Author: John Dodgin

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!

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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…

 

 

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

 

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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!

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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

 

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…

 

 

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

 

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Launched today! Introducing the all-new Cervelo R5, a superlight climbing bike that also cuts through the air with guaranteed aero-efficiency and handles like a dream. If you’re a fan of professional road racing and watched this year’s Tour De France or Vuelta A Espana you may well have spotted that the Jumbo Visma team were onboard the all-new R5 back then; there’s been plenty of industry chat on this bike and it was very much Cervelo’s ‘open secret’ before today with La Vuelta’s overall winner Primoz Roglic even taking a special edition all-red R5 onto the podium at the conclusion of this year’s final grand tour.

Race fans may well have already spotted the all-new Cervelo R5 in action.

 

The new 2022 version of the Cervelo R5 features a mix of significant improvements and subtle refinements over the previous version. The new R5 frame is now 130 grams lighter which Cervelo state is a 16% reduction in weight from what was already a super light frame. Total weight for the new R5 frameset is just over 1 kilogram, with the frame weighing 703 grams and the fork weighing 329 grams. The fully-integrated cockpit which routes all cables and brake hoses through the handlebar, stem, headset, frame and fork also features parts which boast further weight loss; handlebar and stem are both 12 grams lighter and the R5’s carbon seatpost is also 20 grams lighter.

 

The new Cervelo R5 has shed even more weight than its feather-weight predecessor.

 

While the Cervelo R5 is most definitely not being marketed as an all-singing all-dancing aero road bike there’s certainly some refinement when it comes to tube profiling and component integration. With all the knowledge that they gained from the design and development of their S5 and P5 bikes the Cervelo engineers have created a carbon chassis that cuts through the air more efficiently and saves watts in the real world not just in the wind tunnel.

So what type of road riding and racing is the Cervelo R5 aimed at? Well, the way the bike has been ridden in competition so far is an obvious clue to how Cervelo see the R5 being utilised by the wider public. Already a race winner in the mountains of France and Spain this year, the R5 is designed to get to the top fast with this feather-light road bike exceling on long, steep climbs. The previous version of the R5 was already famed for its climbing prowess and while this factor has been further refined here, the Cervelo designers have also spent a lot of time and energy on enhancing the ride quality of the R5 on the downhills too, creating a machine that carves the turns and instils new levels of confidence in your bike handling.

A fully integrated cockpit means more aero efficiency over longer distances.

 

Cervelo have really made the most of their working partnership with the Jumbo Visma pro cycling team, taking almost endless amounts of feedback from both the riders and staff within the team. The previous version of the R5 had been flagged by some racers as being almost too stiff, stating that while it climbed beautifully, a long day in the saddle could get a little uncomfortable, particularly as the multiple stages of a mountainous Grand Tour began to take their effect. With this clear bit of feedback the Cervelo designers and engineers set themselves a new brief for the all-new R5 – find the sweet spot between having the right amount of stiffness for responsive, efficient climbing and enhanced comfort in the saddle.

The brief was clear, make the new R5 even more comfortable WITHOUT compromising on efficiency. 

 

Cervelo worked on various carbon layups to help strike that balance and sent them over to Team Jumbo-Visma for testing. Tom Dumoulin, the Dutch cycling superstar was an ideal candidate to offer valuable feedback having ridden the previous Cervelo R5 bike at Team Sunweb before he joined Jumbo Visma. His feedback was particularly positive – the new R5 climbed just as efficiently but that added compliance and meant he would finish his training rides and races less fatigued. That was all Cervelo needed to hear and the all-new R5’s frameset was signed-off.

Research and development work with the Jumbo Visma pro cycling team has paid off with a noticeably more comfortable ride.

 

With that fully integrated cockpit, slightly more compact frame with more compliant seat stays, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, cutting-edge electronic groupsets (with options from SRAM or Shimano) and an increase to tyre clearance allowing you to run tyres up to 34mm wide the all-new 2022 Cervélo R5 ticks all the boxes on the check list that we’ve all very quickly come to expect from a modern road racing bike. The fact that the new R5 is already race proven at the highest levels of competition before its official launch should tell you all you need to know.

The all-new Cervelo R5 2022 has already taken overall victory in the Vuelta A Espana.

 

2022 Cervelo R5 Red eTap AXS £11,699.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: Cervélo R5 Carbon
• Fork: Cervélo All-Carbon, Tapered R5 Fork
• Headset: FSA IS2 1-1/4 x 1-1/2
• Thru Axles: Cervelo Aero Thru-Axles, 12×100/142, Removable Handle
• Wheels: New Reserve 34/37mm DT240 XDR, 20h (F), 24h (R), 22.6mm IW (F), 21.6mm IW (R), Center-Lock, Tubeless Ready
• Tyres: Vittoria Corsa TLR G2.0 25c
• Crankset: SRAM Red AXS 48/35 with Power Meter
• Bottom Bracket: Ceramic Speed Dub
• Chain: SRAM RED 12 spd
• Front Derailleur: SRAM RED eTap AXS 12 spd
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM RED eTap AXS 12 spd
• Cassette SRAM RED 12s XG1290, 10-28
• Shifters: SRAM RED eTap AXS HRD 12 spd
• Handlebar: Cervélo HB13 Carbon
• Stem: Cervélo ST31 Carbon
• Brake Calipers: SRAM Red HRD
• Brake Rotors: SRAM CenterLine XR 160mm
• Saddle: Prologo Scratch M5 NACK
• Seatpost : Cervélo SP24 Carbon Aero Post
• Accessories: Cervelo Faceplate Front Computer/Accessory Mount, Cervelo Rear Accessory Mount

