Author: John Dodgin

 

Check out our amazing SEALSKINZ Black Friday Deals! As winter really begins to kick in and temperatures drop, wetter riding conditions become the norm and challenge of getting in your weekly training or commuting miles becomes a whole lot tougher. We can help you ride more comfortably with our better-than-half-price Black Friday deals on selected products from Sealskinz, the leading waterproof accessories brand with the most advanced waterproof gloves, socks and hats available.

 

Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather MTB Glove (Black/Grey) Was £50.00 NOW £23.50

 

Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather MTB Glove (Red) Was £50.00 NOW £23.50

 

Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Glove (Yellow) Was £50.00 NOW £23.50

 

Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather MTB Glove (Black) Was £50.00 NOW £23.50

 

Sealskinz Waterproof Cold Weather Mid-Length Hydrostop Stock (Blue) Was £45.00 NOW £21.50

 

Sealskinz Waterproof Cold Weather Mid-Length Hydrostop Sock (Grey/Red) Was £45.00 NOW £21.50

 

Sealskinz Waterproof Warm Weather Mid-Length Hydrostop Sock (Black) Was £35.00 NOW £17.00

 

Sealskinz Waterproof Warm Mid-Length Hydrostop Stock (Blue) Was £35.00 NOW £17.00

 

Shop All Sealskinz

 

 

 

TREK Marlin 8 Was £925.00 NOW £579.00

 

Nukeproof Scout 290 Elite Was £2,499.00 NOW £1,799.00

 

Cannondale Moterra Neo 3 Was £5,750.00 NOW £3,699

 

What’s even more premium and exclusive than a Pinarello Dogma F road bike? A Pinarello Dogma F featuring a unique MyWay paint scheme designed by you!

Yes, for a limited time you can order your very own custom painted Pinarello Dogma F through Wheelbase. Simply use the Pinarello MyWay website to select your chosen paint scheme from an incredibly wide range of colour options and paint finishes before saving your configuration to your MyWay virtual garage, then check availability and order your dream Dogma F from Wheelbase. To access Pinarello MyWay hit the LINK or scroll down to the bottom of this feature.

PLEASE NOTE: All orders need to be in by November 30th 2023 for delivery by April 2024

 

The Dogma F is Pinarello’s top of the range model within their premium range of road bikes; the Italian brand is regarded around the world as the absolute pinnacle of bicycle design and manufacturing, with their bikes featuring the perfect balance of performance and aesthetics. You can read about the Dogma F in a couple of our own product features, with stunning photos by James Vincent; to learn more about the Dogma F check out…

Our Pinarello Dogma F Dura Ace Di2 Product Feature

Our Pinarello Dogma F SRAM Red e-Tap AXS Product Feature

 

If you’re going to indulge yourself with your dream bike you may as well go the extra mile with a Pinarello MyWay custom paint scheme.

 

Dogma F MyWay Paint Scheme Options:

• Mono
• Faded
• Sonic – New for 2024
• Speedster – New for 2024

Customise your Pinarello Dogma F in 3 Steps:

• Select your paint scheme on the Pinarello MyWay website
• Save configuration, adding your Pinarello MyWay to your virtual garage
• Check availability and order your Pinarello MyWay from Wheelbase

Keep things simple with a MyWay Mono paint scheme.

 

Choose a MyWay Faded paint scheme for a classic and stylish look.

 

A MyWay Sonic paint scheme mixes bold lines with subtle fades.

 

The blocky MyWay Speedster paint scheme works well for bold contrasting colours.

 

Hit the link to design your dream Pinarello Dogma F MyWay.

 

Join Wheelbase and TREK at the UK’s biggest adventure festival in Kendal just down the road from Wheelbase HQ in the South Lakes! Taking place between the 16th and 19th of November the KMF brings together some of the most popular personalities and guest speakers from the adventure world to host a wide range of talks, interviews and film premieres focused on…

• Mountain Rock & Snow
• Adventure & Exploration
• Run & Hike
• Bike
• Water
• Nature & Environment
• Music, Art, Photography & Poetry

With such a wide range of events taking place during the festival we thought it would be useful to cherry pick and highlight three of the best cycling-themed options. With super-talented World Champions and the UK’s first ever Tour De France winner keeping you entertained with insightful stories of their cycling careers and some of the best new mountain bike movies playing out on the big screen the Kendal Mountain Festival promises to inspire everyone!..

 

The Cycling Session

Thursday the 16^th of November sees the Kendal Mountain Festival kicking off with the Cycling Session; an evening packed full of cycling’s most entertaining guests, representing a wide and diverse range of cycling backgrounds and all sharing inspiring stories of their time on two wheels. The evening will be hosted by bicycle messenger turned ultra-endurance cyclist Emily Chappell along with local Kendal Cycling Club member Ben Dowman.

Sponsored by British Cycling and specialist bikepacking luggage brand Restrap, guest speakers at The Cycling Session include…

Lizzie Deignan MBE

2015 World Road Race Champion Lizzie Deignan has had a long and distinguished racing career and she’s not done yet! Lizzie has raced through a period of time that’s seen women’s racing increase dramatically in terms of opportunities, coverage and depth of talent in the peloton. This Olympic Silver Medallist has taken time out of racing to have two children over recent years and returned to racing success very quickly on both occasions; one of Lizzie’s most iconic wins must be her victory on the cobbles of Paris Roubaix Femmes where she made history by taking the very first very first edition of this unique sporting spectacle.

