With winter on the horizon, many cyclists will be digging out last year’s cold-weather kit to prepare for the season ahead.
After all, with a few careful additions to your riding ensemble, it’s possible to keep riding in comfort through winter.
With that in mind, we’ve selected six seasonal upgrades to see you through to spring, all available for less than £60.
GripGrab Windster 2 Windproof Gloves
- Buy now from Amazon
Danish brand GripGrab knows a thing or two about cold-weather cycling kit and these Windster 2 gloves are proof of that.
We reviewed the GripGrab Windster 2 gloves earlier this year and they immediately earned a spot in our round-up of the best winter cycling gloves.
“Well-designed gloves that will keep your hands warm in cold conditions,” was our verdict, and you can’t say fairer than that.
CatEye Rapid X3 Rear Light
- Buy now from Amazon
The Rapid X3 is one of CatEye’s most powerful rear lights and is available for £37.20 – a 26 per cent discount – in a limited-time offer from Amazon.
This rear lamp offers six modes, with a maximum output of 150 lumens, making it suitable for both daytime and night use.
When we reviewed the CatEye Rapid X3, we described it as “a good light with plenty of functions and more than ample power” but noted that its shape and mounting options made it better suited to road riding and commuting, rather than the rough-and-tumble of mountain biking.
Honeywell TurboForce Power Fan
- Buy now from Amazon
Okay, braving the winter weather isn’t for everyone, and indoor cycling is undoubtedly a time-efficient way to train.
Using a smart trainer is a sweaty business, though, so you’ll need a good fan.
This Honeywell fan is a good-value favourite for dedicated turbo trainer riders, members of the BikeRadar team included.
It’s relatively compact but, with three power settings, generates enough of a breeze for tough interval sessions. It can also be rotated through 90 degrees to direct the airflow right where you need it.
Lezyne Micro 600 XL front light
- Buy now from Amazon
Back to lights, and the Lezyne Micro Drive 600 XL remains one of the best bike lights we’ve tested over the past couple of years.
With a maximum output of 600 lumens, it’s powerful enough for riding on unlit roads, though you’ll want to upgrade to the 800 XL or 1000 XL if you’re spending significant time riding under cover of darkness.
The Micro Drive 600 XL is ideal for short night rides or commuting, though, and in our review, we were impressed by the consistency of its broad beam pattern and lightweight, sleek design.
SKS Bluemels Stingray Mudguards
- Buy now from Amazon
Mudguards are a winter essential if you live in a wet climate – we’re looking at you, UK readers – and the Bluemels are a popular, long-standing option from SKS.
In our SKS Bluemels Stingray review, we praised their straightforward, rock-solid fitment and effective coverage.
These are ideal for dedicated winter road riders, keeping your feet and backside dry from road spray, and are rated for use with 28-38mm tyres.
And if you want even more coverage, check out the SKS Raceblade Long fenders, with added mud flaps.
Muc-Off Bike Care Essentials Kit
- Buy now from Amazon
Finally, winter riding can, unfortunately, be pretty filthy.
However, cleaning your bike regularly is not only good for the soul, but can increase the lifespan of your components, too.
This Bike Care Essentials Kit from Muc-Off contains a few of the essentials to help you along the way, including a bottle of bike wash and a stiff brush to ease away stubborn grime.
