Author: Sean Leckey

Easy. Safe. Fast. Mavic have set a new standard in road tubeless.

In 1999 Mavic co-launched the UST (Universal System Tubeless) for mountain bikes and now, after much research and refinement, the wheel/tyre tubeless system is road ready. The benefits to going tubeless on the road are unquestionable – faster rolling, more comfortable and reduced risk of punctures. Mavic UST wheel/tyre systems can be run at a lower pressure which improves comfort over rough roads as well as just about eliminating the risk of pinch flats. When compared to its clincher and tube systems, Mavic’s UST system saves about 40g and is 15% faster in terms of rolling resistance.

Mavic UST has been designed around the wheel/tyre system whereas historically road tubeless has either been designed as a wheel or as a tyre. Mavic intends all of the new road UST wheels to be combined with the Yksion Pro UST tyres for optimum performance and ease of use – we can certainly attest to the system being easy to set up.

Key Features of Mavic UST:

• All-new rubber compound achieves the best balance of grip and low rolling resistance.
• Patented UST technology ensures the perfect union between tire and wheel, ensuring easy installation and removal.
• Ride with lower pressure for increased comfort and reduced risk of pinch flats.

Shop our full range of Mavic UST wheels and tyres here.

 

British winter is now here and in full swing.

It’s wet. It’s windy. It’s generally grim outside. The roads aren’t in the best shape but we’ve still got to ride. It’s time for a winter bike and the Genesis Equilibrium Disc 10 ticks all of the boxes.

Designed in the UK for UK conditions the Genesis Equilibrium Disc 10 is the ideal bike for your winter training rides. Genesis Mjolnir seamless double-butted Cromoly frameset matched with a reliable Shimano Tiagra groupset and the excellent TRP HY-RD mechanical-hydraulic brakes for confident braking in the wet. Plus, double sealed Fulcrum Racing Sport DB wheels and Clement Strada 28c for comfort and control. Comes supplied with a full set of SKS P35 mudguards.

SAVE 32% – Genesis Equilibrium Disc 10 with FREE SKS mudguards – THE IDEAL WINTER TRAINING BIKE

Bike Specification:

Frame – Genesis Mjolnir Seamless Double-Butted Cromoly

Fork – Carbon Road Disc

Gears – Shimano Tiagra 10-speed

Brakes – TRP HY-RD mechanical hydraulic disc

Wheels – Fulcrum Racing Sport DB

Tyres – Clement Strada LGG 700x28c

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. Versatile, rugged and adaptable – gravel bikes are for the rider looking to venture away from tarmac and explore new avenues.

With comfort-orientated geometry, disc brakes and clearance for wider tyres, gravel bikes are tailor-made for riding in the UK – perfect for exploring country lanes, bridleways and forest tracks. Suited for on and off-road riding, a gravel bike will do the job as a commuter, a lightweight tourer, a great winter training bike or simply a do-it-all machine to discover your sense of adventure.

Some of the key Gravel Bikes for your consideration:

SPECIALIZED DIVERGE – from £799

Purpose-built for long, all-day rides over rough rides, the Diverge has room for up to 700x42mm tyres and comes with Specialized’s Future Shock system which soaks ups bumps with ease.

GENESIS DATUM – from £1599

A smooth ride for year-round adventures. The Datum will comfortably eat up the miles on and off tarmac. Each model in the range comes with a full carbon frame and hydraulic disc brakes.

KINESIS TRIPSTER AT – £1699

The Tripster AT All Terrain is a bike for all adventures. Equipped with multiple bottle cage mounts, mudguard and rack mounts, the Tripster is built for long distance, multi-terrain riding.

FOCUS PARALANE – from £1399

With clearance for up to 35mm tyres, the Paralane sets new boundaries for what is capable of an endurance road bike. Fitted with mudguards, the Paralane is perfect for long rides in all weathers over varied terrain.

KONA ROVE – from £699

A comfortable fit and stable geometry make the Rove an ideal choice for commuting, weekend adventuring and off-road exploration. Available in aluminium or steel frames, this is a bike so versatile you’ll never run out of road.

View our full range of Gravel Bikes here.

MORE THAN JUST ANOTHER BIKE LIGHT!

Knog’s brand-new PWR lighting system comes as either a ‘Charger’ or a ‘Modular’ unit. The Charger is a light with an integrated power bank which can charge your devices – phone, Garmin or GoPro and the Modular allows for interchangeable lightheads as well as working as a power bank. With a choice of battery sizes available your charging options vary – from topping up your smartphone to fully charging your Garmin, twice!

