Author: John Dodgin

Wait? What?! It’s an e-bike?! You have to look twice…

Yes, Cannondale have just launched the all-new Cannondale Topstone Neo SL featuring a Mahle eBikemotion X35+ drive system. This is a hub-based motor that gives you just the right amount of assistance to make your gravel biking just the little bit more comfortable, encouraging you to head out further into the wild than you may have done on a conventional ‘acoustic’ gravel bike. We really had to look twice when we first saw the Topstone Neo SL with a motor and battery that is so discreet it’s initially hard to spot that this IS an e-bike.

This adventure-ready e-bike is a lightweight, no-frills, all-function alloy bike which features all the key attributes you’d expect from a modern gravel bike, with multiple mounts for your water bottles, racks and packs helping you to get your own setup just right for all-day epics or multi-day adventures. The Topstone Neo SL’s frame geometry gives a perfectly balanced riding position that’s suited to endless hours in the saddle when you’re negotiating mixed terrain but is still aggressive enough for a fast feel and speedy efficiency when your tyres reconnect with tarmac between stretches of your favourite gravel.

Blink and you’ll miss it, yes, this IS an e-bike…

The Cannondale Topstone Neo SL uses a lightweight Mahle eBikemotion motor located in the rear hub which produces 250W of assistance while a 250Wh is neatly hidden in the Neo SL’s downtube.

250W of assist from the Mahle eBikemotion hub motor…

The eBikemotion drive system provides three levels of support and is easily controlled by an integrated top tube controller which is always a touch away, simply turn on the system and select your assist level; you can also see the status of your battery charge. With the controller situated on the top tube of the frame there’s no need for a bulky controller on the handlebars and no unsightly controller cables between handlebars and frame.

Integrated top tube controller keeps things simple and uncluttered…

With a sleek, integrated internal battery stowed away within the Topstone Neo SL’s alloy frame charging is done with a cable connected directly to a port at the junction of the frame between the downtube and seat tube. This simple, easy to use charging port makes topping up your bike’s battery quick and easy; when not in use the charging port remains safely sealed from the elements. There’s even the option of connecting an additional range extender to increase the battery capacity to a total of 450Wh encouraging you to take your rides even further.

There’s convenient battery charging and the option to run a range extender…

The Topstone Neo SL with its extra assist from the 250W Mahle eBikemotion hub motor is inevitably going to push you to ride faster, particularly when you’re off-road and are negotiating technical terrain. Cannondale have ensured that the Neo SL is ready to cope with the extra demands of this super-fast gravel bike by fitting big-volume 700x42mm tyres as standard to help you blast through fast loose turns and roll over rough surfaces; even with these big 42mm wide tyres there’s still plenty of clearance between frame a tyre so on your muddiest rides there won’t be a great deal of ride-compromising dirt build up to slow you down.

The Topstone Neo SL gravel e-bikes have clearance for 42mm wide tyres…

There’s plenty of frame mounts for bottles, racks and packs…

The Mahle eBikemotion hub motor is so discreet it’s easy to miss…

The Neo SL’s handlebars feature a 16 degree flare drop to keep you in control off-road…

There’s a simple 1X drivetrain on the Topstone Neo SL 1 model…

A wide ratio 11-42T cassette features on the SL Neo 1 model; there’s an 11-34T on the double chainring SL Neo 2 bike…

Cannondale Topstone Neo SL 1 £3,200.00

Cannondale Topstone Neo SL 2 £2,900.00

Both models of the all-new Cannondale Topstone Neo SL are in stock now; available to buy in store and online…

 

This week our Fast Bike Friday feature is showcasing an absolutely stunning aero road bike that is truly deserving of its ‘dream bike’ title; complete with a custom Trek Project One paintjob which helps to make the bike look super-fast even when it’s standing still, please take a moment to appreciate the high-spec, race-ready Trek Madone SLR Project One eTap AXS…

New for 2021 the Madone SLR 7 gets a serious upgrade over its predecessor; while it keeps all of its race winning aerodynamics and great ride quality it is now even lighter thanks to a frame that has been constructed from Trek’s new top-level 800-Series OCLV carbon composite. Trek’s lightest and strongest carbon material was originally developed for another flagship model in the Trek performance road bike range – the all-new Emonda which was launched in late 2020. The benefits of this new material – increased strength and lower weight, were too good to limit to just one model in their range, with 800-Series OCLV carbon perfectly suiting what the Trek engineers were trying to achieve with the Madone SLR, using it was a no-brainer.

The stunning Madone SLR 7 in Project One colours…

During its relatively short lifespan the Trek Madone has quickly proven itself as a race-winning bike at the highest levels of international professional road racing; Trek can be very proud of the fact that the Madone has already won the World Road Race Championships, piloted by Trek Segafredo pro rider Mads Pederson. The aerodynamic profile of each tube and of the bike as a whole helps riders onboard the Madone to cut through the air more efficiently; saving small amounts of energy as they race, over long distances these gains in aero-efficiency quickly multiply, leaving racers fresher for the all-important crunch-point of the race.

It’s important to reinforce just how aerodynamically-efficient the Trek Madone SLR 7 is in the real world; yes this race bike has been tested in wind tunnels and was part-developed using CFD (computational fluid dynamics) but the Trek engineers have produced this aero road bike to excel brilliantly out on the open road, complete with side winds. How have they done this? Well it’s thanks in no small part to the Madone’s Kammtail Virtual Foils (KVF) used on the profile of each carbon tube; the principle of KVF is relatively simple – take a conventional airfoil and remove the broad cross-section. Testing proves that the bike still gains all of the aerodynamic benefits using KVF but actually behaves better in real world situations, especially crosswinds.

The profile of a full airfoil is aerodynamic but a broad cross-section can cause problems in cross-winds…

Trek’s Kammtail Virtual Foil gives the same aerodynamic benefits but behaves better in real world situations…

The Madone SLR 7’s downtube features an aero-efficient KVF profile…

The paint finish on this special Trek Project One Madone SLR 7 is something to behold…

Trek’s all-new 800 OCLV Carbon composite shave extra weight off the previous generation Madone…

So we’ve established that the Madone’s tube profiles are particularly aerodynamic and provide a tangible aero-advantage when racing, but that will only take you so far. To really gain a performance advantage and negate any potential for aero-inefficiency the Trek designers and engineers have also fully integrated all of the key components such as bars, stem and seat post to be intrinsic to the Madone’s chassis. This means that the aero-profiled bars and stem blend seamlessly with the frame creating a super-slick front-end that can cut through the wind effectively; equally, the seat post is fully-integrated into the frame so that as the moving air hits the rear of the bike the Madone creates the minimum of turbulence.

