Author: John Dodgin

 

WAHOO KICKR MOVE

Wahoo are back with an all-new smart trainer for Autumn 2023 and (you’re probably well-ahead of us here given this new trainer’s product name), it features a unique moving action designed to give you a more natural ‘real world cycling’ feel on the bike. As we head into another long, dark winter in the U.K. the Wahoo KICKR MOVE is here to spice up your indoor training, encouraging you to get out of the saddle as and when you need to, enabling you to push a bigger gear while your bike moves more naturally underneath you.

To achieve this riding experience Wahoo have taken all of the great features from their KICKR V5 and integrated multi dimensions of movement to this all-new wheel-off smart trainer. Featuring the same familiar feel of the KICKR V5, with its instant power transfer thanks to that direct-drive configuration, this new KICKR MOVE amplifies the authentic ride feel further thanks to its for-to-aft and side-to-side movement.

If you’re a cyclist who naturally moves in and out of the saddle as you ride, rising to find and hold your rhythm then the KICKR MOVE will suit you and your riding style. This new-found freedom to move brings next-level realism to your workouts and virtual races while also reducing overall fatigue, with the KICKR MOVE’s four-axis movement improving your overall efficiency on the bike, encouraging you to train indoors for longer.

The all-new Wahoo KICKR MOVE is available now for £1,399.00

 

Looking beyond the four-axis movement of the KICKR MOVE we see all of the key features found on the non-moving KICKR V5 including WI-FI connectivity, along with Bluetooth, Ant+ and direct connection. Power accuracy is within 1% and just like the KICKR V5 the new KICKR MOVE is compatible with the KICKR Climb gradient simulator allowing you to inject even more realism into your indoor training regime.

The all-new KICKR MOVE gives you a confidence-inspiring, incredibly stable and quiet ride. The addition of the for-to-aft and side-to-side movement is a welcome addition which will encourage you to ride your bike indoors in the same way that you would on the open road. Suddenly that switch between riding outside during the summer months to training inside for the winter months doesn’t seem half as daunting.

 

WAHOO KICKR BIKE SHIFT

Following hot on the heels of their popular KICKR BIKE, Wahoo have just launched the all-new KICKR BIKE SHIFT. In a bid to make their cutting-edge technology available to a wider audience Wahoo have brought their second smart bike to market at a lower price, but have been careful to replicate all of the key attributes of the more expensive, original KICKR BIKE.

So why choose a smart bike over a smart trainer? Well, one of the main benefits of a smart bike is their ease of use; instead of constantly having to remove and refit your bike to your smart trainer you can simply set up your smart bike once and leave it in place for your regular indoor training sessions.

To create an authentic ride experience Wahoo use a new brake and belt drivetrain system to create instant resistance to the virtual grade and your own pedalling input. This configuration gives an almost identical ride to the more expensive KICKR BIKE but at a lower price. It’s great to see the new KICKR BIKE SHIFT featuring WI-FI connection too meaning there’s no danger of your connection dropping out, allowing you to train using optimal, instant data and your favourite training apps.

The Wahoo KICKR BIKE SHIFT is available now for £2,599.00

 

Just like the original KICKR BIKE the new KICKR BIKE SHIFT lets you fine-tune the trainer to closely match your regular bike. It features the same virtual shifting and custom gearing, allowing you to match the gear ratios of your outdoor bike and replicating your favourite groupsets from Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo.

As we all know, the importance of a comfortable and efficient bike fit is essential to be able to train and perform properly on your bicycle. Wahoo realise that you’re going to be spending a considerable amount of time on your indoor smart bike and with this in mind they’ve included 5 points of adjustment on the KICKR BIKE SHIFT. With the ability to adjust frame, setback and reach dimensions you’ll be able to easily set up this smart bike to mirror the fit of your road-going bike.

So how have Wahoo managed to produce their second smart bike at a more affordable price? First off the brake and belt drivetrain resistance type featured on the KICKR BIKE SHIFT compared to the motor resistance on the more expensive KICKR BIKE helps Wahoo hit that lower price point; secondly there is no motorised tilt up or down on the KICKR BIKE SHIFT and thirdly the frame is constructed from steel rather than aluminium.

With all the power, efficiency and accuracy of Wahoo’s more expensive KICKR BIKE the SHIFT allows you to constantly switch between training outdoors on your regular road bike and training indoors on Wahoo’s new smart bike while benefitting from the consistency of the same riding position and gearing configuration. The all-new KICKR BIKE SHIFT brings Wahoo’s smart bike technology to a wider audience, providing a permanent indoor training platform that’s always ready for you to jump on.

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos Wahoo’s own

 

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The recently launched Cannondale Habit HT hardtail mountain bike is available now in-store and online at Wheelbase!

Described by Cannondale to be ‘never not fun’ the Habit HT represents everything that’s good about the modern hardtail – there’s the mechanical simplicity, making it ideal as your ‘winter bike’ and the purity of the ride experience which will have you refining your line choices and honing your bike-handling skills the more you ride. Then there’s the robust & bombproof nature of a no-nonsense alloy hardtail MTB with a long-travel fork encouraging you to push the limits by cornering harder, jumping higher and blasting through technical sections with speed and accuracy.

The small range of Habit HT hardtails all feature the same frame, constructed from Cannondale’s SmartForm C2 Alloy, with each model coming spec’d with a capable 130mm travel fork. Aimed squarely at rowdy riding, the Habit HT boasts the sort of modern trail geometry we’ve all come to expect from a bike like this; with a slack 64° head angle, a 76° seat angle, a long front-end and a tight rear end with short chainstays the Habit HT feels playful and agile, with a confidence-inspiring, stable ride.

