Essential spring kit

We test eight jerseys and bibs from some of the best British brands to keep you pedalling this spring

Blue skies, warm air on your face and verges ablaze with bluebells and daffodils gently swaying in the breeze, that’s what riding in spring is all about, right? A less rose-tinted perspective also has to consider that the season can throw wind, rain and even snow and ice at you at times. Fortunately, with so much good riding kit available there’s no excuse not to ride.

The variety of conditions you could face on a single ride means that suiting up takes a little more thought. There are a number of choices for the upper body, whether it’s a short-sleeved jersey with arm warmers for milder days or a long-sleeved jersey for cooler rides. The jersey and arm warmer setup is a favourite because it allows for easy on-the-fly changes to keep your temperature regulated.

For colder days, the long-sleeved jersey is invaluable. Many are lightweight, offering jacket-like qualities of being both warm and breathable. Some brands add windproof panels to keep the cold out on breezy days and a durable water-repellent treatment to see you through a shower.

Moving down the body there are two options. Comfortable and warm threequarter bib shorts are a good choice on cooler days due to their added coverage. As an investment, they’re also useful in autumn and for winter cyclo-cross racing.

Alternatively, you can pair shorts with knee or leg warmers. Again, giving you the option to remove them mid-ride should the conditions improve.

A UK spring is an unpredictable season, so there’s no definitive answer when it comes to kit choice. We tested a variety of options to suit all conditions and budgets.