Author: John Dodgin

Today’s Fast Bike Friday feature focuses on the Cube Stereo 150 C:68 TM, a capable hardcore 29er full suspension bike aimed squarely at aggressive trail riding and Enduro racing. It’s fair to say that Cube like a long model name, squeezing in all of the bike’s vital stats into the title to indicate what the bike is all about. So what exactly have we got here? Well, Stereo is their full suspension trail bike platform, 150 denotes the amount of the rear travel you get  – 150mm (with 160mm upfront), C:68 is Cube’s high-grade carbon fibre frame material and TM indicates that this bike has been tuned to be a no-holds-barred trail bike thanks to its high-performance suspension, brakes and durable wheels as well as a modified trail-focused cockpit, dropper seatpost and efficient 1x transmission. With a reputation for high-quality bikes that offer great value for money the Cube Stereo 150 C:68 TM holds a lot of promise, so lets take a closer look…

The Cube Stereo 150 C:68 TM is an Enduro-ready mountain bike with a full FOX Shocks factory spec.

 

Cube’s C:68 carbon technology is all about minimizing weight while increasing stiffness; there’s been an almost endless amount of research and development put into this material to achieve a carbon material that contains less resin and a higher fibre material. The fibre content of C:68 is in fact 68% and the inclusion of tiny nano particles in the resin content of the frame further helps to reduce overall weight while increasing stiffness and strength at the same time. As well as that superior C:68 frame material Cube have also refined their manufacturing techniques to decrease weight and increase frame strength and stiffness. Using their ‘Advanced Twin Mold’ production process Cube are able to minimise imprecise overlaps by accurately fitting individual carbon layers’ overlap regions during the monocoque building process; the end result is zero superfluous weight.

The Stereo 150 is constructed from Cube’s C:68 Monocoque Advanced Twin Mold carbon fibre which is both light and strong.

 

Cube’s ETC (efficient trail control) provides drive-neutral rear suspension – meaning the suspension platform is not adversely affected by pedalling input.

 

Cube love their acronyms and another one features when the brand are referring to the Stereo 150 C:68 TM’s rear suspension configuration; ETC stands for their ‘efficient trail control’ suspension kinematics. That plush 150mm of rear suspension travel is facilitated by Cube’s ETC 4-link – a four-bar linkage that provides a much more progressive stroke improving confidence and control even when you’re riding on the outer limits of control. The race-ready, factory spec of the Stereo 150 shows itself again in the choice of rear shock; Cube have spec’d a Fox Float X2 Factory shock featuring high/low speed rebound and compression with a 2-position lever and that brilliant Kashima Coating as featured on all Fox Factory shocks. The combination of Cube’s sophisticated ETC suspension kinematics and this capable, tunable rear shock really bring out the best in the Stereo 150 C:68 TM. As we mentioned earlier when breaking down the Cube’s model name ‘TM’ indicates that this bike features their modern trail geometry and an overall approach to a truly trail-focused mountain bike when is comes to the specification of each and every component on the bike.

TM stands for Trail Motion – Cube’s focus on modern trail geometry and active suspension which leads the overall design of the Stereo 150.

 

As the name suggests the 150mm travel Fox Float X2 Factory Kashima coated rear shock is factory-tuned for enhanced performance.

 

Upfront, to match that plush rear suspension there’s a Fox 36 Float Factory fork boasting a substantial 160mm of travel to help you plough through the roughest, most technical terrain. Fox 36 forks feature nice wide 36mm stanchions and super-stiff fork lowers to help keep your steering positive and precise when your riding gets really rowdy; inside there’s a brilliant GRIP2 damper, with Fox’s sealed cartridge FIT system providing 4-way adjustability allowing you to tune high & low speed compression and high & low speed rebound.

Matched with that high-spec rear shock, the Fox 36 Float X2 Factory fork with 160mm of plush travel can handle aggressive gravity-focused riding.

 

Those wide 36mm stanchions and wide fork legs make the Fox 36 Float Factory forks super-stiff for precision steering even at full chat.

 

The Fox Factory rear shock and front fork both feature Kashima’s durable, super-smooth coating for enhance performance.

 

In a further acknowledgement to the Stereo 150 C:68 TM’s firm focus on aggressive trail riding and Enduro racing Cube have spec’d a durable and efficient drivetrain which will not only provide you with all the gear ratios you’ll need to excel on undulating terrain and long, steep climbs but will also perform flawlessly when you point the Stereo 150 downhill. With the way this bike will be ridden at the front of their minds the Cube product managers have included a Praxis Girder chainset and MRP chain retention device to help ensure that your chain stays securely located even when you’re negotiating the gnarliest descents. A Shimano XT trigger shifter and rear derailleur take care of gear-changing duties, with every gear-selection being quick, light and precise; there’s a Praxis 32T chainring upfront combined with a wide-ratio 10-51T rear cassette outback to give you every gear you’ll need regardless of whether you’re pointed up or downhill.

Cube have spec’d a great mix of components with Shimano XT making up the majority of the Stereo C:68 TM’s transmission.

 

A 12-speed Shimano XT rear derailleur makes every gear shift perfect, from the tiny 10 tooth up to the massive 51 tooth cog.

 

The massive wide-ratio cassette means the climb back to the top of your favourite trail is perfectly manageable.

 

Cube have spec’d an Enduro-focused carbon Praxis Girder chainset with an MRP chain device to help keep everything secure even when things get rowdy.

 

Shimano’s 12-speed XT trigger shifter is a proven, no-nonsense gear selector, that’s all you need to know!

 

Cube have chosen to spec hydraulic disc brakes from fellow-German brand Magura; their MT7 brakes, as used by multiple World Dowhill Champion Loic Bruni feature powerful four-piston hydraulic calipers made from one-piece forged aluminium giving them enhanced rigidity and greater braking power while still being particularly easy to modulate, keeping you in control even when things are happening very quickly mid-run. These powerful four-piston brakes only require single-finger braking with the MT7 levers ergonomically-optimised specifically for this braking style.

Scrub off speed quickly and efficiently with powerful 4-pot Magura MT7 hydraulic brakes.

 

Those capable 4-pot Magura brakes are matched with a 203mm rotor upfront and a 180mm rotor out back.

 

Powerful, easy to modulate Magura MT7 brakes are confidence-inspiring even when you’re riding on the very edge of control.

 

Cube have spec’d a pair of strong, Enduro-ready Newmen 29er wheels; these 28 spoke wheels feature thru-axle hubs with durable sealed bearings, laced to wide rims boasting a 33.6mm external width and a 29.8mm internal width helping to give the sidewalls of the tyres a nice square, less-pinched-in profile to help prevent the potential for pinch flats while also providing a bigger tyre footprint, with more of the tyre’s tread pattern in contact with the terrain below it. Those of you who know your tyres and are already familiar with the most popular choices when it comes to gravity-focused riding will not be surprised to see the Stereo 150 C:68 TM’s spec’d with capable Maxxis tyres; there’s a Minion DHR II on the rear to give tons of traction uphill and all-but-guaranteed control downhill. The tyre knob spacing makes sense in almost all conditions and there’s EXO+ sidewall protection to help preserve your tyres when you’re negotiating super-fast shoots littered with sharp, jagged rocks. Upfront there’s a Maxxis Assegai that features a refined tread pattern to give confidence-inspiring control at speed on tight, loose turns and featuring the same amount of puncture protection as the rear DHR II.

