Cyclo-cross frames have to be strong to cope with the stresses of riding off road, and also light enough to ride fast and shoulder the bike comfortably, so oversized aluminium is often the frame material of choice.

It’s also an affordable option, too, but move up through the range of a respective manufacturer and aluminium is likely to be replaced by carbon fibre. Titanium and steel ‘cross bikes are less common, though the Charge Freezer Ti and Genesis Croix de Fer (the best selling bike in the British firm’s range) can be named as an example of each.