The frame as bac kbone Except for a few carbon road bikes, the frames of most Wheeler bikes are being manually welded by specialists from precious 6000-series aluminum and heat-treated after welding. The result: Wheeler¡¦s aluminum frames are significantly superior to those made of the common 7005-aluminum in terms of strength and weight. All the more as the latest generation of frames features hydratube-tubes with intricately shaped diameters and integrated reinforcements. Thanks to details like internally routed shifting cables, the frames have a simple, coherent look. But there’s much more to discover with the frames: For example the cunningly crafted «5 in 1»-dropouts that offer mounting points not only for a disc brake, but also for mudguards, a carrier and two different kind of kickstands – no adapters needed, no hassle to fear. Thanks to this, both the «Trekking Light»- and «Cytrek»-bikes that already come fully equipped for everyday life’s use shine with tidy looks. The more sporty «Cross»-models allow you to mount the necessary accessories for commuting if need be, as all the mounting points are ready for use. Concerning frame shapes, Wheeler follows the maxim that the bike should adapt to you and not the other way round. So apart from a classic gentlemen¡¦s diamond frame and a sporty women¡¦s frame with a low-slung top tube, Wheeler also offers selected models with a unisex frame that offers an extremely low and wide entry: Rather than straddling your bike, you sit down on it as if it was a bar chair ¡V no dynamic contorsions needed to get in the saddle and enjoy the benefits of a fully developed everyday life¡¦s bike. WHITE CARBON Carbon frames are the way to go with road bikes recently: Frames made of the black glimmering material are lightweight, incredibly stiff and yet comfortable to ride when processed correctly. These are exactly the characteristics of Wheeler’s new carbon road bike frame where you can feel the extra bit of comfort it offers thanks to the purposeful saving of material in the frame’s rear triangle. In Fact, there’s only one problem with carbon and that’s the fact that its easily scratched od damaged on impacts. After all, the fibers offer enormous tensile strength, but only in one exact direction. To make sure the carbon frames will last, Wheeler wraps the whole carbon frame of the «Route 71» top model and the «Route 61»’s carbon rear triangle in a bullet-proof vest. The precious carbon is protected from the elements by a layer of bidirectionally woven glass fibres. Wheeler calls the result «White Carbon» - and this finish is more than just an eye-catcher, but also extremely durable. Finding the right bi ke What kind of bicycle ist he right one for you? A sporty road bike or a versatile «Cross»-model? A featherweight «Trekking Light»-bike or a robust, hassle- and maintenance-free citybike? One first criterium is your position on the bike. Athletic position: Bent far forwards and with your nose in the wind, you try to dive under the latter. The fact that a high percentage of your body weight is supported by the bike’s handlebar means stable handling at high speed and an efficient power transfer to the pedals. People who sit on their bikes like that often are ambitious sportsmen – and perform their training rides on one of the «Route»-serie’s road bikes. Dynamic position: You want to get ahead efficiently, but you also want to keep an eye on the traffic or the landscape’s sights with no contorsions? Then either the «Cross»- or the «Trekking Light»-models could be for you. As your weight is evenly distributed between saddle and handlebar, you can also start to a cyclotourist journey of multiple days – or simply get to work in no time. Upright position: If you¡¦re not riding your bike every day, you will be glad about the upright position. Mounting and dismounting is significantly easier, and you always keep your eyes on the traffic ¡V or on the landscape on your way to your trip¡¦s destination. While this upright position might not be best for long distances, it offers a lot of comfort and safety on short rides, especially within the town limits.