The Madone’s headtube blends seamlessly with its headset and stem…

The Madone’s frame profile is super-streamlined, look at the seamless junction between stem, top tube and head tube…

From certain angles the Madone all but disappears thanks to its exquisite aero-profiled frame… 

The cockpit of the Trek Madone SLR 7 is a masterful piece of integration and aerodynamic engineering; it’s striking just how slick this setup looks with absolutely no exposed cables on show. Of course in this instance Sram’s Force eTap AXS groupset is wireless so that instantly removes two sets of gear cables, but it’s worth pointing out that on other models in the range which feature either mechanical groupsets or Shimano Di2 electronic wired groupsets the cockpits are equally as aero-efficient. On this SLR 7 model the Sram Force’s hydraulic brake hoses are neatly routed through the carbon aero handle bars, the aero stem and then down through the frame between the fork steerer tube and head tube to run down inside the fork leg and through the frame to the rear disc brake caliper.

This cockpit has been designed to cut through the air as efficiently as possible…

Stem, frame and forks are all seamlessly connected…

User-friendly Madone adjustable aero VR-CF OCLV carbon handle bars and Madone SLR stem allow you to fine-tune your preferred position… 

While other aero road bikes might have a reputation for giving a harsh ride there’s no such feeling with the Trek Madone SLR 7. Trek recognise that as well as aerodynamics and low weight there’s another important factor that contributes to a bike’s speed and how it performs – ride quality. If the ride is too harsh then riders soon begin to feel fatigued and will struggle to ride and / or race as efficiently; with this in mind the Trek designers took their proven Isospeed platform that has already shone on other Trek bikes across multiple cycling disciplines including road, gravel, cyclocross and mountain biking and applied it to the Madone.

The IsoSpeed logo lets you know there’s some clever engineering going on within the Madone’s frame…

Trek’s IsoSpeed decouples the frame’s seat mast from the rest of the frame to provide additional vertical compliance when you’re in the saddle without sacrificing any pedaling efficiency. The Isospeed decoupler is optimised for each frame size but it’s also possible to dial in the firmness to suit your own preferences. The Trek Madone SLR 7 features the latest version of Isospeed which also includes a damper to provide a more controlled rebound after hitting a bump, it’s a brilliant system that’s unique to Trek.

The Madone’s super-stiff aerodynamic frame is brilliantly compliant too thanks to the IsoSpeed decoupler…

The amount of vertical compliance is adjustable to make your ride softer or firmer…

Before we move on to look at the Madone SLR 7’s groupset and other components there’s a couple of other details to highlight. Firstly there has been slight change to the Madone’s geometry, concerning the height of the headtube. Until now Trek have categorised their road bike geometry as either H1 or H2; H1 geometry featured a shorter headtube for a lower overall front-end and a racier position. The H1 geometry is used by Trek’s own professional cyclists and was also available as an option if and when consumers were buying a custom Project One Madone. Alternatively H2 geometry featured a taller headtube and put the rider in a more neutral position with a slightly more upright feel; the H2 option was the most common configuration available on all standard (non-Project One) Madones. For this newest version of the Madone Trek have released their H1.5 geometry with a headtube length which falls between the two H1 and H2 options. The new H1.5 geometry will be popular with most cyclists looking for an aero road bike like this, it’s not so low as to put you in an uncomfortable riding position and it’s not so high as to put you in an inefficient non-aero position leaving you able to best generate and carry speed; the H1.5 geometry also features on Treks newest Emonda range of road bikes.

Another small detail that’s worth pointing out is the all-new Madone SLR 7’s bottom bracket configuration; Trek have moved away from the press-fit bottom bracket seen on the previous version of the Madone and have replaced it with their new T47 bottom bracket standard which is being used on more and more of Trek’s bikes. This threaded, oversized bottom bracket makes it much easier to install and service which makes it a little more user friendly for the home mechanics among us.

This Trek Madone SLR 7 Project One road bike features SRAM’s brilliant 12 speed wireless Force eTap AXS groupset. If you’re a regular reader of our Fast Bike Friday feature you may have noticed the trend for this groupset being spec’d on many of the high-end road bikes we’ve showcased; sitting one rung below SRAM Red eTap AXS on the groupset ladder, the Force drivetrain takes all of the technology from Red and makes it more affordable, being manufactured by slightly cheaper materials. It’s no wonder we’ve seen this groupset on so many road bikes this year; the efficient wireless activation remains the same as Red and is brilliantly functional as well as being user-friendly and intuitive to use.

The Trek Madone SLR 7 Project One road bike features SRAM’s brilliant 12 speed wireless Force eTap AXS groupset…

The wireless Force eTap AXS 12-speed rear derailleur picks up a signal from the gear shifters and changes gear precisely every time it is activated. The battery that powers its motor is neatly integrated into the rear derailleur and is easy to remove and charge when required; to ensure that the chain always stays in place and is never bounced off the cassette or the chainrings SRAM have included a clever Orbit fluid clutch within the body of the derailleur. Specially profiled jockey wheels and the addition of a thin flat-sided 12-speed chain further enhance the efficiency of each gear change.

SRAM’s Force eTap AXS 12-Speed wireless rear derailleur is a clever piece of tech…

This 12-speed groupset features SRAM’s unique ‘X-range’ approach to gear ratios, created in an effort to decrease the size and weight of the drivetrain while making the jump between each gear ratio smaller for an overall more user-friendly riding experience. For the Madone SLR 7 Project One Trek have spec’d a 46T/33T chainset combined with a 10-33T cassette to ensure that you’ll always be able to select the appropriate gear for every riding scenario.

The wireless front derailleur is activated by pressing both the front and left gear levers together at the same time, shifting from the small ring to the big ring with one activation and then back from the big ring to the small ring the next time you press both gear levers together at the same time. This becomes pretty intuitive very quickly!

The Force front derailleur is simple an intuitive to use…

SRAM Force eTap AXS 12-Speed shifters are ergonomic and provide precise shifting…

The Trek Madone SLR 7 carbon frame and fork features neat flat-mounts for the SRAM hydraulic disc calipers to attach to. The overall look is compact and unobtrusive with the rear brake caliper sitting neatly within the rear triangle of the frame safe from the potential for crash damage and tucked away from airflow to help the super-aero Madone remain as aerodynamic as possible.