Ed Clancy OBE

Ed Clancy won three Olympic Gold Medals in the Team Pursuit as well as taking an amazing twelve World Championship medals for Team GB, making him the most successful team pursuit racer in history. Ed’s racing career with British Cycling started at the age of sixteen, taking his World Championship first gold medal at the age of twenty. Since his retirement Ed has continued to work with British Cycling as well as launching his own Clancy Briggs Academy for kids, encouraging them to play at cycling together as they acquire new skills and abilities.

 

TREK Bike Night

This is the BIG one for Wheelbase! We co-sponsor the Kendal Mountain Bike Night alongside TREK every year with this event being the highlight of every mountain biker’s social calendar. Packed full of entertaining guests and some brilliant short films including special edits that are exclusive to Bike Night this evening’s entertainment includes special guests…

Tracey Moseley

Tracy Moseley burst onto the UK mountain biking scene in the early 1990’s, quickly rising up the ranks to excel at international level racing in the Mountain Bike World Cup and World Championships. Tacey’s racing career saw her take multiple World Downhill titles before moving over to Enduro where she equally dominated the field. A long time ambassador for TREK, Tracey has most recently made a racing comeback onboard their powerful e-Mountain Bikes where, unsurprisingly she is reaching similar levels of success. TREK will be featuring a world-premiere of a new short film on the rise and rise again of T-Mo!

Leo Smith

Leo, better as Lando Steezy on social media, made his name in Trials and Street riding on the streets of Manchester. With a magic mix of skills Leo blends BMX and Mountain Bike moves to bring a unique riding style to the world of off-road riding. A member of the Drop & Roll Tour Leo has taken his spectacular riding skills around the world, reaching a wide and diverse audience; as a YouTube personality with a large following Leo spreads the word about equal representation within mountain biking and is always keen to discuss race issues and stereotyping within sport.

 

An Afternoon With The Wiggins

We’re excited to see one of the biggest names in professional cycling join the list of speakers at this year’s Kendal Mountain Festival! Sir Bradley Wiggins will tell his story at the Kendal Leisure Centre on Sunday the 19^th of November and will be joined by his son Ben who is already showing the same sort of sporting talent as his dad.

Bradley Wiggins made history by being the first British winner of the Tour De France and also took multiple World Championship medals on the track and the road. He has worn the leader’s jersey in all three Grand Tours and boasts an outstanding record in the Olympics with four gold medals won at four different Olympic Games. Brad’s biggest year has to be 2012 where he won the Tour De France and quickly followed that up a week after when he took the gold medal in the time trial on the streets of London as part of the London 2012 Olympics.

Sir Brad will be joined by his son Ben, who has already won the Junior Madison World Championships on the track, sharing more insight on life within the Wiggins family and how his Dad continues to inspire guide him through his formative years as a globally competitive cyclist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cervelo Aspero GRX RX810 Was £4,400 NOW £2,999 Save 32% on this lightweight, super-fast carbon fibre gravel bike featuring a Shimano GRX RX810 groupset, Fulcrum Rapid Red 300 wheelset, Cervelo SP19 carbon seatpost and Cervelo AB09 carbon handlebar. Take advantage of this special offer while stocks last…

 

Wheelbase were proud sponsors of the recent National Hillclimb Championships which took place on the fearsome Struggle, just a short ride from Wheelbase HQ in the Lake District. The event saw over 400 riders take on this iconic climb out of Ambleside with huge crowds of supporters positioned higher up the course, lining the roadside with cowbells and Wheelbase Vuvuzelas. With a real party atmosphere the mists eventually cleared as fans in some pretty questionable fancy dress helped entertain spectators and racers alike!

Watch all the race action from the 2023 National Hillclimb Championships on the Struggle!

Video by Badger Productions Ltd

 

There were some truly outstanding performances throughout all of the race categories, with a broad spread of ages represented from 14 up to 74 and some incredibly impressive times including a new course record of 11 minutes and 48 seconds for defending National Champion Andrew Feather. Roadside pundits were shocked to see someone go under 12 minutes for the first time on the Struggle, with Ed Laverack not far behind in a time of 12 minutes and 6 seconds for 2nd place. Perhaps even more notable was the stunning time from junior rider Harry Hudson who equalled the 3rd placed senior man Paddy Clark in an amazing time of 13 minutes and 5 seconds. In the senior female category Illi Gardner took the win with an impressive time of 15 minutes and 3 seconds, bettering 2nd placed rider Lizi Brooke by almost a minute, with 3rd placed Abi Plowman finishing just one second behind Lizi in a time of 16 minutes and 3 seconds.

Andrew Feather retained his National Champion title AND set a new course record of 11.48 on the Struggle!

 

Illi Gardner took the senior female win to take the National Champion title in a time of 15 minutes and 3 seconds.

