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This article was taken from the September 2011 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
How we tested
We rode a 23km urban route, (including a 3km train leg for the foldable Mezzo) at identical peak times over a number of days. We noted speed, handling, and suitability. Most of the bikes qualify for the government's Cycle to Work scheme, which has a ceiling of £1,000 per bike.
Boardman Hybrid Pro
Purpose-made for commuters, this bike is light and fast, with skinny road-tyres and a carbon fork. Easy-steer flat bars, all-weather hydraulic disc brakes and mounts for a rack and mudguards make for a comprehensive package. In riding, the Hybrid Pro was at its best on long straights and weaving in and out of traffic. It was ultimately so light that it became slightly jittery over steep speed bumps, potholes and gravel -- but not so much that it felt too dangerous to ride.
Wired: All-round performer
Tired: Arguably too light
9/10
£999.99
Trek District
Single-speeds, as well as being achingly hip, are also very low maintenance. The District takes that one step further by replacing the traditional chain with a carbon-fibre composite belt. Theoretically stronger and more durable than metal links, they're also oil-free and silent. Here, the belt comes strapped to a retro-style flat-barred hybrid. The bike weaves well in traffic and is solid enough to tackle canal paths, cobbles and potholes. If you choose to ride it fixie, you can't coast on flat terrain, though.
Wired: Low maintenance
Tired: Maybe too knowingly retro
7/10
£700
Cannondale CaadX 5 105
Built primarily for cyclocross racing, the lightweight CAADX 5 offers plenty for commuters, such as drop bars, rack and mudguard mounts, and strong brakes. The CAADX 5 was (just) the fastest bike on test, but could be even quicker if you added slick road tyres. However, the semi-knobbly cyclocross tyres it comes with are ideal for cycling alongside canals and over cobbles.
Wired: Versatility
Tired: <span class="s2">Comparatively rather expensive
8/10
£1,100
Mezzo D9 Curve
The Mezzo D9 cycle folds into a compact unit -- useful on our tightly packed train, and with less ankle-bashing than most standard folders. Unfolded, it coped well with gravel and speed humps, and had enough gears for hill climbs. However, it's clearly not designed for sprints out of the saddle, and it was the hardest bike to ride the full distance. That said, it was the best bike for weaving in and out of traffic in the city centre.
Wired: Small fold
Tired: Tiring to ride
6/10
£825
Cube EPO Fe
This "pedelec" bike uses a 250W motor to bring you up to a top speed of 24kph -- as long as you're also pedalling. It's ideal for those not able to do their whole commute under their own leg power, but it means this is a heavy bike. The overly wide handlebars enhance your riding confidence, but are poor for weaving in and out of traffic. On the plus side, dynamo lights and security locks for wheel- and seat-skewers are very commuter-friendly.
Wired: Large range
Tired: Heavy
5/10
£2,699
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
