Carbon Comfort
Carbon-fiber bikes in this price range are no longer an anomaly. To keep costs down, they’re constructed with a slightly heavier weave. The result is usually a significantly smoother road feel than aluminum-framed bikes have, though generally not quite as forgiving as the finest carbon cloth. The ultrastiff F5 is an exception; it outscored all other carbon bikes in its price range in handling and pedaling responsiveness. Throw in hill-friendly compact chainrings and raceable Shimano 105 components, and you’ve got a competition-worthy steed at a reasonable price. “A very nice climber, and stable on the descents,” wrote one tester. “I could be on this bike all day.” 18.7 lbs (56 cm);
Handling: 4.2
Responsiveness: 4