Lynskey: Sportive
The word endurance sometimes evokes an image of gritty, dead-eyed suffering. While some Sportive riders will manage to achieve that reality, this bike takes a much more elegant approach to long rides. It's best suited to fast gran fondos or rambling explorations that stop short of Shakletonian adventures. Lynskey was founded in 2006 by a member of the family that started titanium specialist Litespeed in 1986. Those years of building experience are noticeable in the refined ride. The Sportive tweaks race-bike geometry to offer greater stability and comfort. The frame's narrow tubes and clean lines allow a classic look missing on other bikes in this test. The sculpted shapes support the bike's refined, stable ride: The seatstays are curved and bowed to prevent the pounding of the road from fatiguing you.
The bike is steady and stable, but doesn't make the blacktop vanish beneath you. Instead, it keeps you apprised of road-surface variatons: A change in ride sensation let me know that I'd entered a new township with different paving practices.
The front end is lively, responding quickly to steering input and keeping your attention from wandering completely to the scenery. The Zipp 101 wheels feel fast and stable once up to speed and the SRAM Red group is a top-notch performer. If you want to go a step beyond single-day journeys, you can set your Sportive up for touring with racks and mudguards; there are mounts for both.—Christine Bucher
BUY IT IF: You're about the journey, not the destination
FORGET IT IF: You always take a shortcut
- PRICE: $1,595–$2,690, frame, depending on finish; $6,880 as tested
- SIZES: XS, S, M (tested), ML,L, XL
- FRAME: Titanium
- FORK: Bontrager Race Road, carbon fiber
- COMPONENT HIGHLIGHTS: SRAM Red (53/39) drivetrain and brakes; Zipp 101 wheels, hubs; Vittoria Rubino Pro 700x23 tires; Selle Italia SL saddle; FSA bar and stem; Cane Creek headset
