The downside comes with its weight. The frame may have precise German engineering but it’s still a bit of a porker

that the bike’s handling is perhaps not as direct as a raceoriented machine, but it’s controlled and confidenceinspiring when rolling round bends on long descents.

The downside comes with its weight (something, by the way, you should never say to a woman). The frame may have precise German engineering – it was allegedly a three-year project, after all – but it’s still a bit of a porker. Considering that top-end manufacturers are now developing frames under 700g, the fact that the Donna frame weighs over a kilo makes it feel out of touch with current technology. ‘The next round of design will be far lighter,’ says Kinzel.

On the road this weight is noticeable immediately. There’s a sluggishness that’s hard to overcome. I found it frustrating when I wanted to accelerate in the saddle and it was hard to sprint out of the saddle to the point that I didn’t feel I was getting a great return from my efforts.

This lack of lustre isn’t helped by the Fulcrum WHCEX 6.5 wheels, which are fairly standard for bikes in this price range, and cost around £120 at retail. They’re