That depends on what you're actually riding. The Alpine Endurance 105 Di2 is built for long days in the saddle — sportives, alpine passes, back-to-back weeks. The Race SL Ultegra Build is a faster, stiffer machine for criteriums and timed climbs. If you're mixing tarmac with gravel tracks, the Gravel Cross SRAM Rival is the honest choice. If you're unsure, call us. Ten minutes on the phone saves a lot of second-guessing.

Shimano 105 Di2 gives you electronic shifting at a price that doesn't require a second mortgage. Ultegra is a step up in weight and feel — noticeable if you're racing, less so if you're touring. SRAM Rival on the Gravel Cross is a different animal altogether: wide-range gearing, hydraulic flat-mount brakes, built for terrain where perfect cadence is a luxury. Each groupset suits a different rider. We stock all three because no single system is right for everyone.

Yes, but with the right brake pads and a bit of sense. Carbon rims build heat faster than alloy on long descents — that's a fact, not a flaw. Use the correct carbon-specific pads, feather the brakes rather than riding them hard, and give the wheels a minute at the bottom. In our experience the Carbon 50mm Clinchers hold up well on sustained alpine gradients. The Zonda C17 Alloy Wheelset is the more forgiving option if you're not confident on heat management.

Mostly, yes. The 8-panel cut is designed to sit without bunching through the hip and quad — a real problem with cheaper 6-panel construction. Fit runs slightly fitted rather than loose, which is intentional. If you're between sizes, go up. The chamois needs to sit flush against the skin to do its job over four or five hours in the saddle. Sizing chart is on the product page.

We ship across the EU, UK, Switzerland, and Norway. Standard delivery runs five to eight working days depending on your location. Express options are available at checkout. UK and Norwegian orders may attract import duties on arrival — that's outside our control, but we mark paperwork accurately so there are no surprises at the door. Tracking is included on all orders.

Complete bikes can be returned within 14 days provided they haven't been ridden on the road — a static fit check is fine, a 40km sportive is not. Wheels, components, and apparel follow the same 14-day window. Contact us before sending anything back. We'll sort the logistics and, in most cases, find a better match for what you're actually looking for.

Frames carry a five-year warranty against manufacturing defects. Groupsets and components follow the original manufacturer terms — Shimano and SRAM both run two years. The Carbon 50mm Clincher and Zonda C17 wheelsets are covered for two years on structural defects. Crash damage isn't covered under warranty, but we can often source replacement parts and carry out repairs in-house. Bring it in and we'll take a look.

We do. A proper fit session before you buy is worth more than any component upgrade after the fact. We look at saddle height, reach, stack, and cleat position — the basics that most shops skip. In-person sessions are available by appointment. If you're buying remotely, we can work through a virtual fit using photos and your current bike geometry. It adds a day to the process and saves months of discomfort.