MODULAR KEY FEATURES

• Interchangeable lightheads
• Battery works as power bank
• High power for off-road
• Multiple mounting solutions

PWR TRAIL and PWR ROAD

• A light with interchangeable lightheads
• 600 – 1800 lumens (depending on lighthead)
• Battery works as a power bank
• High powered for on and off-road use
• Multiple mounting solutions
• Touch sensitive LED battery indicator
• MODEMAKER App compatible
• Elliptical beam pattern
• CNC Machined body
• Water resistant
• USB Charging
• Twist operation and mode selector

 

CHARGER KEY FEATURES

• Light with integrated power bank
• Top up charge your devices
• Bar mounting with silicone strap
• Helmet mounting accessory available

PWR COMMUTER and PWR RIDER

• A light with integrated power bank
• 450 lumens
• Top-up charge your devices
• Bar mounting with a silicone strap
• Helmet mounting accessory available (extra)
• External LED battery indicator
• MODEMAKER App compatible
• Elliptical beam pattern
• CNC Machined body
• Water resistant
• USB Charging
• Easy button on/off switch

Check out our full range of Knog PWR lights and accessories here.

ITV Cycling’s Ned Boulting comes to Kendal for a night out and you’re all invited!

‘A NIGHT OUT WITH NED’ – THE NEW VOICE OF CYCLING
7.30pm ‘til late
Wednesday 29 November 2017 
Carus Green Sports Lounge, Kendal LA9 6EB

Ned is the new voice of cycling in the UK – known for his quick wit and encyclopaedic knowledge, he provides commentary for ITV’s coverage of the Tour de France, Men’s and Women’s Tours of Britain, Tour Series plus many more bike races. He’s written a couple of books, toured the country with his Bikeology talk and his partnership with ex-pro David Millar has become a social media sensation.

All proceeds go to Macmillan Cancer and The Children’s Ward at Furness General Hospital

Hosted by: Saddleback Fred Whitton Challenge | Wheelbase Cycles | Human Race | Lakes Road Club

Book your tickets here:
http://wasdalex.co.uk/index.php/night-out-with-ned

Back in June we were given the opportunity to ride the all-new Cannondale Jekyll around some of our favourite Lake District trails. What we found was a well-thought-out, impressively developed enduro machine.

Key Features

Gemini Shock

Co-developed with Fox, the Gemini system adds two ride modes (Hustle & Flow) to the killer performance of Fox shocks. Flip to Hustle to shorten the travel and ramp up the spring rate for a snappier, more responsive feel for pumping through turns, sprints and traction-challenged climbs. Flip back to Flow for full Fox travel when things get rough.

Nimble to the power of Ai

Asymmetric Integration (Ai) delivers some of the shortest stays on the trail, yet has more tyre clearance and frame stiffness than even Boost frames can muster. Plus a rear wheel that’s stiffer and stronger thanks to the Ai even-dish build. It all adds up to the kind of agility and traction that has to be ridden to be believed.

Spot-on Geometry

Delivers all the slack stability you’d expect from a top enduro rig, but with uncanny agility and snap, thanks to the ultra short chainstays of our Ai rear end.

• 65° head tube angle
• Designed for short stems and wide bars for maximum control
• Long front-centre
• Shortest chainstays out there (420mm) thanks to Ai offset drivetrain.
• Properly steep seat angle for efficient pedalling.

Leveraged Single Pivot Design

Placing a link between the swingarm and the shock allows our engineers to customise the system’s leverage ratios for optimal suspension response throughout the stroke and keep the suspension active under braking, while retaining the stiffness, durability and reliability of a single pivot design.

The 2018 Cannondale Jekyll AL 4 is now in stock in our Lake District Store and available to order online.

Wherever you’re riding in the UK this weekend you’re likely to encounter the beginning of our winter weather. Over the coming months we’re likely to experience wet, cold and plenty of mud when riding in the mountains and woods’.

Here we take a look at some of the key pieces of clothing for minimising the discomfort and prolonging our MTB rides this winter.

Endura MTR Primaloft Jacket – £124.99

This is the perfect jacket for those cold winter rides under clear, crisp skies. Lightweight windproof chest panels and windproof sleeves will keep you warm on and off the bike.

Endura Singletrack Trouser – £79.99

The singletrack trouser from Endura is made of tough, durable nylon with a DWR coating that’ll keep you dry and comfortable all day long. Easy access pockets and knee/shin guard friendly cut make for a fully featured, great value trail pant.

Endura Dexter Glove – £29.99

Windproof material is a must-have for winter riding anywhere in the UK and, combined with the durable thumb crotch and neoprene cuff, the Dexter Glove is an essential piece of kit to keep you comfortable on the bike.