With fast-rolling 29” wheels, a versatile spread of gears and a dropper seatpost included on all Habit HT’s this playful bike climbs brilliantly, allowing you to get to the top of your favourite trail efficiently before dropping your saddle out of the way and blasting down the tightest, steepest most technical singletrack you can find.

Cannondale Habit HT Fast Facts…

• Burly aluminium frame
• Modern trail geometry – 64° head angle, long front end, tight rear end, 76° seat angle
• All bikes include a dropper seatpost
• Stout 130mm travel fork (140mm max fork travel)
• Wide rims and big tyres (2.6” max tyre size)
• UDH derailleur hanger with SRAM Transmission drivetrain compatibility
• IS42/52 integrated headset
• 180mm Maxle rear axle with UDH threading
• Three water bottle bosses on downtube allow different water bottle positions and the attachment of additional storage options
• Frame designed for 29” wheels, running the Habit HT as mullet (27.5” rear) not advisable

 

Cannondale Habit HT 1 RRP £1,500.00

Full specification:

• Frame: Habit HT, SmartForm C2 Alloy, tapered headtube, post mount disc, StraightShot internal cable routing, dropper post compatible, BSA 73, 12mm thru axle, Boost 148, 55mm chainline, UDH hanger.
• Fork: RockShox 35 Silver, 130mm, Solo Air, 15x110mm thru-axle, tapered steerer, 42mm offset
• Rims: WTB ST i30 TCS, 32h, tubeless ready
• Hubs: (F) Shimano MT400, 15x110mm thru-axle / (R) Shimano MT410, 12x148mm thru-axle
• Spokes: Stainless Steel, 14g
• Tyres: (F) WTB Vigilante, 29×2.5″, tubeless ready, (R) WTB Vigilante, 29×2.4″, tubeless ready
• Crank: Shimano, FC-5121, 30T, 55mm chainline
• Bottom Bracket: Shimano BSA 73
• Chain: Shimano Deore 6100, 12-speed
• Rear Cassette: Shimano Deore M6100, 10-51, 12-speed
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore 6100
• Shifters: Shimano Deore M6100, 12-speed
• Handlebar: Cannondale 3 Riser, 6061 Alloy, 15mm rise, 8° sweep, 4° rise, 780mm
• Grips: Cannondale TrailShroom
• Stem: Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, 31.8, 0°
• Headset: Integrated Sealed Bearing, Tapered
• Brakes: Shimano MT420 4-piston hydraulic disc, 180/180mm RT30 rotors
• Brake Levers: Shimano MT400 hydraulic disc
• Saddle: Cannondale Ergo XC
• Seatpost: Cannondale DownLow Dropper, internal routing, 31.6, 125mm (S), 150mm (M), 170mm (L-XL)
• Sizes: SM, MD, LG, XL
• Colour 1: Mercury (MRC)
• Colour 2: Cinnamon (CIN)

 

Cannondale Habit HT 2 RRP £1,250.00

Full specification:

• Frame: Habit HT, SmartForm C2 Alloy, tapered headtube, post mount disc, StraightShot internal cable routing, dropper post compatible, BSA 73, 12mm thru axle, Boost 148, 55mm chainline, UDH hanger
• Fork: RockShox Judy TK, 130mm, Solo Air, 15x110mm thru-axle, tapered steerer, 42mm offset
• Rims: WTB STX i30 TCS, 32h, tubeless ready
• Hubs: (F) Formula alloy, 15x110mm thru-axle / (R) Formula alloy 12x148mm thru-axle
• Spokes: Stainless Steel, 14g
• Tyres (F) WTB Vigilante, 29×2.5″, tubeless ready, (R) WTB Vigilante, 29×2.4″, tubeless ready
• Crank: Prowheel, 30T, 55mm chainline
• Bottom Bracket: ProWheel BSA 73
• Chain: KMC X10, 10-speed
• Rear Cassette: microSHIFT Advent X Pro, 11-48, 10-speed
• Rear Derailleur: microSHIFT Advent X Pro
• Shifters: microSHIFT Advent X Pro, 10-speed
• Handlebar: Cannondale 3 Riser, 6061 Alloy, 15mm rise, 8° sweep, 4° rise, 780mm
• Grips: Cannondale TrailShroom
• Stem: Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, 31.8, 0°
• Headset: Integrated Sealed Bearing, Tapered
• Brakes: SRAM Level hydraulic disc 180/180mm CenterLine Rotors
• Brake Levers: SRAM Level hydraulic disc
• Saddle: Cannondale Ergo XC
• Seatpost: TranzX dropper, internal routing, 31.6, 100mm (S), 120mm (M), 130mm (L-XL)
• Sizes: SM, MD, LG, XL
• Colour 1: Mantis (MAT)
• Colour 2: Black Cherry (BCH)

 

Cannondale Habit HT 3 RRP £1,000.00

Full specification:

• Frame Habit HT, SmartForm C2 Alloy, tapered headtube, post mount disc, StraightShot internal cable routing, dropper post compatible, BSA 73, 12mm thru axle, Boost 148, 55mm chainline, UDH hanger.
• Fork: SR Suntour XCR LO Boost 29, 130mm travel, 15mm thru axle, tapered alloy steerer
• Rims: WTB STX i25 TCS, 32h, tubeless ready
• Hubs: (F) Shimano MT400, 15x110mm thru-axle / (R) Shimano MT400, 12x148mm thru-axle
• Spokes: Stainless Steel, 14g
• Tyres WTB Breakout, 29×2.3″, Comp
• Crank: Prowheel, 30T, 55mm chainline
• Bottom Bracket: ProWheel BSA 73
• Chain: KMC X10, 10-speed
• Rear Cassette: microSHIFT Advent X, 11-48, 10-speed
• Rear Derailleur microSHIFT Advent X
• Shifters microSHIFT Advent X, 10-Speed
• Handlebar: Cannondale 3 Riser, 6061 Alloy, 15mm rise, 8° sweep, 4° rise, 780mm
• Grips: Cannondale Locking Grips
• Stem: Cannondale 3, 6061 Alloy, 31.8, 0°
• Headset: Integrated Sealed Bearing, Tapered
• Brakes: Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc, 180/180mm RT10 rotors
• Brake Levers: Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc
• Saddle: Cannondale Ergo XC
• Seatpost: TranzX dropper, internal routing, 31.6, 100mm (S), 120mm (M), 130mm (L-XL)
• Sizes: SM, MD, LG, XL
• Colour 1: Jade (JDE)
• Colour 2: Black Pearl (BPL)

