Cannondale Topstone
Price £2,100, evanscycles.com
Frame carbon
Gears 22-speed Shimano 105
Brakes hydraulic disc

The term ‘gravel’ bike is a recent import from America. I think ‘trail’ would be more accurate, but it doesn’t sound so of-the-moment. We used to call them cross-bikes or even x-bikes. But, essentially, they are all the same thing. They are road bikes with off-road capabilities. Wheels are bigger, frames are more durable, brakes are beefed up and some have suspension. The upshot of all this is that you get a go-anywhere bike that lets you ride fast on smooth tarmac before heading confidently into terrain that most bikes would soon be rattled to pieces on. Cannondale has come a long way since it first got down to business in 1971 in Connecticut in a loft above an old pickle factory. Its initial product was a bike trailer known as the ‘Bugger’. The first bike, a touring model, wasn’t produced until 1983, but since then it’s gone on to create bikes that have won the world’s greatest races – including the Giro and Vuelta. The new Topstone features a lightweight suspension system that lets you ride harder when the riding gets hard. It’s strong, comfortable and will cope with anything.

Cool kit

Give your furry friend the best view in town in this chic denim dog bike basket. Basil Buddy £89.99, cyclechic.co.uk

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