 

2022 Cervelo R5 Force eTap AXS £8,599.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: Cervélo R5 Carbon
• Fork: Cervélo All-Carbon, Tapered R5 Fork
• Headset: FSA IS2 1-1/4 x 1-1/2
• Thru Axles: Cervelo Aero Thru-Axles, 12×100/142, Removable Handle
• Wheels: New Reserve 34/37mm DT370 XDR, 20h (F), 24h (R), 22.6mm IW (F), 21.6mm IW (R), Center-Lock, Tubeless Ready
• Tyres: Vittoria Corsa TLR G2.0 25c
• Crankset: SRAM Force AXS 48/35 with Power Meter
• Bottom Bracket: SRAM Dub
• Chain: SRAM Force, 12 spd
• Front Derailleur : SRAM Force eTap AXS 12 spd
• Rear Derailleur : SRAM Force eTap AXS 12 spd
• Cassette: SRAM Force 12s XG1270, 10-33
• Shifters: SRAM Force eTap AXS HRD 12 spd
• Handlebar: Cervélo HB13 Carbon
• Stem: Cervélo ST31 Carbon
• Brake Calipers: SRAM Force HRD
• Brake Rotors: SRAM Paceline 160mm
• Saddle: Prologo Scratch M5 PAS TiRox
• Seatpost : Cervélo SP24 Carbon Aero Post
• Accessories: Cervelo Faceplate Front Computer/Accessory Mount, Cervelo Rear Accessory Mount

 

2022 Cervelo R5 Dura Ace Di2 £11,699.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: Cervélo R5 Carbon
• Fork: Cervélo All-Carbon, Tapered R5 Fork
• Headset: FSA IS2 1-1/4 x 1-1/2
• Thru Axles: Cervelo Aero Thru-Axles, 12×100/142, Removable Handle
• Wheels: New Reserve 34/37mm DT240, 20h (F), 24h (R), 22.6mm IW (F), 21.6mm IW (R), Center-Lock, Tubeless Ready
• Tyres: Vittoria Corsa TLR G2.0 25c
• Crankset: Shimano Dura-Ace 9200 52/36
• Bottom Bracket: Ceramic Speed 24
• Chain: Shimano CN-M9100, 12 spd
• Front Derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9250, 12 spd
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9250, 12 spd
• Cassette: Shimano Dura-Ace CS-R9200, 12 spd, 11-30
• Shifters: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9270, 12 spd
• Handlebar: Cervélo HB13 Carbon
• Stem: Cervélo ST31 Carbon
• Brake Calipers: Shimano Dura-Ace 9270 Hydraulic Disc
• Brake Rotors: Shimano RT-MT900, 160mm
• Saddle: Prologo Scratch M5 NACK
• Seatpost: Cervélo SP24 Carbon Aero Post
• Accessories: Cervelo Faceplate Front Computer/Accessory Mount, Cervelo Rear Accessory Mount

 

2022 Cervelo R5 Ultegra Di2 £8,299.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: Cervélo R5 Carbon
• Fork: Cervélo All-Carbon, Tapered R5 Fork
• Headset: FSA IS2 1-1/4 x 1-1/2
• Thru Axles: Cervelo Aero Thru-Axles, 12×100/142, Removable Handle
• Wheels: New Reserve 34/37mm DT370, 20h (F), 24h (R), 22.6mm IW (F), 21.6mm IW (R), Center-Lock, Tubeless Ready
• Tyres: Vittoria Corsa TLR G2.0 25c
• Crankset: Shimano Ultegra 8100 52/36
• Bottom Bracket: JY-BB 24
• Chain: Shimano CN-M8100, 12 spd
• Front Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra Di2 8150, 12 spd
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra Di2 8150, 12 spd
• Cassette: Shimano Ultegra CS-R8100, 12 spd, 11-30
• Shifters: Shimano Ultegra Di2 8170, 12 spd
• Handlebar: Cervélo HB13 Carbon
• Stem Cervélo ST31 Carbon
• Brake Calipers: Shimano Ultegra 8170 Hydraulic Disc
• Brake Rotors: Shimano RT-MT800, 160mm
• Saddle: Prologo Scratch M5 PAS TiRox

 

Geometry:

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

 

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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A HUGE Chapeau! To our man Finn Crockett of the Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team who has taken 3rd overall in the National Road Series AND took 1st place overall in the Under 23 category!

The series closed out on the infamous Beaumont Trophy race circuit in Northumberland with the Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team represented by Logan Maclean, Matt Clarke and Finn Crockett with Finn placing a very respectable 18th place to back up his previous 3rd place podium position at the Lancaster GP and 10th place at Ryedale. Finn’s consistent form this season and his brilliant podium spot in the first round saw him take 3rd place overall in the National Road Series which is a fantastic result against the very best road racing cyclists in the UK.

Finn is currently continuing his education, balancing racing and his studies to great effect as proven this year. Racing against a large cohort of pro riders who only have their training and racing to consider Finn has shown that with a lot of determination and focus, tasting success against the very best can be achieved. Not only did Finn place 3rd overall, but thanks to his young age he also took 1st place overall in the Under 23 category!

Congratulations again Finn and thank you for representing Wheelbase so well!

Finn Crockett (right) took 3rd place overall in the National Road Race Series.

 

Riders roll off the Beaumont Trophy start line.

 

Finn Crockett (left) successfully balances racing with his studies.

 

Finn takes 1st place overall in the National Road Race Series Under 23 category.

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by Simon Wilkinson

 

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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