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It’s that time again — our annual awards are here, and we’re kicking things off by celebrating the standout accessories that earned a coveted spot in road.cc Recommends during 2025. From helmets and glasses to locks and lights, tools and bags, this is our most varied category, and only the very best make the cut.
How the road.cc Recommends awards work
Before diving in, here’s how we arrived at this point. Throughout the year, our team brings you in-depth, independent reviews of bikes, components, accessories, and clothing across road.cc, off.road.cc, and ebiketips. Each month, we hand-pick the most impressive products and add them to road.cc Recommends, the section of the site that’s reserved for the stuff that’s really special.
When it comes to accessories, components, and clothing, we don’t rank products in top 10 lists. Instead, we recognise them in three distinct ways:
- Bargain Buy – Outstanding value for money; the ultimate bang-for-your-buck award.
- Money No Object – Put price to one side; this one’s purely about top-tier performance. It’s not always pricey, but sometimes it is.
- Editor’s Choice – The best blend of performance and value.
We don’t always hand out all three awards in each category – only where they’re deserved. For example, if nothing particularly stands out in terms of value, we don’t feel obliged to give out a Bargain Buy award.
One final note before we dive in: all prices listed were accurate at the time we originally published our reviews. Some may have changed since then, but our scores and opinions are based on those prices. We’ve also added links to buy each product, and again, these may differ from RRPs when the reviews were published.
Let’s take a look at the road.cc Recommends Accessories of the Year 2025/26.
Oat To Joy by Emma Pooley (£24.99)
Oat To Joy: Recipes (and somewhat of an oatobiography) is a brilliant book. Emma Pooley, former world cycling and duathlon champion, serves up a blend of sport storytelling and snack-making in a well-crafted package. The book is split between over 40 tried, tested and refined oat-based recipes and 17 chapters of what Emma calls the Snack Chronicles – a witty, insightful look at moments and challenges that shaped her career.
Pooley’s approach to “race food” is refreshingly honest: she admits that mass-produced gels often wreaked havoc in the team car, inspiring her to craft her own portable alternatives. The recipes – covering Vegemite banana bread to carrot cake cookies – are foolproof, clearly photographed, and categorised according to difficulty. Even the “hard” recipes are surprisingly doable, leaving room for experimentation.
Even if you never step into the kitchen, the Snack Chronicles alone are worth the price. Emma’s stories brim with humour and perspective, covering everything from bike setup and training psychology to the highs and lows of women’s racing. She balances grounded reflection with infectious enthusiasm, and you’ll feel like you know her by the final page.
Hardback and beautifully printed, Oat To Joy is an outstanding book for anyone who loves cycling, endurance sport, or simply great food with a side of inspiration.
Why it’s here Unique, brilliantly written and more than 40 oat-based recipes to fuel you – plus insights for all sports enthusiasts
Read the review
Lost Summers and Half-Forgotten Afternoons: A Mint Sauce collection by Jo Burt (£35)
Mint Sauce is a mountain-biking sheep with a surprisingly philosophical streak, and he has been charming off-roaders for decades. This is a coffee table-sized round-up of some of the cartoon strips and drawings that first appeared in Mountain Biking UK (MBUK) magazine back in the 1980s, and it’s a beautifully crafted collection.
Jo Burt’s creation is equal parts absurd, heartfelt, and funny. Mint navigates the South Downs with his tartan-skirted girlfriend, his best mate Chipko Andolan, and even occasional appearances from Death (scythe in hand, naturally) and woodland pixies up to no good.
Beyond the laughs – like bikes sneaking out at night and trail forecasts in the style of the shipping forecast – there’s genuine emotional punch. This is more than a cartoon collection: it’s a celebration of cycling’s simple joys, a quiet philosophy, and a whimsical love letter to the South Downs.
Reviewer Laura Laker says, “What Burt has achieved with this collection, and with this body of work, is a celebration of the simplicity of a bike ride, and a refusal of the at times macho spirit of cycling – as well as a thing of real beauty. Mint’s life, as it were, celebrates the joy of cycling and the connection cycling gives us to special places, to ourselves and our riding companions.”
