Verenti Defense

Off-the-peg winter bikes are still surprisingly scarce and Verenti will join only a handful of other brands in making an affordable machine specifically designed to hold off the worst excesses of the season (audax-inspired machines from Ribble and Tifosi are among the few others that spring to mind).

The Defense has at its heart a 7005-series aluminium frame and carbon-bladed fork. Both, crucially, are fitted with mudguard mounts, providing an instant appeal for riders hoping to stay dry this winter while avoiding the often frustrating task of installing what might be described as temporary guards to machines with no permanent mooring. The metal mudguards supplied with the Defense are accommodated by a set of long-drop, dual pivot brake calipers from Shimano.

Belgian component brand, 4ZA, claim the lion’s share of the specification, supplying a handbuilt, aluminium clincher wheelset laced with rust-discouraging stainless steel spokes in a suitably robust two-cross pattern front and rear, and the entire finishing kit. Elsewhere, shifting duties are handled by STI levers and derailleurs from Shimano’s revamped Sora offering, while an FSA Omega chainset completes the drivetrain. The tyres are 25c Kenda K-West.

The Verenti Defense will be available in black, and in six sizes from extra, extra small to extra large. It will cost £700.