How lucky are we? 2014 sees an array of fabulous women’s road bikes at the popular £1000 price point. So many in fact, that we’ve included an additional four in our list.

When it comes to the best women’s road bike, all 10 of the steeds featured should be available to purchase under the Cycle to Work scheme, so if you’re struggling to stump the cash up front, don’t forget you’ve got an option.

You should expect a road bike with the £1000 price tag to be designed for training rides, sportives and even some racing. The frame should at least be double butted or possibly even hydroformed aluminium, but no matter what the frame is constructed from, all bikes should include carbon blade forks.

These bikes are reasonably lightweight and suitable for all types of road riding, light enough to climb, punchy acceleration and plenty stable enough to aid confidence.

Components usually vary from Shimano TIagra to the next step up Shimano 105 groupset. Both offer reliable shifting with Shimano 105 often seen on race ready road bikes, so aim for a bike with as much of it on as possible. On top of carbon bladed forks, some bikes are even adorned with a carbon fibre seatpost to help absorb road buzz, and help reduce the weight – even by a small amount.

Interestingly, the small manufacturers seem to be able to offer higher spec and carbon seatposts, whereas the bigger name bike-manufacturers focus on technical improvements to the women’s road bike frame. It makes for a richer more exciting choice in our opinion!

So what are you waiting for? Go forth and lust after your new women’s road bike for 2014! The fun starts here.