Mekk Poggio 2.8

£2000

The curvaceous lines of Mekk’s carbon Poggio give the look of an Italian-designed machine, and the arched top-tube and sculpted tube profiles wouldn’t look out of place in the Pinarello or Bianchi stable.

The Shimano 105 drivetrain and brakes are standard at this price and the 50/34, 11-28 combo is about the most versatile there is. The Saturae C44 carbon clinchers are impressive on a bike of this price.

The Poggio’s performance is a fine balance between rapid acceleration and – for an endurance bike – sharper-than-average steering response. It climbs with a snappy action and its descending prowess is balanced between stable and sharp.