Cannondale Bad Girl 1
BEST FOR: Commuters. THE TEST: Around-town bikes are often as exciting as a cubicle鈥攏ot so the flat-handlebar . It has the clearance of other lady bikes, but the oversize aluminum frame looks more dirt jumper than girly girl. The one-piece bar and stem stiffen up the front, and internally routed cables give it a clean look. The 1.97-inch lefty shock had testers hopping curbs and taking off-road shortcuts, though it also locks out with a twist of a handlebar-mounted knob for efficiency when you鈥檙e hammering on the pavement. THE VERDICT: A legit commuter with a playful persona. 25.9 lbs
With just one stanchion, Cannondale’s fork may look odd and unsaf, but it’s anything but. When locked out, it’s actually stiffer than many standard forks.
Bianchi Via Nirone Dama 105
BEST FOR: Roadies on a budget. THE TEST: The is perfect for those just getting into riding, as well as women who want to add a road bike鈥攁nd base-building miles鈥攖o their mountain quiver. Thanks to vibration dampers, it鈥檚 zippy but not harsh like so many aluminum bikes. Yet the stiff rear end and beefy bottom bracket make for zero flex when you鈥檙e pedaling hard and total confidence on fast descents. 鈥淚 was never worried on bad pavement,鈥 said one Vermont tester. 鈥淭his bike hugged the road.鈥 Our only complaint: it鈥檚 not light. THE VERDICT: A great first road ride. 20.5 lbs
Raleigh Carbon Capri 3.0
BEST FOR: Long hauls. THE TEST: The is a light (just over 17 pounds in size 53) and compliant cruiser that rides like an easy chair. The carbon frame and fork diffuse road noise admirably, and the long headtube and slightly more upright position lets riders enjoy the scenery. 鈥淚 felt as good at mile 90 as I did at mile 20鈥攏o sore neck or shoulders. I could just cruise,鈥 said one tester post-century. Shimano Ultegra and 105 components are light, and they鈥檒l last for many miles and seasons. THE VERDICT: A supple ride that鈥檚 still fast enough to push the pace. 17.7 lbs