Author: John Dodgin

Say hello to the all-new Trek Top Fuel, returning with plenty of fresh features and a new attitude! Trek have resisted the temptation to use the term ‘down-country’ but the Top Fuel is definitely that type of bike, squeezing into a gap between a full-on cross country bike on one side and a playful trail bike on the other, this bike is a quick, short-travel 29er MTB that suits riders who like to blast up AND down the trail.

Trek saw an opportunity to take the previous Top Fuel and evolve it further, blurring the lines between traditional trail and XC categories and as you’d expect this involves updated geometry with a slacker head angle and longer reach as well as a slight increase in travel, adding on an extra 5mm to the rear suspension to strike more of a balance with the 120mm travel fork upfront.

Trek have peppered the new Top Fuel with lots of little features that all point you towards pushing your gravity-influenced riding as much as your climbing and xc performance. There’s a larger 34.9 seat tube that accommodates a longer, oversized dropper post and they’ve included their Knock Block 2.0 to help prevent frame damage or cables ripping out in the event of a crash. It’s good to see the inclusion of a storage door on the downtube too; located underneath the bottle cage this space is perfect for storing a spare tube, multitool or similar and brilliantly this feature is not just on the carbon options, it’s on the alloy frames too.

As well as more progressive geometry changes Trek have included a Mino Link on the rear shock to allow you to fine tune how you want your Top Fuel to ride. A simple flip of the Mino Link changes the geometry from slack and low to slightly steeper and responsive for quicker handling; stay in low for a slack 66-degree head tube angle, flip it for a quicker 66.5-degree head tube angle and a 7-mm higher bottom bracket for more ground clearance.

The rear suspension configuration provides efficient pedalling and near-constant anti-squat through the bike’s entire travel. That means the bike accelerates every time you push on the pedals regardless of where you are in the suspension travel; all this makes the Top Fuel perfectly suited to long days on the bike when you’re testing your fitness and endurance levels as much as your technical bike-handling skills. With climbing in mind it’s worth pointing out that Trek have steepened the seat angle too so when your sitting in the saddle and pushing down on the pedals it’s easier to keep your front wheel weighted.

Lighter and more spritely than Trek’s Fuel EX but now more capable on rough and rowdy descents the all-new Top Fuel will feel more responsive on the climbs and pedals efficiently during long days in the saddle compared to a full-on trail bike but then keeps you out of trouble when you point it downhill and take on the sort of loose, tight rocky and unforgiving trails that we ride here in the Lake District. We’re eagerly awaiting the first drop of 2022 Top Fuels into the UK; in the meantime check out the full range and prices below…

 

Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS RRP £11,100.00

 

Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XTR RRP £9,200.00

 

Trek Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS RRP £7,100.00

 

Trek Top Fuel 9.8 GX RRP £6,550.00

 

Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT RRP £6,000.00

 

Trek Top Fuel 9.7 RRP £4,600.00

 

Trek Top Fuel 8 RRP £3,750.00

 

Trek Top Fuel 7 RRP £3,100.00

 

Trek Top Fuel 5 RRP £2,600.00

 

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…

 

 

National Trophy Cyclocross racing rolled into Cumbria this weekend for the 2nd round of the excellent British Cycling series which sees UK venues as far and wide as Kent in the south of England to Falkirk in Scotland hosting a weekend of fast and frenetic cyclocross racing across all age groups from the under 14’s right up to the over 60’s. Wheelbase Cycles were proud sponsors of the 2nd round which took place at the Westmorland County Showground, Cumbria, just a short trip from our flagship Staveley superstore and conveniently located just off the M6.

Event organiser and Wheelbase Team racer Dave Haygarth along with his brilliant band of helpers put together a fantastic event which ran smoothly over the 2 days and gave everyone involved, whether they were racing or spectating, the chance to enjoy the very best of UK cyclocross racing on one of the most enjoyable and demanding courses of the series.

Day One

As well as supporting the race behind the scenes Wheelbase were also well represented throughout the weekend by their multi-talented racing team. Saturday saw our Vet riders racing in damp, warm conditions with some light rain making the course slick on the tight turns and off-camber sections. There was never really any significant mud with the ground remaining hard, making for fast, frenetic racing; in the Vet 50 race Dave Haygarth briefly replaced his race-organiser’s hat with his helmet and showed everyone how it’s done, racing his own course in style and showing his bike handling skills over the hurdles as he bunny hopped them with ease on each lap, much to the joy of the spectators.

In the Vet 40 race we had our very own National Champion Lewis Craven racing along side teammate Davie Lines who had made the long trip down from Scotland and was starting at a bit of a disadvantage with a lowly start grid placing. When the claxon sounded it was Lewis who was off the line the quickest as he led the race out onto the more technical elements of the course. Craven was at the head of the race within a small group of leaders before a small tangle with another rider early on lost him some significant time and found him in no man’s land fighting to get back onto that fast lead group. Remaining composed and focused throughout the race Lewis Craven would go on to finish in an excellent 3rd place to retain his high overall series placing. Davie Lines managed to fight his way through the pack, turning around that low starting place to a brilliant 11th finishing place. Later on in the day, as the rain began to intensify we saw Wheelbase racer Elsie Haygarth compete in the U14 girls category where she displayed all the skills she’s no-doubt gained from riding with her cyclocross-mad family through the years to boss the course and negotiate the toughest sections with style and ease to finish her race in an excellent 15th position.

