GR E AT BR I T ISH BIK E S
Our senior tech ed is flying the British flag in this issue as he puts five home-based heroes to the test...
Britain once led the world in bike innovation, but we’ve still lots to offer. We run the rule over five Brit-designed bikes
With European, US and Asian companies boasting six-figure development budgets, it’s easy to become consumed by glamour. Once it was UK manufacturing that lead the world of bicycles, with gigantic industries like Raleigh taking charge. While the manufacturing has moved to the Far East, the UK is still full of smart-thinking bike brands and some of the world’s best custom builders. We’re exploring the key price bracket of above two grand, but well below three – the most competitive price range right now.
Our five bike selection includes Boardman’s SLR 9.2 disc. The SLR is Boardman’s lightweight all-rounder with a 900g frameset. A tubeset derived from aerodynamic profiles and de rigueur details like dropped stays and an oversized bottom bracket to maximise power transfer.
Genesis’ Equilibrium Disc is a Reynolds 725 steel-based machine that’s pitched as a sportive bike. But with full guard and rack mounts, it’s a modern take on the classic British clubman’s road bike.
The owner of the Tifosi mark is Chicken Cycles, one of Britain’s oldest distributors and importers. The Auriga has been developed in conjunction with Spirit Tifosi, so it’s an Italian-inspired bike developed on UK roads and races.
The DR1 is Dolan’s take on a sportive bike with an ever-soslightly relaxed position and clearance for 28c tyres.
Ribble has already made waves with a full revamp of its range. This new SL R looks likely to create a stir with its aero-optimised frame and fork, and a new aero cockpit that it claims reduces drag by 40 per cent over a standard bar and stem.