Author: Sean Leckey

Whyte T-130S

MBUK – ‘Benchmark trail blazer is still on point’.

‘Whyte haven’t changed the multi-award-winning T-130 rolling chassis this year, but SRAM’s latest transmission and suspension tweaks take its addictively flat-out performance up an extra level for 2018.’

• Super-responsive but surefooted handling.
• Suspension is easy to set up and offers impressive control.
• Mostly excellent, bang-up-to-date kit package for the money.

Whyte S-150C Works

MBR – ‘Whyte’s fusion of cutting-edge geometry and 29in wheels is a marriage made in heaven’.

‘Whyte has been pushing the boundaries of sizing and geometry for years now, so it should come as no surprise that its new 150mm-travel 29er is long, low and slack.’

• Custom fork offset restores the true head angle and trail measurements while reducing steering flop.
• SCR frame design increases stiffness by eliminating the front mech.
• Boost dropouts and ample tyre clearance make the S-150 Plus compatible and Whyte even offers aftermarket wheel sets to make swapping easy.

Whyte G-170S

MBR – ‘Whyte has produced some amazing bikes of late, but it has always struggled to nail its longer travel G-series models. Not any more.’ 

‘The new G-170 S is smooth and composed. It is easy to set-up and even easier to ride flat-out, but it still pedals well enough that you don’t feel like you’re lugging a 170mm anchor up every climb.’

• Maxle Ultimate QRdropouts for easytrailside access.
• Reduced offset on Yarifork has similar affect to slacking head angle.
• Tyre clearance aplenty makes Plus rubber a possibility.

Check out our full range of 2018 Whyte bikes, available online and in our Lake District superstore.

Words courtesy of Mountain Biking UK and MBR Magazine, images from Whyte Bikes.

100 Genre-Killing Millimetres – Yeti Launches the SB100

The NEW SB100 is a strong, 100mm travel, XC climbing machine, but the gravity inspired geometry, 120mm Fox 34 Step-Cast fork and meaty tyres are all trail. The result is a perfect blend of pedalling efficiency with downhill prowess.

Yeti redesigned the Switch Infinity mechanism specifically for 100mm of travel – it’s light, and tucks behind the seat tube meaning you can accommodate a water bottle in the front triangle. Big days require big bottles. Instead of chasing featherweight on the build, Yeti spec’d the bike as they tested it on their trails – Fox Transfer post, Maxxis 2.3 tyres, and a 180mm front rotor. It’s still light, but also right. New Factory pro rider, Geoff Kabush, will be defending his BC Bike Race title on this rig and it will also be his sled of choice for Downieville and the Breck Epic.

Designed around 29” wheels and full carbon fibre frame the SB100 is a genre killing XC bike.  Hard to pigeonhole but even harder to catch the latest Switch Infinity equipped bike from Yeti Cycles is designed to perform and offers a truck load of speed out on the trail.  Available in two carbon fibre material options Turq/T-Series bikes and frames are constructed from the highest quality carbon fibre available and offer the perfect balance of stiffness and compliance.  The result is a bike that feels smooth, solid and aggressive.  C-Series bikes have a small change in the carbon fibre allowing for a more aggressively priced high-performance frame while maintaining strength and stiffness of its higher-end sibling.

Switch Infinity

For the SB100, the look and layout of the Switch Infinity mechanism has been changed to best work with a shorter travel 100mm platform. Both Switch Infinity designs utilize a translating pivot point that allows Yeti to tune the suspension kinematics perfectly to their desired characteristics. The SB100 Switch Infinity link is rotated 90 degrees to allow for slimmer, more efficient packaging and is lighter than the previous design. Once again Yeti Cycles worked with FOX to independently test the mechanism for durability and wear and tear in the harshest conditions. The SB100 Switch Infinity uses its own hardware but function is identical between both Switch Infinity designs.

Features

Switch Infinity suspension that was redesigned for 100mm of travel

2 carbon fibre frame material options – T-Series and C-Series

Integrated 2-bolt ISCG-05 mounts (top guide)

Tapered integrated headtube (41mm/52mm)

Custom down tube protector and chain guards

Internal carbon tubes inside of frame for hassle-free cable routing

Integrated axle and derailleur hanger system

Boost rear hub spacing

Clearance for standard sized water bottle

Uninterrupted seat tube for compatibility with longer travel dropper

 

Specification

TRAVEL:                      3.9″ (100MM)

FRAME WEIGHT:        5.50 LBS (2.50 KG) T-Series / 6.06 Lbs ( 2.75KG) C-Series

WHEEL SIZE:               29″

FRAME SIZE:               SM, MD, LG, XL

R.SHOCK:                    190MM X 37.5MM

B.BRACKET:                PF92

R.WHEEL:                   148MM X 12MM (BOOST)

F.DERAILLEUR:           N/A

SEATPOST:                  30.9MM

 

New to Wheelbase for Spring Summer 2018 is premium British brand Le Col, which was founded by pro cyclist Yanto Barker back in 2011. After over 20,000 hours of riding in the pro peloton, Barker now heads up a team of performance, design and cycling specialists developing technical road cycling kit. A reputation for producing the highest quality road apparel is extended through sponsorship of the Team Wiggins and Storey Racing racing outfits, partnerships which help to contribute to the innovation and development of the Le Col brand.

