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Whether you’re hitting the road, exploring gravel, commuting to work, or training indoors, our expert team of reviewers has been putting a wide range of bikes through their paces. From premium carbon road racers to steel-framed adventure bikes, flat bar commuters, and the latest indoor training tech, here’s what we’re riding right now, with full reviews coming soon…
Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert (£6,000)
“Nothing is faster than the Tarmac SL8,” says Specialized (some rival brands might beg to differ), and we’re currently putting the Tarmac SL8 Expert through its paces. At half the price of the flagship S-Works model, the Expert build features a 10r carbon frame and fork (rather than the 12r), Shimano’s second-tier Ultegra Di2 groupset, and Roval C38 wheels wrapped in S-Works Turbo tyres.
Our test bike comes in the Satin Champagne/Black Pearl colourway, though it’s also available in Gloss White/Black Metallic or Gloss Deep Lake Metallic/Green Pearl over Seafoam.
Check back soon to see how the Expert-level build compares to the range-topping S-Works version.
Buy for £6,000 from Specialized
Wattbike Atom (£2,495)
First launched in 2017 and last updated in 2020, the Wattbike Atom has received a long-awaited refresh this year. The latest version has black legs to match the rest of the frame, a new saddle, and Wattbike is claiming that improvements have been made to the ERG mode and the overall adjustability of the unit.
Wattbike claims accuracy of ±1%, with a maximum resistance of 2,500 watts. For connectivity, it supports ANT+, BLE, and FTMS, which is now standard across the industry.
The Atom also offers access to Wattbike’s subscription-free training hub, and integrates with platforms like Zwift and Rouvy without the need for additional sensors or power meters. At the time of writing, you can save £100 on Wattbike’s website, bringing the price down to £2,395.
Buy now for £2,395 from Wattbike
Merida Silex 8000 (£4,800)
“Designed to be mountain bike capable off-road,” the Merida Silex 8000 is pitched as the brand’s most adventure-ready gravel bike yet.
It’s built around Merida’s carbon Silex CF2 II frame and comes equipped with Shimano’s 12-speed GRX Di2 groupset, carbon Easton EC70 AX wheels and has clearance for up to 45mm tyres (or 42mm with mudguards).
If you’re after something more budget-friendly, Stu is also currently testing the Merida Silex 400, priced at £1,650. Keep an eye out for both reviews coming soon.
Quella Varsity Imperial Classic Geared Bicycle (£799)
The Quella Varsity Imperial Classic Geared Bicycle is built for city riding, featuring a Shimano 7-speed internal hub gear system. This setup is designed to provide smooth shifting but also protect the gearing from day-to-day grit and grime.
The Varsity Imperial Classic is built around a double-butted chromoly steel frame and fork, finished with a chrome polish. According to Quella, the Varsity range is “lighter, faster, and stronger” than other models in their lineup.
Comfort and adaptability are also key, with riser handlebars and grips, and an adjustable stem (0–60°) allowing riders to fine-tune their position. George is currently putting this one to the test, so check back soon to see how he got on with it.
Buy from Quella Bicycle for £799
Genesis Croix De Fer 30 (£2,299.99)
While a number of you expressed sadness at the discontinuation of Genesis’ Flyer singlespeed platform, those who prefer their bikes with gears will be pleased to know that the classic Croix de Fer adventure bike is still going strong, and we’ve got the latest iteration in for review.
First launched in 2009, the Croix de Fer has earned its reputation as a go-anywhere, do-it-all adventure bike. According to Genesis, the latest Croix de Fer 30 carries that legacy forward with a modern design update.
Core features like the steel frame, generous tyre clearance, and multiple mounting points remain. However, the latest iteration has clearance for up to 47mm tyres, semi-integrated cabling and hydraulic disc brakes.
The Croix de Fer 30 is equipped with Shimano’s 2×10-speed GRX groupset and is available in five sizes: extra small, small, medium, large and extra large.
Buy from Genesis for £2,299.99
For all the latest full test reports on road.cc, head over to our reviews section. For more advice before splashing the cash you can check out our buyer’s guides, and head over to road.cc Recommends to find all our top-rated products in one place.
7 thoughts on “All the bikes! Five cool things coming soon from Specialized, Wattbike, Merida, Genesis and Quella”
Being the somewhat regretful
Being the somewhat regretful owner of a Quella SS BSO (Bike Shaped Object), I’ll be interested in this review. The signs from the photo arent looking good. Chrome plated gas pipe is still gas pipe. The fact that Quella couldnt even spring for cable stops is a red flag. I reckon this is my BSO frame chrome plated.
My mini review – overpriced fashionista crap all style and no substance.
(TBF my Quella does what I need it to and has never let me down, but its price over an above any dozen of its copy cats isnt warranted).
Cr-Mo is not gas pipe tubing.
Cr-Mo is not gas pipe tubing. There a big differance between the 2. Many good quality steel frames are made out of Cr-Mo.
Quote:
I imagine the folks at the Large Hadron Collider might have something to say about it too.
I hear the SL9 will achieve
I hear the SL9 will achieve warp factor 11.
Don’t ride on that one, then
Don’t ride on that one, then – you might turn into a giant newt!
I love the Croix de Fer bikes
I love the Croix de Fer bikes – they were “gravel” bikes before the genre even got that name. Great to see that they’re still updating the model but keeping the same style and ethos. Nice work, Genesis.
Can’t imagine any way in
Can’t imagine any way in which that non-suspension drop bar bike won’t be just as capable as a mountain bike off road.