THE BIKE SON TEST ...

RIBBLE R872 DISC £1504

Situated within Ribble’s extensive line of endurance bikes, the relatively inexpensive R872 Disc looks to offer great value with an all-carbon fibre frameset and choice of three Shimano drivetrains, from Tiagra to Ultegra. We’re testing the 105 hydraulic disc-equipped version, and for anyone yet to be sold on disc brakes, there’s still a rim brake R872 model available, too.

CANYON EN DU RACECFSL DISC 7.0£1849

Canyon’s Endurace packs most of the expected endurance bike features in to a compact and neatly executed all Shimano 105-equipped package. Greater tyre clearances for the 28mm rubber fitted to its DT Swiss wheelset and engineered-in comfort from its seatpost, seatstays and fork guide the frameset’s design, but after a few years on the market, can it still compete?

GIANT TC R ADVANCED 2 DISC £1899

The TCR is a veritable Peter Pan of the cycling world, because even after so many years, it always feels current and never seems to get old. It’s hard not to heap praise on such a capable machine when Giant’s engineers keep the TCR so competitive. Giant has embraced tubeless, and our mostly Shimano 105 bike comes with the brand’s own wheels and tyres.

TREK DO MAN ES L 4 £2100

One of the first true endurance bikes, the latest Domane has oversized tubes, front and rear IsoSpeed to smooth rough surfaces, and some features in common with the Checkpoint gravel machine. The SL4 comes with 10-speed Shimano Tiagra, and fat 32mm tyres with room for more, so has it evolved ready for a life even further from the tarmac?

CANNON DALE SUPER SIXEVO CARBON 105 £2299.99

Many months after the dropped seatstay Evo first landed, we’re still getting used to its appearance, but the promise of characteristic Cannondale performance and decent value make this new model of great interest. With a mainly 105 drivetrain and Fulcrum wheels with 25mm Vittoria tyres on the BallisTec carbon frameset, we’re looking forward to hitting the open road.