Why it’s here Fabulously rendered coffee table collection of three decades of the iconic mountain-biking sheep’s adventures. Lovely!
Read the review
All That Matters by Sir Chris Hoy (£22)
All That Matters is far from a normal cycling memoir; Sir Chris Hoy does an extraordinary job of conveying the experience of being given a terminal cancer diagnosis and the challenges of subsequent treatment. It is well-written and personal, and it’s heartening to see him take the opportunity to raise awareness of prostate cancer and opportunities for testing.
Sir Chris writes that he wants “to offer insight into how a family deals with a diagnosis like mine and hopefully inspire others who are on a difficult journey to find a way back to living a good, hopeful life.”
Much of the book charts the moment he is told he has cancer, the realisation that it is terminal, and the aftermath. The writing puts you firmly in the room: the shock, the helplessness, the physical and mental toll.
The book balances Sir Chris’s accounts of diagnosis and treatment with wider reflections on family, purpose and time. He is frank about fear, anger and grief, but equally clear about what still matters to him: riding bikes, staying active, finding joy, and being there for loved ones. There’s also enough on his Olympic career and later motorsport ventures to provide context.
Compassionate and inspirational, All That Matters is an exceptional book.
Why it’s here If helping people to understand more about cancer is a good thing, Hoy’s participation will help to raise awareness
Read the review
Tailfin Bar Cage and 11L Bag (£160)
The Tailfin Bar Cage is a handlebar luggage solution that sets a high bar for anyone else who wants to compete. Light, rock solid, endlessly adjustable, and compatible with both drop and flat bars, it takes the headache out of front-end packing. Gone are the days of wrestling straps around levers, cables, and lights; Tailfin’s system, with two pivot points, delivers masses of mounting positions.
Fitting the Bar Cage is mostly straightforward, though you’ll need both a T25 Torx and a 4mm hex. Once on, the cage holds everything from tiny drybags to full-on tent rolls without a hint of rattling, even over rough terrain.
Tailfin’s matching Hypalon Cage Bags slot on effortlessly and stay centred. The bags themselves aren’t cheap, but clever features like built-in air valves, abrasion protection, and secure strap retention justify the price.
Overall, the Bar Cage works brilliantly, the bags go on quickly and without faff, and everything remains perfectly secure. On top of all that, you get a five-year warranty, 30 per cent crash replacement discount, and availability of pretty much every spare part. Tailfin has set high standards here. That’s why we gave this system a 10/10 review.
Why it’s here This is the new standard by which other handlebar luggage systems will be measured – it’s that good
Read the review
Carradice Harrop Barbag (£54.95)
The Carradice Harrop Barbag is compact, rugged, and cleverly designed. If you’re after a bar bag for long rides, commutes, micro-adventures or even as part of your kit for extended touring, this is a top pick and outstanding value.
The Carradice Harrop shows just how far the handlebar bag genre has evolved – a 4.5-litre barrel that’s tough-as-old-boots. Made from Cordura and with a secure three-point attachment system, the Harrop doesn’t budge an inch in use, even over bumpy surfaces. It’s roomy enough for both snacks and foul-weather gear, and the bright orange liner makes it easy to spot what you’re looking for in there, even in gloomy conditions.
There’s no internal organisation, so your stuff might rattle around, but that’s easily solved with a pouch or two. Although Carradice doesn’t claim the Harrop is fully waterproof, reviewer Sam Smith found that it held its own in unpredictable British summer weather.
The Harrop is half the price of some rivals, yet feels twice as sturdy. It’s simple, practical, and dependable – very Carradice, very British.
Why it’s here Rugged, roomy, and reliably secure – an outstanding value handlebar bag beautifully crafted in Nelson, Lancashire
Read the review
Carradice Odyssey Saddlebag 26L (£122.95)
Buy from Carradice for £122.95
Made from tough 1000D Cordura and boasting a cavernous 26-litre capacity, Carradice’s Odyssey 26L swallows tents, sleeping bags, and enough snacks to fuel a weekend in Snowdonia. Used with Carradice’s Bagman support, it’s rock-solid – no sway, no rattle, no drama – even when reviewer Matt Swaine had 7kg on board.
