FOUR ESSENTIALS

01 FACOM KEY SETS £58.40 (TORX), £16.54 (HEX)

French tool maker Facom has a big reputation when it comes to automotive tools but there’s plenty in the catalogue for the simpler mechanics of the bicycle.

The 89.JM torx key sleeve comes with T25, T20, T15,

T10, T8, T27, T30 and T40 bits all made to the highest standards and contained within a large 14cm package with 9cm long bits that are ideal for hard-to-reach bolts. The hex key sleeve comes with 1.5,2,2.5,3,4,5 and 6mm bits in a similarly chunky holder and long tools: both make bike maintenance that little bit easier (2.5 to 10mm range also available).

02 ACCU GAGE £27.50

The analogue Accu-Gage comes in pressure ranges of 0 to 15, 30, 60 or 160psi, for

Presta, plus two Schraeder options and has a lifetime warranty. For 2 per cent peak accuracy, select a gauge where your most commonly used tyre pressures fall between 25 to 75 per cent of its maximum.

The tough body has a grippy rubber cover, the push-on brass head avoids oids accidental leaks and d the indicator needle acts as a tell-tale sign, until the bleed valve button is depressed. sed.

03 CHPT3 x OT TOLOCK CINCH LOCK HEXBAND £68.00

At 182g this might be a bit heavier than a cheap cafe lock, but that translates into serious extra security with six bands of reinforced steel and Kevlar. Should a thief have a go while you sip your coffee, those bands glide over one another to reduce forces and make cutting the strap extra difficult.

04 LIFESAVER LIBERT Y WATER PURIFIER BOT TLE £89.99

Risk illness no more on your bikepacking trips with this water purifier, which claims to kill 99.99% of bacteria and viruses from wild water.

Weighing 582g, it has a 400ml capacity and filters up to 2000 litres of water before the cartridge needs to be replaced and fits into bike bottle cages.