Neat flat-mount hydraulic disc brakes keep things super-aero…

The front disc caliper is tucked neatly behind the fork leg to help cheat headwinds…

The Trek Madone SLR 7’s performance potential is significantly boosted by its carbon wheelset; the Bontrager Aeolus Elite 50 TLR wheels are full-carbon, tubeless-ready, and have been designed and engineered to meet the unique demands of a disc brake road wheel. The Aeolus 50’s balance durability, weight and aerodynamics for outstanding performance, helping you to accelerate quickly and hold your speed efficiently thanks to their 50mm depth.

Race-ready Bontrager Aeolus 50’s will help you hold your speed in the sprint thanks to their aerodynamic 50mm rim depth…

A real plus for Bontrager wheels is their lifetime warranty for the original purchaser and their accompanying Carbon Care service which means if you damage the wheels while riding in the first two years of ownership Trek will replace them. The Aeolus Elite 50 carbon wheels come fitted with Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite tyres in a 28mm width – a road tyre size that has increased in popularity over recent years thanks to their extra width providing more comfort on rough road surfaces and providing more grip on tight turns; as the use of disc brakes has increased and the width of wheel rims has grown a 28mm wide tyre has quickly become the norm.

Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite tyres in a 28mm width roll fast but provide plenty of grip…

Trek have spec’d a Bontrager Verse Pro saddle on the Madone SLR 7 which should suit most riders; Bontrager describe the Verse as one of their most versatile saddles, designed to suit both men and women it puts you in a posture for enhanced speed and control. Ultra-light the Verse Pro features carbon rails and a carbon reinforced shell and includes Bontrager’s inform design with a full cut-out shape to relieve soft-tissue pressure points when you’re in the saddle. Available in various widths this particular saddle is 155mm which is pretty wide and supportive; the narrowest option for this saddle is 135mm and the widest is 165mm.

An ultra-light Bontrager Verse Pro saddle with carbon rails features a versatile shape that will suit most riders…

This custom painted Trek Madone SLR 7 Project One eTap AXS aero road bike is simply stunning to look at and is garnering tons of attention in our Staveley store in the Lake District. That paint job makes it look fast while it’s standing still but, rest assured, as I’ve highlighted within this feature the Trek Madone SLR 7 is most certainly not ‘all style and no substance’. With Trek’s lightest ever 800 Series OCLV carbon frame, Kammtail Virtual Foil aerodynamic tube shaping and road-smoothing IsoSpeed decoupler the Madone boasts so much tech and engineering brilliance which has evolved from previous generations of Trek’s high-performance race bikes. Fully-integrated componentry, concealed cables, a cutting-edge wireless 12 speed SRAM eTap AXS groupset , hydraulic disc brakes and Bontrager’s Aeolus Pro 5 carbon wheels complete this race-ready aero road bike. While it’s fair to say you can’t buy your way to success, the Trek Madone SLR 7 would give you a pretty good head start!

The stunning Trek Madone SLR 7 is packed full of Trek’s best tech and engineering brilliance…

If you want to create your own dream Project One bike get in touch and one of our road team will be able to help.

 

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!

 

 

 

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…

 

Let’s open this product feature with some questions; do you want to ride your bike more but are short on time? Are you put off by the potential for having to spend time cleaning and maintaining your bike? Do you want to commute to work, leaving the car at home and need a practical, no-nonsense bike that includes everything you need to make your journey as user-friendly as possible? If you’re looking for ways to simplify how you travel and want to enjoy your time-pushed free time more, with almost no barriers to stop you riding then the Cube Travel Pro Trapeze is the perfect bike for you; this belt-drive commuter is quite possibly THE most practical bike we’ve ever stocked!

So what makes the Cube Travel Pro Trapeze so user-friendly? Let’s summarise with some quick bullet points before we go into a little more detail:

• Convenient step-through trapeze alloy frame
• Durable water-proof Belt Drive means no chain to lube and maintain
• Internal 8-speed hub gear protects all workings from the elements
• Powerful hydraulic disc brakes keep braking safe and consistent in all weathers
• Hub-dynamo-powered front and rear lights mean you’ll always have lighting when you need it
• Full mudguards help protect you from road spray
• Rear pannier rack for carrying duties – work stuff and / or shopping
• Kickstand allows you to park your bike easily

The Cube Travel Pro Trapeze is probably THE most practical bike we’ve ever stocked…

The Cube Travel Pro features a lightweight alloy frame and fork that includes internal headset bearings that are stowed within the frame, shielding them from the elements and prolonging the life of the bearings. The step-through configuration of this frame means that dismounts and remounts are really easy; there’s less potential for any mishaps getting on and of the bike and this is a nice confidence-inspiring feature, particularly if you find your self constantly stopping and starting at traffic lights and the like within an urban environment.

The lightweight alloy step-through frame make dismounts and remounts easier…

The Gates Belt Drive is definitely the big headliner on the Cube Travel Pro Trapeze; this brilliantly practical configuration does away with a traditional bicycle chain and replaces it with a Gates Carbon Drive Belt which combines super-tough carbon cords with an engineered polymer body to form a toothed belt which drives the bike’s rear wheel when you pedal. This belt can be closely compared to a fan belt in the engine of a car, in fact it uses the same technology proving just how durable and reliable the belt drive system is. So what are the key advantages of this system? Well, you don’t have to clean and lube a chain to stop it rusting, you don’t have a dirty chain to potentially spread oil on your clothing and the system is completely silent and unaffected by wet riding conditions. The teeth on the belt seamlessly mesh with the intricately machined teeth on the front crankset and rear sprocket, the system is set so that the belt is at a constant and secure tension so there’s no risk of it being unshipped from the crankset; this really is a brilliantly simple but effective way of propelling the bike.

The Cube Travel Pro Trapeze does away with a conventional chain…

The Gates belt drive has proven itself as a durable alternative to the bicycle chain over the past decade…

Belt and crankset mesh seamlessly to efficiently drive the bike…

The Cube Travel Pro’s Gates Belt Drive system drives a Shimano Nexus SG-C6001-8D 8-Speed rear hub; this system replaces a chain / cassette / rear derailleur setup that you may be more familiar with. If you consider the cassette and rear derailleur setup you normally find on most commuter bikes you’ll recognise the potential for increased wear and tear from everyday use in all weather conditions and the need to maintain the system to ensure it stays efficient. With the Shimano Nexus hub gear those factors are not a concern, this clever system stows away 8 gears within the hub, fully enclosed and protected from the elements. Shimano have fitted a good range of gears within the hub so you’ll be able to get over hilly terrain with no problems, even when you’re carrying a load on the rear pannier rack. So that’s no chain and no external gears to worry about, making the Travel Pro perfectly suited to the rigours of riding in unpredictable British weather. Gear changes are made from an easy-to-use trigger shifter on the right of the handlebar with every gear change being crisp and consistent.

