In the market for a new wheelset? Sportive organisers Wheels in Wheels are offering riders the chance to test the latest Shimano wheelsets at their Forest of Dean event on Sunday May 6.

All the 2012 Shimano wheelset range, from entry level to Dura Ace C50 deep sections, will be available to test via a ballot system on www.wheelsinwheels.com. Riders will then be informed if they have secured wheels to test before the event.

Qualified mechanics will be on hand to give advice on the wheels and change any cassettes over before the ride, while Michelin are also supplying Pro 4 tyres (read our first ride report here) on all test wheels.

The Forest of Dean Sportive takes in an 89-mile route through the  Monmouthshire countryside with no less than 20 climbs – all numbered so you can count them down. The Bulls Hill, Cinderford and the Forest of Dean climbs are all included on the route but the biggest test of the day comes less than 10 miles from the finish in the shape of the 25 per cent ascent of Symonds Yat.

Event organisers Graham Temple said: “We originally started the Forest of Dean Classic as a preparation event for the big European sportives like the Etape as UK riders needed an event to get them used to plenty of climbing. With only one route, you know that everyone at the finish has had a tough day out and even former Tour de France King of the Mountains winner Steven Rooks was surprised with the amount of climbing on the course when he rode the event last year.”

This year the start location has been moved to the Monmouth Showground to provide improved facilities and more free car parking. Wheels in Wheels are promising a fully signposted route, electronic timing, well-stocked feed stations, full mechanical back en-route as well as the start/finish and NEG outriders on the course.

Online entry costs £29.50 from www.wheelsinwheels.com