Azor Toronto, £480
The Dutch know as much about cycling as they do about tulips, hard cheese and dope, which is to say a lot. This bike from one of the Netherlands’ leading manufacturers not only looks stylish, it’s also strong, durable and sure to guarantee you decades of pleasurable, languorous riding.

Stockists: velorution.biz, 020 7637 4004

Mobiky Genius, £500
The Mobiky’s award-winning design means that it’s not only light, hard-wearing and easy to fold, but it also feels speedier than some of its rivals in this category. It rolls on wheels when folded up too, which anyone who has ever lugged a so-called light-folding bike any distance will appreciate.

Stockists: velorution.biz, 020 7637 4004

Ridgeback Comet £259.99
If spending a significant part of your salary on a bike seems ridiculous, not to say rash if you’re not even sure cycling to work is for you, the Comet is a great entry-level option. It’s easy to ride, comfortable and even comes with puncture-resistant tyres, which – if they work – are a godsend to all cyclists.

Stockists: evanscyles.com, 0870 165 1108

Pinnacle Mean Streak 2.0, £474.99
This robust hybrid is a bike that can handle towpaths, potholes and dropping off kerbs just as easily as it gobbles up flat roads. Hybrids combine the sturdiness of a mountain bike with the speed and lightness of a racer, allowing you to zip in and out of traffic with no worries. Well… hardly any worries.

Stockists: pinnacle-bikes.co.uk, 0845 006 3885

Velorution Scorcher, £850
The Velorution Scorcher has that stripped-down look that cycle couriers are so fond of, though they like it because it maximises speed – the understated elegance it supplies is a bonus. If you’re someone who manages to cycle to work in a dandyish suit and look unruffled on arrival, this bike is your perfect partner.

Stockists: velorution.biz, 020 7637 4004