Author: Sean Leckey

Huge savings in-store and online on 2018 Specialized Stumpjumper models.

Ride trails with ease with the Specialized Stumpjumper. 27.5 and 29er models available in carbon or aluminium. The Stumpjumper is a nimble yet aggressive, full suspension mountain bike built for ripping trails.

Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Coil Carbon 2018 – WAS £5750.00 NOW £4312.50

Spec

Frame: Fact 11m carbon fibre

Fork: Ohlins RXF 36, 29/6Fattie, coil spring

Gears: SRAM GX

Wheels: Roval Traverse Carbon 29

Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert Carbon 29 2018 WAS £4999.00 NOW £3749.25

Spec

Frame: Fact 11m carbon fibre

Fork: FOX 34 Performance 27.5

Gears: SRAM GX Eagle

Wheels: Roval Traverse Carbon 29

Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp Carbon 27.5 2018 WAS £3500.00 NOW £2625.00

Spec

Frame: FACT 9m carbon front chassis w/ Specialized M5 Aluminum rear end

Fork: RockShox Revelation RC, Solo Air

Gears: SRAM GX

Wheels: Roval Traverse 27.5

Shop the full range of Specialized sale bikes

EXCLUSIVE TO WHEELBASE – Cannondale SuperSix Evo Carbon Dura Ace – Winner of Cycling Plus Race Bike of the Year

Bike magazine Cycling Plus crowned the SuperSix Evo from Cannondale as their number 1 race bike in the annual Bike of the Year issue which was released last month. Now in stock is an exclusive, second colourway.

The lightweight SuperSix is Cannondale’s premium road race bike. Equipped with Shimano’s Dura Ace 9100 groupset, the braking and shifting are faultless and Cannondale’s own Si chainset with its one-piece hollowgram SpideRing looks exceptional and performs superbly. Described by Cycling Plus as ‘One of the most exciting and compelling pure race bikes..’, the SuperSix Evo strikes a perfect blend of light weight, stiffness, aerodynamics and compliance that make it ‘the perfect road bike’.

Spec:

Frame: SuperSix EVO, BallisTec Carbon

Fork: SuperSix EVO, BallisTec Carbon

Gears: Shimano Dura-Ace 9100

Wheels: Cannondale HollowGram Si Carbon Clincher

Weight: 6.64kg (58cm)

New to Wheelbase for 2018, 100% are a brand that has grown exponentially within cycling in the past year. Largely because of it’s association with three-time world champion Peter Sagan, 100%  have gone from a motocross brand with an interest in cycling to becoming producers of one of the most recognisable models in the sport.

But 100% eyewear is far more than just aesthetics, the brand know that quality matters. The frames and lenses are borne out of years of research, design, craft and passion. 100% produce some of the most technologically superior sports eyewear out there. The recently launched Speedcraft Air incorporates a unique nasal dilator which allows athletes to control nasal dilation for an optimum balance between comfort and maximum oxygen intake.

The S2, worn by Peter Sagan at the Tour of Flanders and for his win at Paris Roubaix this Spring, is a race performance frame made for speed as well as everyday sports performance. A shatterproof and lightweight Grilamid TR90 frame with ultra-grip rubber nose pads and tips guarantee a secure and comfortable fit on intense, hot rides. The rimless cylindrical shield gives extended vertical visibility and all-round comfort.

Lens Technology

Peak Polar – A lens that is both polarized and allows you to see everything that’s in front of you. The Peak Polar lens allows you to see bike computers, phones and tablets without interference.

HiPER Lens – A lens that will enhance details, ramp up contrast and amp up colours. The HiPER Lens provides a sharp contrast, a high quality and a peak colour awareness.

Clear – All 100% glasses come with a second clear lens which provides the maximum amount of light allowance for all conditions.

 

Now in it’s 23rd successful year, the Lakeland Lanequest series has gone from strength-to-strength assisted by WHEELBASE, the UK’s largest cycle store.

The philosophy of Lakeland Lanequest is to provide a fun and challenging cycle-orienteering events on 6 consecutive Tuesday evenings throughout June and July. The events are designed to be very inclusive and aimed at all abilities, on all styles of bikes, for all ages and families.