Though we do miss the internal pockets and extra reflective detailing of old, the all-black finish looks sleek, and the waterproofing is exceptional. Despite riding in heavy rain for hours, Matt’s kit remained bone dry thanks to the roll-top inner, weather-resistant lining, and generous lid.
Extremely versatile, the Odyssey is just as happy on an Audax as a big camping adventure. The luminous orange lining is a lovely touch too, making it easier to find kit in the middle of the night.
Cheap? No. Worth it? Absolutely. Built in the UK, made to last decades, and ready for your next big ride, the Odyssey proves Carradice still makes you want to go on big adventures.
Why it’s here Fantastic update that sits in Carradice’s new Adventure Range and delivers excellent performance on big biking adventures
Read the review
Topeak Fork Drybag 4L (£29.99)
Lightweight yet rugged, the Topeak Fork Drybag 4L is an excellent piece of kit for the money. Made from TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), it’s durable, recyclable, and free of nasty ‘forever chemicals’.
The 4L bag stands on its own thanks to a circular base, while the seams are welded and the build is high-quality throughout. Two clever features make it stand out: an air release valve and a pair of chunky Velcro straps. The valve lets you squeeze out every last bit of trapped air after rolling the top, keeping your bag tight, silent, and rattle-free. The Velcro straps secure your horizontal compression straps in place, ensuring the bag doesn’t wander around mid-ride.
Rated for loads up to 3kg, the Fork Drybag swallows surprisingly bulky loads without complaint, and it works well with Topeak’s Versacage – although any type of cage or plate will do. Topeak describes it as “weatherproof,” and reviewer Mike Stead said that no water is realistically getting inside.
The Topeak Fork Drybag 4L combines smart design and premium materials. It’s light, versatile, and set to become a classic bit of kit for backcountry travel.
Why it’s here Excellent way to carry stuff on your fork – light and strong with well-executed features
Read the review
Oxford Aqua Evo Adventure Daytripper Pack (£27.99)
The 3.5L Oxford Aqua Evo Adventure Daytripper Pack is tough, waterproof and well-specced with internal pockets and external straps for the “stuff-you-might-need-right-now” items. It holds its shape no matter how much it rains, and if the bright orange version is too much for your taste, it also comes in black.
Yes, it’s on the heavier side at 332g, but that’s about the only negative that reviewer Steve Williams had to say about it.
Inside, two mesh pockets – one zipped, one elastic-topped – sit alongside a roomy main compartment that’s perfect for tubes, snacks, or that emergency layer you hope you’ll never need.
Rigidity from the curved back-and-bottom plates makes accessing the slightly stiff waterproof zip far easier, and the webbing loops and bungee points are reinforced for real-world use.
Tough, clever, and versatile, the Aqua Evo feels like a steal at this price. Sure, it’s not the lightest, but it’s the kind of bar bag that earns your trust ride after ride – a solid winner.
Why it’s here Waterproof and well-built with a design somebody’s put proper thought into
Read the review
Carradice Safari Earby Bar Bag 7L (£94.95)
Another Carradice bag? Yep, and we make no apologies for that. This British brand has been around for nearly a century and knows what it’s doing.
The Carradice Safari Earby Bar Bag 7L is the sort of kit that makes you want to polish your steel frame, load up, and pedal off somewhere new. Carradice has flirted with loud colours over the years, but the Safari finish strikes a far more charming tone. Reviewer Matt Swaine said that its appearance “sits somewhere between Famous Five and Ice Cold in Alex” – rugged, nostalgic, and just a little bit adventurous.
Haul it from its packaging and the 18oz Ranger cotton instantly promises durability and good water resistance, with leather trim and that bold Carradice badge completing the look. Fitted with stout leather straps, it hops easily between bikes, sitting securely even when stuffed with tubes, tools, snacks and whatever else you like to take along. At 30cm wide, it tucks neatly inside modern handlebars too, avoiding the gear-cable wrestling match some bags demand.
