Author: John Dodgin

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…

 

 

As E-Bike systems continue to revolutionise how a growing number of our customers participate in cycling, hi-tech brands with their fingers on the pulse continue to push their design and manufacturing processes to create e-bike hardware and software that really improves rider-experience; Shimano is one such company and is arguably one of brands at the forefront of e-bike development. Calling on their wealth of experience in the development of e-bike technology Shimano are back with an all new e-bike motor – introducing the Shimano Steps EP8 motor….

The Shimano Steps EP8 motor in detail…

The new EP8 motor is considerably more quiet that its closest predecessor, boasting a significantly lighter weight overall, cleaner, more compact integration and smoother, more natural feeling pedaling assistance. Key improvements include:

• High power with greater bike control
• Lightweight
• Clean integration
• Quieter drive unit
• Smoother pedaling
• Heat management

The Shimano Steps EP8 motor has a maximum torque output of 85Nm with the power delivery being direct but incredibly smooth to ensure you are in full control with a natural ride feeling. The motor features a Magnesium drive unit casing which is more compact than previous Shimano motors as well as being 300g lighter than their E8000 motor.

EP8 Hardware – Key Features:

• 85Nm high torque output
• Highly efficient for long riding range
• HOLLOWTECH shaft increases stiffness and decreases weight
• One-way clutch produces smooth, immediate engagement and reduces drag for natural feel
• 3-Stage gearing system gives 6 gears in total in a compact design
• 2-piece high-precision torque sensor gives high-accuracy torque measuring for responsive characteristics and natural power output
• Refined trail mode boosts rider comfort, control and confidence
• E-tube project App allows you to customise your ride
• Compact magnesium body allows for optimised frame design, decreasing weight and enhancing handling
• Pedaling drag cut by 36% (vs. E8000 motor)
• Better heat resistance – outputs max torque for longer without overheating

Using the EP8 Assist Switch…

The EP8’s system includes an SW-EM800-L assist switch to control the motor. Improvements on this model over its predecessors include a more ergonomic concave button profile and easier operation without gloves.

Key features include:

• Compact design for neater cockpit setup
• Switch between ‘Off’ ‘Eco’ ‘Trail’ and ‘Boost’ modes

EP8 Software explained…

Shimano haven’t just stopped at improving their e-bike motors; they’ve focused on the system’s software too with a number of advancements in technology on previous versions.
Key improvements:

• The right power at the right time
• Optimised TRAIL mode
• Long cruising range
• Highly customizable
• Rider-friendly tuning on the fly
• Refined intelligent walk assist

When you’re riding in Optimised Trail mode it’s possible to control the motor so that there is less energy consumption at low input torques, however, when you push harder the EP8 motor provides additional support to help you power up the trail.

The Shimano Steps EP8 software enables you to customise a multitude of factors to suit a wide variety of bikes, terrains and riding styles; using the E-TUBE PROJECT App you can customise:

• Assist character (10 levels)
• Max torque (20-85Nm)
• Assist start (5 levels)

Using the 2 pre-set Profiles…

To get you out there riding, Shimano have pre-loaded two profiles which are accessible via the display. These profiles are suited to a variety of terrain, from challenging singletrack and flowing fire roads all the way through to technical rocky sections. The original factory settings consist of Profile 1 with more versatile assist settings that cover everything from fire roads to challenging single tracks and a Profile 2 with high-performance default assist settings tuned for extreme riding, rapidly delivering the maximum assist in technical sections without sacrificing controllability. The rider can then adjust these profiles to his or her needs.

Profile 1:

• ECO: Great for daily commuting, accessing basic trails and riding on fire roads. Provides moderate assist output and low battery consumption.
• TRAIL: Versatile setting that covers everything from fire roads to difficult single tracks. Excellent assist torque control provides the proper amount of torque output according to the rider’s pedaling force, and reliably transmits this force to the ground.
• BOOST: Produces effective bike control on technical trails. Emphasises faster application of assist torque for situations where high assist torque needs to be rapidly applied.

Profile 2:

• ECO: Great for daily commuting, accessing basic trails and riding on fire roads. Provides moderate assist output and low battery consumption.
• TRAIL: More powerful assist supports difficult single track riding while maintaining the controllability of output torque. Excellent assist torque control provides the proper amount of torque output according to the rider’s pedaling force, and reliably transmits it to the ground’s surface.
• BOOST: Drive unit’s assist is set to the maximum level to support extreme riding. This mode is highly effective in situations that require a sharp rise in acceleration, such as climbing on steep slopes and maintaining bike control when riding over obstacles.

