Each of our top five bikes boasts star quality in abundance. We’ll say it again – picking a winner has been harder than ever before. Giant’s Propel is insanely fast, yet very comfortable, handles better than any aero road bike we’ve ever tested and makes you feel like a superfast superhero. The Trek Domane handles sweetly and is as comfortable as a Rolls-Royce, making you feel at ease regardless of the road surface or the terrain. GT’s Grade is all about fun. It’s fast on the road but blisteringly quick on dirt – a joyous, horizon-broadening mix!
Cannondale’s Synapse was last year’s winner and the 2015 model is its equal – with added disc brake goodness. It’s fast handling, comfortable and well equipped, and quite simply a joy to ride day.
Let’s go back to the GT Grade, though. This new ‘adventure road’ bike reminded us that riding hard all the time, watching your power or trying to set Strava KOMs, isn’t the only reason to ride. Cycling is about having fun and messing about too.
And that’s where the Granfondo GF01 from Switzerland’s BMC comes in. The GF01 hits the sweetspot between the GT and the Cannondale.
Yes, for the same money the Synapse has better gears – 11-speed Ultegra rather than 11-speed 105 – but the BMC’s frame is the same as that on the £7600 range-topper. Its geometry almost mirrors the Synapse, it’s just as comfortable and arguably has better wheels. It can also take 28mm tyres, which gives it a non-tarmac capability not far off the Grade’s.
The GF01 is astonishingly accomplished in more than one realm of riding – and for that reason it’s the Cycling Plus Bike of the Year.
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