 

Senior Male
1st Andrew Feather 00:11:48
2nd Ed Laverack 00:12:06
3rd Paddy Clark 00:13:05
Note: Junior rider Harry Hudson (13:05) was equal 3rd overall

Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli Riders
12th Lee Rosie 13:50.0 (U23)
14th Andy Cunningham 13:51.0
40th Thomas Armstrong 14:41.0

Senior Female
1st Illi Gardner 00:15:03
2nd Lizi Brooke 00:16:02
3rd Abi Plowman 00:16:03

 

Scroll down to see a full set of race results for each category as well as an awesome photo gallery by James Vincent…

FEMALE

Age 14
1st. Isabel Beale 00:22:02

Age 15
1st. Ruby Isaac 00:18:21
2nd. Maia Howell 00:20:21
3rd. Megan Hughes 00:20:57

Age 16
1st Ella Tandy 00:18:25

Ages 17
1st Millie Jenkins 00:20:34
2nd Sophie Heighton 00:24:15

Ages 40 – 44
1st Gemma Sargent 00:18:55
2nd Hayley Mcewan 00:20:13
3rd Kamila Leska 00:22:09

Ages 45 – 49
1st Helen Jackson 00:17:43
2nd Victoria Wilkinson 00:18:13
3rd Celia Brown 00:19:15

Ages 50 – 54
1st Sarah Wilkinson 00:17:55
2nd Sarah Harrison 00:20:09
3rd Louise Johnson 00:21:38

Ages 55 – 59
1st Wiebke Rietz 00:21:45
2nd Sally Maitland 00:22:01
3rd Susie Kirkham 00:24:15

Ages 60 – 64
1st Janet Le Luan 00:22:32
2nd Deborah John 00:25:45

Ages 65 – 69
1st Sally Cunliffe 00:23:19

Ages 70 – 74
1st Margaret Docking 00:29:39

MALE

Age 12
1 Finn Miller 00:23:41

Ages 13
1st Ezra Bateman 00:16:50
2nd  Brodie Johnson 00:17:08
3rd Jamie Brough 00:19:39

Ages 14
1st Finley Hudson 00:16:02
2nd Roch Morgan 00:16:04

Ages 15
1st Finn Obrien 00:14:22
2nd Harley Widdowson 00:14:35
3rd Charlie Brennan 00:15:28

Ages 16
1st Harry Hudson 00:13:05 (3RD OVERALL)
2nd Louis Herring 00:14:45
3rd Ethan Squires 00:15:13

Ages 17
1st Joe Watkins-Wilson 00:14:04
2nd George Mahon 00:14:27
3rd Ahron Dick 00:14:32

Ages 18
1st Maxwell Hereward 00:13:19
2nd George Stephen 00:14:28
3rd Cai Curtis-Roberts 00:14:40

Ages 40 – 44
1st Leon Wright 00:14:20
2nd John Bowman 00:14:21
3rd Laurie Lambeth 00:14:47

Ages 45 – 49
1st Phil Stonelake 00:14:45
2nd Andy Pearson 00:15:02
3rd Steven Prince 00:15:47

Ages 50 – 54
1st Andrew Metherell 00:15:59
2nd Karl Norris 00:16:26
3rd Simon Warren 00:16:26

Ages 55 – 59
1st Colin Atkinson 00:15:12
2nd Chris Myhill 00:15:39
3rd Steve Thomas 00:16:19

Ages 60 – 64
1st Martin Shaw 00:16:46
2nd John Flanagan 00:17:03
3rd Bryan Pool 00:17:18

Ages 65 – 69
1st John Raftery 00:18:31
2nd Bob Atkinson 00:18:33
3rd Gordon Simpson 00:18:58
3rd Hilton Armstrong 00:18:58

Ages 70 – 74
1st Martin Bullen 00:21:00

As well as standing at the roadside, cheering on the racers and helping to capture all of the action, we sent our race reporter Johnny Dodgin out to pre-ride the course, giving us the lowdown on this infamous climb…

‘The Struggle hill climb ramps straight up from Ambleside, with no chance for competitors to ease in before they immediately hit the 18-20% gradients and the lung-busting effort begins. It’s very easy to go too deep too soon here, breathing so hard that racers go into anaerobic threshold and never really recover for the remaining length of the climb.

After negotiating these steep lower slopes, which are hemmed in with dry stone walls, the odd tree and a series of tight bends, the terrain opens out in front of riders and the climb becomes a little more forgiving with gradients shallowing to around 8-10%. It’s hard to manage your rhythm here as you encounter a series of false flats with small portions of descent thrown in which have racers questioning their pacing strategy for the overall climb.

There’s a reason that this climb has been named ‘The Struggle’. As the elevation increases and competitors glance upwards they’ll see the very top of the climb ramping up dramatically for the final 200-300 metres. Riders need to dig deep for one final lung-busting effort up the remaining 20% gradients featuring two difficult hairpins and a more unpredictable road surface.

The only redeeming feature of this final kick to the top is the large crowds of supporters at the roadside, shouting encouragement and ringing their cow bells, willing each and every rider on to the finish line where the pain will finally cease and the inevitable wave of relief washes over them as they begin to recover and wait to find out their time and overall position in the race.’

The Struggle – Fast Facts…

Total Elevation: 403m
Maximum Gradient : 24%
Total Distance : 2.67 miles / 4.8 km
Avg Grade : 8.2%

 Check out our Struggle National Hillclimb Championships course preview…

Video by Badger Productions Ltd

 

 

Photos by James  Vincent 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Video by Badger Productions & Johnny Dodgin

 

Have you seen our Fast Bike feature? Missed some of our best bikes? You can now see all of our featured bikes in one place over on Pinterest where you’ll find links to each of our Fast Bike Feature Blogs too!

Click the link below and search our archive…

 

 

 

 

The UK National Hill Climb Championships is coming to the Lake District on Sunday the 29^th of October, pitting riders against each other on one of the most infamous climbs in the Lakes! The Struggle, local to our Wheelbase Headquarters, strikes fear into the hearts of road cyclists who are familiar with its steep slopes and unforgiving length as it rises out of the picturesque town of Ambleside.