Strong Newmen Evolution SL A.30 wheels feature durable sealed-bearing FADE thru-axle hubs.

 

That 15x110mm thru-axle front hub helps stiffen up the junction between wheel hub and fork, helping to enhance steering precision.

 

Just as you’d expect on a gravity-focused Enduro bike there’s a pair of burly Maxxis tyres on the Stereo C:68 TM. Outback there’s a 2.4 wide Minion DHR II.

 

That blocky, aggressive tread pattern provides plenty of traction uphill and confidence-inspiring control on the descents.

 

The go-to for 29er Enduro bikes – a 2.5 tubeless-ready Maxxis Assegai tyre on the front, ready to wrestle control loose downhill turns.

 

The Assegai front tyre has a big fan-base and rightly so.

 

Topping out the spec of the Cube Stereo 150 C:68 TM is another high-end Fox component; the 31.6mm Fox Transfer Factory dropper seatpost provides 150mm of drop on all sizes except for the size small bike which comes with a 125mm drop. Matching the other Fox parts the Transfer comes with a Kashima coating for enhanced durability and smoother function. Fitted to the dropper post is a SDG Radar saddle which features a nice profile that should suit most riders as well as additional protection to the sides of the saddle helping to prevent scuffs and damage during the inevitable thrills and spills encountered on this super-fast Enduro mountain bike.

An SDG Radar saddle features a nice comfortable profile and reinforced protection on the sides, another hint toward how CUBE expect this bike to be ridden. Out of shot a Kashima coated Fox Transfer Factory dropper seat post completes this race-ready machine.

 

Cube really are great at squeezing in top component specification into all of their bikes, providing some amazing value for money and the Stereo 150 C:68 TM is a great example of this. At the heart of this bike is Cube’s brilliantly light, equally strong C:68 Monocoque frame and their active, plush ETC 4-link suspension configuration facilitated by a state-of-the-art Fox Float X2 Factory shock and a matching Fox 36 Factory GRIP2 fork upfront. Throw in a Fox Factory dropper post, grippy Maxxis Assegai and Minion DHR II tyres, powerful four-piston Magura MT7 hydraulic disc brakes as well as a precise-shifting XT 12-speed Shimano groupset with Praxis Girder chainset and MRP chain device and you’ve got everything you need to take on the most demanding Enduro events as well as simply just shredding your favourite trails.

Out of the box the CUBE Stereo 150 C:68 TM is Enduro-ready with every detail tailored towards the demands of aggressive trail riding.

 

Cube Stereo 150 C:68 TM 2021 £5,599.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: C:68 Monocoque Advanced Twin Mold Technology, ATG, ETC 4-Link, ISCG Mount, Boost 148, AXH
• Fork: Fox 36 Float Factory FIT GRIP2, Tapered, 15x110mm, 160mm, Kashima Coated
• Rear Shock: Fox Float X2 Factory, 185x55mm, High/Low Speed Rebound & Compression w/ 2-Position Lever, Kashima Coated
• Chainset: Praxis Girder Carbon, Boost, 32T, sealed Enduro Bearings, 170mm
• Rear Cassette: Shimano XT CS-M8100, 10-51T
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT RD-M8100-SGS, ShadowPlus, 12-Speed
• Shifters: Shimano XT SL-M8100
• Handlebar: Race Face Turbine R 35, 800mm
• Grips: SDG Thrice
• Stem: Race Face Turbine R 35
• Headset: VP Integrated, Top 1 1/8″, Bottom 1 1/2″
• Brakes: Magura MT7, Hydr. Disc Brake (203/180)
• Wheels: Newmen Evolution SL A.30, 28/28 Spokes, 15x110mm / 12x148mm, Tubeless Ready
• Tyres: Front – Maxxis Assegai, MaxxTerra/EXO+, Tubeless Ready, 2.5 WT
• Tyres: Rear – Maxxis Minion DHR II, MaxxTerra/EXO+, Tubeless Ready, 2.4 WT
• Saddle: SDG Radar
• Seatpost: Fox Transfer Factory 31.6mm, Kashima Coated, 150mm (125mm for size S)

 

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…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check out these hot two bikes from Canadian mountain bike brand Kona! The Honzo 24 and Honzo 20 are two fantastic kid’s bikes that are legit, fully-functional mountain bikes that just happen to be shrunk down to child-sized proportions. If you’re part of a keen mountain biking family and your kids are ready to progress to their first true mountain bike and want to explore further afield under their own steam then these two versatile MTBs make the perfect starting point to what will hopefully become a lifelong passion for cycling and more particularly mountain biking in the great outdoors.

A smaller sibling to the 24, the Kona Honzo 20 features the same high-spec to make you child’s off-road riding experience all the more enjoyable.

 

The two Honzo bikes distinguish themselves between wheel size, the Honzo 20 featuring 20” wheels and the Honzo 24 featuring 24” wheels. The Honzo 20 is well suited to children aged 5-8 years and brings gears to your child’s riding, perhaps for the first time, encouraging them to ride further and more efficiently thanks to that user-friendly spread of 7 gears. The Honzo 20 is perfect for your mini-shredder who is beginning to ride confidently off-road and needs a bike that can handle the rough and tumble of fun and fast off-road riding with friends and family. This latest version of the Honzo 20 features a redesigned frame which accommodates wider 20×2.6” Vee Tire Crown Gem tyres, making it easier for your child to roll over obstacles on the trail. Quick release hubs keep inner-tube swaps easy and a capable Suntour XCT DS Plus suspension fork with 60mm of travel keeps their ride nice and comfortable.

With 60mm of travel the Suntour XCT JR Boost Coil suspension fork brings this agile bike to life.

 

The paintjobs on both Honzo are stunning and particularly hard-wearing.

 

Those fat 2.6″ wide tyres provide plenty of grip and can easily cope with the rough and tumble of off-road riding.

 

Kona have cleverly squeezed a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain into the small Honzo 20.

 

Just like all good modern full-sized mountain bikes the Honzo 20 features an efficient 1X drivetrain which will suit young riders.

 

The Honzo 24 is a child’s mountain bike that’s well-suited to that period of time where your child is becoming a teenager and is starting to transition towards a full-sized adult mountain bike. An MTB with larger 24″ wheels typically takes on many trickle down features from larger adult bikes and the Honzo 24 is a great example of this; adult riders who are passionate about mountain biking will be sure to cast an approving eye over this bike! The Kona Honzo 24 features a light alloy frame with a Suntour XCM Boost fork upfront that provides 80mm of plush suspension to help your little ripper negotiate tough, off-road terrain and remain in control. Just like the smaller Honzo 20, Kona have spec’d the 24 with nice wide 2.6” tyres to help enhance traction and control while adding extra comfort to their ride and encouraging them to take on longer rides on your favourite trails.