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

All photos Cannondale’s own

 

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The all-new TREK Slash Gen 6 featuring its distinctive high-pivot, mullet wheel configuration and large idler jockey wheel designed to prevent pedal kick-back launched around the world recently (See the full range in our product launch feature HERE) and we were lucky enough to get our hands on one just as it went public! So armed with the carbon Slash 9 GX AXS T-Type Gen 6 model we headed up into the local hills surrounding Wheelbase HQ in the Lake District to shoot and film it in action…

All-new TREK Slash Gen 6 first ride…

 

Photographer: James Vincent

Videographer: Johnny Dodgin

Rider: Luke Chase

 

 

The all-new TREK Slash features 170mm of front and rear travel facilitated by a sophisticated high-pivot suspension design.

 

TREK’s popular Slash enduro mountain bike is back and it’s had quite a dramatic makeover! The all-new sixth-generation Slash includes a number of significant changes to its predecessor, boasting a raft of new features designed to make your ride-experience faster, more frenetic and downright rowdy than ever before. With 170mm of front and rear travel on all models, a choice of an alloy or carbon chassis and a spread of component options across the range of seven bikes there’ll be a new TREK Slash to suit you and your budget. Oh, and the headliner? It’s got to be that high-pivot suspension configuration…

We’d already seen TREK adopt a high-pivot suspension platform on the Session, their longest-travel, gravity-focused downhill race bike, with incredibly successful results. The inclusion of a very similar design on the all-new Slash enduro bike was a no-brainer; sitting just below the Session in TREK’s long-travel food chain of full-suspension mountain bikes it was almost a formality that this 6^th generation Slash would boast a high-pivot design.

We got to ride the all-new Trek Slash on launch day! Check it out…

 

TREK have spec’d the all-new Slash with a ‘Mullet’ wheel configuration – 29″ front, 27.5″ rear, although you can run a 29″ on the rear if you prefer.

 

The Slash’s new high-pivot suspension layout facilitates a rearward axle path, providing incredibly smooth suspension while maintaining enhanced forward momentum. How so? Well, that rearward axle pathway means your rear wheel moves away from the force of impacts rather than against them, letting you blast over mid-trail obstacles with increased control and confidence.

In the past one of the potential drawbacks of a high-pivot suspension platform was chain growth and pedal kickback. As the rear axle travelled through its suspension the chain tightened and pulled back on the cranks. Bikes like the new TREK Slash have solved this issue with extra pulleys forming part of the drivetrain; in this case you can see them positioned above and behind the front chainring. Routing the chain around idler pulleys gives it room to grow without unwanted tension, meaning you won’t get a harsh pedal kickback.

How does it work? Trek Slash Gen 6 ‘s High-Pivot Suspension

 

The Slash’s rearward axle path provides incredibly smooth suspension while maintaining enhanced forward momentum.

 

TREK have clearly spent a long time developing this new high-pivot suspension configuration so that it hits a sweet spot, providing plush rear suspension AND tangible pedalling efficiency, preventing you from wasting valuable energy thanks to those oversized pulleys which help keep pedalling super-smooth.

While your time onboard this sort of enduro bike is always going to be predominantly gravity-focused it’s nice to know that when you point the Slash uphill in a quest to get back to the top of your favourite trail as quickly as possible it promises to be easier to pedal than other high-pivot bikes. According to TREK the all-new Slash is able to scramble straight up super-techy, rocky climbs, maintaining more upward momentum thanks to that rearward axle path which prevents the rear wheel from getting hung-up on roots and rocks.

So what else is new with TREK’s sixth-generation Slash enduro mountain bike? We’ve put together some key features and fast facts below, as well as full specifications of each model in the Slash range of bikes…

The Slash’s oversized pulleys eliminate any potential for pedal kickback while helping to keep pedalling super-smooth.

 

What’s new about the 6th-generation TREK Slash?…

• All-new high-pivot suspension design
• Slacker frame geometry than its predecessor
• Adjustable-angle headset cups
• Rear travel increased from 160mm to 170mm
• Adjustable suspension leverage-rate chip
• ‘Mullet’ mixed-wheel configuration, comes as standard (29” front, 27.5” rear)
• Size small bike features. 27.5” wheels front and rear
• Frame protection includes Integrated Carbon Armour and a noise-reducing chain stay guard
• All frame sizes feature increased room for longer dropper seatposts

TREK Slash Gen 6 Fast Facts

• Size small frame features a curved top tube for enhanced clearance and rider agility.
• Size small bike features a pair of 27.5” wheels rather than mullet configuration (27.5” rear/29” front wheel).
• You can run two 29” wheels if you prefer, by swapping the bolt-on lower shock-mount (sold separately).
• TREK’s iconic ‘Mino Link’ is gone. The Slash’s headtube angle is now changed via the angle-adjust headset, while the bolt-on lower shock mount allows you to adjust bottom bracket height when changing wheel sizes.
• The headset cups allow you to get a full degree of head tube angle adjustment. All Slash’s come with neutral/zero-degree cups as standard. (Alternative angle-adjust headset cups sold separately).
• Maximum tyre width for front and rear 27.5” and 29” wheels is 2.5”.
• All Slash bikes come with the required parts, including sealant to set your wheels up tubeless.
• The all-new Slash does not feature TREK’s Knock Block steering limiter.
• The TREK Slash can run a bottle cage on the downtube; all models include a Bontrager right-side-load water bottle cage.