Event organiser Jack Talbot has organised the local Struggle Hill Climb race for the past few years, with our very own Andy Cunningham from our Wheelbase Yorkshire store taking the men’s win in 2022. This year he’s teamed up with the RTTC (Road Time Trials Council) to host the biggest hill climb of the season – the National Championships and just like in other years the event will be raising important funds for the Great North Air Ambulance who saved Jack’s life in 2017

You can look forward to large crowds of rowdy supporters encouraging each and every competitor up the fearsome Struggle.

 

Wheelbase will be proudly co-sponsoring the UK National Hill Climb Championships along with Irwin Mitchell Solicitors and Romney’s Kendal Mint Cake; we’re looking forward to cheering around 400 competitors up the climb as they take on fearsome Struggle. Join us and enjoy a unique sporting spectacle that promises multiple pain faces and some truly outstanding performances on one of the Lake District’s most iconic climbs!

Want to know more about the Struggle Hillclimb? We’ve included a link to GCN’s excellent YouTube video below as well as a detailed breakdown of the complete ascent from Ambleside to the top of Kirkstone…

 Watch the GCN channel take on the Struggle Hill Climb in 2022

 

So what can our competitors expect? Here’s a brief summary of the Struggle climb…

The Struggle hill climb ramps straight up from Ambleside, with no chance for competitors to ease in before they immediately hit the 18-20% gradients and the lung-busting effort begins. It’s very easy to go too deep too soon here, breathing so hard that you go into anaerobic threshold and never really recover for the remaining length of the climb.

After negotiating these steep lower slopes, which are hemmed in with dry stone walls, the odd tree and a series of tight bends, the terrain opens out in front of you and the climb becomes a little more forgiving with gradients shallowing to around 8-10%. It’s hard to manage your rhythm here as you encounter a series of false flats with small portions of descent thrown in which have you questioning your pacing strategy for the overall climb.

There’s a reason that this climb has been named ‘The Struggle’. As the elevation increases and you glance upwards you’ll see the very top of the climb ramping up dramatically before you for the final 200-300 metres. You’ll need to dig deep for one final lung-busting effort up the remaining 20% gradients featuring two difficult hairpins and a more unpredictable road surface.

The only redeeming feature of this final kick to the top will be the large crowds of supporters at the roadside, shouting encouragement and ringing their cow bells as they will you on to the finish line where the pain will finally cease and the inevitable wave of relief will wash over you as you begin to recover and wait to find out your time and overall position in the race.

The Struggle – Fast Facts…

• Total Elevation: 403m
• Maximum Gradient : 24%
• Total Distance : 2.67 miles / 4.8 km
• Avg Grade : 8.2%

Check out all the Struggle stats you need to know on STRAVA…

Who will be crowned as National Hill Climb Champion on The Struggle, one of the Lake District’s most iconic climbs?

 

Andy Cunningham from our Wheelbase Yorkshire store took an impressive win at last year’s Kendal Mint Cake Struggle Hill Climb.

 

Local cycling club Kendal CC won’t be short of competitors and supporters.

 

The final ramp up to the top of the Struggle is particularly unforgiving, experienced racers will leave something in reserve for that kick to the top.

 

The 2022 Struggle Hill Climb was a dry rehearsal for the biggest hill climb of them all – the 2023 National Championships! 

 

Those vying for the win will go incredibly deep in an effort to take the National Champion’s jersey.

 

The Struggle Hill Climb will also be raising money for Great North Air Ambulance; they saved the Struggle race organiser Jack Talbot’s life in 2017.

 

Head to the Struggle on Sunday the 29th of October to join the party and witness the unique spectacle of the National Hill Climb Championships.

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by Ellen Isherwood

 

Have you seen our Fast Bike feature? Missed some of our best bikes? You can now see all of our featured bikes in one place over on Pinterest where you’ll find links to each of our Fast Bike Feature Blogs too!

Click the link below and search our archive…

 

TREK have launched an all-new Procaliber Alloy hardtail cross country mountain bike! Designed to be a gateway drug into the fast, frenetic world of XC racing the affordable Procaliber Alloy includes all of the contemporary features you’d hope to find on a modern race-ready hardtail; namely progressive updated geometry, increased fork travel, a dropper seatpost and clearance for 2.4” tyres.

The Procaliber Alloy is an affordable, all-new, race-ready hardtail from TREK.

 

Replacing TREK’s outgoing X-Caliber the all-new Procaliber Alloy is the perfect option for privateer racers looking for a durable hardtail that can handle endless hours of training and racing. Likewise, thanks to those geometry and spec choices the versatile Procaliber makes the perfect do-it-all hardtail mountain bike for those of you who simply want to cover a lot ground quickly and efficiently as you seek out your favourite singletrack trails where the bike will really come to life.

The new Procaliber Alloy is a versatile cross country hardtail featuring modern progressive geometry.

 

As cross country mountain bike race courses have become increasingly technical, the demands on bike and body have multiplied and we’ve seen a steady evolution of the race bikes used at the highest level of the sport. An increase in suspension travel to 120mm has quickly become the norm as has progressive geometry consisting of a more relaxed head angle, a longer top tube and a shorter stem for more stability at speed and increased agility on steep, tight turns. That design approach has quickly filtered down the cross country mountain bike food chain which is great news for us mere mortals, simply looking for a more versatile hardtail option which can be raced at the weekend and then used for more general, possibly more rowdy riding during the week. As the table below indicates, the all-new Procaliber Alloy fits nicely between the outgoing X-Caliber with its more traditional geometry and the Roscoe which fetures even more trail-focused geometry.

