CAN YOU HAVE IT ALL?

We test three £1.8k bikes that are aimed at all-road versatility to find out if we can, at long last, declutter the bike shed

- Robin Wilmott

Need to know

If you'd like one bike to cope with several uses, there are a few fundamental details to think about...

BIKE COMPANIES HAVE BECOME very good at creating very competent bikes for very specific needs, and that's a good thing. Having the right bike for your chosen ride increases your enjoyment and efficiency, but for many people, having more than one bike just isn't possible. Here we've delved into the genre of bikes designed to thrive in multiple environments.

01 Test of metal

At this price point, in the current market, many frames will be metal. Usually aluminium, but also as with the Surly, steel. It's possible to find carbon frames for a similar cost, but it's generally better to go for a good-quality metal frame with decent components, than carbon with a lower spec. Good steel and aluminium tubing is often internally butted, retaining strength at the ends where required for welding, but slimming the tube walls in between to save weight and give a better ride feel. Metal frames can be more durable, and are usually the preferred choice for anyone wanting to add multiple accessories, such as racks, additional bottle cages and luggage. The fork will often be carbon fibre to add some vibration absorption.

02 All about angles