So what about the EP3 system’s Battery?…

To accompany their new Steps EP8 e-bike motor system Shimano have produced an equally compact integrated battery for the downtube, freeing up bike brands to create even more svelte-looking e-bikes, as seen here on the Merida eOne-Sixty 8000 e-MTB. This 630Wh integrated battery is quick charging with a 50% charge taking 2.5 hours and a full charge taking 6 hours.

So that’s a quick highlight of some of the best aspects of the brilliant Shimano Steps EP8 e-bike motor; you’ll see this system being spec’d on more and more e-MTB’s in the coming months. We’ve recently taken delivery of the very impressive Merida eOne-Sixty 8000 e-MTB with it’s super-cool 27.5 / 29″ wheel ‘mullet’ configuration (business up front, party at the back). Check out a full review of the bike in our Fast Bike Friday Blog now…

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Merida eOne-Sixty 8000 Photos by James Vincent

 

 

 

 

 

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…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you just getting into cycling? If you’re planning on buying your first road bike then look no further than the Specialized Allez road bike, available in three different specifications they’re designed to suit your budget and cycling ambitions.

Whether you want to start riding socially on the road or to save money and get fit by commuting to work the Specialized Allez is a fantastic road bike to start your journey. Perhaps you want to set up your new road bike on a static indoor trainer during the week and then quickly and easily head out at the weekends to explore your local roads? Have you set yourself a cycling challenge such as a Sportive or are attempting your first Triathlon? We would recommend a Specialized Allez for a number of reasons, not least because of the amount ‘trickle-down technology’ included on these bikes.

What’s trickle-down technology? It’s a term we use in the bike industry to describe design innovation and componentry that was initially implemented a lot further up the food chain but is now utilised on entry-level bikes, what does this mean in reality? It means you’ll directly benefit from technology that makes your entry into road cycling all the more user-friendly and enjoyable.

At the heart of each Allez model is a superlight Specialized E5 frame and carbon fibre fork. Taking a lot of the engineering principles that the Specialized designers have developed on their top-of-the-line carbon fibre frames each alloy tube is cleverly manipulated and shaped to save weight and increase strength and stiffness where it is needed most. While some entry-level road bikes feature alloy or cheap carbon fibre forks which detract from the overall ride quality, there’s no such compromise here. Specialized have fitted a full FACT carbon fibre fork which drops the overall weight of the bike, contributes to better handling and gives you more confidence to ride faster on tricky descents and tight turns.

With versatility in mind and the consideration that you may well be commuting on your Allez during the week Specialized have included pannier rack and mudguard mounts to allow you to equip your bike for the daily demands of riding to and from work. The geometry of the bike (how it fits you) has been developed using Specialized’s 30+ years of experience in designing and constructing bikes; the Allez features user-friendly geometry that is comfortable and confidence-inspiring while still providing performance-minded handling that you’d expect from your first road bike.

The alloy frame and carbon fibre fork is the same across all three Allez bikes we are looking at here, so what determines the price difference? If you chose to pay a little more what are you getting that’s different and how will it benefit you and your riding? The biggest, most significant difference between each bike is the ‘Groupset’ it has been spec’d with. When we talk about the groupset we are referring to the componentry that drives the bike forward, handles the gear changing and takes care of the braking duties. When you pay a little more you can expect a groupset with a wider choice of gearing (basically there are more gears available on the bike); all three models feature two chainrings at the front of the drivetrain combined with a cluster of gears (cassette) on the rear wheel. The Allez Elite features an 11-speed cassette, the Allez Sport a 9-speed cassette and the Allez an 8-speed cassette; the more gears that are squeezed into the cassette the wider choice of gearing you’ll have. What’s the main benefit of this? Well it means that the change between each gear is less dramatic allowing you to pedal more smoothly and feel less fatigued and you’ll also find that you have a gear to suit every gradient you encounter.

All three Allez models come spec’d with Shimano groupsets – Shimano are the world leaders in cycling drivetrain componentry. The key differences of each Shimano groupset as you move up towards the higher-priced options are the quality of the gear changing mechanisms (the front and rear derailleur) which move the chain to the gear you have selected, with components becoming lighter and slightly more efficient as you move up the Allez range. It’s worth pointing out that, again, Shimano groupsets are an excellent example of trickle-down technology in the bicycle industry with all of the componentry being heavily influenced from their predecessors further up the Shimano range. This means that each component gets more and more user-friendly with each generation, providing lighter-action, more precise gear selections with each iteration.

