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This article was first published in the June 2015 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
Multiple-use "ride it all" bikeS ARE the breakout trend of 2015 for velophiles. Based on the relaxed (predictable and stable steering) frame angles of cyclo-cross and touring bikes, these rides are suitable for epic touring, light off-road riding and occasional cross racing. The "multi-sport" is also perfect for a daily commute. The defining features of these bikes are clearance for large-volume tyres, disc brakes, mounts for mudguards and racks, and flattering non-race geometry. An essential tool for enthusiast (and heavier) riders with space, or indeed budget, for only one bike. WIRED took three of the leading models out for a spin.
How we tested
Wired rode the three bikes on- and off-road over four winter months. Each bike represents a different frame material (aluminium, titanium and stainless steel) and price point. The bikes were tested on a 20km daily commute (shod with Continental Gatorskin 28mm-width tyres) as well as on multi-surface routes of up to 150km. All bikes were ridden with stock components except for TIME Alium and Shimano clipless road pedals.
The ATR moniker says it all: Adventure (get off the beaten track), Tour (build it up with racks), Race (multi-surface/gravel race ready). The hand built titanium frame is able to take the largest volume of tyre in our group -- up to 45mm tyres on a tough 29-inch mountain-bike wheelset, enabling a huge range of riding styles. The combination of raw titanium finish and minimalist hidden decals shows off the build quality perfectly (without screaming "steal me"). It's also the only bike in test light enough to confidently take on a spirited road ride. 8/10 £2,350 (frame); £1,500 (fork and headset)
The Croix de Fer Stainless leads this UK brand's five-model multi-sport range. The frame rides with the compliance and spring of steel, but doesn't feel vulnerable -- and it's not as pricey as a titanium equivalent. Shimano's full hydraulic brakes (paired here with Shimano 105 11-speed hydraulic/mechanical shifters) easily trumped the mechanicals used on the other bikes. 7/10 £2,499
The Elite sits in the middle of Trek's CrossRip range and, helpfully, is priced for the £1KBike-to-work scheme threshold. The least expensive in the test (by some way), its savings are only noticeable in the aluminium frame, wheelset weight and the modest Shimano Sora gearing. It has a confidence-inspiring, steady ride, due in part to the sluggish 32mm Bontrager H5 all-terrain tyres. (Swapping these out for a lightweight road tyre brings the Trek alive.) Versatile and practical, it's the Swiss Army knife of the bike world. 7/10 £1,000
This wind and waterproof shell is fitted tight like a jersey. With no added resistance in a gale, it’s a no-compromise training or wet raceday essential. 8/10 £200
The Hauser is lightweight and narrow for essential over-shoulder glances, but WIRED's favourite design point was the black-on-black stealth detailing. 8/10 £140
The Fly6 can record your route in 720p HD. Despite the impressive spec, image quality is only fair -- some number-plate details weren’t easy to spot at speed. 6/10 £179
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
