The 50 Best Bicycles

2. LeMond Reno 2008
Long before Lance Armstrong made a name for himself, Greg LeMond was America’s top rider, winning the Tour de France three times from 1986. The bikes that bear his name are cutting edge yet retain beautifully retro styling. This silver Reno, named after his hometown, is also incredibly good value, featuring a high-performance aluminium frame, carbon forks and Bontrager/Shimano components.
Where - LeMond (www.lemondbikes.com)
How much - £599.99 

3. GT Avalanche 1.0D
“The Avalanche has been one of our bestselling bikes for more than three years,” says Joel. “The bike has continued to go from strength to strength, offering a high-quality component package, including hydraulic disc brakes, plus faithful build quality and modern styling. It’s an awesome machine and I reckon offers the best combination of value, components and quality bar none.”
Where - GT Bicycles (www.gtbicycles.com)
How much - £499.99

4. Early Rider Classic
German kids have been scooting along on wooden rides like this one for yonks, yet they have only recently reached our shores. This UK-designed model, for children aged two to five “allows a child to learn valuable balancing skills whilst looking incredibly special,” says Joel. Fat rims, embossed flame detailing and an embroidered seat make it the coolest bike on the block. Also available in pink.
Where - Early Rider (01491 572 894; www.earlyrider.com)
How much - £89.99

5. Pinnacle Journey 1.0
This folder from Evans’s own label won’t win any aesthetics awards (not many folders would) but you’d be hard pushed to find a more practical model. “This reliable bike has everything needed in a folder,” says Joel. “It’s compact, well equipped, has mudguards and a pannier rack, plus it comes in at a great price.” And the compact wheels are big enough to get some speed up.
Where - Evans Cycles (0870 165 1108; www.evanscycles.com)
How much - £299.99

6. Marin Muirwoods 29er
Like the Ridgeback Cyclone, this is a road eating mountain bike that will laugh in the gaping faces of the biggest potholes. And it has pedigree – Marin County, California, where the firm is based, is the birthplace of modern mountain biking. The excellent 29er succeeds the 2007 model, which scored 9/10 at Bikeradar, and is designed to take knobbly tyres and suspension forks for off-road weekend forays.
Where - Marin (www.marin.co.uk)
How much - £475

7. Seven Axiom SG
Scan any bike mag (or this 50 Best) and it’s all carbon this and carbon that, but if you’ve got the cash to move up a gear from aluminium, you might consider a handmade titanium model from Seven, a US firm revered for its attention to detail and build quality. The Axiom features classic styling and a chrome finish that cries out to be cleaned. It is, says Tony, “a great all-rounder from the ultimate titanium boutique brand.”
Where - Seven (www.sevencycles.com)
How much - from £2,335

8. Cannondale Taurine 3
“Carbon fibre has well and truly come of age in mountain biking,” says Joel, “and being able to pick up a race-ready, full-carbon ride for less than £1,500 is exceptional. Add the fact that the Taurine delivers super high-end componentry in custom, colour-matched brightness and you have a remarkable deal on an excellent, not to mention fantastic-looking, package.”
Where - Cannondale (www.cannondale.com)
How much - £1,499.99

9. Trek Trikester
Our advice is to start your kids on two wheels (check out the Early Rider) to get their balance tuned and perhaps avoid those wobbly weeks on stabilisers. But if you’d rather start them on something that won’t leave grazed knees, this traditional trike with drop-dead looks will go down a treat. Its sturdy steel construction and chunky tyres will make it a hand-me-down hit. Available in pink or blue.
Where - Trek (www.trekbikes.com)
How much - £100

10. Sustain Edison
The last thing you want on the ride from the station to your office is to arrive a sweaty wreck. The Edison combines the portability of a folder with the dry-brow assistance that comes with an electric bike. “It will happily scoot along flats under its own steam, and gives you plenty of help on hills,” says Tony, “although the stated battery range of 15-20 miles was optimistic.” Be quick – they’re frequently sold out.
Where - Sustain (0800 043 2453; www.sustaincycles.co.uk)
How much - £439

11. Ridgeback Cyclone
Skinny-tyred road bikes in a hybrid’s clothing are all very well if you want to whizz to work like a crazed courier. If you’d prefer the comfort of a pothole-eating mountain bike, but without energy-sapping suspension, the Cyclone could be the ride for you. Made from reinforced aluminium, it’s light yet strong and has the fitments to take pannier racks. It’ll handle itself offroad, too, and is dirt cheap.
Where - Ridgeback (www.ridgeback.co.uk)
How much - £280 