Geometry Comparison:

Procaliber Key Features:

• Alpha Platinum aluminium frame
• 120mm fork travel
• Progressive geometry
• Stock dropper seatpost
• Fast-rolling 29” wheels
• Stock 2.4” tyres

Procaliber Alloy Fast Facts:

• 73mm BSA bottom bracket
• Universal hanger compatible with SRAM hangerless T-Type transmission
• Tubeless out of the box – includes TLR strips, valves and sealant
• Direct post mount for 160mm rotors, adaptable to 180mm rotors
• Stock fork travel 120mm (can accommodate 130mm)
• Seatpost or dropper seatpost 31.6mm diameter
• Dropper post insertion per frame size:
  – S – 210mm
  – M – 200mm
  – M/L – 230mm
  – L – 250mm
  – XL – 280mm

TREK have launched two new Procaliber Alloy models, the Procaliber 8 and Procaliber 6, with both bikes featuring the same lightweight Alpha Platinum Aluminium alloy frame. The Procaliber 8 features a RockShox Recon Gold RL suspension fork with 120mm of travel and a mix of Shimano XT and SLX components which make up the 12-speed drivetrain. The Procaliber 6 is spec’d with a RockShox Judy Silver fork, also featuring 120mm of travel along with Shimano Deore parts; it’s great to see that both options include a Shimano XT 12-speed rear derailleur – a key component which is brilliantly functional and performs crisp, precise gear selections every time.

Both models include a Bontrager Line Dropper seatpost which is great to see, with the amount of travel on the dropper post being increased proportionally to each frame size. We’ve included the full specification of both models below and have included both colour options too. The all-new TREK Procaliber Alloy will be available online and in-store at Wheelbase VERY soon…

PROCALIBER ALLOY 8 RRP £1,400

Specification:

• Frame: Alpha Platinum Aluminium, tapered head tube, internal routing, BSA 73, hidden rack and kickstand mounts, UDH, Boost148, 12 mm thru axle
• Fork: RockShox Recon Gold RL, DebonAir spring, Motion Control damper, lockout, tapered steerer, 42mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm Maxle Stealth, 120mm travel
• Front Hub: Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, alloy axle, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15 mm thru axle
• Rear Hub: Shimano TC500 alloy, CentreLock, 148×12 mm thru axle
• Rims: Bontrager Kovee, double-wall, Tubeless-Ready, 28-hole, 23 mm width, Presta valve
• Rim Strips: Bontrager TLR
• Tyres: Bontrager Sainte-Anne Pro XR, Tubeless Ready, dual compound, aramid bead, 60 tpi, 29×2.20″
• Tyre Sealant: Bontrager TLR sealant, 180 ml/6 oz
• Shifter: Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed
• Rear derailleur: Shimano XT M8100, long cage
• Crank: E*thirteen Helix, 30T steel ring, 73 mm spindle length, 52 mm chainline
• Bottom Bracket: Shimano BB-MT501 BSA
• Cassette: Shimano SLX M7100, 10-51T, 12-speed
• Chain: Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed
• Saddle: Verse Short, chromoly rails, 145 mm width
• Seatpost: Bontrager Line Dropper, 100mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 310 mm length (frame size S, M)
• Seatpost: Bontrager Line Dropper, 150mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 410 mm length (frame size ML, L)
• Seatpost: Bontrager Line Dropper, 170 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 450 mm length (frame size XL)
• Handlebar: Bontrager Comp, alloy, 31.8 mm, 5 mm rise, 720 mm width (frame size S, M) 750mm (frame size ML, L, XL)
• Grips: Bontrager XR Trail Comp, nylon lock-on
• Stem: Bontrager alloy, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree, 50 mm length (frm size S) 60mm length (frm size M, ML) 70mm length (frm size L) 80mm length (frm size XL)
• Headset: Semi-integrated, sealed cartridge bearing, alloy cups, 1-1/8″ top, 1.5″ bottom
• Brake Set: Shimano hydraulic disc, MT4100 lever, MT410 caliper
• Brake Rotor: Shimano RT54, CentreLock

 

PROCALIBER ALLOY 6 RRP £1,200

Specification

• Frame: Alpha Platinum Aluminium, tapered head tube, internal routing, BSA 73, hidden rack and kickstand mounts, UDH, Boost148, 12 mm thru axle
• Fork: RockShox Judy Silver, Solo Air spring, TurnKey lockout, tapered steerer, 42mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm Maxle Stealth, 120 mm travel
• Front Hub: Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, alloy axle, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15 mm thru axle
• Rear Hub: Shimano TC500 alloy, CentreLock, 148×12 mm thru axle
• Rims: Bontrager Kovee, double-wall, Tubeless-Ready, 28-hole, 23 mm width, Presta valve
• Rim Strips: Bontrager TLR
• Tyres: Bontrager Sainte-Anne Pro XR, Tubeless Ready, dual compound, aramid bead, 60 tpi, 29×2.20″
• Tyre Sealant: Bontrager TLR sealant, 180 ml/6 oz
• Shifter: Shimano Deore M6100, 12-speed
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT M8100, long cage
• Crank: Shimano MT512, 30T ring, 55 mm chain line
• Bottom bracket: Shimano BB-MT501 BSA
• Cassette: Shimano Deore M6100, 10-51, 12-speed
• Chain: Shimano Deore M6100, 12-speed
• Saddle: Verse Short, steel rails, 145 mm width
• Seatpost: Bontrager Line Dropper, 100mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 31.6 mm length (frame size S, M)
• Seatpost: Bontrager Line Dropper, 150mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 410 mm length (frame size: ML, L)
• Seatpost: Bontrager Line Dropper, 170 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 450 mm length (frame size: XL)
• Handlebar: Bontrager alloy, 31.8 mm, 5 mm rise, 720 mm width (frame size S, M) 750mm width (frame size M/L, L, XL)
• Grips Bontrager XR Trail Comp, nylon lock-on
• Stem: Bontrager alloy, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree, 50 mm length (frm size S) 60mm length (frm size M, M/L) 70mm length (frm size L) 80mm length (frm size XL)
• Headset: Semi-integrated, loose ball bearing, 1-1/8″ top, 1.5″ bottom
• Brake Set: Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc
• Brake Rotor: Shimano RT10, CenterLock