Vet 50

• Dave Haygarth 22nd

Vet 40

• Lewis Craven 3rd
• Davie Lines 11th

F U14

• Elsie Haygarth 15th

Day 2

Sunday saw the Junior and Elite races take place in warmer, dyer conditions. While the junior racers at the start of the day still had some slippery conditions to contend with following a cold, damp night, a mix of sunny skies and stronger winds dried out the course as the day progressed. Wheelbase fielded a strong squad for the men’s Elite event; the final race of the day features a mix of senior and U23 racers (riders under the age of 23) and this year has seen a significant number of former junior racers making the move up to this level giving the race a real ‘new guard’ feel to it.

Rory McGuire, the super-fit, super-talented off-road specialist and our newest recruit on the Wheelbase Team, showed the same kind of form that saw him take 3^rd place in the U23 category at the first round of the National Trophy, sprinting from the line to get the holeshot and significantly gapping the entire field of racers. As Wheelbase looked on our elation was unfortunately short-lived with Rory going down hard on a tight turn; he was quick to be up on his feet but found himself isolated for the duration of this fast-paced race which was looking more like an off-road crit thanks to the dry conditions and hard-packed terrain. Rory would go on to finish in a brilliant 8^th place overall and took 6^th place in the U23 category; Giles Drake rode well throughout the duration of the race and finished strongly in the top 20 taking 17^th position.

Despite racing to 3^rd place in the Vet 40 category on Saturday Lewis Craven was able to race at the sharp end of the Elite race too taking 20^th place; David Duggan our National Scottish Road Race champion carried over his road form to take a fantastic 21^st place on this super-fast course while young Flynn Gregory who has only recently moved up from the junior ranks rode strongly and confidently to take 28^th place overall and 14^th in the U23 category.

Elite Men

• Rory McGuire 8th / 6th U23
• Giles Drake 17th
• Lewis Craven 20th
• David Duggan 21st
• Flynn Gregory 28th / 14th U23

You can find all the race results from the weekend HERE

Thank you to everyone who came and raced or spectated at this brilliant national cyclocross event! Massive thanks to Dave Haygarth and his team of helpers for all of their hard work behind the scenes to help run such a successful series of races. See you all again next year!

Be sure to scroll through all of our excellent photos of the two days of action…..

 

DAY ONE PHOTOS BY JAMES VINCENT

Wheelbase were proud to support their local round of the prestigious National Trophy Cyclocross series.

 

Our National Vet 40 Champion Lewis Craven in relaxed mood on the start line of his race.

 

A fast start from Lewis saw him placed at the sharp end of the Vet 40 race.

 

Wheelbase racer Davie Lines from Scotland spent the race working his way through the pack after a bad grid placing.

 

Our Wheelbase-branded hurdles kept all the racers guessing – should they hop them or run them?…

 

Lewis Craven is well-known for his bike handling skills, here he is styling it out over the hurdles.

 

Davie Lines takes on the challenging race-course put together by race organiser and Wheelbase Team member Dave Haygarth.

 

Conditions on the Saturday were damp but the track held up well, with very little mud and no running required.

 

Fast, frenetic racing calls for 100% focus.

 

Dave Haygarth – Race organiser and Vet 50 racer for the Wheelbase team was hoping the hurdles in style.

 

Despite the open nature of the course riders remained in small tightly packed groups as they fought for position.

 

Davie Lines continued to move up through the pack, riding strongly throughout the race.

 

With a few rain showers throughout the race the grass was becoming slick, especially on the tight turns.

 

National Vet 40 Champ Lewis Craven came back from a small tangle early in the race to finish in an excellent 3rd place.

 

Davie Lines started the race in around 70th position but managed to finish in an excellent 11th place in the Vet 40 race.

 

Post race debrief with Lewis Craven and Toby Dalton.

 

Davie and Lewis discuss the best lines after their race. Lewis would go on to race again in the Elite category on the Sunday.

 

DAY TWO PHOTOS BY JAMES VINCENT

The Elite Men’s field prepares to race.

 

Our super-fast lad Rory McGuire takes the holeshot!

 

Rory’s in full flight with the chasing pack strung out behind him.

 

Scottish National Road Champion David Duggan brought his road form to Westmorland.

 

Straight off the back of his Battle on the Beach victory Giles Drake was at the sharp end of the race.

 

Fin Robertson was well positioned in the first laps of the Elite race.

 

Tyla Loftus sprints up one of the many the short climbs.

 

Lewis Craven was back for more following his 3rd place in the Vet 40 race the day before.

 

Rory found himself having to chase hard after and early tumble.

 

Lewis prefers the muddy races but still rode strongly in the dry conditions.

 

Giles Drake in hot pursuit of the race leaders.

 

Flynn Gregory has made a smooth transition into senior cyclocross racing.

 

Wheelbase powerhouse Rory McGuire went deep to finish in the top 10

 

Team boss Toby Dalton looks on as our new recruit Rory McGuire carves the turns.

 

Flynn Gregory would go on to finish in 28th place and 14th U23 rider.

 

Leaping the hurdles cleanly is an art in itself.

 

Seasoned cyclocross racer Giles Drake has a rapid and efficient remount.

 

Flynn chooses to hop the hurdles rather than run them.

 

Rory made short work of the ‘impossible climb’.

 

Others weren’t so fortunate, get your timing wrong and things got out of control very quickly!

 

Rory’s momentum is carried over the hurdles, his bike handling is something to behold.

