Just in: Mekk Poggio 1.5

Mekk’s Poggio features a full carbon fibre frame packed with modern details with a down-to-earth build of Shimano’s latest Sora 9-speed drivetrain and R500 wheels, producing a 8.8kg (19.4lb) all-up weight. It has all the makings of an ideal starter road bike for the cyclist looking to dabble in sportives, road racing and general road rides this summer.

You might reasonably expect some compromise on a carbon frame at this price, but Mekk have built a feature-packed frame and used it across the Poggio range of five bikes, topping out at £2,400. It’s made from 3K carbon fibre and has a tapered head tube (1.25in-1.5in), BB86 PressFit bottom bracket, internal cable routing and is compatible with Shimano’s Di2 electronic groupset

To keep the price down, they’ve given this model a Sora 9-speed groupset. It’s the latest version, with Dual Control shifters so you get similar shifting to the more expensive groupsets. You can get better specced bikes for this money: the Boardman Road Team costs £999 and comes with Shimano 105 for example. It’s clear Mekk is trying to offer a high quality frame at this price, which does leave less money for the parts, but in doing so offering the potential for some serious upgrading.

Some parts to show the squeeze on the build budget include the own-brand compact 50/34 chainset and dual pivot brake design. They have easily replaceable cartridge brake pads, a nice touch. It’ll be interesting to see how these perform compared to Shimano options. Most of the finishing kit is Mekk’s own brand too, with a Selle Royal saddle a noticeable upgrade.

It’s a nicely finished frame. A bi-ovalised downtube flares noticeably at the head tube and bottom bracket junction, and the cable entry ports are well designed. Their own carbon fork plugs in at the front of the frame. Mekk offer the frame in five sizes; we have a 56cm model to test. Geometry on that size includes a 16cm head tube which gives the bike race credentials, along with a 72 degree seat tube angle and 73 head tube angle, combined with a 988mm wheelbase. Those numbers should produce a fast handling bike ideal for those wanting an engaging road bike to sling through country lanes or around a crit circuit.

We’ve previously reviewed the 3G Potenza SL5.5 and Pinerolo AL 1.0. Tune in soon to see how we get on with this model

There’s lots of choice in the £1,000 category. Here’s our roundup of some offerings.

More about Mekk at www.mekkbicycles.com