Pro bike: Helen Wyman’s Kona Super Jake

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-90af39b.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C106, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-90af39b.jpg?quality=90&resize=320%2C213 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-90af39b.jpg?quality=90&resize=480%2C319 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-90af39b.jpg?quality=90&resize=640%2C426 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 375px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-90af39b.jpg?quality=90&resize=190%2C126, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-90af39b.jpg?quality=90&resize=380%2C253 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-90af39b.jpg?quality=90&resize=570%2C379 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-90af39b.jpg?quality=90&resize=760%2C506 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 425px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-90af39b.jpg?quality=90&resize=215%2C143, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-90af39b.jpg?quality=90&resize=430%2C286 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-90af39b.jpg?quality=90&resize=645%2C429 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-90af39b.jpg?quality=90&resize=860%2C572 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 768px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-90af39b.jpg?quality=90&resize=295%2C196, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-90af39b.jpg?quality=90&resize=590%2C393 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-90af39b.jpg?quality=90&resize=885%2C589 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-90af39b.jpg?quality=90&resize=1180%2C786 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 992px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-90af39b.jpg?quality=90&resize=136%2C90, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-90af39b.jpg?quality=90&resize=272%2C181 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-90af39b.jpg?quality=90&resize=408%2C271 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-90af39b.jpg?quality=90&resize=544%2C362 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(min-width: 993px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-90af39b.jpg?quality=90&resize=155%2C103, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-90af39b.jpg?quality=90&resize=310%2C206 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-90af39b.jpg?quality=90&resize=465%2C309 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-90af39b.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <img class="wp-image-333268 size-portrait_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-gallery-grid-src-image" src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-90af39b.jpg?quality=90&resize=295%2C196" width="295" height="196" data-crop-width="" data-crop-height="" alt="Helen Wyman (Kona Factory Team) races on a carbon fiber Kona Super Jake with a SRAM Red 22 HRD group and Zipp carbon tubulars" title="1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-90af39b" style="width: auto; height: 100%;"> Helen Wyman ( Kona Factory Team) races on a carbon fiber Kona Super Jake with a SRAM Red 22 HRD group and Zipp carbon tubulars James Huang / Immediate Media

Two-time European cyclocross champion and eight-time UK champion Helen Wyman (Kona Factory Team) thrives in the horrifically muddy conditions that exemplify cyclocross – a fact further driven home by her choice to base herself in cold, wet, and dreary Belgium instead of her native England. Traction is at a premium on such treacherous ground, but she’s gone to considerable lengths to ensure she retains as much control as possible.

Tires are everything ’cross and Wyman feels fortunate to have a highly supportive sponsor in Challenge to keep her Kona Super Jake carbon chassis and Zipp wheels properly outfitted. In addition to offering a wide range of treads and casing constructions, the company has gone so far as to create a unique tread pattern just for Wyman. The recently introduced Chicane model, in particular, was born out of a custom project to give her an advantage in terms of straight-line speed when the conditions allowed while still including full-height side knobs for cornering grip.

<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602343246-z7tiuwt6xsax-1000-90-8066564.jpg?quality=90&lb=1000,562&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602343246-z7tiuwt6xsax-1000-90-8066564.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,528&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602343246-z7tiuwt6xsax-1000-90-8066564.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,409&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602343246-z7tiuwt6xsax-1000-90-8066564.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,312&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602343246-z7tiuwt6xsax-1000-90-8066564.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,199&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602343246-z7tiuwt6xsax-1000-90-8066564.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,191&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602343246-z7tiuwt6xsax-1000-90-8066564.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,179&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1000" height="562" class="wp-image-333349 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="1416602343246-z7tiuwt6xsax-1000-90-8066564" title="1416602343246-z7tiuwt6xsax-1000-90-8066564"> Helen wyman has several sets of chicane tires available to her, including this earlier version that uses a different intermediate tread shape than what ended up in production: helen wyman has several sets of chicane tires available to her, including this earlier version that uses a different intermediate tread shape than what ended up in production Tire sponsor Challenge will apparently build for Wyman just about anything she wants

Wyman’s husband – and mechanic – Stefan showed BikeRadar a set of earlier test tires that she still races on today. In true prototype fashion, these were built with three-piece, hand-cut treads that were then glued on to the casing.