12. Bianchi C2C Via Nirone Xenon
If you look ahead with envy as blurs of Lycra and skinny tyres whizz past at 25mph, this desirable model from the historic Italian manufacturer is, says Joel, “perfect for anyone who wants to get into road riding.” Boasting top-notch Campagnolo components (“while unfamiliar to many here, they provide excellent value for money and race-proven quality”) it is a “stylish, individual bike worth more than its price tag.”
Where - Evans Cycles (0870 165 1108; www.evanscycles.com)
How much - £594.99

13. Pinnacle eXpede 1.0 2008
James Daley says: “Pinnacle has been slowly winning over loyal fans since it launched in 2006, offering a full range of quality bikes at slightly lower prices than the big names. The eXpede is its top-of-the-range cyclo-cross bike, boasting a lightweight aluminium frame, carbon forks, and a classic design. It’s reasonably priced and was good enough to win this year’s London cyclo-cross series.”
Where - Evans Cycles (0870 165 1108; www.evanscycles.com)
How much - £999.99

14. Calfee Bamboo Bike
If you thought a bicycle couldn’t be greener, think again. The Californian firm Calfee has developed a range made not from carbon fibre but heat-treated bamboo. Complete with knobbly bits, the custom-made frames are joined with hemp (carbon optional) and sealed with tung oil. This roadbike looks and rides like the real thing and is guaranteed for 10 years. Available from Colin Firth’s new London shop, Ecò Age.
Where - Calfee (www.calfeedesign.com)
How much - frames from £1,300

15. Islabikes Beinn
The former cyclo-cross champ Isla Rowntree has built a reputation as the leading name in kids’ bikes, from her delightful scoot-along Rothan through to full-size racers. “They’re the best designed small bikes we’ve ever come across,” says Tony Farrelly. The Beinn mountain bikes come with 20, 24 and 26-inch wheels, catering to kids aged five plus, and are well built with plenty of room for growth.
Where - Islabikes (01746 710835; www.islabikes.co.uk)
How much - from £149.99

16. Sparta ION MGT
James Daley says: “Electric bikes are still rare in the UK (you can’t move for them in China), but they’re a hit with many older riders and commuters who don’t want to break a sweat. Some are slow electric scooters but the ION simply assists riders – the engine kicks in when you start pedalling. They’re heavy, so you don’t want to run out of power while you’re out and about, and they’re not cheap, but they’re impressive pieces of kit.”
Where - Sparta (www.sparta.nl/uk)
How much - £1,429

17. Felt DA
If this pro triathlon and time-trial bike was a plane it would be a sleek stealth bomber. Developed in a wind tunnel by the US manufacturer, Felt, it is “as aerodynamic as it is legal to make a racing bike,” says Joel. Featuring carbon throughout, including a custom bayonet fork, the DA is this year’s ride for British road-race champion and Tour de France stage winner David Millar. Its price tag means the rest of us can just drool.
Where - Felt (www.feltbikes.co.uk)
How much - £4,499.99

18. Scott Spark 20
Scott’s Spark range may not be cheap (£2,200-£5,200), but they are some of the lightest full-suspension cross-country mountain bikes ever produced, and have powered several pros to race victories. “If low weight and speed are required, the Spark has it all,” says Joel. “A brilliant component package, including Shimano XT brakes, gears and shifters, creates the ultimate mountain bike.”
Where - Scott (www.scottusa.com)
How much - £2,749.99

19. Montague Swissbike LX
If laughably titchy wheels and nerdy styling put you off folders, take a look at this rugged offering from Montague. Long revered in the US, the award-winning bikes have been deployed in Iraq, where their sturdy build and portability make them a marine’s best friend. Landing on our shores later this month, the LX is a fully fledged mountain bike that happens to fold in half.
Where - (01730 711140; www.montague-uk.com)
How much - £645

20. Specialized Tricross Sport
Cyclo-cross, in which competitors sprint round all-terrain courses on “off-road” road bikes, has enjoyed a recent boom in popularity. The sturdy steeds made for the job are also perfect for gritty urban commutes. “The Tricross is a true workhorse,” says Joel. “With plenty of room for mudguards and racks, yet light enough to not to leave you worn out after the daily ride in, it’s the ideal rainy-day commuter.”
Where - Specialized (www.specialized.com)
How much - £699.99

