{"id":16267,"date":"2017-12-13T10:35:00","date_gmt":"2017-12-13T10:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/2017\/12\/13\/review-cabal-ascent-10-r7018\/"},"modified":"2023-02-08T06:15:42","modified_gmt":"2023-02-08T06:15:42","slug":"review-cabal-ascent-10-r7018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/review-cabal-ascent-10-r7018\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Cabal Ascent 1.0"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\n\tThe Ascent 1.0 is a lightweight, high-performance do-it-all road bike from locally based direct-to-consumer brand Cabal. After the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikehub.co.za\/features\/_\/articles\/sponsored\/buy-from-home-new-performance-bike-brand-cabal-launches-online-store-r6982\" rel=\"external nofollow\">recent launch<\/a> of their road bike and carbon wheelset range, we were keen to test out the offering.\n<\/p>\n<p>\n\tThe Cape Town-based duo behind Cabal, Jon Colledge and Andrew Bloom, aim to offer high performance, high quality bikes at competitive prices thanks to their direct-to-consumer \u201cwhite label\u201d approach and OEM relationships with component suppliers like SRAM.\n<\/p>\n<p>\n\t<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" data-fileid=\"1115350\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-85398600-1513159175.jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"ccs-2-0-85398600-1513159175.jpg\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" data-fileid=\"1115350\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-85398600-1513159175.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"article_table\" style=\"table-layout:fixed;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;\">\n<div class=\"col-span-6\">\n\t\t<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" data-fileid=\"1115281\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-71787000-1513158125.jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"ccs-2-0-71787000-1513158125.jpg\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" data-fileid=\"1115281\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-71787000-1513158125.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-span-6\">\n\t\t<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" data-fileid=\"1115284\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-86995700-1513158167.jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"ccs-2-0-86995700-1513158167.jpg\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" data-fileid=\"1115284\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-86995700-1513158167.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\n\t<br \/>\n\tThe Ascent 1.0 or AC01 is intended to be an all-purpose race bike with complete builds starting from R 34 500 to R 46 900 for the top end model we tested which features SRAM Force groupset and a Cabal CRC40 carbon wheelset.\n<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-2xl font-bold\">\n\tSpecifications<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"specsList\">\n<li>\n\t\t<span class=\"row_title\">Frame<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Cabal Ascent 1.0<\/span>\n\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t<span class=\"row_title\">Fork<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Cabal Ascent 1.0<\/span>\n\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t<span class=\"row_title\">Crankset<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">SRAM Force 22<\/span>\n\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t<span class=\"row_title\">Bottom bracket<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">SRAM GXP BB86 Pressfit<\/span>\n\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t<span class=\"row_title\">Rear derailleur<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">SRAM Force 22<\/span>\n\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t<span class=\"row_title\">Shifters<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">SRAM Force 22<\/span>\n\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t<span class=\"row_title\">Brakes<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">SRAM Force 22 Mechanical<\/span>\n\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t<span class=\"row_title\">Cassette<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">SRAM PG1170 11-28<\/span>\n\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t<span class=\"row_title\">Rims<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Cabal CRC40<\/span>\n\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t<span class=\"row_title\">Tyres<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Schwalbe Durano Raceguard 25<\/span>\n\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t<span class=\"row_title\">Handlebars<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Zipp Service Course 70 Ergo<\/span>\n\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t<span class=\"row_title\">Bar tape<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Fabric Hex<\/span>\n\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t<span class=\"row_title\">Stem<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Zipp Service Course<\/span>\n\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t<span class=\"row_title\">Headset<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">FSA Type AC No.42<\/span>\n\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t<span class=\"row_title\">Seatpost<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Cabal CF<\/span>\n\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t<span class=\"row_title\">Saddle<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Fabric Scoop<\/span>\n\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t<span class=\"row_title\">Weight<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">7.2kg (56cm)<\/span>\n\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t<span class=\"row_title\">Price<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">R 46,900.00<\/span>\n\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"text-2xl font-bold\">\n\tThe Build<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<p>\n\t<br \/>\n\t<strong>Frame and fork<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n<p>\n\tAs the name suggests, the Ascent 1.0 is Cabal\u2019s lightweight climber which still sports some aero touches and a race oriented geometry. It\u2019s a good looking frame which features a very neat integrated seat post clamp and integrated cable routing. The Ascent\u2019s paint job has a simple, classy look with a single, refreshingly subtle tone-on-tone logo on the down tube. Not visible from the side profile, Cabal\u2019s signature colour strip lines the top and down tubes, fading through blue, green, and yellow.