In recent years the popularity of these fun events has exploded and they have regularly been attracting 120 riders to the quiet country lanes in and around the Lake District on Tuesday evenings with start times from 5.30pm.

All proceeds from each event go to a charity nominated by the event organiser.

Round 1 – Tuesday 5th June

The Smithy Inn, Holme, LA6 1PS
Neil Hazlehurst // Charity – Riding for the Disabled (Westmorland Group)

Enter here

Results here

Report here

Round 2 – Tuesday 12th June

Manor House, Oxen Park, LA12 8HG
Carol McNeil // Charity –  Reading Rooms

Enter here

Results here

Report here

Round 3 – Tuesday 19th June

The Redwell Inn, Arkholme, LA6 1BQ
Andy & Sarah Crozier // Charity – Fix the Fells

Enter here

Results here

Report here

Round 4 – Tuesday 26th June

Ford Park, Ulverston, LA12 7JP
David Heffernan // Charity – Ford Park Community Group

Enter here

Results here

Round 5 – Tuesday 3rd July

The Station Inn, Oxenholme, LA9 7RF 
Dave Hollingham // Charity –  Bendrigg Trust

Enter here

Results here

Round 6 – 10th July

Wilf’s Cafe, Staveley, LA8 9LR

Dave Cowgill // Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team

Enter here

Results here

Competitive League

4 out of the 6 rounds count towards the final score.

A special ‘Winners Cut The Cake’ night will take place after the final round with a WHEELBASE prize voucher draw for entrants who complete 4 out of 6 events.

View Overall Results

Classes

• Male Solo
• Female Solo
• Pairs
• Juniors
• Generation Pairs (1 x over 18yrs rider & 1 x under 16yrs rider)

Entry Fees

£6.00 – Day Rider | £5.00 – BMBO Member* | £2.00 – Youth Rider

*BMBO membership is FREE online at www.bmbo.org.uk

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ENTER ONLINE NOW

*Please note: You can also enter on the day for all events

How Does It Work?

Arrive in good time and get signed in with the friendly volunteers on registration. Pre-enter online at www.bmbo.org.uk or on the day. You will need to join BMBO (British Mountain Bike Orienteering) for the day if you aren’t a member already to cover your insurance which costs £1 per event. Alternatively annual BMBO membership costs £6 online at www.bmbo.org.uk

You will receive a map (pre-marked A4 colour OS 1:50,000) with 30 control points scattered around country lanes, each control is worth TEN POINTS and your objective is to plan a route to get around as many controls as you can within your allocated 2 hours. Don’t be late back as there are penalties, so you need plan carefully, follow your route and know when to give up and head home!

You can start at any time between 5.30pm and 7.00pm. You’ve then got 2 hours to collect as many controls as you can. ALL CONTROLS ARE LOCATED ON FOOTPATH FINGER POSTS. When you arrive at a control you will see a bright red numbered tag attached to a long steel cable. There is also a red pin punch at the end of the cable – use this to stamp your score card in the correct numbered box.

Remember to plan your route so you are back within the 2 hours. When you cross the line hand in your score card and your points will be tallied there and then. Check back on this webpage for the results and see how you are doing in the Overall League. Have fun and be safe!

The friendly WHEELBASE support team will be at each event for all your cycling needs and we look forward to welcoming you to WHEELBASE Lakeland Lanequest 2018!

Handy Kit And Equipment

• Bike – not your best bike as it will be getting laid down in hedges as you scurry around trying to find the control
• SPD MTB shoes are ideal as you can clip in and out quickly and also hunt around to find the control
• Map board, ideally with a swivel
• Compass
• Highlighter pen to mark your route out
• Cycle computer so you can check your mileage
• …and don’t forget your Helmet

Any further queries?

Email: lanequestHQ@yahoo.co.uk

There was cause for celebration in Durham on Tuesday night as WHEELBASE CASTELLI MGD took the win for the Northern Cup Guest Team as part of the Tour Series. Awarded to the team with the lowest aggregate time over a series of three city centre races, our team fought off stiff competition to claim the prize.

After strong performances in the first two races in Motherwell and Aberdeen, the win was clinched after a fast and furious race around Durham city centre. The team were presented with the prize for the second consecutive year after claiming victory in 2017.

