If you want the perfect fit, with the perfect parts, designed just for you, then it’s worth having a look at Thorn Cycles. They’ll custom fit the bike to you, and there’s a seemingly endless choice of parts to finish your new steed with, like handlebars, grips, tyres, bottle cages, pumps – the works!

26″ wheels are used, which is great for good and terrible roads alike, and although it’s nimble it can take up to 40kg in weight.

The steel-framed bikes don’t have a traditional derailleur – instead, they use the German designed Rohloff speedhub, a type of enclosed hubgear, which has the advantage of being sealed off from grime and grit.

If you want a seal of approval, then this is the bike that Astrid Domino Molyneux rode on her solo round-the-world touring adventure! Check out her exploits.

More info: Thorn Cycles

Price: From £2169.