 

Over the hurdles and straight back to putting the power down.

 

Rory McGuire went deep to save his race after a first lap tumble.

 

Dave Duggan looks relatively composed after an hour of flat-out racing.

 

Wheelbase boss Toby Dalton catches up with 8th placed Rory McGuire after the race.

 

Thanks everyone for coming! 

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by James Vincent

 

 

This week for Fast Bike Friday we’re focusing our camera on the stunning Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod Disc Red eTap AXS road bike in a quirky and rather fetching metallic glitter Lavender colour set off with retro-cool tanwall tyres and featuring SRAM’s cutting edge Red eTap AXS wireless electronic 12-speed groupset. Don’t get it twisted though, this road bike is not all style and no substance; with a rich racing heritage the SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod is packed full of innovation and technology which has been proven at the highest levels of competition. Multiple generations precede this newest iteration of the SuperSix, with the EVO Hi-Mod boasting all of that DNA and more to make it a truly contemporary cutting-edge, lightweight, aerodynamic, digital, disc-brake-equipped road bike.

The SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod is a modern thorough-bred road bike with a rich racing history.

 

Cannondale took all the best bits of the previous generation SuperSix – the super-light chassis, responsive acceleration and near-telepathic handing before amplifying other aspects of the all-new EVO Hi-Mod frameset to make the new-gen SuperSix smoother, more comfortable, more aerodynamically efficient AND much, much faster. Taking what they learnt from the development of their full-on aero road bike, the SystemSix, Cannondale applied their research and development centered on aerodynamics to this more ‘all-rounder’ lightweight climbing bike. The SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod BallisTec carbon frameset features low-drag properties thanks to its highly truncated airfoil tube shapes which offer the same light weight and equal or better stiffness than the traditional round tubes found on the previous generation SuperSix but significantly reduce drag by up to 30%.

The SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod boasts a stunning clean, clutter-free aerodynamic silhouette.

 

For a lightweight, aero all-rounder to truly excel it’s not enough to just be feather-light, stiff and aero-efficient. If you’re going to spend endless hours in the saddle climbing and descending hills you’re going to want to feel comfortable and fresh, particularly if you’re competing and need to be ready to kick or respond to a decisive attack late into the race. As Cannondale are quick to point out, the new-gen SuperSix EVO gives an elegantly smooth ride thanks to the dropped SAVE rear seatstays which have been designed to give a small amount of vertical compliance, along with a carbon Cannondale 27 KNOT seatpost and integrated seatpost binder to further aid a small amount of flex within key areas of the frame.

That superlight Hi-Mod carbon frame is comfortable too thanks to some clever carbon layup and those dropped seatstays.

 

UCI approved and well-proven at the highest levels of professional road racing the SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod has multiple wins under its belt.

 

This lightweight climbing bike is aerodynamic too with truncated tube profiles and a seamless junction between bar, stem, frame and fork.

 

Along with that sophisticated frame tube profiling Cannondale have also upped the anti with (one of the buzzwords within current premium road bikes) a fully integrated cockpit – meaning bars, stem and cable routing are all designed and produced by Cannondale as one complete unit for a smooth, uncluttered aero front-end which is designed to cut through the air more efficiently. Cannondale’s carbon HollowGram SAVE SystemBar blends seamlessly with their alloy HollowGram KNOT stem complete with cable cover to keep all cables concealed before they are routed neatly through an opening in the front of the headtube for minimal drag AND relatively headache-free serviceability.

There are zero exposed cables or brake hoses on the SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod and there’s plenty of adjustability to fine tune your position.

 

Seen from the side it’s clear that the SuperSix EVO is going to be aerodynamically efficient as well as being superlight.

 

Cannondale have spec’d their HollowGram SAVE carbon aero handlebar with an alloy HollowGram KNOTT stem which stows the brake hoses inside.

 

Those carbon bars aren’t only super-aero they’re comfortable too thanks to a small amount of compliance in those flattened out bar tops.

 

There’s plenty of scope to fine-tune bike fit with the quick and easy to remove aero-headset spacers.

 

A Sram Red eTap AXS wireless groupset means there’s a carbon cover for the insert that would normally contain a Di2 junction box or gear cables.

 

The sleek SuperSix EVO frameset accommodates a forgiving carbon Hollowgram 27 SL KNOT seat post.

 

Another important consideration on modern disc-brake-equipped road bikes is tyre clearance; the addition of disc brakes and the removal of traditional brake calipers between frame and wheel has freed up more space to give greater amounts of tyre clearance. Thanks to this we’ve seen a gradual change to wider tyres being spec’d on road bikes with 28mm rather than 25mm tyres fast becoming the norm. Cannondale are fully onboard with this evolution and have ensured that the SuperSix EVO can comfortably handle 30mm tyres with plenty of clearance between tyre and frame increasing comfort and mixed-road surface capability in the process.

The Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod Disc Red eTap AXS comes fitted with 28mm tyres and has clearance for tyres up to 30mm wide.

 

As the model name of this particular SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod Disc road bike suggests, Cannondale have spec’d a fantastically efficient, cutting-edge SRAM Red Etap AXS wireless 12-speed groupset. This top-of-the range drivetrain from SRAM brilliantly compliments the SuperSix EVO with its slick, clutter-free configuration further adding to this race bike’s aerodynamic properties. The gear shifters on the handlebars contain simple button-batteries that power a unique shifting signal to the front and rear derailleurs; at the drivetrain both the front and rear mechs feature rechargeable batteries that securely clip directly onto the derailleurs and are good for 60 hours of riding before needing to be recharged.