There’s increased room for longer dropper seatposts on all frame sizes. Dropper post insertions are:

• SML – 290 mm
• MED – 305 mm
• ML – 325 mm
• LRG – 340 mm
• XL – 370 mm

TREK have approved the following rear shocks for the all-new Slash:

• RockShox Super Deluxe coil
• RockShox Super Deluxe AXS
• RockShox Vivid Air
• Fox Live Valve NEO
• Fox X2

Max/Min chainring sizes:

• Min – 28T
• Max – 34T round
• Max – 32T oval

Slash 8 Gen 6 RRP £4,250.00

• Frame: Alpha Platinum Aluminium, high main pivot, idler pulley, internal storage, angle-adjust headset, Mino Link adjustable geometry, adjustable leverage rate, integrated frame protection, internal routing, magnesium rocker link, ISCG 05, Active Braking Pivot, UDH, 148×12 mm thru axle, 170 mm travel
• Fork: Fox Rhythm 36, Float EVOL air spring, GRIP damper, tapered steerer, 44 mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm Kabolt-X axle, 170 mm travel
• Shock: Fox Performance Float X, 2-position damper, 230 mm x 65 mm, 170mm travel
• 5” Rear Wheel: Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt
• 29” Front Wheel: Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt
• Rear Skewer: Bontrager Switch thru-axle, removable lever
• 5” Rear Tyre: Bontrager XR5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength casing, aramid bead, 60 tpi, 27.5 x 2.50″
• 29” Front Tyre: Bontrager XR5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength casing, aramid bead, 60 tpi, 29×2.50″
• Tyre Sealant: Bontrager TLR sealant, 180 ml/6 oz
• Rim strips: Bontrager TLR
• Shifter: Shimano XT M8100, 12-speed
• Rear derailleur: Shimano XT M8100, long cage
• Crank: Shimano Deore M6120, 30T ring, 55 mm chain line, 165 mm length
• Bottom bracket: Shimano BB-MT501 BSA
• Cassette: Shimano XT M8100, 10-51, 12-speed
• Chain: Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed
• Saddle: Bontrager Arvada, hollow chromoly rails, 138 mm width
• Dropper Seatpost (Small Frame Size): Bontrager Line Dropper, 100mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 310mm length
• Dropper Seatpost (M, M/L, L, XL Frame Size): Bontrager Line Dropper, 170 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 450 mm length
• Handlebar: Bontrager Line, alloy, 35 mm, 27.5 mm rise, 820 mm width
• Grips: Bontrager XR Trail Pro, alloy lock-on
• Stem: Bontrager Elite, 35 mm, 0-degree, 35 mm length
• Brakes: Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc, M6100 lever, M6120 calliper
• Brake rotors: Shimano RT66, 6-bolt, 203 mm
• Extras: Bontrager BITS Internal Frame Storage Bag

 

Slash 9 GX AXS T-Type Gen 6 RRP £5,175.00

• Frame: Alpha Platinum Aluminium, high main pivot, idler pulley, internal storage, angle-adjust headset, Mino Link adjustable geometry, adjustable leverage rate, integrated frame protection, internal routing, magnesium rocker link, ISCG 05, Active Braking Pivot, UDH, 148×12 mm thru axle, 170 mm travel
• Fork: Rockshox ZEB Select+ with DebonAir spring and Charger 3 RC2 damper, 170mm travel
• Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select+, 170mm travel
• 5” Rear Wheel: Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless-Ready, Rapid Drive 108, 6-bolt, Boost148, 12 mm thru axle
• 29” Front Wheel: Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15 mm thru axle
• Rear Skewer: Bontrager Switch thru-axle, removable lever
• 5” Rear Tyre: Bontrager SE5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 27.5 x 2.50″
• 29” Front Tyre: Bontrager SE5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 27.5 x 2.50″
• Tyre Sealant: Bontrager TLR sealant, 180 ml/6 oz
• Rim strips: Bontrager TLR
• Shifter: SRAM GX AXS, 12-Speed
• Rear derailleur: SRAM GX AXS, 12-Speed
• Crank: SRAM GX Eagle, DUB MTB Wide, T-Type, 30T, 55 mm chain line, 165 mm length
• Bottom bracket: SRAM DUB MTB Wide, 73 m, BSA threaded
• Cassette: SRAM GX AXS
• Chain: SRAM GX AXS
• Saddle: Bontrager Verse
• Dropper Seatpost (Small Frame Size): Bontrager Line Dropper, 100mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 310mm length
• Dropper Seatpost (M, M/L, L, XL Frame Size): Bontrager Line Dropper, 170 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 450 mm length
• Handlebar: Bontrager Line, alloy, 35 mm, 27.5 mm rise, 820 mm width
• Grips: Bontrager XR Trail Pro, alloy lock-on
• Stem: Bontrager Elite, 35 mm, 0-degree, 35 mm length
• Brakes: SRAM CODE Bronze 4-piston hydraulic disc
• Brake rotors: SRAM CentreLine, 6-bolt, round edge, 200 mm
• Extras: Bontrager BITS Internal Frame Storage Bag

 