Disc brakes continue to be a point of debate in the world of cyclocross, but Wyman sits firmly on the supportive side of the fence. Wyman does prefer the greater range of a traditional 2x drivetrain, however, and so her Super Jake is fitted with a SRAM Red 22 HRD group instead of the newer Force CX1 package used by some of the company’s other sponsored racers.

<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602343214-oynds3ayw2zg-1000-90-d6fdb61.jpg?quality=90&lb=1000,562&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602343214-oynds3ayw2zg-1000-90-d6fdb61.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,528&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602343214-oynds3ayw2zg-1000-90-d6fdb61.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,409&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602343214-oynds3ayw2zg-1000-90-d6fdb61.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,312&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602343214-oynds3ayw2zg-1000-90-d6fdb61.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,199&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602343214-oynds3ayw2zg-1000-90-d6fdb61.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,191&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602343214-oynds3ayw2zg-1000-90-d6fdb61.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,179&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1000" height="562" class="wp-image-333351 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="1416602343214-oynds3ayw2zg-1000-90-d6fdb61" title="1416602343214-oynds3ayw2zg-1000-90-d6fdb61"> See that bit of green on the brake pad backing plates? helen wyman runs swissstop pads, not standard sram ones: see that bit of green on the brake pad backing plates? helen wyman runs swissstop pads, not standard sram ones Helen Wyman is firmly in the pro-disc brake camp. Note the green backing plates of her aftermarket SwissStop brake pads

“The braking advantage you get, how late you can brake, and then the confidence you have in them – for a rider like Helen, it’s really fantastic,” Stefan Wyman told BikeRadar. “It can transform the way you ride.”

A few key changes separate Wyman’s Red 22 HRD setup from what normally comes out of the box. Instead of the usual 46/36t or 46/39t chainrings, she goes with a tighter 44/39t arrangement that includes an FSA outer ring (since SRAM doesn’t offer a 44t to fit). Likewise, the stock pads and rotors are swapped out for SwissStop pads and discs are sourced from Carver Bikes in Maine (although they’re essentially rebadged units from Taiwanese manufacturer Ashima).

Wyman keeps two different pad compounds and rotor shapes on hand to suit the course conditions, too. In particular, muddy races call for rotors with no cutouts on the brake track.

<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602343129-858q6sxj2s6g-1000-90-77cc55f.jpg?quality=90&lb=1000,562&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602343129-858q6sxj2s6g-1000-90-77cc55f.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,528&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602343129-858q6sxj2s6g-1000-90-77cc55f.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,409&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602343129-858q6sxj2s6g-1000-90-77cc55f.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,312&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602343129-858q6sxj2s6g-1000-90-77cc55f.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,199&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602343129-858q6sxj2s6g-1000-90-77cc55f.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,191&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602343129-858q6sxj2s6g-1000-90-77cc55f.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,179&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1000" height="562" class="wp-image-333353 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="1416602343129-858q6sxj2s6g-1000-90-77cc55f" title="1416602343129-858q6sxj2s6g-1000-90-77cc55f"> Helen wyman uses rotors from uk company carver (which are essentially rebadged discs from taiwanese manufacturer ashima). these aggressively milled-out rotors are her preferred setup for dry courses while muddy conditions instead bring out discs with completely solid braking surfaces for reduced pad wear: helen wyman uses rotors from uk company carver (which are essentially rebadged discs from taiwanese manufacturer ashima). these aggressively milled-out rotors are her preferred setup for dry courses while muddy conditions instead bring out discs with completely solid braking surfaces for reduced pad wear Wyman switches between vented and solid rotors depending on the course conditions

“We found that the braking performance is really greatly increased, and with the solid rotor there’s almost no brake [pad] wear in a muddy race,” he said. “It’s unbelievable how it changes the longevity of your brake pads.”

Despite what he sees as a huge performance advantage, Stefan Wyman admits that there’s still little sign of a sea change when it comes to the European arena.