Endura Womens MT500 Waterproof Jacket II – £199.99

The ultimate winter trail protection. The MT500 is an exceptionally breathable jacket designed for those inevitable downpours – fully seam-sealed and 3-layered fabric will stop you from becoming wet, cold and stranded in the mountains.

Endura Womens MT500 Spray Trouser – £109.99              

The perfect accompaniment to the MT500 jacket, the Spray Trouser offers unrivalled trail protection from the elements. Durable 3-layer waterproof panels on the rear and 4-way stretch front panels with DWR finish give the best possible defence against trail spray and showers. The addition of reflective trims increase safety on those gloomy afternoon rides.

Endura Womens Strike II Glove – £32.99

Seam sealed and stretch fabric will keep your hands warm and dry on the grimmest of days. Endura make all of their winter kit to withstand the Scottish conditions, so they can handle the absolute worst weather we’re likely to face.

Ion 3 Layer Jacket Shelter – £224.95

Highly elastic, waterproof 3 layer bike jacket with fully taped seams and waterproof zippers. The perfect jacket for those rainy and cold days on and off the bike. The 3 Layer Jacket Shelter is a 100% bike specific, highly functional rain jacket with great breathability.

Ion Softshell Pants Shelter – £129.95

The special DWR treatment and the coating of the non-flex material makes these pants comfortable and easy to clean on those wet days in the dirt. Flexible and durable, they’re made from the perfect combination of fabrics for maximum comfort and weather protection.

Ion Beanie Zack – £29.95

A classic lightweight beanie that works as a warmer under your helmet or keeping you toasty at the trail centre post and pre-ride.

Ion K-Lite – £64.95

Light, breathable and pedal-friendly kneepad with a very slim outline. Good impact protection by a combining thin SAS-TEC paddings with a hidden hardcap (to distribute loads in case of a crash).

Ion Insulation Jacket Aerial – £154.95

The advantage on cold winter days: the trail is yours. Solely! The insulation jacket called AERIAL comes with Primaloft Silver lining and keeps you warm during the most frosty rides.

Ion Womens Tee LS Scrub AMP – £69.95

The perfect mid-layer for the less-icy winter rides. The sleeves and the back of the body section are made of light and very breathable pique mesh jersey. The soft DriRelease fabric dries four-times faster than classic cotton so there is no danger of catching a chill while you’re hanging around for your mates to catch up.

Ion Womens Softshell Shelter Pants – £129.95

Very lightweight & breathable soft shell jacket in a bike specific cut. The double weave constructed fabric is pimped with a durable water repellency treatment for all those rainy, windy and cold days.

 

 

Temperatures are forecast to drop this weekend but that shouldn’t stop us from riding our bikes.

Here we take a look at some of the key pieces of clothing designed to combat the cold and the winter months ahead.

CASTELLI ALPHA ROS JACKET – £260

Castelli’s Rain or Shine engineering delivers insulation and breathability for cold dry rides while offering great protection should you get caught out in a shower.

CASTELLI ALPHA ROS JERSEY – £210

The fit of a jersey and the function of a jacket, this can be worn as a standalone outer layer or underneath the Alpha RoS Jacket as additional insulation against the cold. With improved water repellency this is a great piece for mixed weather cycling.

CASTELLI NANOFLEX PRO BIBTIGHT – £160

The ultimate tight for extreme conditions. The Pro edition offers great rain resistance and added wind protection as well a fully waterproof lower leg to repel road spray. The Progetto X2 Air seat pad offers unrivalled comfort over long winter days in the saddle.

CASTELLI ARRIVO 2 THERMO HEAD THINGY – £20

A versatile must-have piece that can be used as a neck scarf, balaclava or headband. Made with Thermoflex fabric to keep the chill out.

CASTELLI SCALDA GLOVE – £55

This is the go-to glove for colder, breezy days. Made from a high-stretch fleecy fabric that will keep your hands comfortable and still provide a decent level of water resistance.

ENDURA PRO SL PRIMALOFT GILET – £114.99

This lightweight gilet provides great core insulation while offering protection from cold winds. It’s also compact enough to pack into a rear pocket should the temperature creep up as your riding.

ENDURA WINDCHILL JACKET – £89.99

Stretch, thermal and windproof panelling on this jacket will keep you warm when the cold wind bites. Perfect when combined with the Primaloft Gilet for those cold, dry winter rides.

ENDURA FS260-PRO THERMO BIBLONG – £99.99

An essential winter warmer, made from Thermoroubaix fabric with DWR treatment provides insulation and excellent water repellency. Reflective trim, ankle zip and computer profiled pad make for a comfortable and convenient pair of tights.