A Shimano Nexus hub gear system works brilliantly and shields all working parts from the elements…

If you’re committed to riding to and from work or to the shops on a regular basis, inevitably you’ll soon encounter adverse weather; even wet roads on sunny days after the odd rain shower can really affect how effective your bike’s braking is. There’s been a real revolution in braking technology for bicycles over the past 20 years or so; hydraulic disc brakes are now well established on a range of bikes including mountain bikes, road bikes, gravel bikes and practical commuter bikes such as the Travel Pro that we’re looking at here. The advantages of disc brakes are superior braking power and better consistency in all riding conditions; the Travel Pro’s disc brakes are activated by a hydraulic brake lever and brake caliper, so there’s no traditional brake cable to stretch or get contaminated from grit and grime, it’s basically a closed unit that delivers powerful and consistent braking with zero maintenance. Another benefit of a disc brake setup is that the braking surface is moved away from the rim of the wheel to the centre of the wheel, located on the hub, this means that the braking surface (of the disc rotor) stays drier further adding to the consistent feel of these brakes; braking is immediate and controlled making for a much more confidence-inspiring riding experience.

Hydraulic disc brakes deliver powerful, consistent braking in all weathers…

Compact Shimano hydraulic calipers and 160mm disc rotors provide ample braking power…

Shimano hydraulic brake levers deliver consistent braking regardless of hand-strength as you’re not pulling a conventional brake cable…

To keep you rolling Cube have spec’d the Travel Pro with fast and efficient 29” alloy wheels that make it easy to accelerate away from traffic lights and then hold your speed once you’ve got going. These Cube wheels come fitted with tough Schwalbe Marathon Almotion Performance tyres that include Kevlar reinforcement within the rubber to help your bike be less susceptible to punctures. The tread pattern on these Schwalbe Marathon tyres provide just the right amount of grip on mixed road surfaces and on wet corners, but at the same time the tread pattern isn’t excessively knobbly like a typical mountain bike tyre tread so you won’t be working against a heavy tyre tread on the road.

Schwalbe Marathon Almotion Performance tyres roll fast…

The Schwalbe Marathon tyres include Kevlar reinforcement to help prevent punctures…

Another great feature of the Cube Travel Pro Trapeze bike is the front and rear bike lights which are powered by a front hub dynamo; this means that when the bike is moving the front hub generates its own power to light the lights. Having bicycle lights on at all times, day or night is a good thing as they will catch the eye of other road users and alert them to your presence. During twilight hours or in total darkness this clever dynamo front light will light your way producing 40 meters of visibility in total darkness and helping you be seen by other road users from as far away as 2500 metres. Cube have also included a rear dynamo light which is installed on the rear pannier rack which produces 120 metres of visibility.

An AXA Compactline 20 dynamo front light provides 40 metres of visibility as you ride… 

A Shimano DH-3D37 Dynamo Hub produces all the power you need to light your way…

The Travel Pro is so well considered that the Cube designers have also included a rear pannier rack and mudguards as standard; these additions are also really practical and user-friendly. The rear rack is light but strong, being made from aluminium and will easily carry either a single pannier bag, two pannier bags or just a rack-top bag depending on your journey and luggage-carrying needs. Front and rear Cube Acid mudguards mean that you’ll remain splatter-free in damp weather when there’s a fair bit of road spray, so in most cases you won’t need to be taking a change of clothes with you to work.

The rear pannier rack means you can conveniently carry a load…

Cube’s own Acid front and rear mudguards provide ample protection from road spray…

Cube recognise the importance of designing and producing a bike that features comfortable contact points so that you don’t feel beaten up at the end of your journey. The Cube Travel Pro Trapeze comes fitted with a Sequence saddle which features a versatile shape that should suit most cyclists. This supportive saddle is well padded making it comfortable even on longer bike trips; a hard-wearing finish means that the saddle is durable and easy to keep clean. Cube have also spec’d a pair of Natural Fit Comfort handlebar grips which feature a flared out portion at the end of the grip to provide enhanced support for your wrists; this is another great little detail that has been included to make riding the Travel Pro more enjoyable to ride.

A Cube Sequence saddle features a versatile, supportive and user-friendly profile…

Natural Fit Comfort handlebar grips feature a flared out portion to provide extra wrist support…

One final detail to note on this brilliantly practical commuter bike is the kickstand that comes fitted as standard. This is no afterthought; it’s not a case of a kickstand just being clamped onto the frame, the CUBEstand Pro is intrinsic to the Travel Pro’s frame and is bolted directly into a specific frame fitting. A kickstand is a great addition to this bike, making it easy to park up quickly and securely even when you’re carrying a load on the rear pannier rack.

The CUBEstand Pro is a welcome addition to the Travel Pro…

So there we have it, as we described at the beginning of this feature, the Cube Travel Pro Trapeze bike could just be the most practical bike that we’ve ever stocked. If you’re looking for a bike that’s capable of taking on the daily commute, to and from work in all weathers with the minimum of fuss and with almost no maintenance required then the Travel Pro is a fantastic option. Packed full of user-friendly features and practical considerations the real headliner on this trusty town bike has to be that brilliant belt drive system and internal gears, which removes the efforts required to maintain a bike chain, rear derailleur and external gears found on a conventional bike. The Travel Pro’s drive train is durable, waterproof and dependable helping you to focus solely on your daily bike journey; while a lightweight alloy step-through frame puts you in an upright, confidence-inspiring position enabling you to negotiate busy streets in total control. Hydraulic disc brakes slow you down quickly and effectively making your ride more predictable even when the weather and road conditions take a turn for the worse. If you’re a time-pushed cycle commuter then the Cube Travel Pro Trapeze is the perfect bike for you.

The Cube Travel Pro is perfect for daily commuting duties…

The Cube Travel Pro Trapeze is available in store and online now…

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by James Vincent

 

Want to see more 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 bike features too!

