AND THE WINNER IS... TRIBAN RC500

Value-packed all-rounder for road and beyond…

If you want one budgetfriendly bike for commuting to light bikepacking, this hits the sweet spot

Nearly all of my reviews end with me saying it was a close-run thing and, if anything, this test is even tighter than usual. And I’d also argue that bikes in this price range are better value than 2022’s higher-end machines. I really did think Merlin’s Wizard Spark might be trying to do too much ‘aero-ness’ for its limited budget, and that its narrow rims, steel fork and overly squidgy saddle might hamper its ride quality and comfort – but, somewhat to my surprise, it really would make a very good entry-level road bike.

In spite of the latter being steel-framed and the other aluminium and carbon, the Clarisequipped Boardman and Mango bikes are pretty similar, and both are great bikes for the price. The Mango shades it on its lower bottom gear and wheelset – once the anodising is scoured from the rims’ braking track – and has slightly more aggressive geometry, plus a rainbow of colour options. Wider tyres would add more comfort without detracting from its performance, though I’d have still appreciated down-tube bottle bosses, but both it and the Boardman would make fine bikes for commuting, fitness rides and sportive-type big days out. Fixtures and fittings let you fit mudguards and even a rear rack.

The winner by a smidge is Triban’s RC500, for its wide-ranging versatility. Tubeless-ready rims are a good touch, the widest tyres here contribute to comfort (plus it has very generous clearances). The Shimano Sora has a good gear range, the disc brakes are decent and the swept-back, flattened bar tops are excellent when you’re in cruise mode. If you want one budget-friendly bike for all sorts of riding, from commuting to light bikepacking, this hits the sweet spot.