Mason Definition Shimano Ultegra Hydro review

Upon the first close-up look of the Mason Definition, the thought and quality that has gone into the design is clear to see.

Designed in southern England and made in Italy by tubing experts Dedacciai, the Definition is designed to conquer all four seasons.

The paint finish and subtle graphics are fantastic, with little touches like the embossed head tube badge.

Cable routing is very neat with a multiport internal cable routing that can accept all cables, including electronics.

The out-of-sight front derailleur cable routing is designed to keep water and grime out and shows the commitment made to ensure this bike is perfect for year-round riding.

Even with 28mm tyres fitted there’s still masses of clearance front and back, for possibly even larger tyres or mudguards, with neat, partly hidden eyelet mounts giving a clean look when not fitted.

The level of comfort is fantastic and one of the first things you’ll notice when riding is that it almost feels like the tarmac is being muted: although this does mean you lose some of the ‘road feel’ you get from a more race-oriented machine.

This won’t suit more aggressive riders but that’s not what this bike is about.

The cockpit components are superb, with Deda stem and bars giving a great position and Fabric bar tape and saddle that are some of the most comfortable we have ever used.

The Ultegra groupset is what we’d expect on a bike of this quality and price, and it doesn’t disappoint – the brakes in particular are fantastic.

The rougher the roads, the more rewarding the Definition seems to be, shrugging off the very worst potholes with incredible confidence.

Downhill, it has precision and stability, making it feel safe to ride as fast as you dare.

The overall bike weight is on the heavy side, and on longer or steeper climbs it doesn’t have the acceleration or zip that lighter, more responsive bikes manage, which is also noticeable when sprinting.

While the wheels are laterally stiff and feel bomb-proof, they’re heavy-ish, and the main reason why this one tips the scales a little.

RATINGS

Frame: Superb design and attention to detail. 10/10Components: From the comfy saddle to the well-shaped bars, everything is just right. 9/10Wheels: Sturdy enough but too heavy. 8/10The ride: High overall weight robs it of some of the immediacy of its competitors. 9/10

Verdict: The Mason Definition has a beautifully crafted frame that helps it stand out from the crowd. A solid, comfortable endurance bike for year-round riding.

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