As its long product title suggests this model of SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod comes spec’d with SRAM’s cutting-edge Red eTap AXS wireless groupset.

 

With a fully powered, wireless gear shift each change is light and positive. That precise gear shift is really confidence inspiring – with its digital consistency encouraging you to change gear more often than you perhaps would with a conventional cable-activated groupset, leading to a more sophisticated use of the gears available, keeping you feeling fresher for longer during epic all-day rides.

The SRAM Red eTap AXS 12-speed wireless electronic rear derailleur features a fluid clutch to help keep your chain securely located.

 

The Red eTap AXS wireless front derailleur provides precise gear shifts every time; the rechargeable batteries provide around 60 hours of riding time.

 

With a fully powered, wireless gear shift each change is light and positive. That precise gear shift is really confidence inspiring – with its digital consistency encouraging you to change gear more often than you perhaps would with a conventional cable-activated groupset, leading to a more sophisticated use of the gears available, keeping you feeling fresher for longer during epic all-day rides. Operation couldn’t be more simple or intuitive, simply press the right lever to shift down the block and the left lever to move up the block. Press both right and left levers together and the front mech will shift, either from the big ring to the small ring or the small ring to the big ring depending on where your chain is currently sitting. If you want to change how your bike shifts you can customise the settings via the SRAM App to enable you to shift up the block with the right lever and down the block with the left lever.

The Red eTap AXS wireless shifter is comfortable to use in the drops or on the hoods, providing crisp, instantaneous gear shifts every time.

 

When it comes to braking on the SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod you can rely on powerful SRAM Centreline XR hydraulic disc brakes which are easy to modulate for confidence-inspiring control even in unpredictable, wet weather and on poor road surfaces. With flat mounts on the SuperSix EVO frame and fork the brake calipers look neat and uncluttered; specially profiled 160mm disc rotors help to prevent the brakes from overheating under continuous braking while thru-axles keep everything secure and in place further adding to the stiffness and positive handling of the bike.

Beautiful to look at, powerful and easy to modulate, the flat-mount SRAM CentreLine XR brakes provide consistent, confidence-inspiring braking.

 

The 160mm SRAM disc brake rotors have been specifically designed help prevent overheating on long descents.

 

Fitting a road bike of this quality with a pair of superlight, race-ready pair of wheels is a no-brainer and an easy win it comes to amplifying the ride quality of the SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod. Cannondale have spec’d a pair of their own HollowGram 45 SL KNOT carbon wheels featuring a 45mm deep rim profile designed to cut through the air efficiently while also being light, stiff and responsive. With 20 spokes up front and 24 on the rear the carbon rims are tubeless-ready and are laced to smooth, durable Formula Thru-axle hubs. The wheelset comes fitted with a pair of fast rolling Vittoria Corsa 25mm wide tyres and as we’ve already mentioned, there’s enough clearance between tyre, frame and fork to be able to run 28mm or 30mm tyres comfortably.

As you’d expect from a road bike of this calibre, Cannondale have spec’d a pair of light, aerodynamic 45mm HollowGram 45 SL KNOT wheels.

 

Those Knot SL carbon rims are nice and wide for a tyre with a superior, less-pinched-in sidewall profile.

 

The SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod Disc Red eTap AXS features a comfortable Prologo Dimension Nack NDR saddle with carbon rails.

 

The Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod Disc Red eTap AXS is a fantastic example of a modern carbon race bike that’s a true all-rounder built to excel on all gradients and in all possible road racing scenarios – light and stiff to help you dance up the climbs, just the right amount of aerodynamic tube shaping to help you hold your speed on flat high-speed stretches and precise handling for a ride-feel that is truly confidence inspiring and encourages you to throw the bike into tight corners at the mid-week crit race. Benefitting from a rich racing heritage and all of the design and engineering experience that Cannondale have built up over the years the SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod has taken all the classic elements of the original and brought it bang up to date with all of the key features we’ve very quickly come to expect from a contemporary, premium, disc-equipped-road bike. Oh it’s a looker too and that counts for a lot!

The SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod Disc Red eTap AXS represents the very pinnacle of modern carbon race bike design and construction.

 

The Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod Disc Red eTap AXS is available in-store or online now.

 

Full Specification:

• Frame: SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD Carbon, integrated cable routing w/ Switchplate, 12×142 Speed Release thru-axle, SAVE, PF30a, flat mount disc, integrated seat binder
• Fork: SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD Carbon, SAVE, integrated crown race, 12x100mm Speed Release thru-axle, flat mount disc, internal routing, 1-1/8″ to 1-1/4″ steerer and 55mm offset (44-54cm), 1-1/8″ to 1-3/8” steerer and 45mm offset (56-62cm)
• Shifters: SRAM RED eTap AXS HRD 12-speed
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM Red eTap AXS 12-Speed
• Front Derailleur: SRAM RED eTap AXS
• Cassette : SRAM XG-1290 10-33T 12-speed
• Chainset: SRAM RED, DUB, 48/35T
• Chain: SRAM RED, 12-speed
• Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB PF30 ROAD73-A
• Brakes: SRAM CenterLine XR
• Rotors: 160/160mm rotor
• Front Rim: HollowGram 45 SL KNØT, Carbon, 20h Tubeless Ready
• Rear Rim: HollowGram 45 SL KNØT, Carbon, 24h Tubeless Ready
• Spokes: DT Swiss Aerolite, Straight-pull
• Front Hub: Formula 12×100
• Rear Hub: Formula, 12×142
• Tyres: Vittoria Corsa 700 x 25C
• Stem: HollowGram KNØT, Alloy with cable cover, – 6°
• Headset: Integrated, 1-1/8″ – 1-1/4″ (bike 44-54cm), 1-1/8″ – 1-3/8″ (bike 56-62cm)
• Handlebar: HollowGram SAVE SystemBar, Carbon, 8 deg. pitch adjust
• Bar Tape: Cannondale Bar Tape, 3.5mm
• Seat Post: HollowGram 27 SL KNØT, Carbon, 2 bolt clamp, 330mm, 0mm offset (bike 44-48cm), 15mm offset (bike 51-62cm)
• Saddle: Prologo Dimension Nack NDR, carbon rails

