Alternative kit-proper clobber from outside biking

Keeping dry

» Bike waterproofs are better than they used to be. But try a discount outdoor shop. On the sale rail you’ll find waterproof, breathable, lightly-insulated, robust jackets and trousers designed to deal with force-ten hillside gales for less cash than flappy bike kit. I’ve happily used Sprayway stuff through several winters.

Staying snug

» Neckers, buffs, snoods. Everyone needs a decent neck warmer. Bike stuff is fine and dandy, but think about other sports. Anglers spend days freezing on blustery riverbanks and need top kit, so I use a fleece neck warmer from a fishing brand, complete with rubberised wind-beating bib. Not found better in 20 years.

Scented or unscented?

» You come back late from a summer ride, lob the bike in the shed and forget about it. Next time you go in it’s got flies and chain lube welded all over it. So break out the baby wipes. Made to shift a nipper’s dried-on waste produce, they’re bloody effective, super cheap and safe on all surfaces. Good on leathers, too.

Lifetime accessories

» Fed up of broken straps, bust fasteners and splits on strap-on luggage? Go army surplus. Ex-army panniers and bags need a waterproof inner, but their heavy-duty construction is indestructible. They’re also cheap and make your GS look cool. These are my son Ed’s WWII tool bags on his WK Scrambler. They cost £12.