21. Scott CR1 Plasma Pro
A decent roadbike or even a commuter will do the amateur triathlete, but if you’re moving up a gear, you’ll want a slightly smarter ride. This Scott is, says Joel, “a classic triathlon bike and one of the lightest time-trial bikes ever produced. They’ve achieved it thanks in part to the integrated seat-mast. Cutting it to size with a hacksaw (not included) is a nerve-wracking alteration to make on such a pricey bike.”
Where - Scott (www.scottusa.com)
How much - £2,419.99

22. Cannondale F5 Fem 2008
“Cannondale’s real knack for producing stylish bikes is shown in this entry-level ladies’ machine,” says Joel. “With all the components you’d expect to see, including a lightweight frame, RockShox suspension forks, and dual hydraulic disc brakes, it’s a really great ride at a fantastic price.” Shimano shifters, gears and crankset complete this great-value package.
Where - Cannondale (www.cannondale.com)
How much - £549.99

23. Focus Cayo Pro
One of the highest-rated roadbikes at Bikeradar, this racer is even better than last year’s Cayo Expert, which was Cycling Plus’s bike of the year. Crafted from carbon composite, it is light yet taut, transferring every ounce of power to the road. “It offers outstanding performance at ridiculously low prices,” Tony says. “You’ll float up climbs that can reduce you to a wheezing wreck on a bike 2kg heavier, and it’s a firm cruiser on the flats and descents.”
Where - Wiggle (www.wiggle.co.uk)
How much - £1,699.99

24. Specialized Safire Comp
“Specialized goes to enormous lengths to ensure its women’s bikes are truly designed for ladies,” says Joel. “By using frames with women-specific geometry, as well as special materials, componentry and styling, they have a stable of women rides pushing the technology in an ever-growing market. The Safire Comp looks awesome and, pleasingly, is a pink-free zone.
Where - Specialized (www.specialized.com)
How much - £1,499.99

25. Islabikes Luath
Budding road racers, tourers, triathletes or cyclo-cross enthusiasts could do no better than this “beautifully thought out and specced ride from Islabikes,” says Tony adding, “My daughter was certainly impressed with the bike’s turn of speed, sharp handling, and climbing ability – you could climb a wall on this.” Available in 26” and 700mm wheel sizes, the pair will suit children aged nine and over.
Where - Islabikes (01746 710835; www.islabikes.co.uk)
How much - from £299.99

26. Raw Cannondale
Could this limited-edition collaboration between the groundbreaking bike-maker and the urban clothing brand, G-Star, be the coolest two-wheeler ever to hit the roads? “It’s my favourite bike of the year,” says Joel. “An alliance of two super-cool brands has created the next generation of urban bike.” Retro styling, including leather trim, combined with first-class components make this a covetable classic.
Where - Cannondale (www.cannondale.com)
How much - £1,449.99

27. Bianchi Elena
The specially designed frame on this ladies’ racer provides an excellent fit, while its 30-speed drive train makes it a great all-rounder, capable of thigh-burning climbs and cheek-rippling sprints. “It’s a fantastic entry-level road bike with ample Italian styling,” says Joel. A high-quality package of components helps keep the weight down and, if you’re a girl who likes to wear her colours on her sleeve, it’s available in violet.
Where - Evans Cycles (0870 165 1108; www.evanscycles.com)
How much - £649.99

28. Iron Horse Sunday Team
Joel says: “The Sunday has been at the forefront of downhill racing for four years now and is still to be surpassed, winning everything from World Championships (three times) down.” This Team edition boasts a lot of the same technology as the World Cup model, including the same frame, plus Sram shifters and gears and Rock Shox Boxxer suspension, which will soak up bumps on the gnarliest downhill routes.
Where - Iron Horse (www.ironhorsebikes.com)
How much - £2,999.99

29. Pinnacle Twenty Disc
Rather than designing a kid’s bike and bodging it by sticking on standard components, the chaps at Pinnacle have simply resized a hi-spec grown-up mountain bike. “This is a no-compromises kid’s bike and is the lightest available in a market that produces way too many heavy bikes,” says Joel. Featuring six gears, twist-shifters and flashy disc brakes, it’s a serious bit of kit.
Where - Evans Cycles (0870 165 1108; www.evanscycles.com)
How much - £249.99

30. Airnimal Joey Commute
Models in the range from this maker of high-performance folders have propelled riders to bronze at the triathlon World Championships and over the world’s highest motorable road in the Himalayas. This sturdy commuter sports a Shimano Nexus 8-speed hub gear and decent 24-inch wheels. And at 12kg, it’s light enough to cart on to trains or stick on planes.
Where - Airnimal (www.airnimalfoldingbikes.com)
How much - £750