Another key consideration when you’re choosing your first road bike, along with seeking a light & comfortable frame and efficient groupset is the brakes that have been spec’d. If you’re starting out riding on a road bike you’ll want to feel confident and in control at all times; a lot of that control comes from your bike’s braking system and how effective it is, particularly when something unforeseen happens in front of you.

You’ll have no-doubt seen that more and more road bikes now feature disc brakes (brakes located at the centre of the wheel on the hub); this is relatively new technology that typically features higher up the price range of road bikes. The reason for this is that the technology and materials involved to make the disc brakes and disc-brake-specific wheels is more expensive. We’ve not yet seen this sort of technology available at the price point of the Allez road bikes we’re looking at here; it’s also important to note that if and when disc brakes ARE spec’d on bikes at this price point (as you may see with some alternative bike brands) the cheaper, more affordable disc-brake-specific-wheels tend to be noticeably heavier than a conventional wheel.

All three models of Specialized Allez feature conventional rim brakes which are powerful and easy to modulate, this simple, effective setup keeps the overall weight of your bike down and makes for a more lively, spritely feel on the road. Specialized have spec’d light, durable road 700c diameter road wheels to all of the Allez and have shod them with slick, fat-rolling Specialized Roadsport wheels with a 26mm width to help cushion you from harsh road surfaces and provide you with plenty of confidence-inspiring grip on flowing downhill descents.

If you’re considering your first road bike the Specialized Allez is a fantastic option, with a range of specifications and prices to suit your cycling ambitions and budgets. The bikes are packed full of proven technology and have been designed to be versatile and user-friendly as you begin to progress in the sport of cycling. As the weather improves and the days get longer there’s more opportunities to get out and get fit so now is the time to get properly equipped for the more enjoyable days ahead. If you want more advice and guidance why not come in and see us in any of our three stores – Wheelbase Lake District, Yorkshire and North East or get in touch with our customer support team and shop conveniently online. We have some great buying options too; why not spread the cost of your new bike with our Finance options or buy through a Cycle to Work Scheme….

Buying your first road bike? Look no further than the Specialized Allez…

 

Specialized Allez Elite £1,249.00

Specialized Allez Elite Specification:

Frame: Specialized E5 Premium Aluminum, fully manipulated tubing w/ SmoothWelds, 1-1/8″- 1-3/8″ tapered head tube, internal cable routing, threaded BB, 130mm spacing

Fork: Specialized FACT carbon, 1-1/8″ to 1-3/8″ taper, fender eyelets

Stem: Specialized, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise

Handle Bars: Specialized Shallow Drop, 6061, 70x125mm, 31.8mm clamp

Brakes: Axis 1.0 caliper

Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105 R7000 GS, medium cage, 11-speed

Shift Levers: Shimano 105 R7000, 11-speed

Cassette: Shimano 105, 11-speed, 11-32t

Chainset: Praxis Alba

Wheels: DT R460, sealed cartridge hubs, 14g spokes

Front Tyre: RoadSport, 700×26

Rear Tyre: RoadSport, 700×26

Saddle: Body Geometry Bridge Saddle, steel rails

Seat Post: Alloy, 2-bolt Clamp, 12mm offset, 27.2mm, anti-corrosion hardware

SHOP NOW

 

Specialized Allez Sport £999.00

Specialized Allez Sport Specification:

Frame: Specialized E5 Premium Aluminum, fully manipulated tubing w/ SmoothWelds, 1-1/8″- 1-3/8″ tapered head tube, internal cable routing, threaded BB, 130mm spacing

Fork: Specialized FACT carbon, 1-1/8″ to 1-3/8″ taper, fender eyelets

Stem: Specialized, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise

Handle Bars: Specialized Shallow Drop, 6061, 70x125mm, 31.8mm clamp

Brakes: Axis 1.0 caliper

Rear Derailleur: Shimano Sora, 9-speed

Shift Levers: Shimano Sora, 9-speed

Cassette: SunRace, 9-speed, 11-32t

Chainset: Praxis Alba

Wheels: Axis Sport

Front Tyre: RoadSport, 700×26

Rear Tyre: RoadSport, 700×26

Saddle: Body Geometry Bridge Saddle, steel rails

Seat Post: Alloy, 2-bolt Clamp, 12mm offset, 27.2mm, anti-corrosion hardware

SHOP NOW

 

Specialized Allez £799.00

Specialized Allez Specification:

Frame: Specialized E5 Premium Aluminum, fully manipulated tubing w/ SmoothWelds, 1-1/8″- 1-3/8″ tapered head tube, internal cable routing, threaded BB, 130mm spacing