The Kona Honzo 24 is a kid’s mountain bike that’s as cool as their parent’s own ride.

 

Kona’s Honzo 24 features wider 2.6″ tyres to boost traction and add forgiveness to your child’s ride.

 

A lightweight alloy frame and child-specific Suntour XCM JR suspension fork make this bike a versatile off-roader.

 

Little details like a full cable outer running along the full length of the bike to the rear derailleur help prolong gear functionality.

 

The Honzo 24 features an efficient, shrunk-down mountain bike groupset with a 1 X 7-Speed Shimano drivetrain.

 

Kona Honzo 20 RRP £639.00

Full Specification:

Frame: Kona 6061 DH Aluminum Butted
Fork: Suntour XCT JR Boost Plus Coil 60mm
Rims: Double Wall alloy
Hubs: (F) Joytech 110x9mm (R) Joytech 135x10mm QR
Spokes: Stainless 14g
Tyres: (F) Vee Tyre Crown Gem 20×2.6″ (R) Vee Tyre Crown Gem 20×2.6″
Crank: Samox 152mm
Bottom Bracket: CH52 68mm
Pedals: Wellgo Platform
Rear Cassette: Shimano Tourney 14-34t 7spd
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Tourney
Shifters: Shimano Revo Shift
Handlebar: Kona OB
Grips: Kona DJ
Stem: Kona OB
Headset: FSA No.10
Brakes: Tektro HDM286 Hydraulic
Brake Rotors: Tektro Wave 160mm
Saddle: Kona DJ
Seatpost: Kona Thumb 27.2mm
Extras: Jekyll Custom Fender
Wheel Size 20”
Colour: Gloss Metallic Black w/Magenta, Yellow & Supernova Fade Decals

 

Kona Honzo 24 RRP £699.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: Kona 6061 DH Aluminum Butted
• Fork: Suntour XCM JR Boost Plus Coil 80mm
• Rims: Double Wall alloy
• Hubs: (F) Joytech 110x15mm thru-axle (R) Joytech 135x10mm QR
• Spokes: Stainless 14g
• Tyres: (F) Vee Tyre Crown Gem 24×2.6″ (R) Vee Tyre Crown Gem 24×2.6″
• Crank: Samox 165mm
• Bottom Bracket: CH52 68mm
• Pedals: Kona JS2
• Rear Cassette: Shimano Tourney 14-34t 7spd
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Altus
• Shifters: Shimano Altus
• Handlebar: Kona OB
• Grips: Kona DJ
• Stem: Kona OB
• Headset: FSA No.10
• Brakes: Tektro HDM286 Hydraulic
• Brake Rotors: Tektro Light Wave 160mm
• Saddle: Kona DJ
• Seatpost: Kona Thumb 31.6mm
• Wheel Size 24”
• Colour: Gloss Prism Rust-Purple w/ Dark Metallic Silver & Charcoal Decals

 

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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WHEELBASE Yorkshire

 

 

This week our Fast Bike Friday feature takes a more detailed look at a bike that was launched in late June and quickly garnered a lot of attention thanks to its stunning looks and its unique suspension configuration; the Cannondale Jekyll 1 2022 is a long-travel mountain bike built ready for the most demanding Enduro races out there.

Aimed at super-fast Enduro racers and trail riders who love to push the boundaries and conquer steep, tight, technical singletrack and wide-open super-fast tracks peppered with high-speed berms and huge gap jumps. The Jekyll 1 features 170mm of suspension travel upfront complimented by a plush 165mm of rear travel; with an acknowledgement of how the Cannondale engineers see this bike being used they’ve spec’d large 29” wheels to help you hold your speed and carry your momentum through those loose, loamy turns.

The striking iridescent paintjob on the Cannondale Jekyll 1 changes colour as you move around the bike, click the link and see the magic for yourself.

 

You’ve no-doubt already cast your eyes over the bike and will have spotted elements which reflect some common trends appearing more and more on both Downhill bikes and Enduro bikes alike – high pivot? yep, idler wheel? yes; there are some key aspects of this bike which have a lot in common with other bikes launching on the mountain bike market in recent months. Drill a little deeper though and you’ll discover that while Cannondale may be acknowledging some of the same suspension and geometry principles as other bike brands there’s a lot of unique engineering going on here too, all coming together to create a really active, super-smooth long-travel trail bike.

The all-new Jekyll features a high-pivot suspension platform with idler.

 

Jekyll 1 Key Features:

• Gravity Cavity
• High Pivot
• Guidler
• Four Bar Linkage
• Proportional Response

It’s the Jekyll’s clever suspension configuration that gives you a magic carpet ride downhill.

 

So, let’s take a closer look at those key features starting with Cannondale’s hidden suspension shock setup which goes by the quirky name of the ‘Gravity Cavity’. The idea behind this configuration was to sit the shock as low as possible within the downtube to give the Jekyll a really low centre of gravity. This shock positioning really helps improve the bike’s handling with a more planted feel through tight turns and enhanced stability at high speed.

Cannondale’s ‘Gravity Cavity’ houses a Fox Shock positioned low in the frame; that low centre of gravity makes the ride more stable at speed.

 

There’s a protective guard on the underside of the Gravity Cavity.

 

There’s a real trend developing at the moment for gravity-focused trail bikes to feature a high pivot within the suspension configuration and rightly so. The swing arm pivot on the all-new Jekyll 1 is positioned up high on the seat tube above the drivetrain. The effect of this positioning is that as the rear wheel hits an obstacle the wheel arcs backwards and up, meaning that your wheel slightly moves back and away from the obstacle as well as upwards, allowing you to carry more momentum and not hang up on objects that would otherwise stall your speed; meaning you’ll basically have a smoother, faster ride.

The Jekyll’s main pivot is placed high above the drivetrain for a greatly-improved rearward path at the axle.

 

High pivots have been around for a while but have notoriously suffered from ‘pedal kick back’. With a high pivot and the rear wheel following a pronounced arc it causes the chain to tension up and pull on the chainring which in turn pulls your cranks backwards causing pedal kick back. To prevent this from happening Cannondale added the ‘Guidler’ – part chain guide part idler – this clever inclusion eliminates chain growth and stops any potential for pedal kick back. Now a consistent pedal stroke and smooth rear wheel movement can happen simultaneously without any negative effects between the two.

The Guidler works its magic, preventing pedal kick back.

 

The Guidler – part chain guide, part idler.

 

The Cannondale Jekyll’s four bar or ‘horst link’ system helps to manage two important factors of rear suspension – rise and squat. Squat is the tendency of the rear suspension to compress under acceleration, when you pedal and put the power down. Alternatively, if you hit the brakes on steep descents the front end of the bike will compress and the rear rises up, that’s rise. The Jekyll’s four bar linkage allows Cannondale to engineer in ‘anti-rise’ and ‘anti-squat’ so when pedalling hard out of turns the suspension doesn’t squat and when you’re braking hard to scrub off speed before a tight turn it doesn’t rise too much; the rear suspension stays in the sweet spot for maximum traction and bump absorption.

