GO TO GEAR
Our editor JCW picks out some of his favourite riding-related kit
1 Haglöfs Essens insluated gilet A cold-weather essential – folds down small, but worth its (negligible) weight in gold if you have to stop to fix a mechanical. The 2021 equivalent uses eco-friendly synthetic insulation instead of goose down. Haglöfs Essens Mimic £140 www.haglofs.com
2 Troy Lee Designs A3 helmet I haven’t put in much time in the new A3 yet, but the super-comfy A1 was my favourite lid for years, the A2 became my top choice for hot, sweaty rides and this combines the best of both. £200 www.saddleback.co.uk
3 Scott Shield glasses The latest, almost goggle-sized specs fit even my deceptively big face. These are the best I’ve tried, with great lenses, a large field of vision and stubby helmetfriendly arms. £109 (photochromic) www.scott-sports.com
4 Fox Flexair jersey Fox always seem to hit the right balance of function, style and price, and their Flexair kit is light, stretchy and fast-wicking. £50 https://foxracing.co.uk
5 OneUp EDC pump and tool OneUp’s EDC tool has become a firm favourite. Store it inside one of their great pumps and you have all you need to handle most trailside emergencies. £54 V2 tool, £54 pump (100cc) https://uk.oneupcomponents.com
6 ION Universal Utility bag Not the sexiest bit of kit – like one of those big IKEA bags, but square and with a zip – but just the job for chucking muddy kit in after riding. It’s saved my car’s interior on many occasions! 24.95 www.ion-products.com
7 Continental Vaude jacket Weavs and I were given these on a Magura launch in 2011 and still wear them often. The light, stretchy polyester fabric probably doesn’t live up to Vaude’s modern eco standards, but the fit is outstanding. £75 Vaude Moab II Ultralight (2021 equivalent) www.vaude.com
8 Race Face Indy pads I’ve worn my original Indy pads to death, and the new version, with a strap across the top of the calf rather than around the thigh, is even better, offering great comfort and zero slippage. £72.95 www.silverfish-uk.com
9 BAM Regular Air Fitted boxer shorts After a long, hard ride there’s nothing better than cosseting your saddle-burnished loins! These are the comfiest pants I’ve tried, and are made from sustainable bamboo fabric. £15 https://bambooclothing.co.uk
10 DMR DeathGrips Grip choice is a personal thing, but I find these super-comfortable and they come in tons of options. £24 (Race Edition) + £12 collars www.upgradebikes.co.uk
11 Specialized Demo Pro shorts With long legs it’s a struggle to find shorts that don’t leave an annoying thigh gap above pads. These are the lengthiest I’ve come across, with a 16in quoted inseam on the large size. £90 www.specialized.com
12 Troy Lee Designs Air gloves Some of the only gloves I’ve found that fit my spindly fingers (you’re probably noticing a theme here!), in XXL. It’s lucky, then, that they’re great to ride in, with a nice thin palm. £30 www.saddleback.co.uk
13 Shimano MW7 winter shoes Gore-Tex boots are a godsend in the wet and cold months. Pricey, but worth it for toasty warm feet. £199.99 www.freewheel.co.uk
14 Crankbrothers Mallet DH pedals I love the float of Crankbros pedals, which makes it easier to shift your weight around on the bike. They’re easy to service and rebuild, too. £149.99 www.extrauk.co.uk