\n<\/p>\n<p>\n\tThe frame is constructed using super stiff T1000 carbon fibre from Japan-based Toray: a leading carbon supplier to the bike industry. The frame is formed using EPS (Expandable Polystyrene System) technology, now somewhat of a staple in frame construction among top manufacturers. In short, the technology ensures a lighter, stronger, and stiffer end product with better consistency and a finish on the inside which is almost as smooth as the outside of the frame.\n<\/p>\n<p>\n\t<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" data-fileid=\"1115323\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-47295400-1513158948.jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"ccs-2-0-47295400-1513158948.jpg\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" data-fileid=\"1115323\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-47295400-1513158948.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"article_table\" style=\"table-layout:fixed;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;\">\n<div class=\"col-span-6\">\n\t\t<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" data-fileid=\"1115309\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-06913200-1513158603.jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"ccs-2-0-06913200-1513158603.jpg\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" data-fileid=\"1115309\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-06913200-1513158603.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-span-6\">\n\t\t<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" data-fileid=\"1115311\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-79636100-1513158625.jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"ccs-2-0-79636100-1513158625.jpg\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" data-fileid=\"1115311\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-79636100-1513158625.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\n\t<br \/>\n\t<strong>Groupset<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n<p>\n\tThe Ascent is equipped with a complete SRAM Force groupset, the second tier road groupset from SRAM which is comparable with the likes of Ultegra or Potenza from Shimano and Campagnolo respectively. Force offers an excellent balance of performance, weight and price and is a smart choice on what is intended to be a high-performance race bike at an aggressive price point. If you\u2019re not familiar with SRAM\u2019s double tap shifting, it may take a ride or two to get acquainted with, but the shift action is smooth and precise with close on zero noise from the drivetrain.\n<\/p>\n<p>\n\t<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" data-fileid=\"1115304\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-25715900-1513158407.jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"ccs-2-0-25715900-1513158407.jpg\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" data-fileid=\"1115304\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-25715900-1513158407.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"article_table\" style=\"table-layout:fixed;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;\">\n<div class=\"col-span-4\">\n\t\t<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" data-fileid=\"1115307\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-58497400-1513158475.jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"ccs-2-0-58497400-1513158475.jpg\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" data-fileid=\"1115307\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-58497400-1513158475.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-span-4\">\n\t\t<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" data-fileid=\"1115306\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-98291000-1513158467.jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"ccs-2-0-98291000-1513158467.jpg\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" data-fileid=\"1115306\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-98291000-1513158467.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-span-4\">\n\t\t<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" data-fileid=\"1115305\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-37431600-1513158459.jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"ccs-2-0-37431600-1513158459.jpg\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" data-fileid=\"1115305\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-37431600-1513158459.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\n\t\t\t<strong>Wheels and tyres<\/strong>\n\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\tIn this specification, the Ascent features Cabal\u2019s CRC40 40mm carbon clinchers laced to Cabal branded cartridge bearing alloy hubs (manufactured by Powerway). At 1560 grams for the wheelset, it is reasonably light and the rims are tubeless compatible (with appropriate tyres and sealant). The basalt braking surface is said to withstand high temperatures while maintaining performance. Out in the wild, the braking performance was in-line with what I\u2019ve experienced with other carbon, rim brake wheelsets. The wheels are wrapped in Schwalbe Durano Raceguard 25C rubber which offers a good balance of durability and performance. With several hundred kilometers covered in testing, I didn\u2019t suffer a single puncture and attracted scepticism from my colleagues, because the tyres still looked new!\n\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\t<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" data-fileid=\"1115302\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-91845300-1513158347.jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"ccs-2-0-91845300-1513158347.jpg\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" data-fileid=\"1115302\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-91845300-1513158347.