The Jekyll features a four bar link to help eliminate unwanted suspension squat and rise.

 

Cannondale are very proud of their ‘Proportional Response’ design principle and rightly so! Their engineers clearly understand that people of different sizes have a different centre of gravity, so Cannondale use proportional response – size specific design to ensure that each bike size option best suits the rider’s proportions. Geometry, chainstay length, rider position and most importantly the suspension kinematics are all unique to each size option of the Jekyll. They all get their own custom suspension layout with different pivot locations and leverage ratios so that the suspension is specifically tailored for that size.

Cannondale’s Proportional Response design principle means that the chosen bike size suits the rider’s proportions.

 

The Jekyll’s main frame and rear triangle are constructed from light but tough carbon fibre.

 

The rear brake hose and rear gear cable are neatly routed internally through the frame.

 

Looking beyond the Jekyll’s frame and clever suspension configuration Cannondale have spec’d this race-ready model with some of the very best components available, enhancing the ride and overall performance of the Jekyll. That sophisticated rear suspension setup we’ve already looked at is facilitated by a Fox Float Factory X2 air shock with adjustable high speed/low speed compression and high speed/low speed rebound allowing you to fine-tune the bike’s rear suspension performance to suit you, your riding style and the trails or race tracks that you’re testing yourself on.

A tuneable Fox Float Factory X2 air shock brings out the best in the Jekyll’s unique suspension configuration.

 

Complimenting the rear Fox Shock there’s a capable Fox Float Factory 38 fork upfront with 170mm of plush, tuneable travel. Those massive 38mm stanchions help to keep steering sharp and eliminate any unwanted twisting forces potentially incurred from constantly hitting rocky terrain and negotiating tight, twisting trails at high speeds.

The Fox Float Factory 38 fork can handle aggressive trail riding with ease.

 

Those 38mm wide stanchions are built to handle the extra forces incurred during Enduro racing and aggro trail riding.

 

The Fox Factory fork and rear shock feature a Kashima coating for enhanced lubrication and a harder wearing surface, increasing shock smoothness and sensitivity.

 

The Jekyll 1 is spec’d with an efficient 12-speed SRAM NX Eagle groupset.

 

The SRAM NX Eagle rear derailleur is precise-shifting and includes a clutch mech to keep your chain taught and secure.

 

The SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed shifter provides dependable gear selection every time, perfect for the frenetic nature of Enduro racing.

 

One of the most popular brakes in Enduro racing, the 4-piston SRAM Code RSC brake calipers are well-liked for their huge amounts of stopping power. 

 

SRAM Code RSC brake calipers combined with a 220mm rotor upfront and a 200mm rotor outback scrub of speed quickly.

 

The Jekyll 1 is spec’d with a wheelset consisting of tough, wide WTB KOM Trail i30 TCS rims and a Formula hub upfront with a SRAM MTH 700 hub on the rear.

 

Those WTB KOM Trail i30 TCS rims are wide, giving the tyre sidewalls a squarer profile and enhancing the tyre’s contact patch with the ground.

 

A 2.5″ Maxxis Assegai spec’d on the front wheel is a no-brainer for an Enduro bike like the Jekyll 1. 

 

Another Maxxis tyre with a solid reputation within Enduro and Downhill, the 2.4″ Minion DHR II is tough and provides ample traction and control.

 

With EXO+ protection the Maxxis Minion DHR II tyres hold up well against sharp rocks on fast, flat-out descents.

 

A Cannondale DownLow Dropper seatpost gets your saddle out of the way for the steep, technical descents.

 

Cable-activated via a slim lever on the bars, the DownLow dropper is perfectly located and easy to use in all situations.

 

A Fabric Scoop Shallow Elite saddle is a nice, no-nonsense saddle that will be comfortable on the long climbs back up to your favourite downhill trails.

 

A short 35mm FSA Grid 35 stem works well with the Jekyll’s long top tube for sharp, reactive steering.

 

Helping to keep weight down and adding a small amount of compliance and comfort the Cannondale 1 carbon riser bar is a welcome inclusion on the Jekyll 1.

 

The all-new Cannondale Jekyll sits right at the front of the pack when it comes to cutting technology and proven suspension kinematics. With that beautiful carbon frame, super-low centre of gravity thanks to the Gravity Cavity shock positioning, smooth arcing rear suspension helping you hold your momentum thanks to the high pivot placement and that clever Guidler idler preventing any potential pedal kick back the Jekyll has been engineered to facilitate as much speed as you can handle. Throw in those large, fast rolling 29” wheels and plenty of suspension travel and you’ve got a bike that can handle anything from full-on Enduro stage racing to days spent at the bike park or sessions with your mates at those tight, technical local singletrack trails that you’ve been trying to steal K.O.M.s from all summer.

The all-new Jekyll 1 2022 has been engineered to facilitate as much speed as you can handle.

 

Cannondale Jekyll 1 2022 RRP £6,500

Full Specification:

• Frame: All-New, 165mm travel, Carbon, Proportional Response Tuned, Guidler idler pulley/chainguide, BSA 73, ISCG05, tapered head tube, Ai Offset
• Fork: Fox Float Factory 38, 170mm, 15x110mm thru-axle, tapered steerer, 44mm offset
• Rear Shock: Fox Float Factory X2, 205×65 Metric Trunnion, Air, Adjustable High Speed/Low Speed Compression, High Speed/Low Speed Rebound
• Rims: WTB KOM Trail i30 TCS, 32h, tubeless ready
• Hubs: (F) Formula, 15x110mm thru-axle / (R) SRAM MTH 700, 12x148mm, XD Driver
• Spokes: DT Swiss Factory J -Bend
• Tyres: (F) Maxxis Assegai, 29 x 2.5″, Dual compound, EXO+ puncture protection, tubeless ready (R) Maxxis Minion DHR II, 29 x 2.4″, EXO+, tubeless ready
• Crank: SRAM X1 Eagle B148 CL55, 30T
• Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB BSA MTB73
• Chain: SRAM NX Eagle, 12-speed
• Rear Cassette: SRAM XG-1275, GX Eagle, 10-52, 12-speed
• Front Derailleur: N/A
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM GX Eagle Lunar
• Shifters: SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed
• Handlebar: Cannondale 1 Riser, Carbon, 30mm rise, 8° sweep, 5° rise, 780mm
• Grips: Fabric Funguy
• Stem: FSA Grid 35, 35mm
• Headset: Integrated Sealed Bearing, Tapered
• Brakes: SRAM Code RSC hydraulic disc, 220/200mm CenterLine rotors
• Brake Levers: SRAM Code RSC hydraulic disc
• Saddle: Fabric Scoop Shallow Elite, hollow cro-mo rails
• Seatpost: Cannondale DownLow Dropper w/ Matchmaker lever, 31.6, 125mm (S), 150mm (M), 170mm (L-XL)
• Extras: Jekyll Custom Fender
• Extras: Chain Device Guide and Idler
• Fork Travel 170mm
• Frame Travel 165mm
• Wheel Size 29

 

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…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you been following La Vuelta? The third grand tour of the road racing season with pro cyclists taking on a gruelling lap of Spain under the unrelenting heat of southern Europe and negotiating some of the toughest mountain passes ever seen in any stage race, with the highest and most demanding climbs back-loaded into the third and final week of the race.

