Here’s the ultimate in trickle-down. Crisp but still forgiving, the Pilot’s frame is built from OCLV Carbon, the same material Lance rode. And the new s.p.a. elastomer rear shock—Discovery’s George Hincapie rode it to second place in the 2005 Paris-Roubaix race—yields a half-inch of rear give for the plushest ride around. The only thing missing? Harsh racing angles. The back-friendly geometry, plus an Ultegra triple drivetrain, made this a comfy but fast ride on epic outings. 18.6 lbs, 54 cm; www.trekbikes.com
Bonus: Short-reach brake levers fit small hands.
Bummer: For the price, we would have liked some Dura-Ace parts.