Commuter clothing

These Proviz Winter Cycling Gloves are an absolute steal and perfect for most types of road riding thanks to a combination of clever design, keen pricing and good quality materials. Like others at this end of the market, there's some trade-off in terms of water-repellency but they're genuinely wind-proof and remain toasty-even fully saturated or submerged.

For me at least, Bontrager's Commuting Wool top is further proof that the US brand has its fingers firmly on the fashionable commuter pulse, producing garments that perform on the bike and at your destination whether it be work, rest or play.

Seventy quid sounds a little steep but then were talking Merino wool and razor sharp detailing. Sizing is accurate enough for virtual purchases, although, unless completely familiar with their range, Id still suggest trying before you buy depending on how fitted or loose you felt comfortable with.

Polaris started life as a small outfit making mountain bike clothing about two decades ago, and since then has also branched into other cycling worlds, with the RBS range of clothing aimed at the road and commuter markets. The range includes this RBS Jacket. And a very nice piece of kit it is too.

Bontrager's Sport Commuter Rainshell jacket cuts a dash whether in the saddle, on tour or just meandering round town thanks to its tasteful blue/grey livery and tailored fit. Pockets are limited to hip and poacher types complete with LED tab but adequate for parking hands and stashing spare batteries, lights, keys and generic nick nacks. The close cut flatters both cycling and civvie wardrobes handsomely but remember when riding to drop the front and pit zips or you'll feel like a steamed pudding after 20 minutes enthusiastic effort.

The Madison Telegraphe doesn't really look like a cycling jacket at all, but as soon as you put it on, you know it'll work on a bike too: a high collar to keep the wind out, sleeves that are long enough to keep your wrists covered when you're stretched out on your bike and pit zips and mesh lining to keep everything well ventilated.

New York's Outlier are not the only brand offering tailored city cycling clothing out there, but their take on it bring a distinctively American preppy-meets-hipster style. These Climber Pants fit the bill: smart, hard-wearing and 'reassuringly' expensive.

Bontrager's lightweight Commuting P{ants are spot on for general riding, retaining a sense of c'sredibility when sashaying past the photocopier, meeting friends in town or collecting the kids from school. They'd also make good touring companions thanks to low bulk. However, padded inserts are must haves for all but the shortest hops and sizing isn't quite an exact science so try before parting with your hard earned.

Bontrager's Commuting Jacket raises the bar for three seasons street inspired performance clothing impressing in the saddle while cutting a dash around town. It does a great job whether lining up at the traffic light grand prix in Lycra, dropping by at the accountant or simply calling at a friend's for Sunday lunch. Style and practicality come close to top marks thanks to colour choice, discrete, yet plentiful pockets and razor sharp detailing.