Ridley X-Night Ultegra
Best For: Racing
The 2013 cyclocross silver medalist was aboard the , which was overhauled from last year. The headtube is shorter for quicker steering, the bottom bracket is lower for better stability, and the monocoque carbon frame, which lost more than a pound, feels downright willowy. Internal cable routing helps keep the drivetrain running smoothly, while Shimano Ultegra shifting is as quick and precise as ever. We love the stopping power of the Hayes mechanical disc brakes and the (optional) quick-sealing tubeless setup with Stan’s Ironcross rims. 17.6 lbs
Moots Psychlo X RSL
Best For: Winning at all costs
The was released in 2011, and it’s still one of the best. The titanium chain and seatstays are tapered for tire clearance, and a flattened top tube makes for comfortable shouldering. Ours came with quick, mid-depth Reynolds 颅Assault wheels and an Enve carbon fork, one of the stiffest-steering models we’ve tried. And we like the distinct click of SRAM Red shifting when fingers get cold and start to go numb. Moots’s Cinch seatpost is aptly named: adjustments are intuitive, and you can tighten everything down with one bolt. 16.5 lbs
Cannondale CAADX Disc Ultegra
Best For: Getting started
Aluminum construction keeps the cost down and delivers a crisp ride. Plus, gets a slew of amenities for the price, including disc brakes and Ultegra levers and drivetrain. There’s tons of tire clearance at the carbon fork and rear seatstays in case you want bigger rubber, although we found the Schwalbe Sammy Slick tires were more than enough. Bonus: rack and fender braze-ons allow the CAADX to do double duty as a commuter bike. 20.9 lbs