women's

Women's cycling trousers are as rare as the proverbials of rocking horses, so in desperation I tried a pair of more general outdoor and walking trousers, in the theory that they were made of softshell fabric and looked pretty low key and also had a gusseted crotch meaning they should do the trick when on the bike.

The Rapha Women's Long Sleeve Base Layer is a soft, breathable base layer made from merino wool that will prove useful time and time again, both on and off the bike.

The Amare from Giro is no cheap and cheerful beginner's lid, it's a properly technical, super light and highly ventilated helmet, aimed at demanding riders.

Waterproof gaiters are not exactly a new concept in the walking market, and cyclists have been wearing overshoes for donkey's years. But these Georgia In Dublin Leggits are proper long, waterproof gaiters for cyclists, exclusively female ones, and a pretty innovative idea. But is it useful and do they work?