Despite not claiming to be fully waterproof, the Earby shrugged off several downpours during our review period, and the internal support keeps its shape while helping to fend off road spray. Access on the move isn’t its strong suit, but as a rack-free, day-ride-ready companion, it’s a winner.
Durable, stable and brimming with heritage charm, the Earby is an outstanding option.
Why it’s here Robust, well-designed, great capacity, stable and very easy to move between bikes – this is a really excellent product
Read the review
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Camera Adventure Combo (£409)
Buy from Sports Direct for £409.00
If you like to immortalise any of your rides in glorious 4K, DJI’s Osmo Action 5 Adventure Combo could be the hero your handlebars have been waiting for. DJI might be a fairly new kid on the block next to GoPro, but it’s clearly been paying attention — this camera’s 1/1.3in sensor delivers pin-sharp footage with superb dynamic range, even when you’re ducking in and out of tree cover or blasting into a low winter sun.
The stabilisation is really impressive, the algorithm keeping things smooth even when your bike is bouncing around. The interface is slick, the touchscreen intuitive, and the ease of use means you’ll actually catch the action instead of the aftermath.
Battery life is excellent, especially with the Adventure Combo’s triple pack and charging caddy– we got over two hours of continuous run-time from one battery, and DJI reckons you can have up to four hours in ideal conditions. The mic options make on-bike chats surprisingly doable (if you’re into hearing yourself wheeze up climbs).
Low-light performance is as good as action cams get, and the whole thing feels solid, waterproof, and properly adventure-proof.
At £409, it’s a cracking deal. It provides great footage, the sound options are excellent, and it’s rugged and easy to use. That’s why reviewer Dave Atkinson says this would be the top-of-the-range action camera he’d buy.
Why it’s here Excellent action camera with a great picture and a rugged build
Read the review
Van Rysel Cycling Cat 3 Sunglasses RoadR 900 Perf (£59.99)
Van Rysel’s 900 Perf sunglasses are high on performance and low on price, taking a proper swing at the big names like Oakley, 100% and POC.
Reviewer Ollie Smith wore these shades for a solid month of road and gravel rides, through hazy dawns, soggy afternoons and the odd patch of British sunshine. The Cat 3 lens handled it all impressively, staying crystal clear and distortion-free. Ventilation is excellent too, so there’s no fogging, even on those sweaty climbs.
They’re comfy, stay put, and the oversized lens gives proper pro-peloton vibes. Plus, the step in the arm keeps them secure in your helmet vents – a small but useful detail for serial stowers.
Sure, Ollie occasionally wanted a lighter lens when riding under dappled tree cover, but that’s nitpicking for £59.99. These look and perform like sunglasses costing three times as much. Whether you’re a newbie kitting up or a veteran tired of dropping £200 on eyewear, these glasses prove that Van Rysel isn’t just playing at the premium game.
Why it’s here Great sunglasses with good coverage, high-quality construction, a low weight and a price tag that puts other brands to shame
Read the review
Lazer Tempo KinetiCore Helmet (£39.99)
If you’re after a no-nonsense helmet that won’t break the bank, the Lazer Tempo KinetiCore deserves serious consideration. It offers rotational impact protection built straight into the EPS foam, Lazer’s KinetiCore system creating little crumple zones that do their job without blocking vents or adding weight. At 258g, it’s one of the lightest helmets you’ll find around this price, and only 17g heavier than Lazer’s top-tier Z1.
Although Lazer offers the Tempo KinetiCore in just one size (to fit head circumferences of 54-61cm), the internal shape suits a wide range of head shapes and the Turnsys rear dial keeps it secure without pressure points. Ventilation is more than adequate for daily rides, commuting, or weekend loops; even tough climbs never feel especially sweaty.
The Tempo isn’t flashy, but the straightforward styling looks at home for a variety of different types of riding, and our review sample kept its fresh appearance over time. The straps and padding don’t have a premium feel, but comfort holds up over long rides. The helmet is also compatible with the lightweight and easy-to-fit Lazer Universal Rechargeable LED.
If you want a light, well-ventilated helmet with rotational impact protection, the Tempo KinetiCore performs much, much better than you might expect at this price.