So far La Vuelta has been raced in scorching temperatures.

 

One of the smaller teams in the race Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert have tasted some significant successes at La Vuelta so far. Equipped with cutting-edge CUBE race bikes the team first saw their tenacious rider Rein Taaramae take the leader’s iconic red jersey in the first week, but this was just the beginning! In the race’s 10^th stage it was the turn of another Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert rider to shine; Norwegian pro Odd Christian Eikingoffered got into the day’s breakaway and by the finish of the stage had established a healthy lead on all his rivals including the race’s overall contenders to put him in the red jersey of race leader.

Eikingoffered’s CUBE Litening aero road bike gets some red bar tape to match his race leader’s jersey.

 

Odd Christian Eikingoffered has surprised some with his strong ride in the mountains so far.

 

Odd Christian Eikingoffered has continued to excel in the race, more than holding his own in the first few mountain stages of the race where most expected him to fade. After taking the overall lead on that long break-away stage onboard his super-aero CUBE Litening we have noticed that Eikingoffered is now riding a different model of CUBE in the more hilly stages; this CUBE looks like an all-new model which seems to mix elements of their aero Litening with other factors that hint towards a super-light bike focused firmly on stiffness, weight and climbing efficiency in the mountains. We like what we see! And are looking forward to fining out more about this new CUBE model when it becomes available to the public (hopefully in the not-too-distant future).

As soon as the Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert team hit the mountains riders could be seen on a new, as-yet-unnamed CUBE road bike.

 

CUBE’s new road bike appears to be a lightweight climbing bike with full aero integration.

 

Odd Christian Eikingoffered said…

‘The feeling to be race leader in the Tour of Spain is indescribable, it is something really big! After Rein’s fantastic success, this red jersey is a big bonus for the team. I am very happy. This morning I would never have imagined to conclude the stage in red, as I was 9 minutes down in GC. A miracle was necessary for me to become the race leader. But once I was in the breakaway and I realized that the advantage didn’t cease increasing, I started to believe in this miracle. I was aware that Guillaume Martin was a strong contender, because he was close to me in the classification and because he finished 8th in the latest Tour de France. I know the qualities of my former teammate. In the end, I managed to react on his attacks and even to gain time on him. This is important for the next days, because I want to defend the jersey as long as possible!’

 

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…

 

 

We recently took a detailed look at our wide range of Smart Trainers currently in stock at Wheelbase which are compatible with the best training Apps including Zwift. The impact of Zwift on the indoor smart trainer market cannot be overstated; this brilliant interactive App brings cyclists from all over the world together to train and compete in a virtual screen-based cycling world. As the technology of smart trainers has improved and the Zwift App has gained global popularity, riding indoors on a static trainer doesn’t fill cyclists with dread the way it used to.

When it comes to when and where you train indoors, your own riding preferences and circumstances at home will all be a little different. It may be that you have to steal time late or early in the day and quickly set up your indoor trainer temporarily in whatever space you can find without getting in the way of the people you share your home with; alternatively you may be lucky enough to have a permanent space to set up your trainer, creating a setting that makes your indoor training more consistent and productive.

If you’re already lucky enough to have a permanent ‘pain cave’ set up you may start to question how you continue to use your bike; do you find yourself continuously moving your best bike in and out of your static home smart trainer? Swapping wheels in and out of your bike and fitting the bike to your trainer? As smart trainer technology has progressed we’re seeing a constant arms-race between rival brands in pursuit of the most cutting-edge, authentic feeling trainer. Part of this technological revolution has recently seen the development of static ‘smart bikes’ alongside conventional smart trainers. It makes a lot of sense; if you’re going to invest in a smart trainer and have a designated space in your home to ride in you may prefer to use a smart bike instead.

We currently stock a choice of smart bikes from Wahoo, Tacx and Stages which all include the most up-to-date cutting-edge technology to bring your home training experience to the next level. Read on below for a full breakdown on each smart bike and the features included in each model…

 

Wahoo Kickr Smart Bike

Features:

• Optimised flywheel technology: KICKR BIKE has a unique combination of a 13lb flywheel and enhanced motor that offer unrivalled accuracy, responsiveness, and realism while training indoors.
• Virtually silent operation: The balanced, belt driven motor on KICKR BIKE combines years of engineering knowledge to create a virtually silent riding experience.
• Controlled resistance: When connected to your smartphone, tablet or computer, KICKR BIKE automatically sets your resistance via your favourite app or software.
• Realistic ride feel: The KICKR BIKE flywheel and enhanced motor is an innovative technology that emulates the power and inertia experienced during outdoor riding. It provides the most realistic ride feel especially when using virtual riding/training platforms like Zwift, The Sufferfest, and TrainerRoad.
• Real-time physical grade changes: The KICKR BIKE simulates grade changes in real-time by not only providing changes in resistance, but also physically raising and lowering the bike to match ascents up to 20% and descents as steep as -15%.
• +/- 1% power accuracy: Proven power accuracy that provides our most accurate power measurement of +/- 1% and generates up to 2200W of resistance.
• Calibration free: KICKR BIKE continuously offers accurate power and doesn’t require a calibration procedure.
• Easy app set-up: Our simple and intuitive Wahoo Fitness app offers guided instructions on how to set-up the KICKR BIKE and personalize the fit to mirror the geometry of your outdoor bike using 3 options – professional fit, measure my bike, and measure my body.
• 5 points of adjustable fit: Adjust the fit of the KICKR BIKE with easy access quick-release levers across 5 points – stack, reach, setback, saddle height, and frame height.
• Adjustable crank arm: KICKR BIKE supports 165, 167.5, 170, 172.5 and 175mm crank lengths.
• Programmable virtual shifting: Customise the KICKR BIKE shifting controls to match shifters from the leading manufacturers – SRAM, Shimano, and Campagnolo.
• Programmable gearing: Replicate your outdoor bike down to the exact gearing configuration by selecting the number of speeds and cassette tooth count.
• Virtual braking: A combined electromagnetic flywheel and motor allow for quick braking to create a precise feel while shifting and while riding downhill.
• Customisable kit: Customise the KICKR BIKE with your favorite saddle, bars, and pedals to dial in the perfect setup.
• Ant+ and bluetooth connectivity: ANT+ and Bluetooth capabilities allow it to connect to both smartphones and GPS devices simultaneously or separately.
• Multiple simultaneous bluetooth connections: KICKR BIKE supports up to three simultaneous Bluetooth connections for a trouble-tree start to your workout.
• Manual control of grade changes: The control unit on the KICKR BIKE contains an lock/unlock button, which allows you to turn on and off the physical tilt control of an app while still allowing the app to control the resistance.
• Digital led display: LED display indicates gear selection and grade percentage, so you can get information with just a quick glance during your ride.
• Professional grade durability: Robust aluminum and steel construction ensures the KICKR BIKE will withstand years of heavy abuse.
• Measures speed, distance, power, and cadence: Get these vital cycling metrics on your indoor ride on the KICKR BIKE without connecting any extra sensors.
• Elemnt bike computer compatible: Connect the KICKR BIKE to any ELEMNT Bike Computer to relive rides or perform planned workouts.
• Third party app compatibility: Works with popular training apps such as Zwift and Wahoo SUF Training.

