Cycling Plus

BEST KIT UNDER £50

We test 16 products under £50 that will help improve your winter cycling experience

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The winter months are firmly upon us, but that’s no excuse to stop pedalling – especially with so much top-quality kit out there to keep you warm and help keep the wheels turning. We’ve pulled together 16 useful products, all costing less than £50, that are sure to make life in the saddle that much better, whether it’s the daily commute, a leisurely roll-out or some serious winter training.

As with summer cycling, taking to your bike has many advantages, but these often get overlooked because we can’t see beyond the less-than-ideal weather.

Think about it – you nearly always feel better for cycling than not cycling; if you commute you will arrive at work feeling fresher and often be more productive than if you’d hopped in the car and sat in traffic, or relied on public transport. The same goes for the journey home, when being on the bike gives you the ideal opportunit­y to switch off from a busy day at work.

Yes, winter training can be tough – and we all struggle with motivation at times. If so, why not consider adding a winter sportive or similar event to your calendar? It’s a great way to keep your motivation levels high when temperatur­es aren’t, and will keep you focused on your fitness.

While many of the products here are useful year-round, our selection is based on the difference they can make specifical­ly during the winter months. A few simple accessorie­s for the bike can make winter riding safer and more pleasant, and winter cycle clothing has never been better or more affordable.

Good kit will keep you warm, dry and generally more comfortabl­e because it protects you from the elements. Keeping your contact points – namely your behind, feet and hands – happy will make a real difference to your time in the saddle. For the more competitiv­e rider, online training tools can help you maintain your fitness and see your winter goals through.

Whatever your level, there’s no need to stop cycling just because of inclement weather. Make the most of it instead.

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