 

Take advantage of our BMC clearance event and own a Swiss-engineered premium road bike from BMC for less! Only while stocks last…

BMC Teammachine SLR One Ultegra Di2 Was £5,999 NOW £4,199

 

BMC Roadmachine Three Ultegra Di2 Was £5,350 NOW £3,999

 

BMC URS One Rival Was £3,599 NOW £2,499

 

 

Save up to 46% on a hardcore hardtails from leading brands Whyte and Nukeproof!  Enjoy huge savings while stocks last and blast through winter on a no-nonsense super-fun hardtail mountain bike.

 

 

Nukeproof Scout 290 Elite Was £2,499 NOW £1,799

 

Whyte 905 Was £2,099 NOW £1,250

 

Whyte 901 Was £1,850 NOW £999

 

The ultimate version of the ultimate road racing bike; it’s time to take a detailed look at an incredibly special bike from Cannondale! The SuperSix EVO LAB71 Dura-Ace Di2 very recently landed at Wheelbase HQ and we wasted no time in giving it the full ‘fast bike feature’ treatment, with our regular freelance photographer James Vincent capturing all of its best angles to really do this stunning race bike justice.

This special LAB71 model is the ultimate version of Cannondale’s high-performance road bike, the sublime SuperSix EVO.

 

Cannondale’s special LAB71 division was launched earlier in 2023 and represents the best of the best within their large range of premium bikes. When you see any Cannondale with LAB71 in its product name you can consider it the lightest, fastest, most stunning bike in the range, with each and every detail carefully considered. The Cannondale designers start with the most high-performing bikes in their existing range and then refine them even more to achieve higher levels of innovation and aesthetic quality with unique materials, paintwork, componentry and special features all making LAB71 models the most desirable bikes that Cannondale have ever created.

LAB71 is very limited, with Cannondale creating a small selection of bikes which make up this exclusive division; so far they have created special-edition road, gravel, mountain and e-bikes with the SuperSix EVO LAB71 Dura-Ace Di2 representing the very pinnacle of their road bike range. Cannondale LAB71 bikes are limited to selected stores and Wheelbase are very proud stockists of these special bikes.

With limited availability at selected stores, Wheelbase are one of the few U.K. stockists of Cannondale’s ultimate LAB71 bikes.

 

Up until the advent of the LAB71 SuperSix EVO, the full range of EVO bikes were split into two sub-groups of carbon fibre; at the lower end was EVO carbon and at the higher end was EVO Hi-Mod (Hi-modulus carbon fibre), their more premium material which shaved weight during construction by using fewer layers of much stiffer high modulus fibres, taking overall weight down while retaining stiffness and strength.

For this special limited-edition LAB71 model the engineers developed a whole new grade of carbon fibre, stretching the limits of what was possible to create their ‘Series 0’ material. Thanks to an advanced carbon fibre and nano-resin layup they were able to achieve exceptional strength using less materials, thus creating a frame with even less overall weight than their Hi-Mod carbon.

Cannondale developed Ultralight Series 0 Carbon for this very special bike; it’s a whole new grade of carbon which is unique to LAB71.

 

This special edition LAB71 version of the fourth generation SuperSix EVO features exactly the same frame profile as the other EVO’s in the range, meaning that not only is the Cannondale SuperSix EVO LAB71 Dura-Ace Di2 incredibly light it’s also brilliantly aerodynamic. A lightweight road bike that cuts through the air as efficiently as it dances up the climbs is the dream and it’s been made a reality thanks to the clever people at Cannondale!

Each new generation of high-performance road bike is informed from the last and the Cannondale designers and engineers were able to take everything they’d learned from the development of their flagship aero road bike – the SystemSix and apply that knowledge to the SuperSix EVO LAB71 resulting in beautifully sculpted tube profiles and sophisticated truncated aerofoil shaping at key parts of the frame to slice through the air more efficiently than ever before.

Those frame angles and tube profiles are a visual clue to just how aerodynamically efficient the SuperSix LAB71 is at cutting through the air.

 

As you’d expect with a bike at this price point, the ‘Marble Oxblood’ paintjob is a work of art.

 

Even the small details are pretty special, including this smart machined-metal blanking plate on the downtube.

 

The SuperSix EVO LAB71 frame and seatpost have been designed as one complete system, so that they are super-efficient at cutting through the air.