Slash 9.8 XT Gen 6 RRP £7,425.00

• Frame: OCLV Mountain Carbon, high main pivot, idler pulley, internal storage, angle-adjust headset, Mino Link adjustable geometry, adjustable leverage rate, integrated frame protection, internal routing, magnesium rocker link, ISCG 05, Active Braking Pivot, UDH, 148×12 mm thru axle, 170 mm travel
• Fork: RockShox ZEB Select+, DebonAir spring, Charger 3 RC2 damper, tapered steerer, 44 mm offset, Boost110, Maxle Stealth, 170 mm travel
• Shock: RockShox Vivid Select+, 230 mm x 65 mm, 170mm travel
• 5” Rear Wheel: Bontrager Line Elite 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless Ready, Rapid Drive 108, 6-bolt, SRAM XD driver, Boost148, 12 mm thru axle
• 29” Front Wheel: Bontrager Line Elite 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15 mm thru axle
• Rear Skewer: Bontrager Switch thru-axle, removable lever
• 5” Rear Tyre: Bontrager SE5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 27.5 x 2.50″
• 29” Front Tyre: Bontrager SE6 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29×2.50″
• Tyre Sealant: Bontrager TLR sealant, 180 ml/6 oz
• Rim strips: Bontrager TLR
• Shifter: Shimano XT M8100, 12-speed
• Rear derailleur: Shimano XT M8100, long cage
• Crank: Shimano XT M8120, 30T alloy ring, Boost (55 mm chain line), 165 mm length
• Bottom bracket: Shimano BB-MT501 BSA
• Cassette: Shimano XT M8100, 10-51, 12-speed
• Chain: Shimano Ultegra/XT M8100, 12-speed
• Saddle: Bontrager Arvada, austenite rails, 138 mm width
• Dropper Seatpost (Small Frame Size): Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 100 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 345 mm length
• Dropper Seatpost (M, M/L, L, XL Frame Size): Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 170 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 485 mm length
• Handlebar: Bontrager Line Pro, OCLV Carbon, 35 mm, 27.5 mm rise, 820 mm width
• Grips: Bontrager XR Trail Pro, alloy lock-on
• Stem: Bontrager Line Pro, 35 mm, Knock Block, Blendr-compatible, 0-degree, 35 mm length
• Headset: Integrated cartridge bearing, 1-1/8″ top, 1.5″ bottom, angle adjust cup compatible
• Brakes: Shimano XT M8120 4-piston hydraulic disc
• Brake rotors: Shimano RT86, 6-bolt, 203mm
• Extras: Bontrager BITS Internal Frame Storage Bag

 

Slash 9.8 GX AXS T-Type Gen 6 RRP £7,500.00

• Frame: OCLV Mountain Carbon, high main pivot, idler pulley, internal storage, angle-adjust headset, Mino Link adjustable geometry, adjustable leverage rate, integrated frame protection, internal routing, magnesium rocker link, ISCG 05, Active Braking Pivot, UDH, 148×12 mm thru axle, 170 mm travel
• Fork: RockShox ZEB Select+, DebonAir spring, Charger 3 RC2 damper, tapered steerer, 44 mm offset, Boost110, Maxle Stealth, 170 mm travel
• Shock: RockShox Vivid Select+, 230 mm x 65 mm, 170mm travel
• 5” Rear Wheel: Bontrager Line Elite 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless Ready, Rapid Drive 108, 6-bolt, SRAM XD driver, Boost148, 12 mm thru axle
• 29” Front Wheel: Bontrager Line Elite 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15 mm thru axle
• 5” Rear Tyre: Bontrager SE5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 27.5 x 2.50″
• 29” Front Tyre: Bontrager SE6 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29×2.50″
• Tyre Sealant: Bontrager TLR sealant, 180 ml/6 oz
• Rim strip: Bontrager TLR
• Shifter: SRAM Eagle AXS POD
• Rear derailleur : SRAM GX Eagle AXS, T-Type
• Crank: SRAM GX Eagle, DUB MTB Wide, T-Type, 30T, 55 mm chain line, 165 mm length
• Bottom bracket: SRAM DUB MTB Wide, 73 m, BSA threaded
• Cassette: SRAM Eagle XS-1275, T-Type,10-52, 12-speed
• Chain: SRAM GX Eagle, T-Type, 12 speed
• Saddle: Bontrager Arvada, austenite rails, 138 mm width
• Dropper Seatpost (Small Frame Size): Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 100 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 345 mm length
• Dropper Seatpost (M, M/L Frame Size): Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 170 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 485 mm length
• Dropper Seatpost (L, XL Frame Size): Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 200 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 550 mm length
• Handlebar: Bontrager Line Pro, OCLV Carbon, 35 mm, 27.5 mm rise, 820 mm width
• Grips: Bontrager XR Trail Pro, alloy lock-on
• Stem: Bontrager Line Pro, 35 mm, Knock Block, Blendr-compatible, 0-degree, 35 mm length
• Brake: SRAM CODE Bronze 4-piston hydraulic disc
• Brake rotor: SRAM CentreLine, 6-bolt, round edge, 200 mm
• Extras: SRAM eTap battery pack (with charger)

 