Click the link below and search our archive…

 

 

This week Fast Bike Friday is focused on the Mondraker Dusk R 29 E-MTB, an all-alloy full-suspension trail bike that includes 150mm of rear travel featuring Mondraker’s brilliant Zero Suspension system matched up with a very capable 160mm Fox 36 Float Evol fork up front. With Shimano’s excellent new EP8 motor, fast-rolling 29” wheels and the option to add a booster battery for 50% additional range this is a super-fun E-MTB that’s built to meet the demands of aggressive trail riding and all-day adventures on just one charge. The Dusk R 29 has quickly proved itself to be one of the most popular E-MTBs on our showroom floor with this model selling through as soon as we have stock; so what makes this bike so special and in high demand? Let’s take a closer look…

First impressions? The Mondraker Dusk R 29 looks like bags of fun!…

The Dusk R features a tough 6061 Alloy Stealth Evo chassis featuring ‘Forward Geometry’ which was a concept that Mondraker originally started implementing almost a decade ago. This very forward thinking approach to trail geometry was way ahead of its time, with the main handling advantages of this concept now widely copied by nearly all other mountain bike brands. The principle is relatively simple but very effective – a longer top tube gives you more room to move around the bike and provides a more stable platform at speed; a shorter stem compensates for the top tube length increase and at the same time enhances steering response and provides direct handling. Forward Geometry has been tweaked and refined over the years to give the rider a truly confidence-inspiring ride, particularly on steep & technical descents allowing you to ride faster and push your riding while remaining in control. The extra demands brought on by the fact that this an E-MTB, namely the faster speeds and additional weight of the bike are easily met by Mondraker’s Forward Geometry providing high speed stability and confident cornering control.

That long top tube means there’s plenty of room to move around without getting bucked…

Mondraker’s Forward Geometry is a design principle that has been widely imitated by other bike brands…

As I mentioned earlier, the Mondraker Dusk R features Shimano’s new EP8 motor which is noticeably more compact than its E8000 predecessor and is considerably more quiet; it boasts a significantly lighter weight overall and allows for cleaner integration into this E-MTB’s alloy chassis. In use the motor is smoother with a more natural feel to the pedaling assistance. Another key improvement is the EP8’s heat management allowing the motor to output max torque for longer without overheating. 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.

The compact Shimano Steps EP8 motor is lighter and more compact that its predecessor…

The Shimano STEPS E7000 black and white digital display is simple to understand; once on you can choose between the motor’s ‘Eco’ ‘Trail’ and ‘Boost’ modes…

Change the EP8 motor mode using the slim, ergonomic and easy to use switch located next to the left-hand grip…

The Dusk R 29 features a 630Wh Shimano Simplo integrated battery that’s neatly stowed within the downtube of the alloy frame; despite this motor and battery combination already being super-efficient Mondraker have also included a battery extender port on the frame to allow you to run an additional Shimano Simplo 360Wh external battery (sold separately) giving you more range. If you see yourself heading out on all-day epics away from trail centres and the like then this is a great option; more time to ride with less potential for any mid-ride ‘range-anxiety’.

This small cover gives access to a battery extender port…

Connect an additional 360Wh external battery for enhanced range…

There’s a lot more information available on the new Shimano Steps EP8 E-MTB motor system; we recently published a guide to the new motor which includes more details on how you can customise the settings of your own bike to tune the motor to behave in the best way that suits you and your riding. If you want to find out more please follow the link below; but for now let’s get back to the Mondraker Dusk R 29…

You can read a detailed review of the Shimano EP8 Motor by clicking the link below…

At the heart of the Dusk R’s rear suspension platform is their Zero Suspension System; here we have another example of a design principle which Mondraker have previously applied to their ‘acoustic’ mountain bikes that also translates perfectly over to meet the demands of full-suspension E-MTBs. Zero is a dual link design which allows the rear shock to float between two suspension links and is compressed at both ends making the rear suspension extremely sensitive to both small bumps and big hits. This clever suspension configuration also means that pedaling input translates into immediate forward motion with zero compression or extension of the rear shock; another potential problem on long-travel rear suspension – chain length growth throughout the suspension travel, is also avoided with this system. Finally Mondraker’s Zero Suspension System overcomes the potential for the rear brake to work against suspension forces – a scenario that can occur on other rear suspension platforms, here the Zero Suspension System’s rear shock continues to move freely without any suspension stiffening caused by heavy braking.

Mondraker’s clever Zero Suspension System overcomes any potential performance issues associated with long travel rear suspension…

The Zero Suspension System easily meets the extra demands incurred from an E-MTB…

Fox Float DPS LV EVOL Performance rear shock is E-MTB tuned and facilitates 150mm of rear wheel travel…

To match all of that active, super-supple rear suspension Mondraker have spec’d the Dusty R 29 with a pair of Fox Float 36 FIT GRIP EVOL Rhythm E-MTB tuned forks with 160mm of travel. The GRIP damper is inspired from FOX’s MOTO background and uses their FIT sealed cartridge technology combined with an independent floating piston. GRIP allows excess oil to purge through specially designed ports at the top of the damper helping to maintain consistent damping.  There are three compression damping positions which can be easily adjusted on the top of the fork – Open, Medium and Firm; these Boost110 forks with 160mm of travel are built to take the big hits in their stride with the Dusty R’s super-slack 65.5º head angle helping to get the best out of these forks on steep drops.

Fox Float 36 FIT GRIP EVOL Rhythm E-MTB tuned forks…

The Fox Float 36 provides 160mm of plush travel and excels with the Dusk R’s 65.5º head angle…

Choose between Open, Medium and Firm…

Mondraker have spec’d an efficient, reliable, precise-shifting Sram SX Eagle 12-Speed groupset on the Dusk R 29. This simple 1x setup also includes an E-MTB-specific Shimano STEPS EM600 165mm crankset fitted with a 34T chainring combined with a wide ratio 12-speed cassette with cogs ranging from 11T up to a whopping 50T to give you all the gear combinations you could possibly need; this drivetrain combined with the powerful Shimano Steps EP8 motor means there’s practically no off-road gradient that can’t be overcome.

The Sram SX Eagle 12-Speed groupset gives you all the gear ratios you’ll need…

A 12-speed Sram SX Eagle rear derailleur keeps every gear shift crisp and precise while its Type 3 roller bearing clutch keeps the chain taught and secure even when your riding gets really rowdy; shifting duties are taken care of with a Sram Trigger SX Eagle 12-speed shifter.

The 12-speed Sram SX Eagle rear derailleur with clutch can handle the kind of rowdy riding an E-MTB is built for…

The Sram Trigger SX Eagle 12-speed shifter has a light, precise action…

An E-MTB that’s built for fast, full-on riding needs a great pair of anchors to slow you down quickly and effectively. The Dusk features a pair of Shimano M4100 4 piston hydraulic disc brake calipers combined with a pair of large 203mm disc rotors to help you scrub off speed and keep in control on steep, loose descents; these powerful brakes are activated by Shimano M4100 servo wave alloy brake levers which feel great and are easy to modulate even with just single-finger braking.

