing hubs and fast-rolling alloy rims. The wheelset has been fitted with a pair of Vittoria Rubino Pro Graphene 2.0 tyres in suitably wide 30mm dimensions; these hard wearing, durable tyres will hold up well to long hours in the saddle and can easily handle the rougher, un-made roads and back lanes that the Synapse has been designed to master as well as coping easily with daily commuter duties should you assign the bike to that function. As we’ve already mentioned the new Synapse 2 RL has been designed to accommodate wider tyres, so if 30mm wide tyres still aren’t wide enough for you you can always retro-fit 35mm wide options and push the limits of the Synapse even more.

Large volume 30mm wide Vittoria Rubino Pro Graphene 2.0 tyres can handle rough roads with ease and you can always go up to 35mm if preferred.

 

So what about the ride? Well, it’s a funny of time of year to get out on a brand new (pre-launch) road bike; with temperatures hovering around zero, high winds being a regular ride companion and the odd stretch of frozen surfaces, riding consistently at this time of year can best described as ‘challenging’. Factor in the shortest daylight hours of the year and normally you might be secretly cursing a bike brand for launching a new bike in mid-winter! Happily though this is was not the case with the all-new Synapse 2 RL and their ‘SmartSense’ system making those normally unpredictable twilight rides a much more confidence-inspiring riding experience.

So what about the ride? Writer of this feature Johnny Dodgin spent a few weeks on the bike during winter to find out…

 

In real-world use the SmartSense really comes into its own; with all of the system’s settings customised via the Cannondale App I was able to just jump on the bike and ride, with the Cannondale wheel sensor bringing the SmartSense system to life and lighting up the front and rear lights automatically and the ambient light sensors automatically adjusting the light system’s brightness and visibility to other road users. As you can tell from some of our riding photos in this feature, there have been times when I have been riding the Synapse 2 RL into dusk and with those powerful lights just taking care of themselves and adjusting to different light conditions it meant I could just focus on my ride.

Initially I was unsure how much I’d notice the Synapse’s SmartSense Radar while riding, but very quickly I came to realise just what an important bit of kit it could be. In just a short time it became second nature to glance down to the small display unit in response to a short audio queue; a quick look down would reveal that your green LED (which indicates you, the rider) has turned amber and a white LED (which indicates an oncoming vehicle) is approaching from behind. This gives you a clear understanding of the speed that the vehicle is approaching and in some cases that there are multiple vehicles approaching (at one point I had 3 white LEDs creeping up behind me on the display). The Radar is even more confidence-inspiring in total darkness when those ‘have they seen me or not’ fears that come with night riding and vehicles approaching from behind are somewhat negated by a visual cue showing that the vehicle has slowed and is on your wheel waiting for a safe place to pass.

The Synapse 2 RL feels spritely and responds well to sudden out-of-the-saddle efforts.

So in summary the SmartSense system really does add a new safety element to your riding and helps to open up how you use the bike and how you feel riding in urban areas and on busy roads when traffic is busy. The fact that all of the tech is fully integrated with one central source of power is a real plus and don’t forget you can always swap out the original Radar display for your Garmin or similar GPS head unit and run the same Radar system on that.

The Synapse frame and fork is stiff and responsive making it an efficient climber, but the bike is comfortable too on long rides.

 

Right, onto the bike itself; how does it feel on the lumpy back lanes of the Lake District National Park? I was really impressed at how spritely the bike felt on the short sharp climbs dotted around the Lakes, while longer in-the-saddle efforts up climbs like Kirkstone Pass were a breeze on the Synapse 2 RL; the geometry of the bike has been unchanged from its predecessor, which is great as the bike features a relatively short tup tube and a sensibly sized headtube (not ridiculously high and not super-low like a race bike) putting you in a position where you can stay in the saddle and turn an efficient gear, getting over some of the area’s longest, most sustained climbs.

Riding during short winter days and fading light the SmartSense ambient light system really came into its own.