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by James Vincent

 

Want to see more fast 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…

 

We’ve got new bikes coming into stock every day at WHEELBASE, here’s just a selection of some of our latest arrivals from the World’s best brands…

 

 

Lizzie Deignan made history on Saturday, winning the inaugural Paris-Roubaix Femmes onboard her Trek Domane. Lizzie from Otley, Yorkshire added this historic victory to her amazing palmarès which already included a World Championships Road Race win and Olympic road race silver medal. Racing for the Trek-Segafredo Women’s professional road racing team Lizzie chose the Trek Domane to take on the infamous cobles of northern France.

Swapping her usual lightweight Trek Emonda for the Domane endurance road bike Lizzie was able to negotiate the cobbles in comfort and control thanks to the bike’s more forgiving geometry, clever carbon layup and Trek’s special Isospeed decouplers featured at the headtube of the frame and at the seat mast.

Spec’d with a SRAM Red eTap wireless 12-speed groupset Lizzie’s bike featured a single chainring up front rather than the usual double chainring reflecting the nature of the Paris-Roubaix parcours – flat but incredibly treacherous. A small chain catcher above the chainring combined with SRAM’s fluid-clutch rear derailleur meant that despite the rough and ready nature of the cobbled kilometers Lizzie’s chain stayed securely located. For the gear ratio nerds out there Lizzie ran a 50T chain ring up front combined with a 10-33T 12-speed cassette.

The Trek-Segafredo Women’s team ran Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 carbon wheels with 30mm wide Pirelli P-Zero Race TLR tyres; bucking tradition the team did not run tubs as most teams have previously, opting instead for a tubeless setup giving the riders better protection from pinch flats even when running particularly low tyre pressures helping to add extra grip and traction on wet, slick cobbles.

Riding off the front of the bunch before the first cobbled sector Lizzie Deignan surprised her fellow racers with an extremely long bid for glory and then continued to ride the 80 remaining kilometers solo to take the victory in the iconic Roubaix Velodrome while others floundered in her wake and some of the biggest pre-race favourites crashed out in the difficult riding conditions. Congratulations to Lizzie and Trek on making history at the Paris-Roubaix Femmes onboard the Domane!

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

All images by SWpix.com

 

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…

 

Cross is coming! To the Westmorland Showground, Cumbria on Saturday the 9th and Sunday the 10th of October. The HSBC British Cycling National Trophy Round 2 supported by Wheelbase will see two days of action packed racing on a classic cyclocross course full of tight turns, off-camber banks, steep drops, grueling climbs, barriers and after almost two weeks of rain it’s almost guaranteed at this point that there’s going to be quite a bit of mud!

Wheelbase are proud to support Round 2 of the National Trophy Cyclo-Cross and will be in attendance throughout the weekend alongside chief organiser Dave Haygarth one of our very own Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team racers who is running the event alongside his band of helpers from the North West Cyclocross Association and is ready to run this national level event just as smoothly as he has done in the previous two years.

There’s loads of racing throughout both days, with all age categories represented and culminating in the men’s and women’s Senior elite races on the Sunday afternoon..

SATURDAY

9.40AM Race 1 – Veteran Men 50-59

9.41AM Race 2 – Veteran Men 60+

10.40AM Race 3 – Veteran Women

11.45AM Race 4 – Veteran Men 40-49

13.50PM Race 5 – Girls U16

13.51PM Race 6 – Girls U14

14.35PM Race 7 – Youth Boys U14

15.20PM Race 8 – Youth Boys U16

SUNDAY

10.00AM Race 1 – Junior Women

11.15AM Race 2 – Junior Men

13.00PM Race 3 – Senior Women

14.50PM Race 4 – Senior Men

 

CLICK THE LINK TO SEE INFORMATION ON THE COURSE AND MORE…

Some images from last year’s event…

 

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by James Vincent

 

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…

Today’s Fast Bike Friday feature takes a closer look at the Atlas 6.7, a versatile mile-munching gravel bike from German brand Focus which, thanks to some clever geometry tweaks and intelligent equipment specification, is equally at home flying through tight singletrack at speed as it is taking on endless miles of gravel, fully laden with bike-packing equipment.

When we joined Focus in the public launch of the Atlas way back in January we flagged their marketing headline ‘made to lose’. What were they getting at? A German brand with a rich racing heritage stating their new bike was made to lose? Expanding on their headline Focus describe the Atlas as the bike that you reach for when you want to ‘escape the world of appointments and smartphones, of project deadlines, racing-performance stats and feeling you have to compete and win every aspect of your life’. They go on… ‘The ATLAS Gravel Bike is made to lose, taking your attention away from competition and helping you to feel free from the modern world and all its hassles for as little or as long as you want’.