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"article_table\" style=\"table-layout:fixed;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;\">\n<div class=\"col-span-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" data-fileid=\"1115296\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-08837900-1513158322.jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"ccs-2-0-08837900-1513158322.jpg\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" data-fileid=\"1115296\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-08837900-1513158322.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-span-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" data-fileid=\"1115301\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-24560200-1513158336.jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"ccs-2-0-24560200-1513158336.jpg\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" data-fileid=\"1115301\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-24560200-1513158336.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-span-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" data-fileid=\"1115303\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-94976900-1513158356.jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"ccs-2-0-94976900-1513158356.jpg\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" data-fileid=\"1115303\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-94976900-1513158356.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\n\t\t<strong>Handlebar and stem<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\tThe cockpit is decked out with Zipp Service Course componentry with an alloy bar and stem combo. The Zipp Service Course Ergo 70 handlebar was impressively comfortable in and out of the drops. The bars are designed with a short reach to give quick access to the brake levers and feature an ovalized section either side of the stem which made for a super comfy perch. Cabal offer custom options to select your desired handlebar width and stem length when ordering. The Zipp components are a nice, quality touch where you typically see lower end house brand items rounding out a price competitive build.\n\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"article_table\" style=\"table-layout:fixed;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;\">\n<div class=\"col-span-6\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" data-fileid=\"1115289\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-45571500-1513158292.jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"ccs-2-0-45571500-1513158292.jpg\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" data-fileid=\"1115289\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-45571500-1513158292.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-span-6\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" data-fileid=\"1115288\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-64849300-1513158277.jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"ccs-2-0-64849300-1513158277.jpg\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" data-fileid=\"1115288\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-64849300-1513158277.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\n\t\t<strong>Saddle and seatpost<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\tA Fabric Scoop saddle is mounted atop a Cabal CF 27.2mm carbon seat post. Although I struggled to find the perfect angle, I found the Scoop suitably comfortably, especially considering that my first proper ride on the Cabal was the 202km Coronation Double Century. The Cabal CF seat post features a wedge style single bolt seat clamp which allows infinite angle adjustment. With all similar designs on carbon posts, I\u2019ve been nervous to overtighten the clamp and put too much stress on the carbon shell: resulting in a slippery seat. Cabal\u2019s maximum torque recommendation for the seat bolts is 8N\u00b7m and once appropriately tightened the seat was secure.\n\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"article_table\" style=\"table-layout:fixed;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;\">\n<div class=\"col-span-6\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" data-fileid=\"1115287\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-34924700-1513158226.jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"ccs-2-0-34924700-1513158226.jpg\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" data-fileid=\"1115287\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-34924700-1513158226.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-span-6\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" data-fileid=\"1115337\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-86004400-1513159042.jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"ccs-2-0-86004400-1513159042.jpg\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" data-fileid=\"1115337\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-86004400-1513159042.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-2xl font-bold\">\n\t\t\tWarranty<br \/>\n\t\t<\/h2>\n<p>\n\t\tCabal offer a two-year warranty on the frame, wheels, and non wearing components. The warranty will also extend to a second owner from the date of the initial purchase (provided original proof of purchase is on hand).<\/p>\n<div class=\"bg-slate-100 p-5\">\n<h2 class=\"text-2xl font-bold\">\n\t\t\t\tLet\u2019s be open about open moulds<br \/>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n<p>\n\t\t\tCabal are upfront about their frames being the product of \u201copen moulds\u201d, but unless you\u2019re a regular in the depths of bike forums, you may not know what this all means.<\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\tWhile the technically correct term is an \u201copen design\u201d, this simply refers to the non-proprietary nature of the mould in that any manufacturer can effectively rent the mould to produce frames thereby forgoing the expensive tooling costs involved with creating a private mould.\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\tNot all frames originating from open moulds are made equal though. The grade of carbon fibre, resins, and the manufacturing process followed have a critical impact on the quality of the end product. If you have the appetite you could source an unbranded frame from the same mould yourself, however, be prepared to assume the risks of the many unknowns of quality, delivery, and backup service in what can be a bit of a minefield of cowboyish producers.