ENVE Fray - the ultimate all-road option?

The ENVE Fray makes a good case for itself being the best all-road bike, but does it make sense?

Cycling Weekly Verdict

Bedecked with all sorts of goodies from ENVE, the Fray is a rather premium-priced all-road bike that does lots of the ings very well, but isn't outstanding in any one area other than versatility. With 40mm of tyre clearance, it can manage very varied terrain, but it's hard to argue that it is good value.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Comfortable and efficient

  • +

    Very versatile

  • +

    Storage and mounting options

  • +

    Excellent spec

  • +

    Lots of build options

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    High price

  • -

    Lacks a bit of purpose

  • -

    Downtube storage rattles

  • -

    Included bars are flared

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

There’s nothing like your mates for keeping you grounded. “You’re not good enough to ride a gold bike!” was Rich’s only comment when I turned up to the ride on the ENVE Fray. Harsh, but fair really, although I’d argue that the shiny ‘Venom’ paint job is more green than yellow.

The Fray is ENVE’s all-road bike, sitting between the MOG gravel bike and the Melee road machine. All three bikes are only available in the UK as a ‘chassis’, which includes the stem, bars and seatpost (all from ENVE, naturally); however, in the US, you can buy just the frameset without the other components. Currently, the UK gets three colours as opposed to the seven available over the pond, although this may well change. Clearly, with so many colour options, the Fray has been a success for ENVE, which has used its extensive carbon know-how well in its succinct range of frames.

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Tim Russon is a writer and photographer who has worked in the outdoor and cycling industry for over 20 years. He can’t remember a time when he didn’t own a bike and has road, gravel, mountain and retro bikes in the shed. His favourite place to ride is the Dolomites, a simply stunning area which has breathtaking views and incredible roads combined with lovely food and great wine.

He prefers long, hot climbs in the big mountains, but as he lives on the edge of the Peak District he has to make do with short, cold climbs most of the time instead.

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