Top choices for commuter drivers/cyclists

BEST COMMUTER BIKES

BEST FOR Those wanting to get fit when commuting

Specialized Allez £649 www.specialized.com

IF you want to ride fast, look good, or even mount a pannier or mudguard, the Allez (above) is tough to beat. It uses a light alloy frame with internal cable routing and an entry-level Shimano groupset.

Giant Escape 1 Disc £649 www.giant-bicycles.com

WITH flat bars, disc brakes and wide tyres, the Escape 1 Disc is an easy entry point for commuters. It’s capable of handling fast road routes as easily as off-road tracks, and is produced by the largest bike manufacturer in the world.

Ribble Trail AL £899 www.ribblecycles.co.uk

IF you’re drawn to off-road riding, the Trail AL from historic British brand Ribble is a great option. With front suspension and wide tree clearance, it’s capable of tackling technical terrain, but should prove nippy enough for a commute on the road.

BEST COMMUTER E-BIKES

BEST FOR Those who don’t want to do all the work

GoCycle GX £2,899 www.gocycle.com

FOR back-of-the-car or train options, the GoCycle is a fantastic e-bike. Foldable and compact, but with an innovative and well integrated hub-based motor, it’s a little pricey, but a great choice.

Carrera Crossroad e-road £999 www.halfords.com

THIS durable, high-spec, fully fledged e-road bike is a good-value offering. It’s a little heavy, at 19kg, but it should offer a speedy commute, with a little extra firepower from the electric motor.

Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0 £2,499 www.specialized.com

IF you want range, light weight and versatility, it’s tough to beat the Specialized Turbo Vado. It’s a flat-bar option so may be easier for many to handle, and also has integrated lights.

BEST FOLDING BIKES

BEST FOR Cyclists who also use other transport

Our latest test of folding bikes (Issue 1,586) saw the following models come out on top:

Brompton M6L Black Edition £1,185 www.cyclerepublic.com

Carrera Transit £385 www.halfords.com

Brompton M3L £1,060-£1,240 www.evanscycles.com

“A five or 10-mile cycle to work many seem daunting, but if you build up slowly, you’ll be surprised how quickly that distance becomes a stroll”

PETER STUART

Cyclist Digital editor