Sonder Santiago
Price £1,299, alpkit.com
Frame Reynolds 631 steel
Gearset Sram Rival 22
Brakes hydraulic disc

When it comes to buying a new bike, most of us don’t consider whether the frame would be durable enough to pedal around the world on. But it’s comforting to know that if you wanted to, if you were dumb enough or if the lure to hit the road on a year-long adventure proved irresistible, you’d be good to go on Sonder’s Santiago. When it comes to breaking records for speed, agility and lung-busting climbs, you only ever hear about carbon. But if you want a ride that is reliable and assured, it has to be steel. The Santiago is built around a Reynolds 631 frame. Historically, steel is the most desirable material for touring bikes and long-distance riding because of its bump-swallowing abilities, long life and ease of maintenance. Unlike many carbon frames, a steel bike can be fixed if it breaks. The Santiago has bang up-to-date geometry and generous tyre clearance. It also responds well to rough treatment – batter it on rutted roads, ride it as a winter workhorse or just mosey across meadows in the sunshine. Best of all, it’s refreshing to know that in several decades your Santiago will still be riding as well as it did today.

Cool kit

Castelli has been making bike wear since 1935. It’s light, cool and fits like a glove. New vertical silicon grippers don’t effect the Lycra stretch for comfort or security and, being laser cut, aids an aero and clean finish. This is teamed with a better panel construction for good fit and support around the legs, bum and lower back. Castelli has also added a dimpled design around the legs for enhanced aero benefit. The shorts have an updated pad, too, which has a seamless construction to offer less abrasion against the skin. Castelli Aero Race 4.0 bib shorts, £150, cyclesurgery.com

Email Martin at martin.love@observer.co.uk or follow him on Twitter@MartinLove166