Ok, so maybe a big chunky bell could ruin the overall look of your vintage fixed-gear bike with antique leather saddle and ironic basket, but when you are cycling to your favourite independent, responsibly sourced, dairy-free coffee shop you need something to make the plebeians move out of the way. Fear not- Spurcycle have designed possibly one of the most attractive bicycle bells to compliment you hipster bike (side note: this bell will also work on non-hipster bikes).

The Flyweight Bib Shorts have been specifically designed for cycling and training in hot and humid conditions. With an 80% polyester and 20% elastane combination fabric, they are light and breathable, featuring a thin mesh upper section with a cut away at the front to keep you cool. The material offers a soft four-way stretch to allow for maximum movement, and they have been treated with Coldblack, which reduces the build-up of heat by reducing the amount of sunlight absorbed by the fabric.

The Factor Techlace cycling shoes are a race-bred shoe that has the benefits of the Giro Techlace system, the Boa dial for easy adjustment, and has an impressively low weight of just 210g (at size 42.5). The D-rings have been replaced by a Techlace system, this creates more flexibility across the forefoot and in the event of any damage or wear though prolonged use, the laces can easily be replaced. The upper is a one-piece design, with a breathable Evofiber SL, breathable Teijin microfiber, and the Techlace + Boa IP 1 dial (1mm +/- with macro release).

You cannot help but be hit in the face with the design of the Giro Empire SLX Lava Reflective. Inspired by a dorm room lava lamp, this limited-edition Empire SLX features a reflective lava graphic, which inspires a love or hate reaction, personally I am not a fan but I respect the risks Giro take with their colours and patterns. It makes for an exciting collection and brightens up the shoe rack, if nothing else!

The Giro Empire ACC continues to try and push the boundaries of high-performance cycling shoes, this classic laced closure offers seven points of fit adjustment and includes a breathable Evofiber synthetic upper for a close fit and comfort. The Easton EC90 ACC is a full carbon sole that offers the stiffness needed for excellent performance whether you are using them in Grand Tours or gran fondos, they have an ultra-low 6.5mm stack height for a close connection to the pedals.

The Bont Riot MTB is the world’s first carbon composite heat moldable entry level MTB shoe to offer in the marketplace. The Riot MTB has combined the pro series technical features including the power transfer platform, replaceable sole guards, anatomical shaping and competition grade materials. The upper is constructed from a strong microfiber outer layer with mesh inserts that help the breathability of the shoes, the carbon composite construction has been specifically designed to keep the weight low.

The first and most noticeable thing about this latest jersey from Rapha, is the design print, supposedly this has been inspired by the “dynamic visuals of the Rapha Rides campaign”. For me it looks like it has been inspired by the pattern on our local park and ride bus seats. It is clear to say that I am not a fan of the pattern but hey, even Rapha can’t get it right 100% of the time. Aesthetics aside, what really counts is how this jersey performs.

If you are going to trust any company to know what they are doing when it comes to protection against the elements whilst out ripping up a bike trail, a Scottish one is a safe bet! The Endura MT500 shell is crammed full of tech to provide you with the ultimate trail riding protection; the breathable ExoShell60 is three-layer, fluorine-free waterproof fabric that has a breathability rating of more than >60,000gms/m²/24hr and a waterproof rating of >18,000mm.

The Core Winter Jacket from Rapha has arrived to ensure you have no excuse not to get out on the bike as the days get colder allowing you to continue your training through the winter months. The Core range focuses on getting the basics right so the Winter Jacket has a weather-resistant 3-layer laminate front section that keeps the body and front of the arms warm with wind and water resistance and it has a breathable back to let any excess heat escape.