WINNER
Trek Domane SLR 9 eTap › Double decouplers deliver Domane domination
If nothing else, testing these 10 bikes has confirmed the superb dynamic ability and quality of each one. There isn’t a bad bike here, but a test has to have a winner, so we’re going to have to split hairs.
The major win-determining factors were ride excellence, specification and how the bikes made us feel when riding. Price, while a factor, seemingly made less difference than you might think.
Across the board, the level of refinement was striking, the recognition that it’s okay not to be punished quite as much by your bike, and that this generally makes you faster, now thankfully pervades everything.
Notable mentions must go to BMC’s Roadmachine 01, Ridley’s Helium SLX and Cannondale’s SuperSix Evo Disc as bikes we’d happily ride every day without complaint, but three bikes gave us just a little more.
Giant’s TCR Advanced SL 0 may well be the pinnacle of the rimbraked TCR’s evolution. Its great frameset brings together all of the model’s historically fine handling, aggressive performance and efficiency, and mated to light tubeless wheels, it kicks like a mule. It’s also the cheapest SRAM eTap bike on test by some margin.
Specialized has raised the bar with the new Roubaix, taking what to the uninitiated is a simple idea and incorporating it in to a blisteringly fast, competent bike that will expand your horizons. Extraordinary rider comfort, grip and control is enhanced by electronic shifting, brilliant wheels and disc brakes.
Edging the win from this supercompetitive super group is Trek’s Domane. The SLR 9’s evolved dual IsoSpeed system is better balanced than before, and completely passive, allowing you to just concentrate on enjoying the ride. It’s maintenancefree, and adjustable at the rear allowing you to tune its effect. Top tubeless-ready wheels are a bonus, and the Domane’s ideal for typical British weather, with its hidden ’guard mounts and wireless SRAM eTap groupset. It’s just the most unassumingly rapid, confidenceinspiring bike on every road.
Above As you’d expect for the money, there isn’t a bad bike in the bunch