dhb

The dhb Blok 18 messenger bag is a budget-priced courier satchel refreshingly free of road warrior pretensions. Attention to detail is generally excellent, with imaginative graphics and an LED tab that places the humble blinky in pole position. However, persistent discomfort in my left shoulder suggests the triangular stabilizing strap doesn't distribute weight as effectively as more traditional designs.

The dhb Slice 25 litre rucksack is the beautiful offspring of a passionate tryst between commuter bag and hydration pack. Yes, I liked it.

A sleek profile and clever design means it tracks seamlessly with the rider without detracting from a frisky road bike's character en-route to the office or on day rides, while also doubling as a capable trail companion too. Ditch the (optional) hydration bladder, and it will entertain small tablet computers along with a change of clothes, shoes, lock, stationery and other bike/ridr/commuter essentials.

Oversocks seem to be everywhere at the moment and these Cover Sock ones from dhb are a decent option, providing a little extra warmth and adding protection for your shoes.

The dhb oversocks are made from polypropylene (65%) with nylon (31%) and elastane (4%) making up the remainder. Polypropylene doesn't absorb water and it dries super-fast, so even if these get wet with road spray, the air blowing over them as you ride means they're soon back to normal.

This dhb Merino Roundneck base layer is very good indeed for most types of cold-weather riding.

I've been testing the short-sleeve round-neck version. Other merino options from dhb include versions with long sleeves and with long sleeves and a high, zipped neck. The vests are also available in two fabric thicknesses (M 150 and M 190, the numbers refer to the fabric's weight in grams per square metre), and in men's and women's cuts. Oh yeah, and they come in a range of colours too.

The dhb Sync cycling jacket is an impressive piece of kit; a full-on waterproof and windproof outer layer, giving excellent protection against the elements. In design, it's more like a jacket for hiking or hill-walking, so may well appeal to people looking for versatility - although it has a bit of an urban flava as well, so may be useful for commuters. It also looks similar to the understated jackets from brands such as Rohan aimed at stylish world travellers.

These Roubaix liner gloves from dhb add extra warmth without much bulk and a silicone palm print provides grip if you want to wear them without another pair of gloves over the top.

The lightweight nylon/elastane fabric is very stretchy so you can get a good, close fit and it offers a surprising amount of warmth when worn underneath a windproof outer pair of gloves. The brushed inner face feels really soft and comfortable against your hands and it helps move moisture outwards to keep your hands feeling dry when you start to sweat.

dhb's Extreme Winter Gloves are designed, as the name implies, to protect your hands in cold and wet weather. And they do just that.

I've used them on the bike when the temperature's been hovering between zero and five degrees and they've kept my hands very warm indeed, right down to the finger tips. I also gave the gloves the rigorous road.cc hosepipe test, and can confirm that the waterproof membrane keeps out the water.

The EQ2.5 Jacket from dhb is designed to keep you warm and dry when cycling in cold and wet weather - and it does just that, very well indeed.