 

Tacx Neo Smart Bike

 

Features :

• Physical dimensions: 54.7″ x 29.5″ (1390 x 750 mm)
• Weight: 110 lbs (50 kg)
• Height: 46.1″ (1170 mm)
• Wireless communication: ANT+ connectivity, BLUETOOTH wireless technology
• Control by: Smartphone, tablet, ANT+ bike computers, stand alone, computer connection via ANT+ antenna
• Read out on: Smartphone, tablet, bike computer, computer with ANT+ antenna
• Connection indicator (ant+/bluetooth): 2 LEDs
• Power indicator: Multicolor LED, spot on floor
• Magnets: 32 neodymium magnets
• Electrical requirement: 110-240 Volts
• Gear ratio: Chainring set-up: up to 3 sprockets, teeth per sprocket adjustable between 22 and 53; rear cassette: up to 12 sprockets, teeth per sprocket adjustable between 11 and 40
• Q-factor: 147 mm
• Max power: 2200 Watt
• Max incline: 25%
• Simulation of descent: Yes
• Max torque: 88 Nm
• Max brake force: 260 N
• Flywheel: Virtual
• Mass inertia: Variable to 275.6 lbs (125 kg)
• Calibration: No calibration needed
• Output: Speed, cadence, power
• Accuracy: <1%
• Measured speed: Yes
• Measured cadence: Yes
• Measured power: Yes
• Magnets: 32 neodymium magnets
• Transmission: None
• Electrical requirement: 110-240 Volts
• Power indicator: Multicolour LED, spot on floor
• Connection indicator (ANT+/Bluetooth): 2 LEDs
• Gear ratio: Chainring set-up: up to 3 sprockets, teeth per sprocket adjustable between 22 and 53; rear cassette: up to 12 sprockets, teeth per sprocket adjustable between 11 and 40.
• Q-factor: 147 mm
• Max power: 2200 watt
• Max incline: 25%
• Simulation of decent: Yes
• Max torque: 85 Nm
• Max brake force : 250 N
• Flywheel: Virtual
• Mass inertia: Variable to 275.6 lbs (125 kg)
• Calibration: No calibration needed
• Footprint: 54.7″ x 29.5″ (1390 x 750 mm)
• Height: 46.1″ (1170 mm)
• Weight: 110 lbs (50 kg)
• Wireless communication: ANT+ connectivity, Bluetooth wireless technology
• Control by: Smartphone, Tablet, ANT+ bike computers, stand alone, computer connection via ANT+ antenna
• Output: Speed, cadence, power
• Read out on: Smartphone, tablet, bike computer, computer with ANT+ antenna
• Accuracy: <1%

Stages Smart Bike SB20

 

Features:

• Bike Weight: 138lbs
• Bike Dimensions: 62.2in x 22.2in x 46.7in
• Drivetrain: CarbonGlyde featuring Gates® Carbon Drive™
• Shifting: Configurable buttons – additional Sprint Shifters included + Ports for up to 2 additional shift locations
• Frame: High strength steel
• Hardware: Stainless Steel
• Flywheel: 50lbs
• Connectivity: ANT+ and Bluetooth
• Power: Stages Power LR – Dual-Sided Power
• Accuracy: 1.5%
• Max Power: 2200w @ 130RPM
• Q-Factor: 157mm
• Max Rider Weight: 300lbs
• Rider Fit: 4’10″in – 6’10″in
• Two USB ports
• Tablet & phone holder
• Dual water bottle holders
• Standard road bar (31.8 mm) with sprint shifters
• Climbing and Aero shifters available separately
• Compatible with Aero Bars and Aero shifters (available separately)
• Compatible with four different crank lengths – 165 mm, 170 mm, 172.5 mm, 175 mm (pedals not included)

 

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…

 

 

‘Tron called, he wants his bike back’ quipped one of my work colleagues when he first laid eyes on the Cervelo S5 Disc Ultegra Di2 aero road bike. It’s a fair comment; this stunning bike looks like something from a science fiction film. In the sea of aero road bikes that are out there now the Cervelo S5 stands out from the crowd with its unique looks which are a result of some very thorough design development and testing in the wind tunnel and in real world conditions. Over a short period of time the S5 has become an iconic bike with a very long list of race victories proving this bike is not all style and no substance, so let’s take a more detailed look at what makes this aero road bike so competitive…

With striking looks the unique Cervelo S5 Disc Ultegra Di2 is an aero road bike like no other.

 

If you’re looking for out-and-out speed from a disc brake equipped road bike then the Cervelo S5 marks the pinnacle of performance. The S5 has its sights firmly fixed on aerodynamic performance and stiffness making it the ultimate race weapon for sprinters and fast escapees. This has been brilliantly illustrated over the past few months with the S5 taking an iconic win on the Champs Élysées at the Tour De France piloted by Wout Van Aert. Wout’s Jumbo Visma professional cycling team had a whole fleet of Cervelo road bikes to choose from during the Tour De France campaign with each rider selecting a particular model to suit each stage. Young rider Jonas Vingegaard was seen on the S5 model during key stages where flat-out speed was required, helping to contribute to his brilliant final 2nd place overall at this iconic race; following on from the Tour Wout Van Aert showed his versatility by piloting his Cervelo S5 to a Silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

Wout Van Aert recently piloted his Cervelo S5 to a sprint victory on the Champs Élysées at the Tour De France as well as an Olympic Silver Medal in Tokyo.

 

2nd place overall Jonas Vingegaard chose the Cervelo S5 on the faster transition stages between the mountains of the 2021 Tour De France.

 

You’re excused if you skip this techy bit on aerodynamics and jump straight into the spec of the Cervelo S5! All you need to know is Cervelo have been VERY thorough in their research; for those of you who want to read more on the problems encountered in aerodynamics air-flow and the solutions that Cervelo have brought to the S5 then let’s dive in…

Cervelo are industry leaders when it comes to aerodynamics with the company founded with the goal of making cyclists faster and more competitive; they understand what a huge effect aerodynamics can have on just how fast a cyclist and their bike can go. Read through Cervelo’s own content on their website and you’ll quickly discover that their research and development is firmly centred on aerodynamics and it informs everything they do. Their own scientific testing has proved that aerodynamic drag is the major factor affecting a bike and rider, accounting for up to 90% of the overall resistance that a rider must overcome.

