Bont Vaypor S shoes
Since switching to Bont I am hooked on them. The full carbon undersole hugs the foot really well and the wide toe bed means the toes can sit naturally in the shoe – essential for long hours in the saddle.
https://www.bontcycling.com/products/road/vaypor-s/index.html
Castelli RoS Shoecovers
Breathable yet weather resistant. I don’t like my feet to suffocate or overheat when riding in cold weather. These allow the foot to breathe but give sufficient wind and water protection. It’s a difficult balance to strike.
https://www.castelli-cycling.com/ro/ros-2-shoecover/p/452053520A-010
Assos LL. MILLETIGHTS_S7
I’ve been using the S7s for years and at least 40,000kms. No other brand comes close in terms of comfort. These long versions are essential in cold weather. I don’t get cold legs generally but these keep the wind chill off.
https://www.assos.com/ll-milletights-s7?gender=M&color=110
Sealskinz Waterproof Weather Reflective Cycle glove
I often ride at 1000ms altitude in the shoulder months and winter. There is nothing worse than trying to change gears with frozen fingers. These have done the trick in the Southern Alps in January and the Swiss Alps in February where the temperature was below freezing at the start, and the windchill well below that on the descents.
https://www.sealskinz.com/products/waterproof-cold-weather-reflective-cycle-glove
Yushu LS Crew and new Neck Gaiter
The warmth and wicking abilities work a treat on long rides. I find it vital to feel dry even when I am working hard on a climb. The fabric does this job perfectly. The yak and merino wool neck gaiter gives extra warmth at the start of the ride and can act a mouth/nose cover when the weather closes in and on long descents. When the sun comes out I’ll take it off and stuff in a rear pocket. The Yushu Crew is a perfect cycling base layer when it's cold.
https://www.koraoutdoor.com/collections/the-yushu-collection/men
Men’s Stratam Touring Jacket
This pieces breathes so well and manages moisture so easily that I have ridden it on days when the temperature has gone from freezing to 15oC without needing to unzip it. It’s a bit of a hidden gem of our range. And it works well off the bike too. Rear pockets have tonnes of space for bananas, bars and spares needed for long rides.
https://www.koraoutdoor.com/collections/men-tops/products/mens-stratam-touring-jacket
Yushu Hat
The best thing about the Yushu Hat is that you forget you’re wearing it. Helmet compatible, thin and easily covers the ears. It’s the warmth, softness and breathability of the Hima-Layer™ Yushu fabric that makes this hat so brilliant.
https://www.koraoutdoor.com/collections/mens-accessories/products/yushu-hat
Nutrition
Nuun tablets, lemon lime
Easy on the stomach, and refreshing taste.
https://nuunlife.com/products/nuun-sport?variant=31464314732580
Torq bar - Organic Juicy Mango
Great pickmeup 2hours in. Offers a quick boost of energy without overloading the gut.
https://www.torqfitness.co.uk/product-category/nutrition/fuelling-system-products/bars
Factor 02 Disc
Been riding a Factor 02 for three years now. Phenomenal bikes that can do everything. Alpine climbs, crit races, pan flat peloton rides… this bike is fast, light and has a geometry to attack descents with confidence. I can’t wait to try out the disc brakes on my next trip to Europe.
https://factorbikes.com/models/o2/