The Spring Summer 2018 collection from Le Col is categorised into four distinct collections; HC, Pro, Pro Air and Sport. HC, or Hors Categorie, comes from the mountain classification in France and is used to signify the summit of the Le Col collection, with no compromises made in pursuit of luxury, performance apparel. The Pro range stems from Yanto Barker’s 20 year involvement with the pro peloton and uses a collection of aero-fabrics with an objective of optimising speed and performance. Pro Air is designed for the hottest riding conditions, made from a mesh material and perfect for warmer climes. The Sport range takes features from each of the Le Col collections to present affordable products without a compromise in the quality of materials and craftsmanship.

Some of the key pieces in the SS18 Le Col collection include;

Le Col HC Bib Shorts – £180.00

Top of the range bib shorts made from a 220g Italian lycra with a luxury Dolomiti Gel chamois pad.

Le Col Pro Air Mesh Jersey – £120.00

Engineered for riding in hot conditions, this jersey is the lightest and coolest in the entire collection. It maintains the same aero-geared cut as the Pro Jersey while providing maximum breath-ability.

Le Col Pro Soft Shell Gilet – £80.00

A must for Spring/Summer conditions here in the UK, the Pro Soft Shell Gilet is wind and shower proof and small enough to pack away into a rear pocket.

Le Col Sport Jersey – £85.00

A classic, the Sport Jersey is more of a relaxed fit and comes packed with features to ensure comfort and usability.

View our entire Le Col SS18 range here.

Trek has expanded its adventure line with the introduction of the brand-new 1120 – the ultimate touring machine.

Bikepacking and adventure touring are becoming huge here in the UK and Trek have introduced a bike that will fit the market perfectly. The 1120 is built around 29″ mid-fat tyres and specially-designed racks, its mountain-ready spec and off-road capability make it ready for an all-terrain bikepacking adventure.

The 1120’s Alpha Platinum Aluminium frame and carbon fork are modelled on the hugely popular Stache mountain bike, with slight adjustments to the geometry to ensure a stable ride when the bike is fully-laden. Wide 29+ rims support the 3″ Bontrager tubeless-ready tyres and Shimano’s new SLX drivetrain provides an ultra-wide 11-46T gear range, allowing riders to tackle steep climbs while carrying a full load.  1120’s trail-ready spec package is rounded out with Bontrager’s Drop Line dropper post and a swept-back Crivitz handlebar that provides a more natural wrist angle for extra comfort on long overland rides.

1120 features low touring mounts, and its proprietary rear rack and included bag system allows riders to carry a pair of standard dry bags (8L recommended) low to the ground for optimal handling. The rear rack also allows items like tents or sleeping mats to be secured on top. 1120’s proprietary front rack maximises usable space between the handlebar and top of the wheel, allowing riders to pack lots of essentials within easy reach. Additionally, triple mounts on each fork leg accept virtually any bolt-on carry solution. Both racks can be removed with four screws, making removal an easy 5-minute job. The 1120 frame also has conventional rack mounts so that a full-size rack and panniers can be easily installed if the day’s adventure calls for extra storage.

The 1120 is now available in 15.5″, 17.5″, 19.5″ and 21.5″ sizes. Let the adventure planning commence.

Wheelbase MTB Big Demo Weekend 2018

The 11th WHEELBASE BIG DEMO WEEEKEND landed last weekend at our Lake District store and despite the wintery conditions we had a great day demoing some of the world’s best mountain bikes on Saturday. However, day 2 on Sunday wasn’t to be as we got struck down with ‘Beast of the East 2’ and had to cancel due to high winds, ice, and deep snow in the Kentmere Valley.

With bikes from 12 of the world’s best MTB brands to try out, we welcomed 200 riders to our Lake District store on Saturday morning ready to venture out onto the natural trails around the Kentmere Valley guided by the team from Penrith based Cycle Active. Despite the freezing conditions and frequent flurries of snow all rides went ahead and riders returned cold but with smiles on their faces – we’re a hardy lot up North!

As we’ve seen in recent years the popularity of eBikes continues to grow and this year we offered up our largest ever selection for demoing. A strong mix of full suspension and hardtail mountain bikes from Cannondale, Cube, Focus, Frog Bikes, Genesis, Kona, Mondraker, Nukeproof, Transition, Trek, Whyte and Yeti gave our customers plenty of options to choose from.

Despite the challenging weather the BIG DEMO WEEKEND proved again to be one of the best demo events in the UK and it will return next year on 16+17 March 2019 – what will we all be riding then?

Click here to check out the full gallery from Saturday’s rides.

Our range of Spring/Summer cycle clothing from Gore has landed. Known for their innovation and outstanding functionality, Gore produce some of the most technical weather-combating sports clothing available.

GORE® wear stands for the best engineers and designers developing the best products in close cooperation with a strong and versatile team of sponsored athletes – like two-time Olympic road cycling champion Fabian Cancellara.

