Trek Émonda SL 5 Women’s

For the rider who’s after a racefocused bike on more of a budget, Trek’s Émonda is the racier sibling of the Domane, but manages to blend comfort with speed to make a bike that’s ready to go fast, then keep on going.

One of only three bikes in our test to feature unisex frame geometry with women’s specific finishing kit, the Émonda has a Bontrager Ajna saddle with VR-S handlebar with a shorter reach and narrower drop, giving a more upright ride position.

The aforementioned comfort comes partly from the flexible seatstays and partly from the proprietary seatmast topper, which allows greater compliance in the seatpost.

Shimano’s 105 groupset may not be the shiniest and latest in the test, but it’s proved its reliability time and again. The lack of disc brakes is something we missed, as the otherwise perfectly good 105s lack the same power and subtle control.

The Ultralight 500 Series OCLV carbon frame may not be the top-line version but it’s comparatively light for the price, coming in at 8.43kg. It’s also wonderfully stiff, making acceleration quick. But more than that, the bike has a lively, encouraging feel and if you give it some welly, it’ll give you a whole load of fun in return. Shimano’s 105 groupset may not be the shiniest and latest in the test, but proved its reliability time and again