Why it’s here Well-designed and affordable with modern safety features and impressive comfort for the money – ideal for everyday use
Read the review
Uvex Surge Aero MIPS (£219.99)
The Uvex Surge Aero MIPS is a featherweight helmet with Mips safety tech and excellent ventilation, but clip on the glossy cover and it turns immediately into an aero lid, giving you the best of both worlds.
Fit is excellent: Uvex’s 3D IAS (Internal Adjustment System) dial clicks with precision, the adjustable cage keeping things snug. The chin straps are soft and comfortable, although the position of splitters below your ears isn’t adjustable, so just make sure you try before you buy if you’re fussy about such things.
Reviewer Emma Silversides found the ventilation to be superb, with wide front-to-rear channels keeping things cool inside. The aero cover is intended to reduce drag, but she also found it to be useful for keeping out cold air and even snow in wintry conditions. It slots into place with a satisfying snap – as long as you’re assertive.
Inside, the Mips Air Node system is designed to provide additional safety without affecting ventilation, while the secure glasses port and reflective details are practical touches.
As a two-in-one performance lid, the Uvex Surge Aero Mips is a genuinely strong contender. Lightweight and comfortable with excellent safety credentials – and with the bonus of an aero cover – what’s not to like?
Why it’s here Pro-level lid with excellent ventilation, the latest Mips tech and an aero cover… a brilliant investment
Read the review
Wattbike Proton (£1,795)
Buy from Wattbike for £1,575.00
The Proton might be the cheapest option in Wattbike’s smart bike lineup, but don’t let that fool you – it packs a serious punch. Aimed more towards fitness enthusiasts than dedicated cyclists, it’s a versatile, adjustable, and surprisingly compact indoor bike that works well for everyone from first timers to experienced athletes.
Setup is blissfully simple: attach the stabilising feet, fit the handlebars and pedals, plug in, and you’re ready to roll. The step-through frame makes hopping on and off a breeze, while the saddle height, reach, and handlebar adjustments are all tool-free, making life a whole lot easier if you have multiple riders in your household.
In use, the Proton is rock-solid, quiet, and smooth. Its electromagnetic resistance offers ‘ergo’ mode – which applies the resistance automatically – or ‘simulated gears’ mode – which works like standard bike gears, where you shift to alter the resistance. It links easily to the free Wattbike Hub app for a huge variety of workouts and data tracking, and to other training apps like Zwift.
Reviewer Oli Pendry would have liked the option of tri-bars for another riding position, and he didn’t find the tablet mount to be the most secure. But with free delivery, a two-year warranty, and a versatile, robust build, the Proton offers exceptional value for anyone looking for a top-notch smart bike that’s suitable for multiple users.
Why it’s here Great performing smart bike whose size and versatility are perfect for a household with multiple users, plus a superb app
Read the review
Lezyne Strip Drive+ Pair (£75)
The Lezyne Strip Drive+ Pair is a well-made and durable set of lights to increase your visibility out on the road. They have a solid feel and should last you years. The front cranks out 700 lumens – more than enough to get you seen – while the rear offers 300 lumens, with an impressive 270° visibility.
Out on the bike, their solid construction is immediately obvious. Seamless plastic casing, USB-C charging hidden under a sturdy rubber cover, and IPX7 waterproofing mean spray and rain won’t faze them. The slightly curved backs hug round or aero tubes nicely.
Cycling through seven modes via a single button is easy enough, although whenever you turn the unit on, mode memory will automatically put you into the one you were last using, which is a handy feature.
Battery life is good – up to 22 hours at the front and 80 hours at the rear – and recharging from empty takes just 90-120 minutes.
At £75 for the pair, these are decent value. The wide angle of visibility, good battery life, and well-sealed charge port mean the Lezyne Strip Drive+ lights are an excellent choice for year-round road riding and commuting.
Why it’s here Really well built and bright lights with a wide angle of visibility and a competitive price
Read the review
Litelok X1 (£149.99)
The Litelok X1 is a lightweight D-lock that puts in a heavyweight performance. At just 1.7kg, it’s a full-size, Sold Secure Diamond-rated lock with internal dimensions generous enough for most, and it was the cheapest lock to survive two minutes against an angle grinder during our in-house testing.