Slash 9.9 X0 AXS T-Type Gen 6 RRP £9,400.00

• Frame: OCLV Mountain Carbon, high main pivot, idler pulley, internal storage, angle-adjust headset, Mino Link adjustable geometry, adjustable leverage rate, integrated frame protection, internal routing, magnesium rocker link, ISCG 05, Active Braking Pivot, UDH, 148×12 mm thru axle, 170 mm travel
• Fork: RockShox ZEB Ultimate, DebonAir spring, Charger 3 RC2 damper, tapered steerer, 44 mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm Maxle Stealth, 170 mm travel
• Shock: RockShox Vivid Ultimate, 230 mm x 65 mm, 170mm travel
• 5” Rear Wheel: Bontrager Line Pro 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless Ready, Rapid Drive 108, 6-bolt, SRAM XD driver, Boost148, 12 mm thru-axle
• 29” Front Wheel: Bontrager Line Pro 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless-Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15 mm thru-axle
• 5” Rear Tyre: Bontrager SE5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 27.5 x 2.50″
• 29” Front Tyre: Bontrager SE6 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29×2.50″
• Tyre Sealant: Bontrager TLR sealant, 180 ml/6 oz
• Rim strip: Bontrager TLR
• Shifter: SRAM Eagle AXS, wireless, 12-speed
• Rear derailleur : SRAM X0 Eagle AXS, T-Type
• Crank: SRAM X0 Eagle, T-Type, DUB, 34T ring, 55 mm chain line, 165 mm length
• Bottom bracket: SRAM DUB MTB Wide, 73 m, BSA threaded
• Cassette: SRAM Eagle XS-1295, T-Type, 10-52, 12-speed
• Chain: SRAM X0 Eagle, T-Type, 12-speed
• Saddle: Bontrager Arvada, austenite rails, 138 mm width
• Dropper Seatpost (Small Frame Size): RockShox Reverb AXS, 100 mm travel, wireless, 34.9 mm, 340 mm length
• Dropper Seatpost (M, M/L Frame Size): RockShox Reverb AXS, 170 mm travel, wireless, 34.9 mm, 480 mm length
• Handlebar/Integrated Stem: Bontrager RSL Integrated handlebar/stem, OCLV Carbon, 27.5 mm handlebar rise, 820 mm width, 0-degree stem rise, 35 mm stem length
• Grips: Bontrager XR Trail Pro, alloy lock-on
• Brakes: SRAM Code Silver 4-piston hydraulic disc
• Brake rotor: SRAM 6-bolt, 200 mm
• Extras: SRAM eTap battery pack (with charger)

 

Slash 9.9 XTR Gen 6 RRP £10,8000.00

• Frame: OCLV Mountain Carbon, high main pivot, idler pulley, internal storage, angle-adjust headset, Mino Link adjustable geometry, adjustable leverage rate, integrated frame protection, internal routing, magnesium rocker link, ISCG 05, Active Braking Pivot, UDH, 148×12 mm thru axle, 170 mm travel
• Fork: RockShox ZEB Ultimate, DebonAir spring, Charger 3 RC2 damper, tapered steerer, 44 mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm Maxle Stealth, 170 mm travel
• Shock: RockShox Vivid Ultimate, 230 mm x 65 mm
• 5” Rear Wheel: Bontrager Line Pro 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless Ready, Rapid Drive 108, 6-bolt, Shimano MicroSpline freehub, Boost148, 12 mm thru axle
• 29” Front Wheel: Bontrager Line Pro 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless-Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15 mm thru-axle
• 5” Rear Tyre: Bontrager SE5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 27.5 x 2.50″
• 29” Front Tyre: Bontrager SE6 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29×2.50″
• Tyre Sealant: Bontrager TLR sealant, 180 ml/6 oz
• Rim strip: Bontrager TLR
• Shifter: Shimano XTR M9100, 12-speed
• Rear derailleur: Shimano XTR M9100, Shadow Plus, long cage, 51-T max cog
• Crank: E*thirteen LG1 Race Carbon, 30T, 55 mm chain line, 165 mm length
• Bottom bracket: E*thirteen BB20-P, BSA threaded, 73 mm width
• Cassette: Shimano XTR M9101, 10-51, 12-speed
• Chain: Shimano Dura-Ace/XTR M9100, 12-speed
• Saddle: Bontrager Arvada, austenite rails, 138 mm width
• Dropper Seatpost (Small Frame Size): Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 100 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 345 mm length
• Dropper Seatpost (M, M/L Frame Size): Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 170 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 485 mm length
• Dropper Seatpost (L, XL Frame Size): Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 200 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 550 mm length
• Handlebar/Stem: Bontrager RSL Integrated handlebar/stem, OCLV Carbon, 27.5 mm handlebar rise, 820 mm width, 0-degree stem rise, 35 mm stem length
• Grips: Bontrager XR Trail Pro, alloy lock-on
• Brakes: Shimano XTR M9120 4-piston hydraulic disc
• Brake rotor: Shimano RT86, 6-bolt, 203mm

 

Slash 9.9 XX AXS T-Type Gen 6 RRP £11,750.00

• Frame: OCLV Mountain Carbon, high main pivot, idler pulley, internal storage, angle-adjust headset, Mino Link adjustable geometry, adjustable leverage rate, integrated frame protection, internal routing, magnesium rocker link, ISCG 05, Active Braking Pivot, UDH, 148×12 mm thru axle, 170 mm travel
• Fork: RockShox ZEB Ultimate Flight Attendant, DebonAir spring, Charger 2.1 RCT3 AXS damper, 1.5″ tapered steerer, 44 mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm Maxle Stealth, 170 mm travel
• Shock: RockShox Vivid Ultimate, 230 mm x 65 mm, 170mm travel
• 5” Rear Wheel: Bontrager Line Pro 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless Ready, Rapid Drive 108, 6-bolt, SRAM XD driver, Boost148, 12 mm thru-axle
• 29” Front Wheel: Bontrager Line Pro 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless-Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15 mm thru-axle
• 5” Rear Tyre: Bontrager SE5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 27.5×2.50″
• 29” Front Tyre: Bontrager SE6 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29×2.50″
• Tyre Sealant: Bontrager TLR sealant, 180 ml/6 oz
• Rim strip: Bontrager TLR
• Shifter: SRAM Eagle AXS, wireless, 12-speed
• Rear derailleur: SRAM XX Eagle AXS, T-Type
• Crank: SRAM XX Eagle, T-Type, DUB, 34T ring, 55 mm chain line, 165 mm length
• Bottom bracket: SRAM DUB MTB Wide, 73 m, BSA threaded
• Cassette: SRAM Eagle XS-1297, T-Type, 10-52, 12-speed
• Chain: SRAM XX Eagle, T-Type, 12-speed
• Saddle: Bontrager Arvada, austenite rails, 138 mm width
• Dropper Seatpost (Small Frame Size): RockShox Reverb AXS, 100 mm travel, wireless, 34.9 mm, 340 mm length
• Dropper Seatpost (M, M/L Frame Size): RockShox Reverb AXS, 170 mm travel, wireless, 34.9 mm, 480 mm length
• Grips: Bontrager XR Trail Pro, alloy lock-on
• Brakes: SRAM Code Ultimate 4-piston hydraulic disc
• Brake rotor: SRAM 6-bolt, 200 mm
• Extras: SRAM eTap battery pack (with charger)