‘Our lab’ combines an in-depth understanding of the elements and the human body with cutting edge fabric technologies to deliver highly engineered and functional performance wear. It is a commitment to constantly push the boundaries.

Some of the key pieces in the range include;

Gore C5 Gore-Tex Shakedry 1985 Jacket

Your rides are demanding: this jacket will keep you performing at the highest level in all weather. Honouring our first ever GORE-TEX® jacket, which set the standard in 1985, this modern tribute signifies our commitment to continued excellence.

Gore R3 Womens Gore-Tex Active Hooded Jacket

The weather doesn’t always agree with your training plan, but that shouldn’t stop you from getting outside and enjoying the elements anyway. This jacket is a great lightweight but fully protective addition to any workout when you’re going to get wet.

Gore C5 Optiline Jersey and Bibshorts

   

A contemporary road-styled jersey that finds the balance between keeping the wind off your core, and ensuring sweat stays at bay on even the most strenuous rides. Reinforced features all around will ensure this jersey always stays in your kit bag.

Even on the hottest days, when the sun is shining, the wind can be chilly once you’ve summited the last climb. With breathable fabric all around, moisture is managed to keep the chill off. A GORE® WINDSTOPPER® seat insert adds extra protection.

Click here for our full range of Spring/Summer Gore clothing.

WHEELBASE NORTH EAST WORKSHOP TUTORIALS

New to cycling? Not confident in fixing a puncture or tuning your gears?

Our Workshop Tutorials are geared towards beginners and intermediates cyclists who want to be confident with roadside repairs and basic home maintenance.

Lesson start at 7pm prompt and end around 9pm. Biscuits and brews provided!

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All up coming courses will be held at WHEELBASE North East, 100 Bondgate, Darlington  DL3 7LB – BOOK IN STORE OR BELOW

for queries call 01325 352255  or email darlington@wheelbase.co.uk

 

DARLINGTON – LESSON 1: WHEELS AND TYRES Wednesday 04 April 2018

• Wheel fitting and removal
• Punctures
• Tyre removal and seating
• Hubs

DARLINGTON – LESSON 2: BRAKES Wednesday 11 April 2018

Caliper + Disc brakes:

• Causes of poor braking
• Trouble shooting
• Fitting new blocks
• Setting and adjustment

DARLINGTON – LESSON 3: GEARS Wednesday 18 April 2018

• Causes of poor shifting
• Degreasing
• Trouble shooting
• Chain wear
• Splitting chain
• Setting and adjustment

 

DARLINGTON – BOOK ALL LESSONS

£15 per lesson, or all three for £40

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Introducing the Trek Checkpoint: A new foray into Gravel Riding

The all-new dedicated gravel road bike from Trek is now available.

Gravel bikes are very much on trend in the UK right now, you’ll struggle to find a bike manufacturer that doesn’t have at least one in their line-up and now Trek have joined the party with the Checkpoint. Versatile, rugged and adaptable – gravel bikes are for the rider looking to venture away from tarmac and explore new avenues.

The Checkpoint comes ready to roll with a wealth of adventure-ready features aimed at the rapidly-growing gravel scene, like adjustable Stranglehold dropouts, massive tyre clearance, and extra mounts that make it super versatile and easy to customise.

The geometry of the Checkpoint is comfortable for long rides and rough roads, but aggressive enough to provide the speed and ride-feel most gravel riders are looking for. Checkpoint features almost identical reach as the Boone cyclocross bike but with a slightly taller stack and lower bottom bracket. Chainstay length and wheelbase are the same on the Checkpoint and Boone.

Carbon models feature the same Rear IsoSpeed decoupler found on the Domane for additional comfort over rough roads, along with Control Freak internal cable routing. There are mounts all over the Checkpoint, with room to fit three bottles in the main triangle and an additional bottle mount under the down tube. Rear and fork mounts make plenty of room to carry luggage and clearance for up to 45mm tyres mean exploration can be taken onto the gnarliest roads.

There are seven models in the Checkpoint range with the entry point being the ALR 4 at £1450 and the top of the line SL 6 at £3400. Each of the Trek Checkpoint models are now available in-store and to order online for store collection.

Join us for the Wheelbase Spring Classic Cycle Sportive, Sunday March 25th.

The event starts and finishes from Wheelbase in Staveley and there are two great routes to choose from. The long course is 56 miles and the short course which is 34 miles, both routes have been designed to include an early timed hill climb on the A6 and then there is a second climb on Shacklabank, with prizes available! The fastest male and female up the climb will receive a riders jersey and the title King / Queen of the Mountain. The long route is supported with an optional food and hot drink stop in Sedbergh, but don’t get too comfy, it’s a bit ‘lumpy’ on the way back and you wouldn’t want to stop for too long and let your legs to go to sleep. There’s great scenery as we visit the Howgills, Sedbergh, Dent and Barbon Valley, so make sure you join us for a great day out on the bike! To read more and enter go here: http://www.epicevents.co.uk/cycle-sportives/wheelbase-spring-classic.html