YouTube lock reviewers love it, and for good reason: the X1 combines tough steel with a material that chews through the angle grinder disc. Litelok’s signature reflective strips shout “Not today, thief”, and a rubber coating protects your paintwork.
When it’s time to carry the X1, you can put it into its own little neoprene case and sling it in a bag or use Litelok’s £20 Tactical Mount. The mount works well on traditionally sized frame tubes, but make sure it’ll fit on your bike ahead of time.
Reviewer Mike Stead felt the Tactical Mount could use minor tweaks (those reflective stickers are a bit delicate), but the Litelok X1 itself is superb. This is arguably the best Diamond-rated angle grinder-proof lock you can get at this price. For performance and peace of mind, it’s an absolute steal.
Why it’s here Excellent lightweight and very well-priced grinder-proof lock
Read the review
Halfords Advanced 23cm D lock (£50)
For 50 quid, the Halfords Advanced 23cm D Lock punches well above its weight. It’s Sold Secure Diamond-rated and Halfords gives it a 10/10 on its own security scale. Bold claims, but this chunky lock delivers.
Against the dreaded road.cc angle grinder, it lasted an impressive 94 seconds before finally succumbing. The trick? Solid build quality, tight tolerances, and the fact that both ends of the shackle are locked in place, meaning that it’s difficult to twist open even after one cut. A would-be thief would need to cut twice, which means more sparks, more noise, and a greater possibility of attracting attention.
Okay, we found the mount to be decidedly average – the lock rattled and swayed a bit and didn’t feel especially secure – but chuck this D lock into a bag and you’re golden.
Overall, this is among the best budget D locks around in terms of its resistance to attacks. Yes, you can get greater protection from angle grinders, but you’d need to pay much more. If you want a no-nonsense lock that you can sling in a bag and use around town to protect your commuting bike, this is one to go for.
Why it’s here Excellent budget D lock that’s really good value for money
Read the review
Topeak Ratchet Rocket Essential £39.99
Buy from Winstanleys Bikes for £29.49
The Topeak Ratchet Rocket Essential is like a Swiss Army knife that has been to engineering college. It’s small, well-made, and makes you wonder why you ever fumbled with a traditional multitool.
Open its poppered case and you’ll find a neatly lined-up row of bits – hex, Torx and a Phillips head screwdriver – all held magnetically and ready for action. In use, it’s a joy. The ratchet’s fine movement means you can tinker in the tightest of spaces, and the thumbwheel makes quick work of tightening or loosening a bolt. The ratchet handle even accepts a bit in its base, allowing you to spin a loosened bolt quickly.
Reviewer Paul Grêlé found that the Topeak Ratchet Rocket Essential could handle a full gravel bike service without complaint (only bowing out for components that required more torque than its 18Nm maximum allowed; the Topeak Ratchet Rocket Essential HD can handle 60Nm torque). The knurled bits provide good grip, and the whole thing feels more “precision instrument” than “get-you-home gadget”.
Yes, it’s pricier than some rivals, but whether you’re using it in a workshop or for roadside repairs, the Ratchet Rocket is compact, clever, and ridiculously capable.
Why it’s here Excellent compact and versatile tool for roadside or workshop use, though the high quality is reflected in the price
Read the review
Prestacycle One Liquid (£23)
Buy from Prestacycle for £23.00
Prestacycle One Liquid arrives with the swagger of a product that thinks it can replace half your workshop shelf. Lube? Polisher? Degreaser? Rust remover? Coffee maker? (Okay, not that last one.) If it involves your bike and some form of slipperiness, One Liquid reckons it has got you covered.
Made from agricultural ingredients and boasting USDA certification for organic production, One Liquid is an eco-friendly option. Open the bottle and you’ll meet a substance that’s “liquid” in name only; its consistency is closer to a gel. In summer temperatures, it pours; in winter, it’s thick and sticky, and application definitely rewards patience.
