'13 Trek

Trek designer Gary Fisher knows a lot about cross bikes. He's raced them, ridden them for years, even reviewed them for cycling publications. With that knowledge he presents the Ion CX, which he calls "smartly unique." It boasts Trek's super-stiff aluminum frame with a carbon cross fork for a nimble, efficient ride that simply flies. But the really unique part is the fact that it sports wide, 38c tires and even provisions for fenders. So, this is a full-on race-ready bike that's stiff, light and tackles the toughest, messiest courses out there. It also excels at commuting and winter training, or just enjoy it all-year long. And nothing shows off its workhorse pedigree like its precision Shimano 105 gruppo, Avid cantilever brakes and Bontrager components and wheels.