The Tour Series, organised by OVO, sees riders race flat out around a city centre circuit reaching speeds of up to 50km an hour. The narrow streets and tight corners, synonymous with city centre ‘crit’ racing, make for a hugely entertaining spectacle which attracts big crowds and is broadcast live on television.

The Wheelbase team will be looking to take their good form into the next race which takes place in Aberystwyth on Saturday 26th May.

 

WHEELBASE and Merida bikes sunset raid on Helvellyn

The sun was shining, not a breath of wind – conditions were perfect. We had the new range of Merida 160 and 120 eBikes to hand, we’re in the Lake District, where are we going to ride? Helvellyn of course.

Powered by the Shimano STEPS motor system, with a 500W battery, we set off from Glenridding and headed for the summit via Keppel Cove with the aim of making it up and down before sunset. The Shimano STEPS motor gave us three modes to chose from – Eco, Trail and Boost. For the most part we stuck with Trail and saved the Boost for when things got mega steep, which they inevitably do when you’re ascending the third highest mountain in England. Super smooth all the way to the top, we were mightily impressed.

We made the summit and WOW, what a view. After soaking it in and snapping the obligatory summit shots, we made our way back down via Sticks Pass. Quick and nimble, the bikes descended rapidly. The confidence inspiring trail geometry and active 160 or 120 platform kept us happy and agile all the way down. With a total ride time of 1 hour 32 minutes we’d beaten sundown with time to spare and with only 60% battery capacity used up.

Merida bikes are a new brand to us here at WHEELBASE and they are one of the market leaders in eMTB.  The eONE SIXTY is a thoroughbred enduro machine, with 160mm front and rear travel and an agile and playful geometry, it guarantees a good time on the trails. The super light and compact Shimano Steps E8000 motor gives a powerful but natural riding feel and the 500W battery gives a shuttle style service to the top of every climb.

Graphic designer and photographer James Vincent joined us on the ride and took these awesome photos.

Merida eBikes are in stock now at Wheelbase Lake District, Wheelbase Yorkshire and online.

 

The all-new Cannondale F-Si has been designed to push the limits of what an XC hardtail can do. With the introduction of the new Lefty Ocho fork, you’re in for a super smooth ride no matter how hard you push.

Light weight

At just 900 grams for a medium frame, the new F-Si is the lightest mountain bike Cannondale has ever produced. It’s 80 grams lighter than the previous F-Si and with the new Lefty Ocho fork, there’s a pretty impressive saving of 330 grams on the frame and fork.

Lefty Ocho 

The all-new Lefty Ocho OutFront fork is silky smooth and super precise. With its single-crown structure, its one of the lightest XC suspension forks around and an impressive 250 grams lighter than the previous iteration.

Ai Drivetrain

Asymmetric Integration enables the chainstays to be shortened while allowing room for big tyres and a 2X drivetrain should you want it, meaning no corners cut and nothing is lost. The short chainstays do wonders for traction and nimble handling and the offset doubles the amount of space that boost provides.

Cannondale 29 F-Si HM World Cup 2019

Frame: All-new F-SI, Hi-MOD, BallisTec Carbon

Fork: ALL-NEW Lefty Ocho Carbon, 29″

Wheels: ENVE M525 Carbon, 24h, tubeless ready

Gears: SRAM XX1 Eagle

Cannondale 29 F-Si HM 1 2019

 

Frame: All-new F-SI, Hi-MOD, BallisTec Carbon

Fork: ALL-NEW Lefty Ocho Carbon, 29″

Wheels: HollowGram 23, Superlight Hi-Impact Carbon, tubeless ready, 28h, 23mm inner width

Gears: SRAM X01 Eagle

Cannondale 29 F-Si Carbon 2 2019

 

Frame: All-new F-SI, BallisTec Carbon

Fork: ALL-NEW Lefty Ocho Carbon, 27.5/29″

Wheels: HollowGram 23, Superlight Hi-Impact Carbon, tubeless ready, 28h, 23mm inner width

Gears: SRAM X01 Eagle

Cannondale 29 F-Si Carbon 3 2019

Frame: All-new F-SI, BallisTec Carbon

Fork: ALL-NEW Lefty Ocho Carbon, 29″

Wheels: Stan’s NoTubes Crest MK3, 28h, tubeless ready

Gears: SRAM GX Eagle

Cannondale 29 F-Si Carbon 4 2019

Frame: All-new F-SI, BallisTec Carbon

Fork: ALL-NEW Lefty Ocho Carbon, 29″

Wheels: WTB STX i23 TCS, 28h, tubeless ready

Gears: SRAM TBC

Shop the all-new Cannondale F-si range here.

