road bike

The Forme Longcliffe 1.0 follows a bit of a trend we've seen this year. With so many manufacturers making ill-advised componentry compromises in order to squeeze in a carbon frame close to the £1000 price point, more and more often we're finding the best bikes feature a middle budget aluminium frame that's offering the same sort of performance, comfort, weight and looks advantages as its carbon framed price competitors.

I am looking for my first road bike and want to know what would be the best bike to go for.

I am around 5'1 and have a budget of up to £700/800.

Giant's new TCR SL 2 is £1,250 of well specced aluminium loveliness, with a delightful ride character and all the potential to stand a few upgrades over the years. Yes, it's not carbon, but at this price I think you're better off with aluminium. And this isn't any ordinary aluminium frame: Giant have poured all their knowhow into producing a feathery light 1,050g frame. That's light enough to give many carbon frames a bloody nose.

Last year Canyon's Ultimate Al rode away with a bike of the year gong, and the RS-3000 from German compatriots Rose is a cracking bike too. You can get a carbon bike for this kind of money but this is a ready-to-race weight and spec; just slap some pedals on and you can mix it straight out of the box. Aluminium is well and truly back, folks.