Carbon-fibre frames are increasingly cheap. This is partly down to local dealers sourcing their own lines of bikes from the factory, as Ludlow bike shop Epic does with its Nero brand. It is also because development is so rapid that what was top of the tree two years ago is now mid-range, and so on down the line. Epic’s top-of-the-range Corsa Evo comes with custom componentry: ours had Shimano’s 600 groupset. The finish is suitably shiny with appetising details – notably a logo on the seat tube where the rider sitting on your wheel can spot it. Strengthened areas of carbon around the brackets make the frame stiffer without sacrificing comfort. The smooth ride is also thanks to the Ikon handbuilt carbon wheels. This good high-end bike does everything it should.
Price: from £1,399 (as reviewed £2,699)
Frame: carbon-fibre
Gears: Shimano Ultegra Di2
Weight: 7.45kg
http://epic-cycles.co.uk
