Here’s a rundown of eight bikes you shouldn’t miss out on this year. Each pushes the envelope of technological advancements, innovation and performance in cycling today.

Cannondale Synapse 2018–striving for balance

Cannondale Synapse Bike Review

Do you consider yourself a “cross activity enthusiast”? This is where Cannondale pitches its new Synapse 2018 model. Invited to put it to the test around the bumpy and lumpy and somewhat frenetic Italian roads around Lake Como, here is our first ride review on Cannondale’s take of the comfort, but still stiff combo that is currently de rigueur within the bike industry. See how it performs here.

Cervélo R5–A classic road bike, redefined?

Cervelo R5 bike review

During this year’s Giro Cervélo officially launched their new R5 and R3 road bikes and gave us the exclusive opportunity to test ride the new Cervélo R5 on Italian tarmac. Forthcoming in their ambitions, these new bikes mark an evolution for Cervélo: ‘The road hasn’t changed, the game has.’ So is the new Cervélo R5 a classic road bike redefined? Check out our exclusive review here.

Colnago V2-R–The evolution of Ferrari?

Colnago V2-R Bike Review

Ferrari and Colnago have a long-standing collaboration. In 2014 the V1-R was launched as the first aero race bike of the heritage-heavy Italian brand. Today we are in Italy where we have been invited to the official presentation of the Colnago V2-R. So what has changed? And how much Ferrari is still in this bike? Find the answers here.

Look 785 Huez Collection and new Look KEO 2 MAX CARBON pedals

Look Huez 785 Bike Review

If you’re going to put any bike to the test then Alpe d’Huez is a pretty fine starting point. Especially when you’re pitching it as the bike for the mountains. Pro-continental Team Fortuneo-Vital Concept will have the 785 Huez RS as their weapon for when the road starts to rise. Find out more here.

Ridley Fenix SLX tested at Granfondo Les 3 Ballons

Ridley Fenix SLX Bike Review

To celebrate Ridley’s sponsorship of the infamous Les 3 Ballons in Vosges, we were invited along to ride this gruelling granfondo on the all new Ridley Fenix SLX Disc. Signalling a bold step for Ridley, this disc only model would need to win over hearts, and quickly, as 210 km and 4000m of vertical climbing looms imminently. Check out how it performed here.

Specialized Tarmac S-Works Ultralight 2018–a visionary bike?

Specialized Tarmac S-Works Bike Review

The new Specialized Tarmac 2018 is more than a completely redesigned road bike. We tested the bike in the USA and here are our first impressions. Not happy with just knowing about the 2018 model, we also cheekily asked what can be expected from the Tarmac 2020. Mark Cote, Specialized CMO, gives a glance into the future of road bike development. Click here to read our review.

Trek Emonda SLR Disc 2018–is lighter really better?

Trek Emonda Bike Review

6.7 kg for a production disc brake bike? Over at their HQ in Wisconsin, Trek introduced us to the new Émonda with the tagline of ‘Making the lightest lighter.’ Despite bearing many of the same visual traits as its predecessor, Trek claim this is basically a brand new bike. On the rolling hills of the Mid-West, we got to ride this record-breakingly light Project One disc brake race bike. Find out if lighter really is better here.

Wilier Cento10 NDR–rear suspension on a road bike?

Wilier Centro Bike Review

With the Wilier Cento 10 NDR the Italians follow the call of the road bike community for the perfect mix of performance and comfort. The new Actiflex system is designed to smoothen bumps and vibrations and provide the necessary comfort on long journeys or tough terrain. We had a close look to the details of the new Comfort-Race bike from Wilier. Take a closer look here.


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Words: Charles Nicholson Photos: Various