THE BIKE SON TEST ...

BASS OVEN TA DISC 105 £2199

Premium Italian brand Basso has been handmaking bikes in Veneto, northern Italy, since 1977. Its expertly handcrafted superbikes are very well regarded, but the same care and attention is brought to the brand’s entry in carbon race frames with the Venta. A handcrafted-in-Italy carbon bike at this price is a rare thing. Can it live up to its promise?

LAPIERRE XELIUS SL 5.0 £2249

Lapierre’s long-standing Team FDJ (now called Groupama-FDJ) has two bikes in its armoury: the fast and aero Aircode (see last month’s issue) and this Xelius SL, the pro team’s choice when it comes to climbing. The latest-generation SL frameset is lighter and more comfortable than ever, thanks to the radical frame design with its seatstays that bypass the seat-tube junction.

CANNON DALE SUPER SIX EVO 105 £2750

The previous iteration of the SuperSix EVO is the reigning CyclingPlus Bike of the Year. This new-for-2021 model adds Shimano 105 and decent mid-range kit to one of the best framesets that’s available on the market. Has Cannondale created the ultimate speed machine, or do lower level parts and a price hike dull the EVO’s charms? Let’s find out.

GIANT TC R ADVANCED 1 DISC £2999

I was blown away with the range-topping TCR in its new updated design. That feather-light superbike’s DNA has trickled down through the range and this limited special-edition 1+ model with its upgraded carbon aero wheelset looks too good to miss. So is the £500 premium, over the standard Advanced 1, worth you reaching deeper into your pockets?