The Focus Atlas 6.7 sports a tough but light alloy chassis paired with a comfortable carbon fork.

 

Nicely put Focus and yes, that’s how a lot of riders feel about gravel riding which is why it has quickly proved such a popular and fast-growing genre of modern cycling. As we’ve mentioned before in these features, gravel bikes and gravel biking continue to diversify; much in the same way as mountain biking did in the early years we’re seeing the gravel discipline starting to divide into slightly different sub-genres. As riders move over to gravel from road racing, mountain biking, cyclocross and cycle-touring each group brings their own demands and expectations. There’s sturdy rigs designed to carry a full load of bike-packing equipment over vast distances, there’s super-light race bikes that look almost the same as a modern road bike, with aero-profiled frames; there’s more playful gravel bikes with relaxed head angles, longer top tubes and short, compact rear ends and then there’s bikes that sit somewhere in between these more specific models with a general approach to doing everything well. The Focus Atlas 6.7 sits firmly in this camp, it’s a truly versatile machine.

The frame geometry of the Atlas 6.7 is nice and progressive with a long top tube and short chainstays.

 

When it comes to frame geometry Focus have gone for the sort of angles that have found favour in recent years; leaning towards the more playful approach to gravel there’s a longer top tube combined with a shorter stem to keep steering sharp and responsive while providing a stable ride at speed; the Atlas 6.7 also features super-short chainstays to keep the bike agile on tight singletrack. So while the Atlas is playful, this versatile gravel bike can quickly change modes to be a dependable work-horse. The alloy frame and carbon fork provides a reliable chassis that can handle epic multi-day adventures with both the frame and fork featuring multiple bolt-on-bosses allowing you to run a large amount of bags and accessories including extra bottle cages, pannier racks and even mudguards.

A long top tube, short stem and a slightly more relaxed head angle keeps your ride stable but agile when it needs to be.

 

Note the clean, clutter-free front end with no exposed cables.

 

The Focus Atlas 6.7 features their own C.I.S. cockpit design; basically their internal cable routing system which helps keep the front of the bike clean and clutter-free of gear cables and hydraulic brake hoses. With routing from the bars directly into head tube seamless gear shifting is ensured and there’s plenty of space below the handlebar and stem to allow for running a large bar bag without cables getting in the way of your set up.

The Focus integrated C.I.S. system runs the cables directly through the headtube and into the frame and fork.

 

Neat details like the mounts for a top tube pack are a welcome addition.

 

The Focus Atlas 6.7 features dropped seatstays for added comfort and includes loads of clearance between tyre and frame.

 

The paint job on the Atlas 6.7 is suitably understated for gravel duties.

 

From its competitive Mountain Bike racing roots, German brand Focus has been making brilliant bikes for nearly 30 years.

 

Focus have spec’d the Atlas 6.7 with a pair of lightweight, robust carbon forks.

 

Those carbon forks with internal brake hose routing have clearance for tyres up to 45mm.

 

Designed specifically for gravel the Atlas 6.7 fork features multiple mounting points for luggage-carrying bikepacking duties.

 

Focus have spec’d their Atlas 6.7 gravel bike with a carefully-selected groupset from Shimano’s GRX sub-range. These gravel-specific groupsets provide smooth shifting performance on all terrains and in any conditions. The 6.7 features Shimano’s 10-speed GRX 400 drivetrain with a double chainring chainset up front combined with a wide-ratio cassette out back to give you a very generous spread of gears, helping you negotiate steep, loose off-road climbs and fast, flat, smooth roads equally well.

Focus have spec’d the Atlas 6.7 with Shimano’s dependable Shimano GRX gravel-specific groupset.

 

A 10-speed long-cage Shimano GRX rear derailleur provides flawless gear selection in all conditions.

 

 

Shimano’s neat GRX 400 mechanical gear shifter and hydraulic brake lever unit is comfortable and easy to use on the hoods or on the drops.

 

The GRX groupset includes Shimano’s excellent hydraulic brakes which provide consistent, powerful braking on any terrain. The GRX 400 brake levers / gear shifters are also brilliantly engineered, with a slightly different pivot point to Shimano’s other road-focused groupsets, allowing for more effective braking when you’re riding with your hands positioned on the brake hoods as well as a special matt-finish rubberised texture to the brake levers to enhance your grip even in wet, muddy conditions.

Shimano GRX 400 flat-mount hydraulic brakes provide powerful, easy to modulate braking.

 

Thru-axle Novatec hubs are smooth-rolling and durable, standing up well to the elements.

 

Thanks to the generous design of the frame and fork the Atlas 6.7 provides space for up to 47 mm wide tyres (it comes with capable 45mm wide WTB Riddler gravel tyres) opening up a wide range of options regarding the choice of gravel tyres that you can run; you certainly won’t be limited to a narrower width like you may be on some rival brand bikes. Focus have also stated that the Atlas can be run with 650B wheels and tyres, freeing you up to run a combination of a slightly smaller circumference wheel with an even fatter tyre if you find yourself increasingly seeking out ever-more-rowdy gravel riding fun.

The 45c wide WTB Riddler tyres feature a tread that rolls fast on road and grips well off-road.