Cervelo identify a number of types of aerodynamic drag which effect the bike and its rider. The designers and engineers have spent endless hours focused on these factors, first getting a really clear understanding of the reasons behind each type of drag and secondly finding solid design and manufacturing solutions to negate the negative effects of aerodynamic drag as much as possible. Cervelo have focused on overcoming the following types of drag:

Pressure Drag

When bike and body pass through the air, the air molecules are quickly forced out of the way as we pass through. The air molecules push back on bike and body creating pressure; the pressure facing aft (to the rear of the bike and body) is referred to as ‘pressure drag’.

Friction Drag and Turbulence

Air has its own viscosity or ‘thickness’ and air molecules which come into contact with the rider and bike stick to their surfaces and stay stationary in relation to the movement of the body and bike. As they continue to move other air molecules pass the stuck molecules and flow around body and bike in layers following parallel paths, scientists describe this as the ‘laminar boundary layer’ within the process of friction drag. At some point, as speeds increase ‘laminar flow’ cannot be maintained and the air molecules begin to tumble and mix instead of flowing smoothly around the object, changing the boundary layer airflow from ‘laminar’ to ‘turbulent’ which then increases the thickness of the airflow increasing disruption within that boundary layer and causing more friction drag. The aerodynamic research boffins of the world even have their own scale for measuring this phenomenon; the ‘Reynolds Number’ indicates the point at which smoother ‘laminar flow’ becomes the more unstable ‘turbulent flow’ on a chosen object, this occurs at around 10,000 as shown in the figure below:

Stalled Flow Drag

Air has mass, so moving mass has its own inertia, that inertia cannot easily follow around the form of high-curvature surfaces and at this point air separates from the body and the bike. This in turn creates low-pressure areas that actually pull on the moving surface creating more drag; if the trailing edge of the bike isn’t shaped to pull that air neatly back together then there is a ‘stalled flow’ – a region of recirculating air with low pressure which pulls on the surface creating even more drag.

The solutions to Aerodynamic Drag

So what does this all mean when it comes to designing and producing an aerodynamic road bike and how have Cervelo applied their research to the development of the S5? To minimise aerodynamic drag Cervelo focused on two key parameters, the first is ‘drag coefficient’ a factor based on the shape of object and how the air flows around it. If you’ve managed to get your head around the factors behind aerodynamic drag which have already been described you’ll understand that an object’s shape has an affect on how air flows around it; for example a perfectly round bicycle frame tube has roughly 24 times the drag of a more aerodynamically-profiled tube such as Cervelo’s own TrueAeroTM profile. The most efficient angle of each tube shape on the Cervelo S5 is massively important too, elements of the frame such as the seat post and down tube are presented at an angle so that the air hits those tube profiles in an ellipse shape changing the coefficient.

You won’t be surprised that Cervelo have been very focused on the other parameter that they can control – the ‘Frontal Area’. This one’s a little more simple to get your head around; basically the larger the frontal area the bigger the aerodynamic drag. Cast your eyes over the front of the Cervelo S5 Disc Ultegra Di2 aero road bike and you’ll see that the designers have kept the frontal area to an absolute minimum with their fully integrated system giving maximum aerodynamic advantage.

Apologies if I’ve gone too deep on this, but I’ve come this far so we may as well include an equation from Cervelo too! The drag coefficient (CD) and the frontal area (A) are related to the total drag a bike encounters by the following equation:

The other parameters indicated in this equation are the velocity of the bike and rider through the air (V) and the density of the air (P) This is also the reason that many bicycle speed records attempts are made at high altitude, since the lower air density has a direct reduction on drag.

So let’s wrap this techy bit up by relating all of this information back to the S5 bike. The designers and engineers at Cervelo have taken all of their findings and applied it to a complete aero road bike and its components, minimising drag by focusing on CD and A. This is an efficient way of making the bike faster, however, also minimising the drag on the rider, through an efficient body position and paying the same amount of attention on component design all help to ensure the fastest overall result; that’s why real-world testing is such an important part of the design process at Cervelo.

The V-stem on the Cervelo S5 has quickly become iconic; there’s some solid stats backing up the science behind such a unique configuration.

 

The Cervelo makes the perfect race bike if you are someone looking for a super-fast aero-efficient road bike that can perform in fast, frenetic races such as your weekly crit, as well as the odd time trial or even triathlon. As Wout Van Aert has already proved it’s more than capable of winning bunch sprints and is super stiff and responsive under acceleration. Cervelo are quick to point out though, that this isn’t a one-trick-pony, despite its notable lateral stiffness the S5 gives a surprisingly comfortable ride and the ability of the Cervelo S5 to take 28mm wide tyres is another bonus.

There’s certainly been a lot of chat about the Cervelo S5’s iconic V-Stem; opinion is somewhat divided, but whatever your own thoughts the science behind the design of the cockpit cannot be disputed, with Cervelo optimising the shape to perform brilliantly in the wind with the minimal amount of drag. This configuration sees all of the cables being hidden inside the structure of the handle bar and stem with the cables then running into the frame and fork; it’s important to point out too that the designers have ensured there is plenty of scope when it comes to rider position and adjustability with enough bar / stem and stack options to fit anyone out there.

The Cervelo S5’s V-stem design has been optimised to deliver the best performance in the wind within real-world conditions.

 

Seen from the front it’s obvious just how aero the S5 is with those smooth lines and no exposed brake or gear cables at all.

 

The Cervelo S5 is pretty versatile when it comes to rider-position-adjustment, with multiple bar, stem and stack options to fit just about anyone.

 

That super-aero fork with its clever headtube-to-fork-configuration is designed to cut through the air; there’s tyre clearance for 28mm tyres too.

 

The Cervelo CS028 Carbon V-Stem forms a smooth junction between the frame, fork, stem and handlebar with all cables internally routed.

 

The smooth, aerodynamic profiling continues at the rear of the Cervelo S5’s frame.

 

Each tube-profile on the Cervelo’s S5 carbon frame has been carefully designed to be efficient at cutting through the air.

 

The cut-out downtube around the front wheel and curved portion of the frame around the rear wheel further-enhance the S5’s ability to cut through the wind.

 

This Cervelo S5 model features Shimano’s excellent Ultegra Di2 electronic groupset; this 11-speed drivetrain is activated by digital buttons on the brake lever / shifters rather than being cable-activated like conventional mechanical shifters. The benefits of this system are that every single gear selection is crisp and precise regardless of whether you’re in or out of the saddle or are selecting gears in the heat of a race; this reliable performance takes some of the mental pressure away when you’re riding hard and it’s flawless performance means that you actually feel encouraged to change gear more. Another benefit is the light-touch action required to change gear – you’re pressing a button rather then pushing a lever; this is an advantage for smaller hands or for when you’re hands a particularly cold and wet.

As its product name suggests this model of S5 features a precise-shifting Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic groupset.