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos – TREK’s own

 

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 British Continental is a leading sports website dedicated to following domestic road racing here in the U.K. Packed full of excellent race reports, interviews, in-depth features and race photos they give a great insight into scene with some fantastic content. Jack Beavis from The British Continental recently spoke to Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli Team Manager Stuart Reid to discover more about our road racing team and the ongoing development of young riders heading for the UCI ranks.

 

Wheelbase CabTech Castelli: The Original Elite Development Team

Stalwarts of the domestic peloton, the Wheelbase CabTech Castelli team have been a revelation in 2023, enjoying their most successful season after almost two decades at the elite end of domestic cycling. Jack Beavis, The British Continental, August 2023

Click the link below to read this excellent, in-depth interview with Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli Team Manager Stuart Reid…

Read the full interview HERE…

 

Hit link to check out the latest road racing news from The British Continental…

 

Feature Image by SW Pix

Matt Fox, Ilkley Win photo by Trax Photos

 

It’s time for a closer look at the Nukeproof Mega 297 Carbon Elite enduro bike! Captured earlier this summer by our talented regular freelance photographer James Vincent, he pulled this race-ready Enduro bike out of Nukeproof’s extensive demo fleet and shot it at our popular BIG Demo Day in Hamsterley, Country Durham.

Nukeproof’s design brief for the Mega was to create a ‘downhiller’s trail bike’ built to cope with the unique demands of the World’s most challenging Enduro races including the iconic Megavalanche in France. Piloted by some of the greatest bike racers around including multiple World Champion Sam Hill the Nukeproof Mega has been scoring race wins all over the globe for the last few years.

The Mega 297 Carbon Elite is classed by Nukeproof as the ‘downhiller’s trail bike’.

 

This 297 version of the Mega features a mixed wheel-size configuration with a 29” wheel on the front and 27.5” on the rear, for a best of both worlds setup providing efficient roll-over ability and a flickable rear end. It’s the classic ‘Mullet’ setup with business upfront and party out back.

The Nukeproof Mega 297 Carbon Elite long-travel full-suspension enduro trail bike features an ultra-strong carbon frame, plush Fox Float X2 Performance rear shock, capable Fox 38 Float Performance Elite Series Grip 2 Damper suspension fork boasting 170mm of travel and an efficient Shimano SLX 1×12-Speed groupset. Scroll through our photos below and check out the full specification of the Nukeproof Mega 297 Carbon Elite at the bottom of this feature…

The Nukeproof Mega 297 Carbon Elite is constructed from ultra-strong monocoque UD Carbon Fibre.

 

With durable longevity in mind the Mega 297 Carbon Elite includes factory-fitted clear paint protection in key areas of the frame.

 

A Fox Float X2 Performance Series rear shock facilitates 165mm of plush travel.

 

The Fox Float X2 rear shock sits within the Mega’s Horst-link suspension configuration which copes brilliantly with big hits and small bumps while remaining supportive on the climbs.

 

Nukeproof have spec’d the Mega 297 Elite with a pair of Fox Float X2, Performance Series, EVOL, 2 Position Lever suspension forks.

 

The dust lines on these Fox Float X2 stanchions hint at the amount of travel you’re getting upfront – 170mm to handle the really big hits.

 

A no-nonsense Shimano SLX groupset adorns the Nukeproof Mega 297 Carbon Elite

 

The 12-speed SLX rear derailleur provides precise gear selection every time, even when conditions get particularly nasty.

 

The Hollowtech 2 SLX M7100 chainset is complimented by a Nukeproof guide, helping to keep your chain secure when your riding gets really rowdy.

 

SLX hydraulic brakes have a positive feel which is almost identical to brake levers further up the Shimano food chain. 

 

Nukeproof have spec’d a pair of powerful 4-piston Shimano SLX M7120 brake calipers to help you quickly scrub off speed and stay in control.

 

Large 203mm diameter brake rotors pair up effectively with those powerful SLX brakes and metallic brake pads.

 

As the product name suggests, the Nukeproof Mega 297 Carbon Elite features a mixed wheel-size configuration, with a 29″ up front and a 27.5″ on the rear.

 

Nukeproof’s own Horizon V2 wheels adorn the Mega 297 Carbon Elite and are shod with a pair of Maxxis tyres. There’s a Minion DHR II on the rear. 

 

That larger 29″ front wheel is fitted with a super-grippy Maxxis Minion DHR II to help you stay in control, even on the loosest turns.

 

When it comes to gravity-focused trail riding the Maxxis Minion DHR is regarded as the standard when it comes to durable, high-grip downhill tyres.

 

A stubby 45mm Nukeproof Horizon stem contributes significantly to the Mega 297 Carbon Elite’s positive steering.

 

The Mega 297 Carbon Elite comes spec’d with long-term Nukeproof sponsored rider Sam Hill’s own signature grips.

 

Sam Hill Signature grips lock-on for extra security and feel great in your hand regardless of whether you wear gloves or not.

 

Originally designed to specifically handle the demands of the Megavalanche Enduro in France, the Nukeproof Mega 297 Carbon Elite is built ready to race.