Shimano M4100 4 piston hydraulic disc brake calipers provide plenty of stopping power…

Large 203mm disc brake rotors help you scrub off speed quickly and effectively…

The rear Shimano M4100 4 piston hydraulic disc brake caliper is tucked neatly within the rear triangle…

When Mondraker put the Dusk R 29 E-MTB together they knew that the bike had to feature a tough, fast-rolling pair of wheels that could handle the extra demands brought on by the increased speed and forces incurred during a typical E-MTB ride. The Dusk R wheelset features tough tubeless-ready MDK-HP1 29” rims with a nice 30mm internal width, giving tyres a squarer profile while helping to avoid pinch-flats; front and rear rims are 32 hole. Front and rear Formula hubs are durable with sealed bearings and Boost spacing – 15x110mm front / 12x148mm – now the standard for this type of mountain bike. To finish off these heavy-duty hoops Mondraker have spec’d a pair of 29×2.6” Maxxis Rekon tyres which are tubeless ready and feature a dual compound and EXO protection; these tyres are more than capable of meeting the extra demands of aggressive E-MTB riding, providing plenty of grip in tight, loose turns and tons of traction when the extra drive of the EP8 motor digs in on tough off-road climbs.

A tough 29″ wheelset with wide rims have been built to meet the extra demands of e-mountain biking…

29×2.6” Maxxis Rekon tyres provide plenty of grip in tight, loose turns…

Mondraker have spec’d the Dusk R 29 with finishing components from the top Spanish component engineering brand Onoff, with a tidy bar / stem combo giving a stiff, responsive cockpit to pilot this aggressive E-MTB from. The Onoff Sulfur 1.0 double-butted 6061 alloy handlebars feature a 20mm rise and a 780mm width to give you plenty of leverage and help keep this fast E-MTB in control;  there’s a 9° backsweep and a 5° upsweep for a great feeling bar. The 31.8mm Sulfur bar marries up neatly with the Sulfur FG forged alloy stem to create one complete unit that is strong, light and provides precise steering and confidence-inspiring handling; the Sulfur FG stem is 30mm in length and features a 0° rise.

The Onoff bar / stem combo provides a stiff and responsive cockpit…

The Dusk R 29 includes a dropper seatpost to get the saddle out of the way quickly when you’re descending down technical trails and taking on big drops. Again, Mondraker have chosen Onoff and have spec’d their Pija Dropper seatpost; this internally-routed dropper features internal cable routing to a remote lever on the right hand of the handlebar. The amount of drop differs depending on the size of the bike with 125mm of travel for the size small Dusk, 150mm for the size medium and 170mm for the large/extra-large.

The cable activated dropper seatpost is controlled by a compact lever on the right hand of the handlebar…

The Mondraker Dusk R 29 represents the full package when it comes to a contemporary E-MTB trail bike, ticking all of the boxes regarding what we’ve very quickly grown to expect from a bike such as this. Bang up to date with Shimano’s new Steps EP8 motor giving an increased torque to 85Nm and a more natural feeling to the pedal assistance it is quieter than ever too. Mondraker’s brilliant Forward Geometry lends itself really well to the extra demands of an E-MTB and really enhances how this bike handles during aggressive riding when the terrain in front of you is coming up super-fast and is changing every second. The rear suspension platform on the Dusk R 29 has its roots within their stable of ‘acoustic’ mountain bikes but this principle has transferred brilliantly over to this e-MTB bike with the Mondraker Zero Suspension design being specifically tuned to handle the extra demands of an E-MTB. With a brilliantly capable Fox 36 29 Float fork up front which has also been e-bike tuned, a fast-rolling, tough pair of 29er wheels and a simple, precise-shifting Sram groupset as well as 4-piston disc brakes and the addition of a dropper post the Dusk R’s spec makes a clear statement as to how Mondraker expect this E-MTB to be ridden – rowdy, with non-stop fun – downhill AND uphill.

The Mondraker Dusk R 29 represents the full package when it comes to a contemporary E-MTB trail bike…

The popular Mondraker Dusk R 29 is selling quickly, check in with us in-store or online for more information on stock availability…

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by James Vincent

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This week, for our Fast Bike Friday feature we’re looking at Cannondale’s versatile hardtail E-MTB – the Trail Neo 4. Most of our FBF features tend to focus on high-end super-bikes including Road, Gravel, Mountain and E-MTBs which we can’t help being seduced by, but sometimes may come at the expense of looking at more obtainable all-rounders that offer great value for money. The Cannondale Trail Neo 4 fits this description well; if you’re considering buying your fist E-Bike and are looking for a versatile bike that you can use for your daily commute during the week, before heading off further afield at the weekend to explore your local tracks and trails then this fun, fast E-MTB from Cannondale could be the bike for you; let’s run through some of the Trail Neo 4’s key features…

As with any e-bike, most people’s first concern is the motor that the bike has been spec’d with, but before we do that let’s take a look at the alloy frame which benefits from years of design and engineering experience from the Cannondale team. The Trail Neo 4 frame is produced using their premium SmartForm C1 Alloy construction technique, allowing them to create a frame that is incredibly light, stiff and durable. This light, stiff frame gives a light and lively feel and excels on everything from the city streets to tight, technical off-road singletrack; when it comes to the geometry of the Trail Neo 4 everything is well thought out with short chainstays providing good rear-wheel traction and agile handling. Upfront a slack head angle provides good stability and a confidence-inspiring feel even on steep downhills. Cannondale have positioned the bike’s motor and battery nice and low for centred, balanced handling regardless of the terrain you’re negotiating.

The Cannondale Trail Neo 4 is a great-looking, versatile E-MTB…

The Cannondale Trail Neo 4 looks great thanks in no small part to its clever integration; e-bike technology has moved on quickly from its early beginnings, with motors and batteries becoming more compact and easier to build into the frame for a clean, uncluttered look. The internal Bosch Powertube 500Wh battery sits neatly within the frame’s downtube with a convenient charging port located near the headtube so you won’t need to remove the battery every time you need to charge the bike; the battery has a range of up to 75 miles on one charge.

A fully-integrated Bosch Powertube 500Wh battery is stowed neatly in the downtube…

The Trail Neo 4 comes spec’d with a very versatile Bosch Performance Line Cruise motor which is perfectly suited to both the demands of the urban environment as well as more intrepid off-road adventures. This motor gives a maximum torque of 65Nm which gives a sporty feel and quick acceleration even when you’re pedaling at a high cadence. The Performance Line Cruise motor is almost completely silent too and there’s minimal pedal resistance even when the motor is not assisting you so it’s a very natural-feeling setup. One of the most significant improvements for this motor over its predecessors is just how compact and light it is, helping to make the bike feel more agile and responsive than previous-generation e-bikes.

