This new entry-level road bike from Wiggle's own brand Verenti could just be the best value beginner road bike we've seen to date. Benefiting from its parent company's buying power, the Technique Claris has a spec sheet that simply doesn't match up to its £399 price.
For the cash, the Verenti Technique Claris pairs an alloy frame to a part carbon bladed fork, and adds a 16-speed Shimano Claris transmission, Tektro alloy caliper brakes and decent quality alloy finishing kit from 4ZA. To get close to this level of equipment, most manufacturers will be charging you the wrong side of £500. Even when you turn to value specialists Boardman, you don't get the same level of kit on any of its comparable road models.
Its pearly white paint is completely inoffensive if not exactly inspiring, while the coloured highlights bring a welcome contrast. The geometry sheet doesn't have any odd figures on it and the quality of the frame overall looks particularly good for the price.
Wiggle's immense buying power means that the Technique's spec is second to none
It wouldn't be a BikeRadar just in without us weighing the bike, and our large test bike clocks in at a very reasonable 10.15kg (22.37lb).
We'll hold out our true judgement until we've put the miles into this bike - but as far as first impressions go, things are looking grand.
Can you think of a better value bike for less than £400? Fancy discussing this model in further detail? Head over to the Verenti Technique thread on the BikeRadar forum and chime in on the discussion.
There Verenti Technique Claris is available now in six sizes via the Wiggle website.