 

Both the front and rear derailleurs are really neat and compact, you almost have to look twice to notice they are electronic rather than mechanical. If you’ve not used a Shimano Di2 electronic groupset before they’re a real revelation, you can tune the gears exactly to suit you and your riding and once they are set they perform consistently regardless of riding conditions or longevity of use – there’s no cables to stretch here. A nice detail is the automatic front derailleur adjustment which eliminates any potential for chain rub as you move the chain up the rear cassette, if you’re moving up the block but still in the big chainring then the front derailleur automatically moves inward a small fraction, eliminating any unwanted chain rub.

The 11-speed Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic groupset featured on the Cervelo S5 includes a 52/36T chainset upfront combined with an 11-30T rear cassette giving you a good spread of gear ratios that are perfectly suited to competitive cycling disciplines such as road racing, triathlon and even time trials. A premium race bike like this is aimed squarely at high performance and continuing personal development as a competitive cyclist. With this in mind Cervelo have included a 4iiii Precision Dual Sided Power Meter integrated into the Ultegra chainset; the power meter is powered by a 100+ hour coin cell battery and measures your power and cadence with 4iiii’s 3D technology, measuring tri-axial crank strain to produce super-accurate data from both legs. The 4iiii Precision Dual Sided power meter is compatible with ANT+ and Bluetooth smartphones as well as GPS cycle computers.

A nice extra addition to this Ultegra Di2 equipped road bike is the 4iiii powermeter allowing you to train more effectively.

 

When it comes to hydraulic disc braking on road bikes Shimano are leading the way; over the past half decade the Japanese component manufacturer has really refined their disc braking system, made specifically to meet the unique demands of road riding. The Cervelo S5 Disc Ultegra Di2 is fitted with their super-light, powerful Ultegra 8070 hydraulic brake callipers which are particularly neat and unobtrusive thanks to their flat-mount configuration. These brakes are matched with 160mm diameter SM-RT800 disc brake rotors which have been designed specifically to prevent excessive heat build-up by featuring a profile that includes fins designed to cool the rotor when you’re braking continuously on long alpine-style descents.

Flat-mount Shimano Ultegra 8070 brakes with 160mm rotors are neat and powerful in all conditions.

 

A super-aero road bike like the Cervelo S5, built to perform at high-speeds and designed to cut through the air needs a fast pair of wheels to really bring out the best in the chassis. With this in mind Cervelo have spec’d a pair of Reserve 50 carbon wheels to help you accelerate immediately when you stomp on the pedals in a mid-race attack and will then hold their speed as you ride up the road thanks to their lightweight carbon rims and deep 50mm rim profile. It’s interesting to note that the Reserve rims feature a 21mm inner-rim-with which helps to create a nice wide tyre profile with the tyres sidewalls not being excessively pinched-in, leaving more tyre surface in contact with the ground. The Cervelo S5 Disc Ultegra Di2 comes fitted with 25c wide Vittoria Corsa tubeless -ready tyres; it’s worth pointing out too that Cervelo state that the S5 will take up to 28mm wide tyres with no problems and this will increase your tyres footprint on the ground even more for enhanced traction and control.

The Reserve wheelset features 50mm deep carbon rims with an internal width of 21mm for a nice wide tyre profile.

 

Those fast rims are laced to durable, smooth-rolling DT Swiss DT 350 thru-axle hubs via aerodynamic butted flat-blade straight-pull spokes with 20 spokes upfront and 24 on the rear. The hubs feature easy-to-replace sealed hubs and really stand up to the test of riding and racing in less than perfect weather. The DT 350 rear hub features a superb Ratchet System consisting of 36 ratchets in the freehub body to ensue that there is direct power transmission every time you press down on the pedals.

The excellent Reserve wheelset includes durable, smooth DT Swiss DT350 thru-axle hubs.

 

The Reserve wheels feature aerodynamic butted flat-blade straight-pull spokes with 20 spokes upfront and 24 on the rear.

 

Rounding out the excellent Cervelo S5 Disc Ultegra Di2 is a Prologo Dimension Nack saddle which is perfectly suited to just how the S5 will be ridden – fast and in an aggressive low-profile position. There’s been an influx of stub-nosed saddles in recent years, made popular thanks to their enhanced comfort and more supportive profile. The shorter nose prevents the potential for pressure build up and the Prologo’s cut-out area in the centre of the saddle further negates the potential for unwanted pressure points; Prologo call this their P.A.S. – perineal area system.

The Prologo Dimension Nack saddle is a sensible width and boasts a short, stubby profile that has become popular in the last couple of years.

 

10 years ago the bike industry and road cyclists themselves, regardless of whether they were professionals or amateurs, were obsessed with the weight of their bikes. At that time the performance and the efficiency of a road bike was measured on just how light and spritely they were on the hills with very little attention focused on aerodynamics and how a road bike performed in that regard, particularly when minimal effects of aerodynamism or lack of are multiplied over longer distances. Take a look back at images of the Tour De France and similar races from a decade ago and the difference in bikes, clothing and equipment are stark with little or no consideration of aerodynamic performance. Things have changed significantly since then with brands like Cervelo leading the way when it comes to the design and production of road bikes that are super-aero and capable of shaving off big chunks of time; the Cervelo S5 looks fast just standing still and even to the untrained eye it’s obvious that this bike is built to perform at speed. Take a deeper look into the almost endless aerodynamics research and development that goes into the S5 and it’s clear that there’s some solid science backing up every curve and line of the Cervelo S5 Disc Ultegra Di2.

The Cervelo S5 Disc Ultegra Di2 is a true off-the-peg aerodynamic race machine.

 

Click the link above to find out more about the S5’s aerodynamics, explained by Cervelo’s designers and engineers.

 

The Cervelo S5 Disc Ultegra Di2 RRP £8,779.00 is available in-store and online now.

 

Full Specification:

• Frame: Cervelo S5 All-Carbon, TrueAero tube profiles, integrated head tube to fork configuration, integrated headset 1” x 1-3/8”
• Fork: Cervelo All Carbon, Tapered S5 Fork
• Headset: FSA IS2 1 x 1-3/8
• Shifters: Shimano Ultegra Di2 8070, 11-speed
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra Di2 8050, 11-Speed
• Front Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra Di2 8050
• Cassette : Shimano Ultegra CS-R8000, 11-Speed 11-30T
• Chainset: Shimano Ultegra 8000 52/36T with 4iiii Precision Dual Sided Power Meter
• Brakes: Shimano Ultegra 8070 Hydraulic Disc
• Rotors: Shimano SM-RT800, 160mm
• Wheelset: Front – Reserve 50mm DT350, 20h, 21mm IW
• Wheelset: Rear – Reserve 50mm DT350, 24h, 21mm IW
• Front Tyre: Vittoria Corsa TLR G 25c
• Rear Tyre: Vittoria Corsa TLR G 25c
• Stem: Cervelo CS028 Carbon V-Stem
• Handlebar: Cervelo AB08 Carbon
• Seat Post: Cervelo SP20 Carbon Aero Post
• Saddle: Prologo Dimension Nack

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by James Vincent

 

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!

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…