ENDURA THERMOLITE SKULLCAP – £12.99

Fast wicking thermolite fabric to draw away sweat and snug fitting for under-helmet comfort. High performance DWR treatment is perfect for wet weather riding and luxurious Thermoroubaix fabric will keep your head warm in the cold.

ENDURA WOMENS BAABAA MERINO LONG SLEEVE BASELAYER – £49.99

A high-warmth essential item for winter riding. Anatomic cycle-specific fit with itch-free comfort and a superb warmth to weight ratio even when wet.

ENDURA WOMENS PRO SL THERMAL WINDPROOF JACKET  – £149.99

Pro-level winter training insulation from Endura, this jacket will provide warmth and comfort on the coldest days. Made of stretch thermal panels and windproof fabrics in an athletic fit it is the ultimate winter warming piece of clothing.

ENDURA WOMENS WINDCHILL BIBLONG – £119.99

A premium pair of bibtights for essential winter warming. Made from windproof thermolite materials with a DWR treatment, these bibs will keep you riding in the grimmest of conditions.

 

WHEELBASE RIDERS TACKLE THE ULTRA ENDURANCE MTB RACE

A six man team headed up to Relentless 24 at the weekend to tackle the ultra endurance 24hr MTB race.  4 riders and probably the stars of the show, Jay and John Doig, who were absolutely outstanding!!  Setting up, cleaning and maintaining the bikes, feeding, timing… the list goes on!! We had it planned well and had the motorhomes, tent, genny, pressure washers, plenty food and drink etc.

Gary Macdonald (Nevis Cycles), Wayne Barr (Velocity 44), Jordan Doig (Wheelbase/Altura/MGD and myself (Davie Lines, Wheelbase/Altura/MGD) were the racers.  All of us apart from Jordan are racing cyclocross at the moment so the plan was to use this as a training/overload session, doing 1 lap each but at race pace.  We also wanted to try and get a buffer in case of any mechanical issues and with only doing 1 lap at around 37 minutes this meant we never had to take a bottle or food with us! Every gram counts eh?!

Gary started us off, full gas (pretty much the only way he knows how to race) and by the time he’d done the first lap in just over 32 minutes we had around a 2 minute lead.  I took over from Gary, then Wayne and finally Jordan.  This was to be the running order for the remainder of the race.

When we started it was wet and windy and clothing choice was difficult as we wanted to keep the warm stuff for night time.  The next rider would be on the rollers for a quick warm up before taking to the course so as not to hit that first climb with legs full of lactic and cold lungs. The noise of MTB tyres on the rollers was the sign that it was soon to be your turn.

Spirits were high, the music was on in the tent and Jay and John were in full on mechanic/swanny mode, fixing bikes, building fires and keeping us fed. You couldn’t wait to get back on the course for your turn.

Once the darkness fell and we put the lights on the lap times went up by a minute or so but we we still averaging 37-38 minutes.  Feeding was starting to become a lot harder as tiredness began to kick in.  We had a lot of different foods to pick from as you never know what you’re going to be in the mood for at 4 am and after so many laps on a bike.

The event started to take its toll around 5 am.  The tireless Jay was unwakeable, the noise of the MTB tyres on the rollers gave you boak as you knew you were on soon, the rest periods seemed to get shorter and shorter and your appetite was non existent.

Looking at the time left, lap times and where we were in relation to the other teams, somehow we managed to work out that we would each complete 9 laps almost perfectly.  3 more each left!

As the sun started to come up, the mood lifted a bit and our lap times got a bit quicker again.  There wasn’t as much of a rush to stoke the fire and there was a great relief knowing we had enough clothes left.

Our final laps and we were all still lapping as we started and covered 36 laps (9 laps each) and almost 400km with 35,000ft of climbing.  We took the overall win and the win in our category, finishing a lap ahead at the end of the 24 hours with no mechanicals!

Hats off to all those that competed,  it’s certainly a different type of race!

Big thanks to Jay and John for the outstanding work and to the guys for being amazing athletes! And of course to all our sponsors throughout the year!

Davie Lines

 

PRICE DROP: the stunning Cervelo C3 Ultegra Disc is now down to just £2,149 for all remaining stock – that’s an unbelieveable saving of 46%.

Cervelo C3 Ultegra Endurance bike
Was £3,999
Now only £2,149
SAVE 46%!

The Cervelo C3 was launched on the vineyard roads of the Nappa Valley in California but it is just a suited to British country roads. The C3 delivers a sublimely smooth ride with enough kick when you press-on.

LAST FEW REMAINING: Cervelo R3 Disc Ultegra – save a whopping 44% down to just £2,350 from £4,199.