 

Since its launch we’ve had tons of interest in the Focus Atlas and rightfully so; it’s a great example of a really versatile gravel bike that’s been built to bring the fun to your gravel riding, encouraging you to push the limits more and more and stray further away from groomed gravel to more challenging singletrack segments. Thanks to its progressive geometry and capacity to run a larger volume tyre it’s ready for more aggressive trail riding when you’re tempted. Equally though, thanks to its durable alloy chassis, comfortable carbon fork and multiple luggage mounts the Atlas is able to quickly turn its hand to the demands of multi-day rides and bike-packing adventures; with the ability to fit mudguards too you can even justify the Atlas 6.7 as a reliable weekly commuter bike. The proven, precise-shifting Shimano GRX gravel-specific groupset won’t let you down even when your rides get really muddy and unpleasant while GRX flat-mount hydraulic disc brakes keep you in control when you really push the limits. How do we sum up the Atlas 6.7? Fun, dependable, VERSATILE!

The Focus Atlas 6.7 is a versatile gravel bike that will excel as a fast & fun singletrack shredder or a bikepacking workhorse.

 

The Focus Atlas is available in-store and online now.

 

Full Specification:

• Frame: Aluminium, disc, BSA, 148×12 mm thru axle, flat mount 160/160 mm, internal cable routing
• Fork: Carbon, disc, 110×12 mm thru axle, flat mount 160/160 mm, internal brake cable routing, multiple mounting points
• Headset: Acros IS 52/286-IS52/40, FOCUS integrated C.I.S.
• Shifters: Shimano GRX 400
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano GRX 400
• Front Derailleur: Shimano GRX 400
• Cassette : Shimano CS-HG5010, 10-speed
• Chainset: Shimano GRX 600
• Brakes: Shimano GRX 400
• Rotors: Shimano F 160mm / R 160mm
• Wheelset: WTB ST i23 TCS tubeless ready rims, Novatec D982TSB Disc, 12×148 mm r/hub, Novatec D041, 12×110 mm f/hub
• Tyres: WTB Riddler, 700 x 45C
• Stem: Aluminium, 31,8 mm, 6°
• Handlebar: FOCUS JD RA85, 31,8 mm, drop: 116 mm, reach: 74 mm, flare: 10°
• Seat Post: Aluminium, 27,2 mm, 350 mm, 0 mm set-back
• Saddle: WTB SL8

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by James Vincent

 

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We’ve got new bikes coming into stock every day at WHEELBASE, here’s just a selection of some of our latest arrivals from the World’s best brands…

 

 

Officially launched today (although it’s been hiding in plain sight for some time), introducing the all-new Trek Checkpoint. Already a popular model within the Trek range the new 2022 version of the Checkpoint is here and boasts a number of significant changes to the previous model. The new Checkpoint is available in three different guises, with each featuring a different chassis at the heart of the bike. At the top of the range there’s the Checkpoint SLR made from Trek 700 Series OCLV carbon fibre, the Checkpoint SL is also made from carbon but utilises Trek’s 500 Series OCLV frame material while the Checkpoint ALR is made from Trek’s Alpha 300 series aluminium.

The Checkpoint SL5 sits in the middle of the new Checkpoint range and features Trek’s all-new SL frameset.

 

Quickly cast an eye over the carbon SLR and SL Checkpoints and you’ll immediately notice some big changes to the previous version. First off there’s a redesigned front-end that takes a lot of its inspiration from Trek’s lightweight and aerodynamic road-going model the Emonda; yes, that’s right the new Checkpoint is now more aero. Trek are not the first to go down the aero-gravel path as part of product development and their reasons are simple – as riders continue to push the boundaries of gravel racing and we see speeds increasing it’s fair to say that every little aero detail and their potential benefits are quickly multiplied over the type of longer distances we’re now seeing in the most challenging gravel events. Part of this new configuration around the headtube also sees the bike’s cables and brake hoses being run internally from the handlebar directly into the frame and fork, further increasing the Checkpoint’s aero-efficiency, prolonging the life of the cables and, not least, helping to make the new Checkpoint look extra-hot!

Borrowed from their Emonda road bike the Checkpoint SLR and SL models feature an all-new aero headtube with integrated cables.

 

So while the 2022 Checkpoint looks a little more slick and aero than its predecessor these new looks are not at the expense of the comfort and durability required over long off-road distances; the Checkpoint SLR and SL are also equipped with Trek’s top-tube IsoSpeed decoupler which allows for a certain amount of flex and forgiveness at the junction between the seat tube and the rest of the frame. Some clever carbon fibre layup in the construction of the frame means that this portion of the chassis flexes vertically to take the sting out of the trail when you’re in the saddle while remaining laterally stiff for a super-responsive frame when you put the power down to sprint out of the saddle.

In the relatively short period of time that gravel bikes have been around it’s been interesting to already see the discipline beginning to diversify into separate sub-genres; there’s the no-nonsense utilitarian machines designed to be rugged work horses, dedicated bikepacking rigs spec’d to carry you and a considerable amount of luggage over vast differences and there’s even more MTB-orientated gravel bikes with dramatically relaxed angles and fatter 650b tyres. Both the Checkpoint SLR and the Checkpoint SL have their sights firmly set on high-performance gravel riding and racing events.

To meet these demands the SLR model not only boasts a slightly lighter 700 Series OCLV frame than the SL version it also features less mounts than its siblings staying fast, light and firmly focused on performance. There’s still some versatility here though with the SLR frame featuring mounts for mudguards, a top tube pack and frame bag. In contrast the SL frame includes extra mounts for accessories, mudguards, top tube packs, frame bags and front and rear racks.

