If you want a smart-looking and hardwearing bike with a few gears, this is for you. The old-school geometry takes the harshness out of bumping along potholed roads while preserving your ride-to-work PB. The hydraulic disc brakes look slightly unusual on this frame, but when it comes to stopping power they are second to none on greasy, wet roads. The eight-speed hub gears are more than enough for most cities.

THE GOOD Low-maintenance and good-looking.

THE BAD Relatively heavy.

With mounts for mudguards and a rear rack, this cyclocross machine does double duty as a winter commuter. The tyres will make short work of mud and ice but may be a bit too knobbly for dry roads. At least the wheel hubs and bottom bracket have been sealed against winter mud so they will hold out the road grit for longer. The 7000 series alloy frame gives you extra power, while the carbon forks deaden vibration.

The Good Distinctive graphics and extra power.

The Bad Knobbly tyres lack versatility for city conditions.

BEST IN TEST

This bike's frame features a blend of aluminium, carbon fibre seatstays and forks, and flexible Zertz inserts to make your commute less of a bone-rattling experience. Everything has been designed with comfort in mind, from the Body Geometry saddle to the adjustable stem that can be set in four different positions depending on your riding style. But this doesn't mean that it's a slouch – the ten-speed drivetrain really lets you put the hammer down.

THE GOOD Highly adjustable stem.

THE BAD Frame doesn't feel that nippy.

This aluminium-framed speedster has straight forks to deliver direct control through the lightweight frame. The disc brakes give you plenty of stopping power even in the wet, and the wider than average tyres bite hard into the road. This also helps them to absorb more shock from hitting potholes at speed - in fact, it won't complain if you try to bunnyhop over them either.

THE GOOD Design allows you to push the limits.

THE BAD Not the most responsive - the ride can feel heavy at times.