ride

The Protector Jacket is Ride's take on the race cape, an ideal garment for stuffing in your jersey pocket just in case of a shower or two.

Handmade from 100% polyester the construction and material is good quality. You get elasticated cuffs and waistband keeping the draughts out and a neat opening in the back to allow access to your jersey pockets underneath. A full zip makes getting it on an off a breeze and it easily scrunches down to jersey pocket size.

The Ride Aquazero Skull Cap is different from most in that it has a water-repellent band around the forehead to provide extra protection from the elements. That band is also wind-resistant.

The rest of the skull cap – the red stuff – is a Super Roubaix fabric so it provides loads of warmth. The black fabric is AcquaZero (there's a 'c' in there, although Ride don't use it), a material that used to be exclusive to Santini but no longer is.

Ride are a new brand to these eyes, but going by these bib-tights they do darn good kit at a very reasonable price.

I booked today off a couple of weeks back cos I wanted to go for a proper bike ride. So I was super-chuffed to see blue skies, no wind and mid-teen temperatures when I got up this morning. After some mild fettling first thing I went for a wonderful 75-mile meander through sunny Sussex backroads and loved every minute of it. When I got home I celebrated my good fortune with a pint of ice-cold lager on Brighton beach before strolling home to get ready for an evening out with one of my best mates. I strongly suspect there will be a steak later too.