“In America, you have a lot of individuals [single-person teams], but the market in Europe, in terms of the racers, is driven by a few big, dominant teams,” he said. “You’re dealing with people that have been setting up ‘cross bikes for 25 years and it’s a big change. In Belgium, there’s a big feeling that ‘cross is traditional and it should be this, and it should be that. It’s going to take a big change in attitude.”

<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602343030-1bssvsa4pj449-1000-90-331c982.jpg?quality=90&lb=1000,562&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602343030-1bssvsa4pj449-1000-90-331c982.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,528&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602343030-1bssvsa4pj449-1000-90-331c982.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,409&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602343030-1bssvsa4pj449-1000-90-331c982.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,312&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602343030-1bssvsa4pj449-1000-90-331c982.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,199&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602343030-1bssvsa4pj449-1000-90-331c982.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,191&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602343030-1bssvsa4pj449-1000-90-331c982.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,179&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1000" height="562" class="wp-image-333355 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="1416602343030-1bssvsa4pj449-1000-90-331c982" title="1416602343030-1bssvsa4pj449-1000-90-331c982"> SRAM has apparently exorcised the demons of its hydraulic road brake system: sram has apparently exorcised the demons of its hydraulic road brake system An all-alloy cockpit and a traditional-bend bar for Helen Wyman

“There’s also the misconception that there’s a weight penalty with discs. This bike is 6.97kg [15.37lb] and that’s not a weight penalty. It’s less than 200g over the weight limit. There’s absolutely no reason not to change over, apart from a lack of knowledge of how it works and the traditional elements of it, really.”

Regardless of which side of the disc brake fence you sit on, one thing is certain: Wyman continues to tear it up this year, and we’re looking forward to seeing how things shake out as the season draws to a close.

<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-1000-90-eef4c83.jpg?quality=90&lb=1000,562&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-1000-90-eef4c83.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,528&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-1000-90-eef4c83.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,409&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-1000-90-eef4c83.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,312&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-1000-90-eef4c83.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,199&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-1000-90-eef4c83.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,191&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-1000-90-eef4c83.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,179&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1000" height="562" class="wp-image-333359 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-1000-90-eef4c83" title="1416602342993-1fpxn7wd4lomh-1000-90-eef4c83"> Helen wyman (kona factory team) races on a carbon fiber kona super jake with a sram red 22 hrd group and zipp carbon tubulars: helen wyman (kona factory team) races on a carbon fiber kona super jake with a sram red 22 hrd group and zipp carbon tubulars For more information on Helen Wyman, head over to her website: www.helenwyman.com .

Complete bike specifications Frame: Kona Super Jake, 53cm Fork: Kona Full Carbon CX Race Disc Headset: FSA Orbit ZS, 1 1/8-to-1 1/2in tapered Stem: Zipp Service Course, 100mm x -7° Handlebar: Zipp Service Course SL-88, 40cm (c-c) Front brake: SRAM Red 22 hydraulic disc w/ 140mm Carver rotor, SwissStop pads Rear brake: SRAM Red 22 hydraulic disc w/ 140mm Carver rotor, SwissStop pads Brake levers: SRAM Red 22 HRD Rear derailleur: SRAM Red 22 Shift levers: SRAM Red 22 HRD DoubleTap Cassette: SRAM PG-1170, 11-28T Chain: SRAM Red 22 Crankset: SRAM Red 22 BB30, 172.5mm, 39/44T with FSA outer chainring Bottom bracket: Kogel Bearings PF30 Pedals: Crankbrothers Eggbeater 11 Wheelset: Zipp 303 Firecrest Tubular Disc Front tire: Challenge Chicane Team Edition, 33mm Rear tire: Challenge Chicane Team Edition, 33mm Saddle: WTB Silverado SLT Seatpost: Zipp SLSpeed, 25mm offset Critical measurements Rider’s height: 1.75m (5ft 9in) Rider’s weight: 56kg (123lb) Saddle height from BB, c-t: 760mm Saddle setback: 50mm Seat tube length (c-t): 532mm Seat tube length (c-c): 480mm Tip of saddle nose to center of bars (next to stem): 535 mm Saddle-to-bar drop: 90mm Head tube length: 135mm Top tube length (effective): 550mm Weight: 6.97kg (15.37lb)