There’s plenty of carrying options on all of the new Checkpoint models so you can prep your bike to perfectly suit your rides.

 

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

Trek’s discrete in-tube storage system is a welcome addition to the all-new Checkpoint.

 

Quick and easy to access, keep your tools and spare inner tube in the frame until you need them.

 

It’s a small but significant detail – downtube protection to protect the SLR and SL carbon frames from flying debris.

 

Tyre clearance on a gravel bike can be a deal-maker or a deal-breaker. As manufacturers have found over the past few years riders all seem to be asking different things of their gravel bikes, with people taking on more and more challenging terrain, negotiating ever-more technical off-road terrain. While there’s always the option of fitting a more narrow, faster-rolling tyre to your gravel bike when events or circumstances dictate, it isn’t always the case that your gravel bike’s frame can accommodate a wider tyre to cope with more difficult riding scenarios. Thankfully Trek have you covered with a maximum tyre width of 45mm on a 700c wheel which will enhance your comfort and control when you’re really pushing the limits off-road while that clever frame and fork configuration including a dropped chain stay on the drive side of the SLR, SL and ALR bikes helps to prevent any potential mud build up on wet off-road rides.

There’s plenty of tyre clearance on the all-new Checkpoint, even with 45mm tyres.

 

A dropped chain stay on the SLR, SL and ALR mean you can run 45mm tyres and still have plenty of clearance.

 

Changes to the all-new Trek Checkpoint don’t end there; all Checkpoints – SLR, SL and ALR now feature new, more progressive frame and fork geometry. There’s a longer front centre and a slacker head angle to help keep the Checkpoint stable at high speeds, but with shorter stems spec’d than on the previous version steering remains nimble and responsive, so when you do hit tight, twisty singletrack the bike feels playful and agile.

All of the new bikes in the Checkpoint range can accommodate a dropper seatpost if you prefer that setup; again depending on your chosen riding style and the terrain you mainly ride this may be something you want to do. While the Checkpoint SLR and SL models most-definitely point towards high-speed gravel events and high-performance riding where every little detail such as aerodynamics, low weight and stiffness come into play the ALR versions lean more towards being a utility-focused, do-it-all machine. The ALR, made from lightweight Trek 300 series alpha aluminium features the same carbon fork as the SLR and SL models but does not include the Isospeed decoupler or the internal cable routing through the headtube as found on the carbon options. The ALR is super-versatile and features mounts for mudguards, bikepacking bags, bottles and front & rear racks as well as clearance for tyres up to 45mm wide. If your gravel riding is a little more playful and is focused more on zipping through singletrack than slugging out mile after mile of endless gravel lanes then the Checkpoint ALR5 Driftless is worth a look; included in the spec is an Easton EA70 AX dropper seatpost allowing you to get the saddle out of the way quickly when you are negotiating steep, technical descents.

All-new frame and fork geometry means more stability at speed, while a shorter stem helps to keep the Checkpoint agile on technical singletrack.

 

Launched today, the all-new Checkpoint is spread across a wide range of specifications and price points; we’ve put together a quick-look guide below showing each model, from the top-of-the-range Checkpoint SLR9 eTap featuring a 700 Series OCLV carbon Isospeed frame, a Sram Red XPLR eTap AXS groupset with Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 OCLV carbon wheelset, through to the Checkpoint ALR5 featuring Trek’s lightweight 300 Series Alpha Aluminium frame, Checkpoint carbon fork and a gravel-specific Shimano GRX RX600 groupset.

Checkpoint SLR9 eTap

 

Checkpoint SLR7 eTap

 

Checkpoint SLR7

 

Checkpoint SLR6 eTap

 

Checkpoint SL7 eTap (bikepacking luggage not included)

 

Checkpoint SL6 eTap (bikepacking luggage not included)

 

Checkpoint SL5 (bikepacking luggage not included)

 

Checkpoint ALR Driftless (CAD illustration, product photo to follow)

 

Checkpoint ALR 5

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

 

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OK, we all know the clichés quoted on social media: ‘find your dream job’, ‘love what you do and it never feels like work’, ‘live the dream, don’t dream the life’ and so on. The reality of working in the cycle industry is somewhat different once you get into the daily grind and even if you’re working in and around the very activity you love it’s the little things that start to grind your gears (excuse the pun). So many of us are drawn to the bike trade because of our passion for cycling and the to be part of the wider riding community, but we’re just like anybody else, it’s very easy to start slipping into bad habits and to skip opportunities to ride with your mates.

Here at Wheelbase Lake District we are incredibly blessed to have some of the very best UK mountain bike trails on our doorstep; so when we turn the lock and the shutters come down we do everything we can to encourage each other to down tools and ride, even if that means making the most of wet early Autumn evenings when the last of the sunlight all but plummets out of the sky. As long as these riding opportunities continue to come along and as long as we keep the stoke high within the team then we can legitimately say we are pretty close to ‘the dream job’.

Our resident landscape photographer and friendly Wheelbase staffer Andrew Barlow rounded up a small group of colleagues one evening after work and headed up to Angle Tarn, Patterdale in the Lake District, making the most of a damp but warm evening where low cloud and mist constantly shifted throughout the dramatic landscape.

 

All photos by Andrew Barlow

 

Have you seen our weekly Fast Bike Friday feature? You can see new fast bikes 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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