Lou Bates (Velochils-Interbike) became the women’s national hill-climb champion in Matlock at the end of October aboard a bike built by her partner with products from eBay.
Bates was the only female to post a sub-three minute time on Bank Road in what was her last hill-climb before retirement.
>>> British Hill-Climb National Championships in pictures
Her second-hand Cervélo R3 48cm frame was bought off eBay a few years ago, and the total weight of the bike tipped the scales at just 5.3kg.
Groupset
(Image credit: Andy Jones)
Bates was using a Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset and a 36-tooth chainring. The sprockets she used on the climb were 18, 19 and 21.
Wheels and tyres
Bates’s carbon-rimmed wheels were hand-built for her several years ago. The tyres she rode were Vittoria Corsa SC.
Handlebars
(Image credit: Andy Jones)
Hylix is also the product of choice for Bates’s handlebars, which weighed in at 150g. She has a Planet X stem.
Brakes
(Image credit: Andy Jones)
Bates’s Kurve alloy brake calipers were bought seven years ago. However, Planet X now does a similar model.
Saddle and seatpost
(Image credit: Andy Jones)
Both the saddle and seatpost are Hylix, bought from eBay. The saddle weighs 90g, and the seatpost 150g.
A Shimano Ultegra Di2 battery has been drilled into the seat tube.
