The Light Blue Robinson RD 105 review

This British designed steel machine is a great choice for winter riding. The disc brakes and full mudguards are just what you need when the weather turns and the solid build will keep you rolling when the roads deteriorate.

Here's our full review of the The Light Blue Robinson RD 105.

Frame

The TIG-welded Reynolds 725 frameset with cro-mo forks is stiff, responsive and great to ride. Having a steel frame, it’s naturally too heavy for racing, but that doesn’t seem to be to the detriment of this bike’s performance as a winter steed.

Add in the very aesthetically pleasing paintjob, eyelets and clearance for essential mudguards and this is a bike that combines looks and practicality wonderfully.

Specification

Like other winter bikes in this price range, the The Light Blue Robinson RD 105 carries a full Shimano 105 drivetrain — but with Avid mechanical disc brakes. Shimano hydraulics would be a step up, but these cable offerings work well.

The disc brake wheelset has aero-profiled rims, which are a nice touch. The test model came with Schwalbe Durano 25mm tyres, but the advertised bike comes clad in Durano Plus 28mm — the maximum width the mudguards can accommodate.

>>> Winter road bike tyres: a buyer’s guide

The advertised tyres are a better choice, especially for winter.

Get you bike ready for the bad weather

Ride

This bike was very enjoyable to ride and may have won the grouptest it formed part of, had the Tifosi CK7 Gran Fondo Campagnolo Veloce not been such a standout bike at such great value.

The stiff frame of the Robinson gives you the zip you want while shrugging off the weather-rutted roads of the darker months.

The mudguards do their job well and don’t detract from the look of the bike, and the disc brakes offer great stopping power in the wet and on steep descents, contributing to confident handling.

Value

At £1,399.99, this is the most expensive model of those in a recent winter bike grouptest. But that doesn’t mean it’s overpriced, as it offers a good package for the money.

It rides well, the whole build is up to scratch with barely a corner cut. Need convincing? Simply take a test ride.