 

The frame is stiff and responsive where it needs to be so that you can put the power down and accelerate quickly when you need to. The addition of the dropped seatstays on this new-gen Synapse have enhanced compliance and increased comfort over the previous Synapse meaning I felt fresher for longer into some of those big epic off-season road rides. Descending on the Synapse 2 RL was a dream; the geometry of the bike really lends itself well to going into turns at speed, holding your line and exiting tight corners with the same momentum that you went into them with. It was a really-confidence inspiring ride and I felt encouraged to push on even though I was riding in some of the most difficult conditions of the year; if anything unpredictable did occur, say when I was fast-approaching some ice run-off from fields I was able to quickly and effectively scrub of speed in full control thanks to those powerful, easy to modulate Ultegra disc brakes and avoid disaster.

With a great spread of gears on the Synapse 2 RL even the longest, steepest climbs of the Lake District were relatively easy to ride.

 

The Synapse 2 RL is a confident descender and keeps you grinning on the downhills.

 

The all-new Cannondale Synapse 2 RL is a fantastically versatile bike that really lends itself to the kind of unpredictable riding conditions that we all encounter here in the UK; let’s face it, difficult riding conditions are not even limited to the colder months of the year! You’re just as likely to get caught in cold, wet weather in the spring  and summer months, when black clouds roll in and visibility decreases rapidly; the SmartSense system is the perfect ride companion, with the lights always there and ready to make you more visible and safer on the road. The ability to fit wider tyres and run mudguards opens up the possibility of commuting duties or using the Synapse as your dedicated winter bike; when you want to take on more unpredictable rides, heading out into new areas that you’ve not ridden before the 2 RL is ready to handle unpredictable road surfaces and light gravel-biking duties. I have to agree with the Cannondale marketing bods who have termed the all-new Synapse the perfect ‘road’ bike with the ‘road’ in inverted commas because this versatile bike really does represent the perfect balance between a road and gravel bike.

The super-versatile Cannondale Synapse 2 RL is ready for long days in the saddle over mixed terrain; when the light fades the integrated SmartSense provides enhanced safety on busy roads encouraging you to stay out even longer.

 

 

Cannondale Synapse 2 RL RRP £4,000.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: Synapse Carbon, SmartSense enabled, Proportional Response size-specific design, BSA threaded BB, flat mount brake, 12x142mm Speed Release thru axle, thru-tube internal cable routing with Switch Plate, removable fender bridge, hidden rack/fender mounts
• Fork: Synapse Carbon, integrated crown race, Proportional Response size-specific design, 12x100mm Speed Release thru-axle, thru-tube internal routing, hidden fender mounts
• SmartSense with Lights and Radar, Trainer-compatible thru-axle
• Headset: Synapse Sealed Bearing, integrated, 1-1/4″-1-1/8″
• Bottom Bracket: Shimano R60 BSA
• Chain: Shimano HG701, 11-speed
• Crank: Shimano Ultegra, BSA, 50/34
• Front Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra, braze-on
• Rear Cassette: Shimano Ultegra HG800, 11-34, 11-speed
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra GS 11-speed
• Shifters: Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc, 11-speed
• Brake Levers: Shimano Ultegra hydraulic
• Brakes: Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc, 160/160mm RT800 rotors
• Hubs: (F) Fulcrum Rapid Red 900, 12x100mm centerlock / (R) Fulcrum Rapid Red 900, 12x142mm centerlock
• Rims: Fulcrum Rapid Red 900
• Spokes: Fulcrum, Stainless steel
• Wheel Sensor: Cannondale Wheel Sensor
• Tyres: Vittoria Rubino Pro Graphene 2.0, 700 x 30c
• Bar Tape: Fabric Knurl Bar Tape
• Handlebar: Cannondale 2, 7050 alloy, Compact
• Saddle: Fizik Aliante Delta, S-alloy rail
• Seatpost: Cannondale 3 SmartSense, 6061 Alloy, 27.2
• Stem: Cannondale 2, 6061 Alloy, 31.8, 7°

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by James Vincent

 

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