\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\tIn Cabal\u2019s case, they\u2019ve spent time face to face with suppliers and visiting factories, observing manufacturing processes and materials to settle on a manufacturer they were prepared to put their name behind.\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"text-2xl font-bold\">\n\t\t\tOn the road<br \/>\n\t\t<\/h2>\n<p>\n\t\tAs part of the purchase of any of their bikes Cabal offer a complementary basic bike fit in Cape Town or Johannesburg to ensure your bike fits just right. It\u2019s a great way to address what can be a daunting online purchase if you\u2019re not au fait with your numbers and frame geometry charts. If you are in one of the major centres they encourage you to first visit one of their bike fitters who\u2019ll assess the appropriate sizing for you and they\u2019ll build the bike up accordingly to be shipped to you. Out of the box, your Cabal will simply need the handlebars to be bolted onto the stem and wheels fitted before you\u2019re ready to go.<\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\tThe Ascent arrived at our office in the week leading up to the Coronation Double Century which left time for only a brief tune up ride on the Thursday prior to heading to Swellendam for the event. First impressions on the Cabal were good. It was stiff and responsive and, thankfully, my eyeballed sizing was spot on.\n\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\t<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" data-fileid=\"1115261\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-24352000-1513157967.jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"ccs-2-0-24352000-1513157967.jpg\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" data-fileid=\"1115261\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-24352000-1513157967.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"italic text-sm text-slate-500 block mt-1 mb-4\">A faux attack at the Coronation Double Century. Image: Craig Kolesky<\/span>\n\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\tNothing like jumping in the deep end with a 202 kilometer first ride to kick off the testing. Although the average pace of my very social team wasn\u2019t a true test of the Ascent\u2019s capabilities, the ride offered numerous opportunities to test out key aspects of the bike. Heading into the first climbs, the stiffness of the frame and wheelset was evident. The bike climbs confidently, with a light, nimble feel and little-to-no flex. In the multiple hill sessions and peninsula rides since, I\u2019ve been continually impressed by the Ascent\u2019s performance when the road tilts up which also happens to be my happy place on a bike.\n\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\tOn the downhills, I was initially tentative while the brake pads ran in and I became more at home on the bike. Soon though I was seeking out racing lines and late braking into corners. As with most carbon braking surfaces, there is a bit a performance sacrifice but for the all-round benefits carbon rims offer in responsiveness it\u2019s a tradeoff I can live with.\n\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\tOn the open road, there was very little road buzz, although the stiffness of the frame and carbon wheels does make for a firm ride with definite feedback from bumps in the road. It\u2019s nothing unique to the Cabal as most high-end race focussed road bikes I\u2019ve tested have shown similar qualities. Again, there is a tradeoff between frame stiffness and the smoothness of ride which at this end of the performance spectrum tends to favour the former.\n\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"bg-slate-100 p-5\">\n<h2 class=\"text-2xl font-bold\">\n\t\t\t\tVerdict<br \/>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n<p>\n\t\t\tThe Cabal Ascent 1.0 delivers on the brand\u2019s promise of a high performance, high quality road bike at a great price. The ride quality was impressive and, dare I say it, was on-par with high end offerings from top brands sold at a two times multiple. The real proof will lie in the brand\u2019s support over the longer term as they scale but if Cabal\u2019s journey to-date is anything to go by, I\u2019d be confident to bet on solid backup service, should you ever need it.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article_table\" style=\"table-layout:fixed;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;\">\n<div class=\"col-span-6\">\n<h2 class=\"text-2xl font-bold\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPros<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCompetitively priced\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGood looks with a quality finish\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVery stiff and responsive race machine\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-span-6\">\n<h2 class=\"text-2xl font-bold\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCons<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNew brand &#8211; still to prove their mettle over the long term\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Ascent 1.0 is a lightweight, high-performance do-it-all road bike from locally based direct-to-consumer brand Cabal. After the recent launch of their road bike and carbon wheelset range, we were keen to test out the offering. The Cape Town-based duo behind Cabal, Jon Colledge and Andrew Bloom, aim to offer high performance, high quality bikes [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":32895,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[822],"featured_location":[],"class_list":["post-16267","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tech","tag-cabal"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16267","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16267"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16267\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32895"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16267"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16267"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16267"},{"taxonomy":"featured_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured_location?post=16267"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}