Technology and materials are advancing at such a rate that today’s high-end bikes are really something special, with incredibly low weights and more stiffness than most people would ever find the need for.

Such bikes are also incredibly expensive too, but by virtue of the trickle down effect, where technology and components on high-end bikes find their way down the range, buying a ready to race bike for not a lot of money is now easier than ever.

In this latest grouptest, we’ve picked £1,500 to £2,000, as we feel it’s a particularly competitive price range and one that gets the potential buyer a whole lot of bike. The latest materials, design and production methods feature in most frames, with a specification and finishing kit that probably won’t need touching out of the box. These bikes all are ready to ride hard or race fast.

You can expect anything from a full smattering of Shimano 105 to Shimano’s new Ultegra SL groupset, and just occasionally a rear derailleur upgrade to Dura-Ace. For Campagnolo, expect Veloce, perfectly competent but just lacking in carbon cranks, upwards to either Centaur or Chorus, or a mix of either.

Bikes on test

Specialized Tarmac Expert £1,999.99

Once the range topping bike but since superseded by the stiffer and lighter SL2 frameset, the Tarmac has proven a popular choice for riders and racers at all levels. It’s been ridden to much success by the two pro teams, Quickstep and Gerolsteiner, supported by Specialized, but is also a familiar sight at a grass roots level.

The full FACT carbon frame, Shimano’s latest Ultegra SL groupset and Fulcrum Racing 5 wheels combine to create a well priced package, which offers everything, out of the box, that a rider could ask for.

Focus Cayo Expert Campa £1,499.99

The German brand imported into the UK by online retailer Wiggle, have quickly garnered a reputation for amazing value for money, due to being available directly through Wiggle.

You get a lot for your money, with a full carbon frame fitted out with a Campagnolo Chorus groupset, save for a front mech upgrade to Record and Fulcrum R Carbon Torq chainset – using the same Ultra Torque fitting system as Campagnolo cranks. Fulcrum also supplies the Racing 5 wheels, with FSA finishing of the handlebars, stem and seatpost.

Wilier Izoard Centaur £1,999

Italian-based Wilier are recognisable as the choice of the Lampre team, and the company has been trading since 1906, but the brand’s presence in the UK is relatively minor, compared to that in native Italy anyhow.

For 2008 the Izoard frame has been updated with a new carbon lay-up, and offers a good blend of weight and stiffness for the racer or non-competitive rider. It’s neither as stiff nor light as the Cento used by the Lampre team, but is none too shabby. A full Campagnolo Centaur groupset complete with Fulcrum Racing 3 wheels and Ritchey finishing kit, and Wilier’s customary classy paint job.

Felt F4 £1,700

Expect to see a lot more from Felt in 2008, as they’re supplying bikes to the new Slipstream racing team, with David Millar among its ranks.

The brand does have a big following across the pond in the US, and expect the brand’s awareness to increase in the UK, depending on the success of the team. The F series has been designed with racers in mind, and the F4 here offers as near as damn it an identical frameset to that used by Millar and co.

The full carbon frame and fork are completed by Shimano’s Ultegra SL groupset and Mavic Ksyrium Equipe wheels.

Cannondale System Six 105 Compact £1,699

As ridden to much success by the Liquigas team, Cannondale’s System Six combines a hugely oversized carbon front triangle with a slender aluminium rear end, drawing on Cannondale’s expertise in both materials.

Available in a range of specifications, the one on test gets a full Shimano 105 groupset, Fulcrum Racing 7 wheels, Cannondale branded stem, bars and seatpost, Fizik’s Arione saddle and Vittoria Rubino Pro tyres.

Enigma Eclipse £1,599

While most bikes at this price point are largely made from carbon, we couldn’t complete the test without a titanium bike, and with the new Enigma Eclipse frameset, launched recently, costing just £899, a complete build within this price point was possible.

Drawing on many of Enigma’s hallmarks, the Eclipse uses plain gauge tubing in four sizes (but no custom option) to keep the price low. But it still looks every bit as good as the more expensive frames in the Enigma stable, but will it ride as well? For just under £1,600 you get a full Campagnolo Veloce groupset and Vento wheels with Enigma’s in-house finishing kit.

Watch out for all the tests over the following weeks, and the RCUK grouptest verdict to decide which we rate the best.