Accessories - misc

So why should a cyclist own a travel towel like this Sea to Summit Pocket one? Tourists who prefer campsites and hostels to B&Bs and hotels will want a towel, as will those commuters with access to a shower at work. Travel towels are much more portable.

The name of the MKS Aero Bell says it all. It’s a bell. It’s aero – or aero-ish. Bikes have to be sold with bells in the UK, although you’re free to remove them afterwards. Owners of road bikes often do so, more because they ‘look out of place’ than because of the minimal weight added or the micro-seconds lost to increased air resistance.

BreezeBlockers AeroBlades are handlebar-mounted shields to protect your hands from the chilling effect of the wind. Motorcyclists will be familiar with the concept, but they’ve seldom figured in the chilly weather plans of cyclists, especially road riders. Until now.

The ankle cuffs are made using soft supple leathers and reflective bead technology fabrics in a choice of several different colours and, sometimes, patterns. The result is a reflective cuff with more than a hint of rock chick attitude. These elevate the nerdy trouser clip and offer reflectivity, and therefore additional safety, coupled with a little bit of style. A winning combination as far as I’m concerned. They do reflect effectively as well, not just a token gesture.

Tubular purists look away now: we had good experiences of using Jantex tub tape. It was easy to fit, the tyres didn't fall off, and, erm, that's about it. There's plenty of people that'll tell you that it's not as strong as cement and they may well be right, but it was plenty strong enough during testing.

What better way to reincarnate a treasured tyre once the miles finally take their toll than as an extremely durable, nay practical belt. Aside from doing a fine job of holding the civvies up, they’re a chic, fun way of promoting recycling and an ideal stocking filler for that cyclist who has just about everything. However, with a bit of effort, rivet gun and belt buckle you could easily make your own.

This product is so simple it is genius*. I hate having to lug around a couple of kilos of theft deterrent but unfortunately it is a necessity if you leave your bike outside, unattended for more than 3 minutes, in a major conurbation such as London.

D-locks offer the best security but the Plastic holder's are ugly plus I have more than one bike but only one lock so each frame would need one. If I put the lock in a bag then I am burdened with carrying the bag. What this clever strap does is allow you to wear your D lock off your belt in a kind of holster fashion.

In keeping with similar security technologies, Alpha Dot won’t stop a thief half inching your steed, but coupled with stout locks and other sensible security the set makes bikes and components much harder to sell-on and more likely to be returned to their rightful owners. it can also reduce insurance premiums.

Even wide bars can feel cramped and untidy when they're festooned with computers, lights, heart rate monitors and other creature comforts. Thankfully Minoura’s swing grip handlebar tidy is here to help, adding valuable real estate to your cockpit and freeing up the bars for your hands.