When I started LB in 2005 I knew I couldn’t please everyone all the time. The same’s true now with one proviso. As I’ve taken complete beginners (and experts!) out on tours I’ve learnt a bit more about how diverse the market is. Originally I thought that height would be the biggest factor but in fact I’ve sold more low racers and trikes than high racers. Much of what is considered ‘right’ has a lot to do with your own body size. Not surprisingly taller customers like the Challenge Seiran for example.
If you want a general purpose bike then the Furai and Fuego are well worth considering - both available as ‘allround’ versions to compare. The new Fujin Tour shares much of this territory too. The ICE B1 is a good bike for those wanting a higher manouverable bike. Dutch equivalents would be the Mistral or Feiro. The Rapto is good for those wanting a great value bike which can shift - full stop.
When it comes to speed and light weight - then the Challenge SL range is at the front.
Trikes are represented by ICE with their excellent TRICE range. Challenge have also joined the fray with their folding Alize model.
