What cannot be disputed is that Cristiano De Rosa has delivered on his promise of maximum rigidity. It’s the stiffest road bike I’ve ever tested. But looking the way it does, I would have been shocked (and a little disappointed) if it wasn’t. Would I choose to take the Protos around a 200km sportive? It wouldn’t be my first choice. But in a short, punchy event such as a criterium or circuit race, this bike will deliver every ounce of your power into propulsion. It is a beast. And despite a few comfort issues, the Protos was a totally engaging ride. Oh, and one more thing, be prepared to get a lot of admiring glances. Or were they looks of disbelief? I can’t quite decide.