Fork: Specialized FACT carbon, 1-1/8″ to 1-3/8″ taper, fender eyelets

Stem: Specialized, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise

Handle Bars: Specialized Shallow Drop, 6061, 70x125mm, 31.8mm clamp

Brakes: Tektro, alloy, dual-pivot

Rear Derailleur: Shimano Claris, 8-speed

Shift Levers: Shimano Claris 2000, 8-speed

Cassette: SunRace, 8-speed, 11-32t

Chainset: Shimano Claris R200

Wheels: Axis Sport

Front Tyre: RoadSport, 700×26

Rear Tyre: RoadSport, 700×26

Saddle: Body Geometry Bridge Saddle, steel rails

Seat Post: Alloy, 2-bolt Clamp, 12mm offset, 27.2mm, anti-corrosion hardware

SHOP NOW

 

Feature written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by James Vincent

Cold Brew Events 8 Hour Endurance XC

Last weekend saw Wheelbase North East’s Lucy Bell take on the Cold Brew Events 8 Hour Endurance Cross Country Mountain Bike race, which took place during a typical day-long deluge all too familiar with those who ride in the North of England in Autumn.

The race, organised by the Coldbrew events team was successfully run despite the current restrictions brought on by the Coronavirus pandemic, with a change from the original Hamsterley Forest venue to Eastgate on privately owned land. This gruelling event sees competitors competing on a demanding course over an 8 hour period, with the winners completing the most amount of laps in the best time.

The course harked back to the good old days of mountain bike racing from the 1990’s with no manicured trail-centre type terrain here, instead there was brutal climbing sections, fast descents on open land and super-soft, muddy ground which was made all the more demanding due to the constant, heavy rainfall the persisted throughout the 8 hours.

Lucy rode a great race winning the women’s category by completing 10 laps, with the win coming down to a difference of only 6 minutes between Lucy and her nearest competitor Charlotte Somers-Cocks after 8 hours of racing in some of the most difficult conditions she has ever had to compete in.

Lucy chose to race onboard the excellent Cannondale Scalpel Carbon 3 with Cannondale’s iconic Lefty Ocho fork.

 

CONGRATULATIONS ON THE WIN LUCY!

 

Photos by Jerry Tatton

See all the race results here

For more race information on Cold Brew Events, see their website here

 

Round 1 National Cyclocross Trophy, Westmorland County Showground, Cumbria.

After an uncertain time right up until the event, Dave Haygarth and his brilliant team of helpers successfully hosted Round 1 of the National Cyclocross Trophy at the Westmorland County Showground in Cumbria supported by Wheelbase.

The race organisation and British Cycling worked tirelessly in the run up to the event to ensure that strict Covid Protocols were followed by everyone involved. Face masks and hand sanitizers were in good supply and, most significantly, there were big changes to the usual bike pit area.

For this event there were no jet washers or pit crews allowed with the organisers creating a simple transition area where riders could change to their spare bike but with no outside assistance or bike-cleaning. This would pose an additional challenge to racers throughout the weekend where the weather and ever-changing racing conditions could influence the outcomes of the race.

The event was really well subscribed despite the additional changes to race rules and the uncertainty around Covid19 in the run up to the event with riders from all over the UK desperate to race after a long lay-off due to the Coronavirus. A packed race schedule over the two days saw racers deal with contrasting conditions – VERY wet with continuous rain on Saturday meant the racing was fast, the course stayed grippy and bikes stayed relatively free of mud.

Sunday was a different story, with blue skies and sunshine beginning to dry out the course turning it into a muddy, sticky, slower-riding course. Racing in these conditions was markedly different, with more focus required to stay upright on the tight dog-leg turns and an ability to cope with steep, slick run-ups. These conditions brought extra challenges as riders tried to finesse their bikes to the finish without the usual luxury of having a jet wash-equipped pit-crew ready with a clean bike every lap or so.

The Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli race team was well represented throughout the two days racing across most of the categories. On Saturday in the Vet 40 race our very own National Champion Lewis Craven raced hard to take an excellent 3^rd place. Davie Lines fought back from a lowly gridding to take a strong 7^th place while our digital marketing man Johnny Dodgin returned to national-level racing after a couple of years out. As the afternoon’s weather worsened the under 14’s race saw Elsie Haygarth take 22^nd despite the difficult conditions.

