OVERALL VERDICT

When you step away from carbon and its tyrannical dominance of ‘serious’ bikes, it’s impressive to see that you can find just as much diversity from metal as you can from plastic fibres. All of the bikes here have their own character, none seem to feel like a metoo product. The Dolan produces what can only be described as a luxurious ride, thanks to its relaxed ride position and a great quality titanium frame.

In the Equilibrium, Genesis has created a brilliant steel disc-braked bike for all-day rides. Some spec compromises leave it carrying a bit too much timber, however, to see off this competition. That just leaves The Light Blue Wolfson.

With its top-quality Reynolds 853 frame and slender carbon fork, the Wolfson is understated but well-thought-out. With bosses for mudguards and racks you may think it’s going to be a little boring, but that’s not the case – the Wolfson is smooth, handles with great confidence, rides light and is the ideal year-round machine if you’re looking for something big-ride capable that eschews carbon.