The rider’s ride

Trek Domane SLR 9 etap, £7,600, trekbikes.com

This latest version of Trek’s Domane has taken its proven Isospeed concept to the next level, increasing the available flex at the rear of the bike and for the first time deploying the comfort-enhancing technology up front too. The result is one of the smoothest rides I’ve ever experienced, and one that took everything I threw at it in its stride. Most notable was its stability and poise on some hair-raising gravel descents, where it soaked up the rough terrain admirably. It also climbed extremely well, and at only a smidge over 7kg it didn’t hold me back on the hills. Without doubt it’s one of the most versatile bikes I’ve ridden.