Raleigh Mustang Comp Electric
Price £2,800, raleigh.co.uk
Motor Shimano E6000
Gears SRAM Apex 1
Wheels 650B with high-volume tyres
Weight 18.5kg
Sadly, it’s all too easy to cheat in the world of cycling. But there is one legitimate way to take the strain and pain out of slogging up those mountain roads – an electric motor. Over the past few years, we’ve got used to seeing city commuters zipping away from the lights without breaking sweat, and power-assist engines now also play a big part in mountain biking. In Europe, there is now even an eMTB race programme. But riders of road and adventure bikes have been slow to recognise that a power boost can come as a welcome break and keep you pedalling longer and faster. For some it’s the difference between a Sunday in Lycra or a Sunday on the sofa.
The star of Raleigh’s adventure range has long been the Mustang. It’s a sturdy, multi-purpose frame that can cope with both trail and tarmac. It’s the perfect companion for the rider who enjoys a bit of everything, but who also wants to maintain their speed across multiple terrains. The drop bars give it a road-bike aesthetic, but think of it more as a go anywhere, do anything bike.
The carefully tailored gravel-frame geometry is designed to offer a more relaxed riding position than a traditional road bike without compromising too much on speed. A carbon fork has been fitted to be lightweight and slightly shock absorbent while the tapered alloy steerer affords precise handling and great tyre clearance. Plus the Mustang makes use of SRAM’s wide range Apex 1 gears combined with a single chain ring for the ultimate in simplicity.
It’s also been fitted with a silent and powerful 50NM Shimano Steps centre-mounted E6000 system. The motor boasts virtually no drag which makes it quicker off the mark than other systems meaning that if you ride faster than the 15mph assisted limit the motor won’t slow you down. This is a real boon for a bike built for this purpose. The key to the Shimano Steps system is the integration of gears, motor and controller to produce a quiet, powerful and efficient riding experience. The 400wh battery is semi-integrated into the frame and depending on the power level you select, has a range of 40-125km.
You’ll be quicker up the hills, more relaxed on the flats and the downhills – and no need to worry about your asthma medication either…
World record cyclist Mark Beaumont joins the Etape Caledonia
The Etape Caledonia, which returns to the Scottish Highlands in May 2018, bigger and better than ever before, has today announced World Record cyclist Mark Beaumont as this year’s ambassador.
Mark, who recently broke the record for cycling round the world in 78 days – 44 days shorter than the previous record – will be present during the event weekend to share his inspirational stories, cycling experiences and passion for the sport through a series of Q&A’s, book signings and meet and greets.
Having now smashed the circumnavigation cycling world record twice in his career, most recently taking the 18,000 mile title, averaging 240 miles a day, Mark will be sharing his secrets of success on a number of topics, including overcoming setbacks and developing your cycling abilities to entrants of this year’s event.
Taking place across the weekend of 19–20 May, the Etape Caledonia will welcome more than 5,000 cyclists to the beautiful Scottish town of Pitlochry for a weekend filled with celebration, camaraderie and, of course, cycling.
The event offers participants 81 miles of closed-road cycling and breathtaking natural scenery matched by no other. Set in the heart of stunning Perthshire, cyclists will enjoy panoramic views of rolling hills, snow covered mountains and loch’s including Rannoch and Tummel. The route will treat cyclists to tough climbs, including the renowned Schiehallion among others and fast paced cycling down closed roads.
The event appeals to a wide range of cyclists, whether a beginner looking to get into cycling or a seasoned cyclist assessing whether they’re ready for the start of the season. From recreational to club riders, not to mention hundreds of charity fundraisers the event welcomes all and is a staple event in any keen cyclist’s calendar.
Entries are on sale now but are limited, go to etapecaledonia.co.uk to book your place or to find out more information
Cool kit
It’s time to clean your bike. These handmade potions will make it gleam like new. Cycle care from £4, crankalicious.com
Email Martin at martin.love@observer.co.uk or follow him on Twitter @MartinLove166