31. Charge Mixer
Like the Raw Cannondale, this very cool urban ride from the Somerset bike firm comes with Shimano’s impressive new Alfine 8-speed internal hub and disc brakes, doing away with traditional (and high-maintenance) derailleurs. An ideal compromise between nimble fixies and hill-ready hybrids the Mixer is, says Joel, “a new breed of hybrid, taking elements from a host of bikes and blending them with great retro styling.”
Where - Charge (01202 732288; www.chargebikes.com)
How much - £699.99

32. Giant SCR 1.5 women’s 08
Cycling purists might look down their well-tanned noses at mass-market bike giants like Specialized and, well, Giant, but the firms undeniably make decent bikes. Giant’s SCR range includes entry-level bikes for as little as £350. This 1.5 women’s ride is a step-up and has decent parts, including carbon composite forks, Tiagra shifters, as well as a forgiving ride position.
Where - Giant (0115-977 5900; www.giant-bicycles.com)
How much - £649

33. Genesis Core 10 (08)
This hardtail (no rear suspension) British built and designed mountain bike impressed Bikeradar’s testers so much they gave it an impressive 9 out of 10. “As with all sub-£500 bikes, the ride is predictably neutral and well controlled, if not exactly plush,” admits Tony. “But not many bikes this cheap come with so much Shimano kit and this is an excellent budget alternative to the big multi-national marques.”
Where - Genesis Bikes (www.genesisbikes.co.uk)
How much - £450

34. Specialized Globe Sport Disc
This is a pure-bred hybrid that borrows some of the best technology developed for mountain bikes. “It has a lightweight aluminium frame, disc brakes and excellent Shimano componentry throughout,” says Joel Natale. “Allied with understated styling and decent build quality, this is a fantastic, do-everything ride that comes in at a great price.”
Where - Specialized (www.specialized.com)
How much - £399.99

35. Specialized Roubaix Comp 2008
Cyclosportives, or long-distance road races, are booming (to enter the stunning Independent-sponsored Etape Caledonia on closed roads, visit www.etapecaledonia.co.uk) and this mid-level bike is built for the job. “The Roubaix series is the benchmark for sportive road bikes,” Joel says. “Rubber inserts in the fork and stays absorb bumps, while the more upright riding position adds comfort on long rides.”
Where - Specialized (www.specialized.com)
How much - £1,499.99

36. Genesis Day 03
Described by Tony as a “road bike in flat bar clothing”, the Day is as nippy as an urban mount can be. “It’s also great for mile-munching leisure rides at the weekends, where its light weight will propel it uphills effortlessly. The skinny wheels, firm handling and stiff ride suit a confident rider, and the geometry is spot-on for a more upright position.” With carbon stays and fork, it’s also a pretty good deal from the British firm.
Where - Genesis Bikes (www.genesisbikes.co.uk)
How much - £999.99

37. Trek Remedy 8
“The new Remedy has been a long-term dream of many a mountain biker,” says Joel. “It has enough suspension to cope with any trail obstacle, yet is light enough to be ridden comfortably all day. The rear suspension has been completely redesigned to suit the needs of a trail rider. If you ask me, this is possibly the best mountain bike ever produced.”
Where - Trek (www.trekbikes.com)
How much - £2,199.99

38. Trek Madone 6.5 Pro 2008
“Is this the next generation of road bike?” asks Joel. The successor to the bike that helped Lance Armstrong to a record-breaking seven consecutive Tour de France wins, this handmade carbon racer from Trek has been completely redesigned. “Almost everything on here is an innovation, from the conical steerer tube on the forks to the press-fit bottom bracket – an exceptional piece of technology.” It’ll cost you – but just look at it!
Where - Trek (www.trekbikes.com)
How much - £3,799.99

39. Mongoose Motivator
Perhaps it was just the 1980s, but when I grew up the only bike we wanted was a BMX. If it’s the same nowadays, this Motivator will be a playground crowd pleaser. Founded in 1974 in a Californian garage, Mongoose is steeped in BMX heritage and their junior ride comes in a fetching metallic gold. “It will give a confident kick-ass ride on dirt, street or wherever else you take it,” says Tony.
Where - Mongoose (www.mongoose.com)
How much - £130

40. Dahon Mu P8
“Folding bikes that look good have been a long time coming,” says Joel. The US firm Dahon has changed that and last month launched what it claims is the world’s lightest folding bike, the limited edition Mu XXV (it weighs just 7.5kg). The more affordable P8 isn’t much heavier and also looks the part, boasting a stiff aluminiumalloy frame, mudguards and a handy kickstand.
Where - Dahon (www.dahon.com)
How much - £449.99