The compact Bosch Performance Line Cruise motor is quiet and efficient… 

Robust, durable, compact and fully-integrated Bosch Performance Line Cruise e-bike motor…

The Trail Neo 4 features an e-bike-specific FSA Bosch crank with a 34T chainring…

To control the motor and determine the preferred mode depending on the terrain you are riding Cannondale have spec’d the Bosch Purion E-Sytem display unit. This minimalist on-board computer gives you all the control and information you’ll need at the touch of a button and is easy to use during your ride, allowing you to operate it with both of your hands always remaining on the handlebars. The unit displays the bike’s charging status, speed, riding mode, range, trip distance and total distance; the screen is backlit with a non-glare display so it’s easy to read even if you’re only able to quickly glance at it while riding in a busy city environment or during fast, technical off-road rides.

When you’re riding the Cannondale Trail Neo 4 the Purion control unit makes it really easy to toggle between the four motor modes to help make your e-bike ride as fast, efficient AND enjoyable as possible. Eco mode provides maximum efficiency to help you achieve the greatest range possible; Tour mode provides uniform support for long range rides while Sport/eMTB mode gives a more powerful level of support for sporty rides and fast commuting. Finally there’s Turbo mode, the least efficient but most powerful mode, making it ideal for high-cadence sporty riding off-road.

Bosch’s Purion display gives you all the information and control you’ll need…

The Trail Neo 4 is going to get you up to speed quickly and will inevitably push you to ride faster and harder than you may have done previously. To help you keep in control and stay comfortable on harsher off-road terrain Cannondale have fitted the bike with a durable pair of SR Suntour XCM suspension forks providing 100mm of travel; with roads the way they are, peppered with pot-holes you’ll also feel the benefit of these forks on your daily commute!

The capable SR Suntour XCM suspension fork will help keep you in control…

The Cannondale Trail Neo 4 E-MTB features a 9-speed Shimano Alivio drivetrain to give you all the gears you’ll need to be able to take on anything from fast urban road rides to technically-demanding off-road rides that include steep climbs composed of loose gravel surfaces. That single 34T chainring upfront at the motor is matched with a 9-speed cassette which provides a wide range of gear ratios – 11T being your smallest sprocket and 36T being your largest sprocket.

The Shimano Alivio rear derailleur takes care of gear-changing duties…

An easy to use Shimano Alivio trigger shifter gives a really light gear-shifting action; every gear change is crisp and precise and there’s even a small window included in the shifter to indicate which gear you’re in – a useful addition if you’re fairly new to cycling. With regular riding you’ll quickly learn what’s best for you with regard to what gear and motor mode combination is best for you, your riding style and the terrain you are riding on.

The 9-speed Shimano Alivio trigger shifter is easy and intuitive to use…

A fast, agile E-MTB that’s built for fast commutes and fun off-road rides needs a good pair of brakes to help you scrub speed quickly and keep you in control. Cannondale have spec’d a pair of powerful hydraulic Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes to provide consistent braking in all weathers and on all terrains, the hydraulic brake levers and calipers have been matched up with large 180mm RT10 rotors so there’s plenty of surface area to give loads of bite and control without the risk of the braking system overheating; this is a great setup that matches the extra braking demands brought on by an e-mountain bike.

Shimano MT200 hydraulic brakes provide plenty of stopping power…

The Shimano MT200 brake calipers combined with large 180mm rotors help keep you in control, the rear of the frame also features a thru-axle for extra rear wheel security and perfect alignment between the disc brake rotor and the hydraulic brake caliper; also note the addition of the KickFlip mount making it easy to add a kickstand for around-town convenience. There’s also bolt-on mounts on the frame allowing you to fit a rear pannier rack and / or mudguards making the Trail Neo 4 even more versatile – the perfect bike for commuting duties or even light bicycle touring as well as mountain biking.

The Thru-axle is extra secure and provides perfect alignment between brake caliper and rotor…

To help you hold your speed, regardless of whether you’re riding on the road or on the trails Cannondale have very sensibly spec’d the Trail Neo 4 with large 29” wheels and tyres. 29er wheels have become the most popular wheel-size choice on mountain bikes over recent years for a number of really good reasons – they’re fast-rolling and hold their momentum well on all types of terrain and with the addition of the extra power-input of the Bosch motor you’ll benefit from the enhanced traction and control gained from a larger circumference 29” tyres which provide a larger surface contact area with the ground and keep you in control on tight, loose turns.

Fast-rolling 29″ wheels with durable Shimano hubs will stand up well to the rigors of E-MTBing…

Tough Maxxis Ardent 2.4″ tyres features a versatile tyre tread that bite well for enhanced traction and control…

Tyre clearance is good at the rear of the frame so muddy rides won’t bog you down; note the additional bolt-on bosses for mudguards and a pannier rack…

Finishing kit on the Cannondale Trail Neo 4 includes some nice light but strong Alloy components badged up with Cannondale logos. There’s a 780mm wide handlebar made from 6061 Alloy and featuring a 15mm rise to keep you in control, particularly when you’re riding off-and need that extra leverage of a wide bar.  The Cannondale handlebars are neatly matched with a compact stem which helps to provide quick, precise steering. Handlebar grips by top parts brand Fabric are lock-on for extra security and are nice and comfortable regardless of whether or not you’re wearing gloves. A Cannondale Ergo XC saddle is light but durable with a profile that is nice and comfortable even during prolonged sessions in the saddle; an Alloy Cannondale 4 seatpost with a 31.6mm diameter is tough but light.

The Cannondale bar and stem helps to make the Trail Neo 4 a responsive, sharp-steering E-MTB…

The Cannondale Trail Neo 4 E-MTB is a great choice of bike if you’re looking for your first e-bike and aren’t completely sure at this stage where your cycling is going to take you. You may be looking for an e-bike that can get you to and from work everyday and are making an effort to use the car less to cut some of your monthly fuel costs. Or you may be more focused on escaping the city and exploring the tracks and trails nearby; this rugged E-MTB is built to handle the rough stuff too. The Bosch Performance Line Cruise e-bike motor is compact and powerful, providing lots of pedaling assistance in each of the four user-friendly modes. With a lightweight alloy frame, a capable suspension fork, powerful disc brakes and a durable groupset featuring a generous range of gears the Cannondale Trail Neo 4 is a confidence-inspiring E-MTB that will encourage you to ride further and faster than ever before.