Sunday morning saw our Junior lads racing when the course was at its most challenging, taking place after 12 hours of continuous rain. The strong-performing team saw Adam Bent take 2^nd place with Ben Houlihan in 7^th and Flynn Gregory in 8^th collectively making a big statement for this newest branch of the Wheelbase team. As the day warmed up and the wind began to dry out parts of the course Kate Taylor raced strongly in the national senior women’s event taking 22^nd place overall and 15^th place in the under 23 category.

The big final event of the day – the senior race was fast and frenetic with the very best racers in the UK coming together to race for the first time since January. Wheelbase rider Giles Drake was locked in a race-long battle to secure a top ten placing, just missing out on the final lap to finish an excellent 11^th place. David Duggan made the trip down from Scotland taking 27^th place while our younger under 23 riders Ryan Middlemiss and Tyla Loftus took 45^th and 47^th place respectively placing them in 21^st and 23^rd in the under 23 sub-category.

We would like to thank all of the event organisers and helpers as well as all of the competitors who came from far and wide, raced sensibly and adhered to the new Covid protocols throughout the weekend.

All Photographs by @jamesvincent www.jamesianvincent.com

Last November Trek Factory Racing’s Evie Richards kindly joined us on a group ride as part of the Kendal Mountain Festival. It was great to get to ride with one of the most talented young Cross Country mountain bikers in the world. Little did we all know then, that she would have to wait more than a year to race again at an international level due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Evie has since moved up to the highest level of World Cup racing and took on her very first senior level Short Track World Cup race in Nové Město in the Czech Republic yesterday. Fought out in conditions more typical to a wet Autumn day in the UK Evie excelled taking THE WIN in a sprint finish against the reigning Mountain Bike World Champion!

When it comes to selecting the appropriate race bike for the job Evie has the best range of cross country mountain bikes available, choosing the Trek Supercaliber with its exclusive IsoStrut tuneable, damped shock built into the integral structure of the frame. This clever piece of engineering allows for a small amount of travel to take the sting out the rough stuff without compromising pedalling input – perfect for the kind of sprint finish that Evie dominated.

See the Supercaliber HERE

 

The best MTB films to watch while staying in

Staying in to watch a great mountain bike film is the next best thing to riding trails yourself. There’s a strong chance that when you’re not actually on the bike you’re thinking about being on the bike, or watching someone else ride.

Trek have collated some of their favourite mountain bike films to help you stay stoked for our collective return to the trails.

 

 

Going in: New Release

Going In delivers an unfiltered look at life beyond the bike for Trek MTB athletes as they experience the lows and highs of training, racing, and living for the sport they love.

 

 

Return to Earth

The cinematic masterpiece from Anthill Films, which is now on Amazon Prime, reminds us of the importance of living in the moment. If you’ve got a soul, this film will get you ready to shred.

 

 

unReal

Anthill Films overturns everything you thought you knew about mountain biking in this mind-blowing feature for dreamers and rule breakers.

 

 

Not2Bad

A second dose of the best of freestyle mountain biking, featuring the epic Spanish countryside and full Trek C3 Project crew.

 

 

 

This weekend sees the final big event on the UK Cyclocross calendar. The UK National Cyclocross Championships takes place in Shrewsbury over Saturday and Sunday with competitors from all over the  country heading to the infamously demanding (usually very muddy!) Shrewsbury course to compete in a wide range of age categories.

The Wheelbase Cyclocross team are heading to Shrewsbury with high hopes following a successful season racing at the highest level in the National Trophy Cyclocross series. Lewis Craven will be doubling up again, competing in both the Vet’s race on the Saturday and the Senior race on the Sunday. Lewis has shown some cracking form recently with a fantastic win in the Vet’s race at the last National Trophy round in York just before Christmas. Known for his technical skills in the muddiest conditions we’re all doing a rain dance for him in the hope he has similar conditions to contend with on Saturday!

Giles Drake our talented Senior racer has once again dominated his local North West Cyclocross Series as well as achieving some very consistent top 10 placings in the National Trophies so fingers crossed lady luck stays on his side for the most important race of the season in the final race of the weekend when he goes up against some of the most talented International racers around including Tom Pidcock who has raced a full season in Belgium. Lewis Craven will go again in the Senior race, being one of the few riders to take on multiple races during the weekend. Lewis has podiumed before in the Senior National Championships and will be sure to up there in the results for this race too.

Tom Martin has the potential to go well in the Under 23 Championships, however, after a slow return to racing following a small injury we are unsure at this time whether he’ll make the start line. Behind the team there is a hard-working pit-crew ready to take on multiple bike changes during the race to keep our riders going regardless of conditions. We wish all of our riders and support staff the best of luck for this weekend! See you there!