 

The SuperSix EVO LAB71’s aerodynamic prowess is further enhanced by some really well-executed integration. The bike has been designed and engineered as one holistic system with the bike’s frame, fork, handlebars, seat post and even the wheels considered as one; all of this dramatically decreasing drag while giving an aesthetically-pleasing quality.

When it comes to the cockpit it’s worth noting that this latest generation of SuperSix EVO features a re-designed stem, headset and headtube configuration. Cannondale’s Delta steerer tube facilitates the seamless integration of the EVO LAB71’s brake hoses from the cockpit into the frame; there are no gear cables or electronic wires to route into the frame here thanks to the wireless nature of the Shimano Dura-Ace electronic shifters so everything looks super neat and clutter-free. An 1” 1/8th top bearing headset helps to decrease frontal area even more resulting in a slim aero-efficient cockpit with conventional headtube dimensions.

Full integration means that the frame’s headtube, the fork and the headset all come together to form a seamless, slippery aerodynamic front-end. 

 

Cannondale took things to the next level when it came to the development of the SuperSix EVO LAB71’s handlebar. Reflecting the ‘ultimate road bike’ design approach they teamed up with world-renowned Italian design brand MOMODesign from Milan to create the SystemBar R-One full carbon integrated bar and stem. Equal parts form and function, the SystemBar R-One is stunning to look at AND is great at cutting through the air, utilising drag-reducing profiling and super-sleek cable integration; this collaboration between MOMODesign and Cannondale has brought a whole new level to ergonomic styling.

Cannondale partnered with the iconic Italian designers MOMODesign to create this stunning cockpit featuring a drag-reducing profile.

 

Cannondale’s MOMODesign collaboration brings enhanced dynamics and stunning aesthetics to the LAB71’s cockpit.

 

As the Cannondale SuperSix EVO LAB71 Dura-Ace Di2’s model name suggests this premium road bike comes fitted with Shimano’s top tier Dura-Ace Di2 semi-wireless electronic 12-speed groupset. This ‘semi-wireless’ configuration is a sort of ‘best of both worlds’ approach which sees all the benefits of having wireless shifter units that don’t require wires to be routed from the handlebar, stem and frame which is then paired with an internally wired portion linking the front and rear derailleur, powered by and internal battery.

Cannondale’s ultimate road bike deserves the ultimate drivetrain; Shimano’s Dura-Ace Di2 12-speed groupset ticks that box.

 

The Shimano Dura Ace Di2 shift levers send their wireless commands directly to the rear derailleur which is the designated ‘connectivity unit’ or brains of the system, those signals from the lever either move the 12-speed rear derailleur as required or instantly send a message via the wired portion of the system to activate the front derailleur. This latest version of the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset includes a front derailleur which has dramatically reduced in weight compared to the previous version, now tipping the scales at under 100 grams.

The Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 electronic rear derailleur provides super-fast, precise gear shifts each and every time it’s activated.

 

The electronic Dura-Ace Di2 front derailleur gives you the confidence to shift from one ring to the other even when you’re out of the saddle.

 

Not only have Shimano been able to create a more convenient semi-wireless configuration they’ve also been able to speed things up too, with the signal between shifter and derailleur now four times faster than its wired predecessor. When the groupset was launched Shimano stated that shifting signals to the rear derailleur were 58% faster and shifting signals to the front derailleur were 45% faster making the whole system even more user-friendly, particularly during particularly chaotic racing scenarios. Sound too fast for you? No problem, Shimano’s smartphone app lets you fine-tune the shift speed to suit you and your style of riding.

Every gear selection, activated from the ergonomic wireless shifters is instantaneous, providing lightening fast shifts at the front and rear derailleurs.

 

When you cast your eyes over the Cannondale SuperSix EVO LAB71 the Dura-Ace chainset really catches your eye; that gloss black contrasting nicely with the bike’s matt black finish while all of those beautifully sculpted angles catch the light. Beyond those strikingly good looks the chainset benefits from years of refinement and is informed from all of the previous generation Dura-Ace chainsets. Years of development mean that this latest version benefits from all of the science and testing that went into previous versions, including hollow arms and chainrings that keep weight to a minimum while enhancing stiffness and shifting precision.

Shimano’s brilliantly functional Dura-Ace chainset is visually stunning too, with its gloss black finish contrasting nicely with the bike’s matt black finish.

 

When it comes to the Dura-Ace’s brake set Shimano have increased rigidity and enhanced pad clearance for a quieter ride with no potential for any disc rub, addressing common complaints about the previous versions. In fact this latest iteration sees a complete overhaul of their hydraulic braking system, with the new BR-R9270 versions being noticeably more compact and significantly lighter, thanks in no small part to their one-piece ‘Mono-Body’ construction technique.

A hydraulic brake caliper is only as good as the rotor it’s designed to bind with and with this in mind Shimano have paired the Dura-Ace BR-R9270 hydraulic brake calipers with their existing Shimano XTR RT-MT900 disc rotors. Taken directly from their top-tier mountain bike groupset, these disc brake rotors are actually a little lighter than the road-specific rotors they are replacing and have proven to better withstand temporary deformation caused by overheating on long alpine descents.

Shimano’s powerful Shimano Dura-Ace R9270 hydraulic brake calipers help you stay in control on unpredictable roads and in difficult conditions.

 

Following the theme of the SuperSix EVO LAB71 being considered as one holistic, fully-integrated unit made up of frame, fork, cockpit and seatpost, the designers at Cannondale were also in agreement that the bike’s wheelset should be an integral part of that overall aerodynamic package.