 

Full specification:

• Frame: Nukeproof Mega V4 297 Carbon, 165mm Travel, ultra-strong monocoque UD Carbon Fibre frame, internally piped cable routing, ISCG 05 mounts, Enduro Bearings, Threaded 73mm BB, Boost 148mm rear axle spacing, 3D contoured Rubber frame protection and Factory fitted clear paint protection kit covering TT/DT/CS/SS.
• Rear Shock: Fox Float X2, Performance Series, EVOL, 2 Position lever, Custom LCM LRM tune, 230×62.5mm, Bearing End, 2x 0.3 spacer fitted.
• Fork: Fox 38 Float, Performance Elite Series, Grip 2 Damper, 170mm, 44mm Offset, BOOST, Black
• Headset: Nukeproof, 44-56 IITS
• Crankset: Shimano SLX M7100 12-Speed, Hollowtech 2, 170mm, 32T
• Bash Guard: Nukeproof guide with Bash, 28-36T, ISCG-05, black
• Shifter: Shimano SLX M7100-IR, 12-speed Rapidfire Plus, I-Spec EV
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano SLX M7100, SGS 12-Speed, Shadow Plus
• Cassette: Shimano SLX M7100-12, 12-Speed (HYPERGLIDE+), 10-51T
• Chain: Shimano SLX M7100 HG 12-speed Inc Quicklink
• Brake Calipers: Shimano SLX M7120, 4 Pot Brake, Metallic Pads
• Brake Rotors: Front 203mm / Rear 203mm
• Front Wheel: Nukeproof Horizon V2, 29″, 6 Bolt, 110x15mm
• Rear Wheel: Nukeproof Horizon V2, 27.5″, 6 Bolt, Shimano Microspline Driver, 148x12mm
• Front Tyre: Maxxis Assegai 3C MAXXGRIP/DD/TR 29” x 2.5WT
• Rear Tyre: Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MAXXTERRA/DD/TR 27.5” x 2.4WT
• Stem: Nukeproof Horizon, 45mm, Black
• Handlebar: Nukeproof Horizon V2 25mm Rise, Width – S780mm, M780mm, L800mm
• Grips: Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature
• Seatpost: Brand X Ascend internal with Brand-X Remote lever, S:125mm drop; M:150mm drop; L:170mm drop
• Saddle: Nukeproof

 

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 Feature Blogs too!

 

Our talented multi-discipline bike racer Lucy Bell has been in action again; this time braving the rain and mud of the Naughty Northumbrian Enduro. Here’s her report…

The demanding Naughty is nestled away high in the Northumbrian Cheviot Hills and is touted as one of the hardest Enduro races on the UK calendar. At 27 miles and with 5000ft of climbing spread across 6 stages, it’s a huge challenge which includes compulsory practice for all stages on Saturday before racing the full loop again on Sunday.

The stages are all on private land and this year, due to Storm Arwen, the tracks were 80% fresh-cut; with an average gradient of about -20% to -30% these tracks are not for the faint-hearted.

I opted to race my Cannondale Moterra LT e-mountain bike, as I knew the heavier planted feel of my bike would suit the scree field stages – if you’ve heard the hype about these sections it’s all true, they are MENTAL. I was pleased with my choice even if stopping down some of those steeps was a challenge, it was worth it was I bloody love my e-bike on natural techy tracks.

 

Unfortunately we were treated to some biblical weather on the practice day, leaving us feeling pretty nervous before Sunday’s race stages. The tracks and transitions were steadily getting more washed out, making what was already tricky that much harder. Fortunately I was racing alongside a super crew and ‘Team Gaskell’ prevailed on Sunday morning, with a good bunch of mates rolling out the start arena to support and help each other round the whole day. To help cope with the conditions we did ‘trains’ and pretended we were just riding not ‘racing’, but when the starting beeps went we all went mad and somehow managed to stay on and get to the bottom of each stage with only a few small get-downs in between! Big shout as to Helen Gaskell, Georgia Leslie, Claire Bennett, Rachel Wight, Adam Wight and Luke Parkin for all having the grit and determination to survive that day.

This was my 51^st race according to Roots and Rain, and no question the absolute hardest most technical thing I have ever ridden. If you like it tough then get the Naughty on your list for 2024, it is epic beyond all imagination.

 

Big thanks to Wheelbase Darlington for whipping my bike into shape before the event and supplying me with everything I needed to get through that day – big love!

That’s just about if for the Enduro season now, but I have some plans for Winter ‘23 so I won’t be sitting still – watch this space 🙂

 

You can follow all of Lucy Bell’s biking adventures at @loowcie

A BIG thanks to Jerry Tatton for the awesome race photos @jwdtphotography

 

Enjoy 50% off selected men’s and women’s Castelli Unlimited Gravel Apparel, while stocks last. Take advantage of our half price deals on selected products from Castelli’s gravel-specific collection.

Castelli Unlimited Allroad Jersey Was £115.00 NOW £57.50

 

Castelli Unlimited Bibshort Was £125.00 NOW £62.50

 

Castelli Unlimited Puffy Vest Was £210.00 NOW £105.00

 

Castelli Unlimited Baggy Short Was £115.00 NOW £57.50

 

Castelli Unlimited Sentiero Women’s Jersey was £120.00 NOW £60.00

 

We’ve got fantastic deals on selected Cervelo Aspero Gravel Bikes! This is your chance to own a cutting-edge high-performance carbon fibre gravel bike designed specifically for flat-out speed. Stiff and responsive, the Aspero performs with all the efficiency of one of Cervelo’s top-flight road bikes while providing all-day comfort thanks to a cleverly engineered carbon frame that includes just the right amount of compliance where you need it.

We’ve got special offers on the Cervelo Aspero Apex 1 and Aspero GRX RX600 while stocks last…

 

Cervelo Aspero GRX RX600 Was £3,100 NOW £2,199

 

Cervelo Aspero Apex 1 Was £3,000 NOW £1,949