Bikes - Cyclo cross

Sturdy enough to hit the trails or the odd 'cross race and cool enough to rock up to the pub on, the Genesis Day One Cross is a real all-rounder. As supplied it's a fun and capable road/path iron, and with a few tweaks it'll easily handle the rougher stuff. At £499 it's not going to break the bank either - if you're looking for an entry-level racer for the off season or just a winter hack it's a good buy.

Aimed at the keen 'cross racer Merida's CC5 cyclo-cross bike tops the company's UK 'cross range in and packs quite a punch in terms of value for money and performance. This is a bike that gives you Shimano Ultegra at a price at which 'cross bikes usually come specced with Shimano 105. Better still though, it's a great bike to ride.