Proviz

Pro Viz has certainly tweaked quality control as well as the technology when it comes to their Hi Viz rucksack and tri-viz reflective triangle. Starting with the bag, this retains the rip stop nylon/Codura mix of its forbears but seems a more durable blend and those padded straps have been grazing on steroids. Speaking of which, there are 10 and 30 litre capacities in either day glow yellow or softer-spoken black/Scotchlite.

Aimed primarily at commuter cyclists, the Proviz Electroluminescent Hi-Viz jacket may lack the tailored cut of racier garments but even so it doesn't billow like a builder's tarpaulin and protects your back and vital organs particularly well if you are riding a tourer, crosser or similarly upright road bike and thanks to four integrated electroluminescent strips it's highly visble too.

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.

Don't be mislead by the 'Urban' tag, the Pro-Viz Triton helmet is every bit as good for touring and trail duties courtesy of ample ventilation, moderate weight and decent build quality. On the flip side, with some of the big brands offer integrated lighting and similarly swish stuff as standard on their urban lids, and I was disappointed by a lack of insect netting that would've eliminated momentary panic when an insurgent wasp flew straight into my thatch.