Once on the chain, performance is impressive. On 200km off-road epics involving water crossings and heavy rain, and a proper mud-bath cyclo-cross race, reviewer Matthew Page found that One Liquid stayed quiet, smooth, and stubbornly present. It attracts little dirt. Although not as clean as wax, it’s far longer-lasting in the wet, and it doesn’t turn into a grinding paste on your drivetrain. Cleaning is mostly a wipe-and-go affair, and you can also apply a top-up directly over an existing layer happily enough.
One Liquid is more versatile than most lubricants and takes a little practice to apply properly, but it delivers strong year-round protection, with the bonus of working for other bike maintenance jobs too.
Why it’s here Excellent all-weather chain lubrication
Read the review
Kinesis Fend Off Wide Road Mudguards (£65)
Buy from Merlin Cycles for £44.99
The Kinesis Fend Off Wide 700 x 50 Mudguards are an excellent option, offering maximum durability and the highest level of protection on your winter, commuter or gravel bike. Made from anodised aluminium rather than the usual plastic, they’re rigid and the coverage is fabulous, keeping spray off you, your frame, and anyone riding behind you. Group-ride diplomacy restored.
Setup does require a bit of mechanical nous, but it’s straightforward enough – as long as your bike has the dedicated mounts required, and you come armed with hex keys, spanners, and a can-do attitude. Reviewer Josh Price had them installed in about 20 minutes, and that included trimming the stays with a Dremel. The packaging doubling as mudflaps is peak bike-nerd delight: snip, punch, attach, ride smugly.
Clearance is spot-on for 35mm tyres, and Kinesis states a maximum tyre width of 45mm. Mounted to a gravel frame, Josh found that they sat securely and – best of all – silently. No rattles, no buzzing.
Add in the optional 3D-printed light mounts and you’ve got a clean, versatile setup. This certainly isn’t a bargain-bin option, but for durability, silence and weather-proof swagger, the Kinesis Fend Offs mudguards are excellent.
Why it’s here Excellent mudguards that are effective, easy to live with, and look great
Read the review
JetBlack Victory Smart Trainer with Zwift Cog and Click (£399)
If you’ve been dithering over which smart trainer to buy, the JetBlack Victory makes a persuasive case for you to stop thinking and just ride. It delivers a ridiculous amount of tech for the money—1,800W max resistance, 16% gradient simulation, and a claimed ±2% power accuracy, which tallies with the experience of reviewer Dave Atkinson. That’s smart-trainer bragging rights without the wallet-busting price.
Setup is blissfully simple – three parts, a few bolts, plug it in, and you’re ready to Zwift – and the carrying handle is a lifesaver if you’re constantly stowing your trainer away. Connectivity is impressive – Bluetooth and ANT+ FE-C, as you’d expect, but the Victory is also Wi-Fi enables, which is an excellent featre at this price. There’s even a USB-C port which will allow you to hardwire your trainer for zero dropouts. It’ll transmit power data 10 times per second in race mode..
The Zwift Cog singlespeed setup is clever, letting you ditch mechanical shifting but still swap in a real cassette if you prefer the old-school feel. The 4.7kg flywheel keeps pedalling smooth, whether you’re sprinting or grinding up virtual mountains.
We had a few minor quibbles – the lack of adjustability in the feet is a bit of a pain, for example—but you’ll forgive them at this price. If you want serious indoor riding without the need to sell a kidney, the JetBlack Victory goes to the top of the list.
Why it’s here Pro-level specs from an entry-level unit: this is the best value smart trainer right now
Read the review
4 thoughts on “Here are the road.cc Recommends Accessories of the Year 2025/26: the best helmets, glasses, lights, locks and more”
Buy from Bikeinn. Are you
Buy from Bikeinn. Are you sure? Suggest the road.cc team reads some of the hundreds and hundreds of 1- and 2-starred reviews written by disappointed customers and upset shoppers.
Perhaps I have been lucky,
Perhaps I have been lucky, wheels came with damaged packagimg but where undamaged, everything else has been fine, very long delivery times
Used them on and off for
Used them on and off for years, from socks to Garmin head-units, (touch wood) not had an issue yet.
Yeah I’ve had no problems at
Yeah I’ve had no problems at all with BikeInn. Sloooowww delivery, but otherwise fine.