Mondraker have been one of the pioneers of reshaping mountain bike design over recent years, developing a long, slack setup referred to as ‘Forward Geometry’. This frame setup is all about improving bike handling on gnarly, fast-paced descents.

Building on the platform of the already lightweight and high performing Foxy 27.5″, Mondraker have refined and evolved their flagship bike to create the all new Foxy carbon 29.  Constructed from their lightest and highest quality Stealth Air Carbon the new 29er has been tweaked and honed creating a truly amazing bike.  Based on new 29er specific Zero Suspension kinematics and optimised Forward Geometry the new Foxy 29 truly showcases 15 years of Foxy development.

Trail, All Mountain, Enduro? You name it. Mondraker’s most innovative, most efficient and most capable mountain bike is set to deliver on any trail. Foxy Carbon 29 is THE wonder BIKE and knows no barriers, with total versatility and pushing the boundaries from Trail to Enduro Racing ideal for any type of use and rider regardless of their skills.

Foxy Carbon 29 takes versatility, suspension and pedalling performance to a whole new level in a lightweight & cutting-edge futuristic design package with the best Mondraker racing experience, their core values and breakthrough technologies applied.

FOXY CARBON R 29

FOXY CARBON RR 29

FOXY CARBON XR 29

 

Chapeau to all of the 2,300 riders, 250 marshals, event organisers, supporters and crowds who took part in the Fred Whitton Challenge on Sunday. The event, run by Human Race, was once again an outstanding success as riders took on the gruelling 113 mile route around the Lake District national park.

Setting off from Grasmere early Sunday morning the riders knew they were in for a big day in what is widely renowned as one of Europe’s toughest sportives. Taking in all of the Lake District’s major passes, including the 25-30% ramps on Hardknott and Honister, plus many more uncategorised lumps along the way, the Fred Whitton is a bucket-list ride for all keen road cyclists. The event is run in memory of Fred Whitton, who was an integral part of the North West cycling community until his untimely death in 1998.

Baked in sun, the Lakes scenery provided a stunning backdrop to what is ultimately a very tough day on the bike. Volunteer marshals guided the riders around the course and provided food and drinks at the two feed stations on route. There were fantastic crowds along the way, shouting encouragement and cheering riders as they passed through villages and over climbs. As always, the 2018 Fred Whitton turned out to be an epic day for all those involved.

Photos courtesy of Steven Barber.

More than 200 riders headed out from Wheelbase Lake District on Saturday morning for the 2018 Jenn Ride, a two-wheeled bikepacking adventure in memory of local rider Jenn Hill. With a choice of three route options, riders took to the trails of the South Lakes from 6:30am on Saturday morning to take on the 50 mile, the 100 mile or the 200km course. Some riders go for one all-out push and complete the course as fast as they can, some take a more leisurely pace and enjoy the stunning scenery of the national park and others are somewhere in between.

As riders gather at the start there’s the obligatory checking out of fellow riders bikes, how they’re loaded and what they’re packing. This year we had a real eclectic mix of riders, bikes and setups, all geared up for a sunny adventure.

Before the Jenn Ride got underway we had an evening of adventure on Friday night with guest speakers showing films and talking to a packed out crowd of more than 150 adventure enthusiasts. The store was at full capacity to here tales of bikepacking and touring adventures from Fi Massey and Paul Horabin, Barry Godin and Lee Craigie and Rickie Cotter. Fuel for the night was provided by Firebelle UK, serving up some delicious wood-fired pizzas in their mobile van and Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery brought the beers. Some lucky folks went away with raffle prizes, which were generously donated by Lyon Equipment, with all money raised going to the Adventure Syndicate Project. A good time was had by all and excitement was high for the weekend to follow.