41. Specialized Langster
James says: “The popularity of single-speed bikes is multiplying, and the Langster is my pick of the bunch. Its beauty is in its simplicity; without gears you’ll rarely need to take it in for repairs, and its light weight makes it perfect for zipping around city streets. The special London edition looks fantastic with a tube map and cityscape painted on the crossbar. For the price, you won’t find a better, lighter or sturdier city bike.”
Where - Specialized (www.specialized.com)
How much - £399.99

42. Scott Contessa CR1 Pro
Ladies’ bikes have gender-specific geometry designed to fit female riders and often feature (slightly patronising?) flashes of pink or light blue. This bike from the US manufacturer is, says Joel, “a real race machine with super-light carbon fibre frame and forks and race-ready running gear. It’s smart, light and fast.” And, needless to say, it sports fetching pink detailing on its frame and white seat.
Where - Scott (www.scottusa.com)
How much - £1,749.99

43. Ridgeback Destiny
Designed for girls aged eight to 11, this sturdy aluminium mountain bike is a no-frills ride that will take a hammering from more than one daughter. Its light weight and 21 gears make for easier pedalling across any terrain, while the upright riding position and comfy handlebars will leave happy owners no excuse not to take it out and tear up the road or park.
Where - Ridgeback (www.ridgeback.co.uk)
How much - £190 

44. Carrera Valour
The cost of cycling can escalate, but there are amazing deals to be had on bicycles. None better than this sub-£300 aluminium offering from Carrera. Scoring four stars at Bikeradar, it impresses with decent components and, above all, incredible value. “It’s comparatively heavy,” admits Tony, “but if you’re on a budget you can be assured of dependability.” And its uninspiring grey styling is a turn-off for would-be thieves.
Where - Halfords (08450 579000; www.halfords.com)
How much - £299.99

45. Brompton
The Brompton’s curved tube, U-shaped handlebars and titchy wheels have made it an icon of British cycle design, invoking a peculiar passion among those who swear by them. They come in three types that can be custom built to suit your needs: the classic M3 (pictured), the touring P6R and the sporty S2L. Add an X and you’ll get a lighter-weight model ideal for lugging on trains.
Where - Brompton (020-8232 8484; www.brompton.co.uk)
How much - from £565

46. Puky Princess Lillifee ZL
This German manufacturer (its name alone is enough to raise a giggle) produces top quality kids’ bikes that look the part. None more so than this gloriously girly Princess Lillifee (of German fairy tale fame). Sturdy yet light, unlike so many other ungainly kids’ bikes, the look is finished off with a flag on the front mudguard. There are two sizes to fit kids aged 3 and 4 plus (and boy-friendly models in red).
Where - Puky (01392 840030; www.pukydirect.co.uk)
How much - £150-£160

47. Koga Lightspeed (G)
When the plucky Scot Mark Beaumont set off from Paris on his record-breaking, 18,300-mile round-the-world cycle ride, shattering the previous record by an astonishing three months, he did it on a custom Koga Miyata. The Dutch firm has cornered the market in high performance tourers and this more affordable Lightspeed is the perfect all-rounder for the city and long-distance tours.
Where - Koga (www.koga.com/uk)
How much - £850

48. Condor Pista
The London-based Condor has been making beautifully crafted, bespoke bikes for more than 60 years. Their new range wears this heritage with pride – these are some of the best-looking bikes you’ll see. The wonderfully elegant Pista is a classic single-speed urban or training ride, featuring a sturdy steel tube set and first-class Miche components. Available in black or blue.
Where - Condor Cycles (020-7269 6820; www.condorcycles.com)
How much - from £699.99

49. Boardman Comp
Three cheers for the British cycling legend Chris Boardman for offering budget bikes in his new range. The Comp looks fantastic and scored 9 out of 10 at Bikeradar. Tony says: “While we weren’t expecting to break records for weight, at this price the equipment, wheels and low overall weight make it an excellent buy.” Boardman says it’s better than the one he rode in his first Tour de France.
Where - Boardman Bikes (www.boardmanbikes.com)
How much - £599

50. Pinnacle Tharpu Peak 1.0
“These days, you can get a whole lot of bike for under £1,000,” says Joel. “The Tharpu Peak comes with hydraulic disc brakes, suspension front and rear with a good 100mm of movement, plus an excellent component package. It provides more bike than most of us could ever need, and is finished in fetching silver and red.
Where - Evans Cycles (0870 165 1108; www.evanscycles.com)
How much - £999.99