The Cannondale Trail Neo 4 is perfect for mid-week commuting duties AND off-road weekend adventures…

The Cannondale Trail Neo 4 is available in-store and online now.

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by James Vincent

 

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

 

 

 

 

The Specialized Turbo Creo SL range of e-road bikes are almost unique in the world of e-bikes with Specialized themselves describing them in their marketing spiel as ‘A Whole New Sport’. It’s a bold claim but it’s one that they can back up with some pretty impressive stats – a unique motor and battery system developed and owned by Specialized which is super-light and compact, a lightweight FACT 11r carbon chassis across the range except for one E5 alloy model and a Future Shock with a hydraulic damper on all models means that the Turbo Creo SL is a really high-performance road bike that just happens to have a motor. These bikes can significantly amplify your power input without some of the usual compromises commonly associated with e-bikes, namely some considerable weight gain and nervous handling. We’ve been lucky enough to test ride some of the Turbo Creo SL models and were really impressed with how they rode; there’s no bigger test than putting a pure roadie on a bike like this and when the feedback is really positive you know that Specialized have hit on something new and exciting…

So what was the design brief for the Turbo Creo SL? Well, Specialized set out to create a superlight E-Road Bike that would give you the pedal assistance required to go further and faster than you would have on an ‘acoustic’ road bike but without some of the extra bulk and subsequent effect on bike handling associated with a conventional E-Bike. To hit that sweet spot between having ride-enhancing pedal-assist power and the feel of a conventional ‘manual road bike’ Specialized have spec’d their very own 240 Watt Specialized SL 1.1 motor (the same motor found on the their popular Turbo Levo SL E-MTB) to give the rider just enough assistance to really excel on the tougher climbs and encourage them to ride further and longer than they would have previously.

With a 240 Watt motor giving out 35Nm of pedal assist Specialized describe this riding solution as 2x You’…

The riding feel of the Specialized Turbo Creo SL is quick and lively with Specialized’s SL 1.1 motor adding just enough power to give a more subtle ‘enhanced you’ feel than some of the other e-road bikes available. The motor’s responsive torque curve delivers power perfectly in-tune with your normal riding cadence and leaves no resistance when you’re riding without power assistance. So if you’re the type of rider who wants to feel like you’ve still had a proper workout only with a faster average speed, perhaps riding a little further than you would have on your conventional road bike, then this system will give you the confidence to push your riding and actually increase your fitness over time.

Road riding can be a very social affair and this is where the Turbo Creo SL really comes into its own; the bike is a real leveller, allowing riders of mixed abilities and fitness levels to ride more comfortably together. Regardless of the reasons behind your mix-match of fitness levels the Turbo Creo SL will allow you to keep pace with faster groups and help you to take on longer social rides without the fear of running out of energy or constantly having to catch up with faster-paced individuals or groups. Depending on your circumstances and the people you ride with the Specialized Turbo Creo SL can really open up your riding experiences and encourage you to ride further, for longer. Taking time to master the motor’s modes and using them accordingly you’ll find that you are still able to make the rides you do challenging and a really good workout; the SL1.1 motor amplifies rider power up to 240 watts and 35Nm of both peak and sustained power with Specialized tuning the motor to deliver constant, strong support across a wide cadence range for a very natural feel while pedalling.

The compact Turbo Creo SL motor casing is made from Magnesium helping to bring the motor weight down to 1.95 Kg…

 

What about motor modes? The SL 1.1 Motor features three assisted riding modes: ECO, SPORT and TURBO, here’s how those modes break down:

ECO mode matches your effort by 30%

Sport mode matches your effort by 60%

Turbo mode matches your effort by 100%

You can also ride in unassisted mode, riding with no power and interestingly Specialized’s motor doesn’t give a significant feeling of drag associated with motors in unassisted mode from other brands. By using Specialized’s own Mission Control App you can even tune the motor to suit your own riding style, adjust the motor’s power delivery, control your range and record your rides.

Custom tune your motor with the Mission Control App…

Specialized have put so much investment into the development of their own motors and batteries for their e-bikes in partnership with specialist developers Mahle. Rather than going with a separate motor and battery supplier, they are able to refine and control the size, power and efficiency of their own unique technology. Part of the reason that many of us have to do a double-take on the Creo SL is due to the super-compact motor and their lithium-ion battery stowed away in the down-tube.

Despite it’s compact appearance the Specialized battery gives a range of 130 kilometres (195 KM with range extender)…

There’s a lot of chat in-store around Wheelbase HQ concerning ‘range-anxiety’. With a lightweight e-road bike such as this you’ll be encouraged to ride further than you may have done on a traditional ‘acoustic’ road bike, spending more hours in the saddle and taking on epic all-day rides. It’s a relatively new consideration for most of us, but as well as ensuring you’ve got enough snacks to keep you fuelled for your ride you’re going to have to think about battery life too. If you’re the type of rider who wants to spend the whole day in the saddle then Specialized have you covered; there’s an option to fit a 160Wh Range Extender battery which fits in your bottle cage taking battery range up to 195 kilometres.

The 160Wh Range Extender is available as an after market product…

The Turbo Creo SL range of e-bikes is pretty broad with some quite significant choices of spec that will suit a number of riding styles from full-on performance road riding to more adventurous gravel riding. All Turbo Creo SL models have tyre clearance for up to 42mm wide tyres on 700c rims; the bikes can be fitted with full mudguards too and still have clearance for 700c tyres up to 38mm wide. With Boost hub spacing of 12x110mm front and 12x148mm rear these e-bikes are compatible with 650b wheels too and will take a whopping 47mm wide tyre. Specialized have split the Turbo Creo SL range between road-focused and gravel-focused models, any of the models with EVO in their title denotes a gravel-specific spec; all models (with the exception of the Alloy E5) feature the same Fact 11R frame the only difference being that the EVO models have a more adventure-ready build. Below is a run down of all of the Specialized Turbo Creo SL models available in 2021…

S-Works Turbo Creo SL 2021 £11,500.00

S-Works Turbo Creo SL EVO 2021 £11,500.00

Specialized Turbo Creo SL Expert 2021 £7,500.00

Specialized Turbo Creo SL Expert EVO 2021 £7,500.00

Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon 2021 £5,750.00

Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon EVO 2021 £5,750.00

Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp E5 2021 £4,000.00

Bikes from the popular Specialized Turbo Creo SL range are selling quickly, check in with us in-store or online for more information on stock availability…

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

 

 

 

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