AND THE WINNER IS... SPA WAYFARER

Quality steel bike that will expand your riding horizons

It’s hard to choose a winner when each of the bikes has slightly different riding aspirations and there’s quite a difference in price between some of them, but any of the four would make a fine commuter bike, so it’s more about your needs. Since both the Forme and Cannondale are recognisable as aluminium-framed road bikes, there’s probably the biggest Venn diagram crossover between these two.

The Cannondale is for those of us who want a bit of speed on our ride. It’s the lightest bike here, has the most aggressive geometry and sharp handling to match. Shimano 105 is also the go-to groupset at this price and the bottom gear is lower than would have been the case a few years ago. And if you’re happy with rim brakes, I’d happily recommend the Optimo.

Forme’s Monyash is similar in many ways but is more of an all-roader than a full-on road bike, and it will appeal to a wide variety of riders, thanks to its comfort on tarmac and the clearance for wider tyres that will let you explore further afield. This was the surprise package for me.

Oxford’s bike is a real treat, a regal commutercum-light tourer with a beautifully understated steel frame, quality wheels and tyres and very well-chosen components. And disc brakes are an option if you don’t fancy V-brakes.

But our top dog is Spa’s Wayfarer. Nominally a beast-of-burden touring bike, you could easily have this as your only bike for commuting, touring, shopping or more. It will carry kilos of kit for adventures or a change of clothes and your laptop for commuting; and the steel frame should last a lifetime.

Spa’s Wayfarer will carry kilos of kit for adventures, or a change of clothes and your laptop for commuting