Back in 1986, across the Golden Gate bridge from San Francisco and, no doubt, on a countercultural high, Marin released its first mountain bike. Its chunky wheels and solid frame were built to cope with all that Mount Tamalpais and the Repack Trail could throw at it. It seems ironic to recommend a city bike made by a company whose roots are so firmly in the countryside. But commuting is a tough game these days – and you want a good bike on your side. The brand’s top city cycle is the Fairfax SC6, and it deals brilliantly with everything your ride is going to throw at you. It has a low-maintenance internal gear hub and squeak-free carbon belt as well as decent mudguards, dazzling dynamo lights, a sturdy rack, and puncture-proof tyres… All you need, in fact, to go wild in the city (marinbikes.com).
Price: £1,900
Gears: Shimano Alfine 11-speed hub
Brakes: Shimano T445 hydraulic
Email Martin at martin.love@observer.co.uk or follow him on Twitter @MartinLove166