The Cannondale HollowGram R-SL 50 wheelset with 50mm deep low-drag rims is designed to enhance the aerodynamics of the complete bike.

 

The Cannondale Hollowgram R-SL 50 carbon fibre wheelset completes the brief, being lightweight and aerodynamic meaning they skip effortlessly up the climbs while helping you hold your speed on the flat thanks to those 50mm deep, super low-drag carbon rims, bladed spokes and smooth, fast-rolling HollowGram hubs.

The HollowGram R-SL 50’s are superlight too, allowing you to fly up the hills and dance away from the competition.

 

Cannondale’s HollowGram hubs are smooth and fast-rolling, featuring durable sealed bearings.

 

Cannondale have spec’d the SuperSix EVO LAB71 Dura-Ace Di2 road bike with 25mm wide tyres, but it’s worth noting that due to the Hollowgram R-SL 50’s considerable internal rim width, the overall width of the Conti tyre comes out more like a 28mm tyre, increasing the contact patch with the ground for greater control as well as enhancing rider comfort. Cannondale state that the SuperSix EVO can comfortably accommodate a 30mm wide tyre with 6mm clearance if you’re already thinking about fitting wider tyres.

The Cannondale SuperSix EVO LAB71 comes spec’d with a pair of grippy 25c Continental Grand Prix 5000 tyres.

 

It’s all about the small details with a high-performance premium road bike like the SuperSix EVO LAB71; every design element is carefully considered in the pursuit of excellence. After refining every element of the bike in an effort to make it as aerodynamically efficient as possible there was one factor still troubling the Cannondale designers – traditionally shaped water bottles and cages were causing unwanted turbulence. In an effort to make the bike even more aerodynamically efficient they created their ReGrip Aero bottle cages paired and Gripper Aero water bottles; these new bottles and cages create a more streamlined profile in combination with the SuperSix EVO’s LAB71’s frame, improving aerodynamic efficiency thanks in no small part to the Gripper Aero bottle’s flat sides.

Even the aerodynamics of the bottles and cages has been considered , with Cannondale’s own contributing to the overall aero-efficiency of the bike.

 

The birth of the LAB71 division has taken Cannondale’s ‘ultimate bikes’ to the next level, making this all-new SuperSix EVO LAB71 Dura-Ace Di2 road bike the ‘ULTIMATE ultimate road bike’. With every functional and aesthetic factor carefully considered, developed and analysed in the design and manufacturing process the finished result is a visually stunning road bike which is fantastically lightweight, responsive and brilliantly aerodynamic. Versatile is an often over-used word within the cycling industry, but it’s an appropriate one in this instance with the SuperSix EVO LAB71 capable of flying up the climbs and holding its speed on flatter terrain thanks to all of those slippery aerodynamic design features.

So would you race it if you owned it? Or simply ride it sparingly on the nicest days of the year? Cannondale say it’s not for hanging on the wall and is ready for competition; whatever you decide the SuperSix EVO LAB71 Dura-Ace Di2 is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and enhance your enjoyment of each and every ride.

The SuperSix EVO LAB71 is Cannondale’s ultimate road racing bike with a dream spec and stunningly good looks.

 

Cannondale SuperSix EVO LAB71 Dura-Ace Di2 RRP £12,500

Full Specification:

• Frame: LAB71 SuperSix EVO, Ultralight Series 0 Carbon, integrated cable routing w/ Switchplate, 12×142 Syntace thru-axle, BSA 68mm threaded BB, flat mount disc, integrated seat binder, SmartSense compatible
• Fork: LAB71 SuperSix EVO, Ultralight Series 0 Carbon, integrated crown race, 12x100mm Syntace thru-axle, flat mount disc, internal routing, 1-1/8″ to 1-1/4″ Delta steerer, 55mm offset (44-54cm), 45mm offset (56-61cm)
• Headset: Integrated, 1-1/8″ – 1-1/4″
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9250
• Front Derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9250
• Shifters: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9270, wireless, 2×12
• Chain: Shimano Dura-Ace, 12-speed
• Crank: Shimano Dura-Ace R9200, 52/36
• Rear Cassette: Shimano Dura-Ace R9200, 11-30, 12-speed
• Bottom Bracket: CeramicSpeed BSA for Shimano Road, Coated Version
• Brake Levers: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9270 hydraulic disc
• Brakes Calipers: Shimano Dura-Ace R9270,
• Brake Rotors: 160/140mm MT900
• Rims: HollowGram R-SL 50, Carbon, 20h front, 24h rear, 50mm deep, 21mm inner width, tubeless ready
• Spokes: DT Swiss Aerolite, straight-pull
• Hubs: (F) HollowGram, sealed bearing 12x100mm centerlock / (R) HollowGram, 12x142mm centerlock w/ DT Swiss 240 internals
• Tyres : Continental Grand Prix 5000, 700x25c
• Handlebars: Cannondale SystemBar R-One – low drag, full carbon integrated bar/stem, internal routing
• Stem: Cannondale SystemBar R-One – low drag, full carbon integrated bar/stem, internal routing
• Handlebar Tape: Fizik Tempo Bondcush Soft, 3mm
• Saddle: Fizik Vento Argo 00 Carbon
• Seatpost: Cannondale C1 Aero 40 Carbon, 0mm offset (frame size 44-48cm), 20mm offset (frame size 51-61cm)
• Bottles: Cannondale Gripper Aero Bottles
• Bottle Cages: ReGrip Aero Cages

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by James Vincent

 

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