Moving into the racier end of the spectrum, the Zero and Zero Disc are full-carbon road bikes with aggressive geometry. As the price increases, so does the level of tech, with Di2 included in the top-end model. There aren’t mounting points for front or rear pannier racks; strap on bike-packing bags are the weapon of choice here. Some practically remains, with downtube bottle bosses (useful for holding extra water or a tool keg) and discrete mudguard mounts. I take pride in offering reliable and unbiased insights to help you choose the ideal mountain bike for your adventurous rides. The steel tubes of these endurance bikes, with their ability to dampen the road buzz, make them perfectly suited to long days out in the saddle. Pannier and mudguard mounts are also present on these frames, adding to their versatility. The external cable routing and threaded bottom brackets are also features that will be well apricated by home mechanics. Both come with a Shimano 105 compact groupset – the disc version with 105 hydraulic disc brakes and the rim brake version with Promax calipers. The Croix de Fer adventure bike range has been expanded to 14 models for 2021. The rim brake version can take tyres up to 28c, whereas the disc version can handle 30c. It does compare, having the same type of tires, cassette, speeds, and brakes. However, the carbon fiber frameset, impressive height accommodations, and gender-neutral geometry put it on top. There’s also a women’s-specific version of the Datum, as well as a frameset so you can build your own. There are, however, a number of points that make this a more versatile bike than the carbon alternative. Tyre clearance is increase to 38c, there are discrete mudguard and pannier mounts and an extra set of bottle bosses is present on the downtube. Due to being disc brake only, the bridge between the seatstays could be removed. It’s a great entry-level bike, especially for somebody who isn’t ready to commit to road riding, as it will comfortably handle some light off-roading. Elitists and gatekeepers try to keep beginners from trying affordable options for reasons unknown to most of us. To be fair, they have a point; cheaper bikes typically break down sooner. As with the Day One, there are mudguards, rear pannier rack, and an internally geared rear hub for all weather dependability. The aero features of more expensive bikes are present, with cables are routed internally and the leading edges of the frame are smoothly rounded. The groupset is Shimano Tiagra with a 2x10 drivetrain while the maximum tyre size is 25c. If you want more control over exactly what components your bikes is built with, both of these are available to buy as just the frameset.