With the winter weather well and truly upon us, we spare a thought for those who brave the harsh streets each day. Cyclists (or, Amazing Hero People, as we call them) will hop on the bike come rain or shine. And why? Because they care about the environment, okay? Or they don't own a car or something. Either way, we salute them and offer them a helping hand with this Winter Cycling feature.
BrightSide TopSide Bike Light
Lights should always be your first port of call in the darker months, and this compact product from BrightSide kills a couple of birds in one bright swing. Designed to be fitted to your helmet (or elsewhere should you wish) the TopSide features a forward white light and a rear red light. As well as continuous shining from both, you can cycle through combinations of illumination, from front one fully on and rear blinking, to both blinking, or rear off entirely.
Included in the tight package is everything you'll need to mount it to your skid lid. You can pop it off and on easily, and also simply affix it to your handle bars or anywhere, offering versatility of use. The BrightSide TopSide bike light is waterproof, tough, and very, very bright. Perfect winter cycling accessory, then.
£29.99
Visit www.amazon.co.uk
Eddystone Clip-on LED Light
Next up is this pint-sized helper. Whereas the above light is all bells and whistles, this budget option from Ultimate Performance has been designed to be small, compact and easy to use. Shining in a bright blue light (never had one of those), this can be used for pretty much anything, from an additional light on your bag while cycling, or even on the collar of your dog during nighttime walks.
As the name suggests you simply clip this on, so clothing and bags are easy, whereas bike frames and helmets would present more of a challenge. But come on... it's under a tenner (or less). Well worth it for whatever.
£9.99
Available from www.amazon.co.uk
Litelok Silver
It's been two whole years since we reviewed the original LiteLok, a tough bike security tool, and now they're back. LiteLok Silver is their latest lock, boasting a far lighter weight, while still offering superb protection. As with previous LiteLoks, the Silver is a rigid length of plastic-wrapped aluminium that you flex around your bike to secure it. Imagine a massively strong belt. Yeah, you've got it.
Speaking of belts, you can actually wear the LiteLok Silver as you cycle. It ships with a length of Velcro-fastening fabric to wrap it around your waist or chest. You can also affix it to the bike (which we preferred) using two included Velcro straps. Either way, this offers great peace of mind thanks to a toughness that really can't be beaten.
From £69.99
Available from www.amazon.co.uk
Tentree Elms Tree T-Shirt
Now that you're safe and your bike hasn't been nicked, best to get some decent cycling clobber. This t-shirt from Tentree will not only act as a comfortable base layer while you ride, it'll also give you a warm feeling on the inside. For every t-shirt they sell Tentree donates a real tree to projects around they world, and you can track the tree's progress online.
Back home, this tee features a cool nature-inspired print, comes in two colours, and is made from recycled polyester, All-in-all, this is a win for everyone and you'll look good as you actively save the planet from multiple angles, you incredible person.
£31.95
Visit www.alpinetrek.co.uk
Howie's Organic Jean
On your lower half pop on a pair of rugged, warm, and comfortable jeans. We have high hopes for this pair from Howie's, as two years ago we reviewed a pair of their cycling shorts... and they're still going strong! Here you get regular fit jeans made from 100% organic cotton, making them sturdy but comfy. Good combo.
Available in either mid wash or light wash shades, they feature a unique zig-zag pattern, designed to keep them straight after washing. With all the typical pockets you'd expect from jeans, and a button fly, they'd be perfect for cycling in colder weather, and tough enough to keep you going for years. Check 'em out.
£75
Visit howies.co.uk
Etnies Retro Hooded Fleece
On top, wear this. Skateboarding brand Etnies create seriously cool and comfortable clothing, and this baggy hoodie should be a go-to garment during the cold months. Coming in three bold colours, and boasting a large Etnies logo print on the rear, it features a kangaroo pocket, a draw-string hood and an acid wash finish.
We like that, thanks to that acid wash, it already looks well-loved when you buy it. Unbelievably comfy on (one of our number recently slept in it) the Retro Hooded Fleece will be keeping you toasty until spring. For cyclists it represents a handy extra layer, and the hood will prove useful underneath your bike helmet.
£59.99
Visit www.etnies.com
éS Accel OG Shoes
Another skateboarding brand being appropriated for cycling... these shoes from éS are perfect everyday skids. Featuring a plush tongue for absolute comfort, they use a perforated side for breathability and tough rubber soles for grip.
The upper section is soft suede, so they are very snug and comfy. Keeping your plates of meat warm in the winter is important, but also you need to look the business once you lock up your bike and hit the office or the bar. This pair from éS are truly versatile no matter what method of transport you're using, so check them out.
£69.99
Visit www.esskateboarding.com