THE BIKE SON TEST ...

GIANT DEFY ADVANCED PRO 2 £3499

Giant’s long-standing Defy (which is incidentally also its best-selling road bike) boasts a design that’s become renowned for its vibration-crushing ride. With this latest incarnation, the Defy Advanced Pro 2, it gains vibration damping bars and seatpost, not to mention carbon wheels and new tubeless tyres as standard. We put it all to the test.

CANNONDALE SYNAPSE CARBON DISC DURA-ACE £3999.99

Cannnodale’s Synapse features its innovative SAVE (Synapse Active Vibration Elimination) carbon technology that’s proven to reduce shocks and vibrations transmitted through the frame. This version of the Synapse is its sportiest model so far, but it’s one that doesn’t sacrifice comfort for speed.

SIMPLON KIARO DISC £4406

Simplon is a small-volume brand that was “born and raised in Austria”. It may be a low-producing company but it’s got a big reputation. Simplon’s built-to-order method and its array of options is very rare and, as per the flagship Kiaro, with the Disc, Simplon aims to combine light weight with a comfortable ride.

SPECIALIZED ROUBAIX COMP UDI2£4400

The latest Roubaix takes the innovation of the last-generation, Future Shock-equipped bike and refines it even further with a more aggressive ride position. With the Comp UDi2, Specialized has created a comfortable, yet fast bike that’s already proved its stripes with victory at the Tour of Flanders.

TREK DOMANE SL7 £4900

Trek’s Domane SL7 is the third iteration of the model. This one features its unique IsoSpeed ‘decoupling’ system. The ‘decouplers’ separate the seat tube from the top tube and stays at the rear and allows fork flex up front. Combine this with its lightweight, carbon chassis and you’re left with what could be described as the first, full-suspension road bike design.