We make it our business to tell readers about notable deals on products we like, and scour the web for legit offers during Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day to help you save money.

But probably the greatest discount out there is available year-round, it’s not restricted to an older model that’s been superseded by a newer release and the product is legitimately life-changing.

The UK government’s Cycle to Work Scheme allows payroll employees to get their hands on any e-bike for commuting and have the cost taken out of their salary in monthly instalments before tax—like a buy now, pay later that you always have the funds to cover. Because it’s taken out of your salary before you’ve paid tax, you save between 28%, 42% or 47%, depending on which tax band you fall in.

There are many Cycle to Work Scheme providers, but Green Commute Initiative is one of the more straightforward and as a social enterprise it’s doing everything it can to get more people cycling—a mission Coach wholeheartedly supports. For instance, it doesn’t charge a 7% fee at the end of the scheme like some traditional providers do, you just make the maximum savings available to you.

It also has a plain explanation of how the scheme works for employees, as well as a more detailed step-by-step guide, because, to be honest, it’s pretty convoluted. But when there’s the chance to save hundreds or even thousands of pounds on a better way to get to work, that’s a minor worry.

Still not convinced? Here are four good reasons for cycling to work on an ebike, informed by my experience of testing a dozen-odd ebikes on my commute.

1. Riding An E-Bike Is Easy

I regularly cycle to work on a normal bike. It’s great and the three subsequent reasons to commute all apply, but it’s not always easy. Hills, wind and the tiredness that builds up after a long week can make some rides a bit of a grind. And even if I take it easy, I sweat enough to warrant a shower and a change of clothes once I arrive at work, which adds time to my commute and bulk to my backpack.

An ebike has none of those problems. Suddenly you just become really good at cycling and cruise into work without breaking a sweat. In fact, I’ve learned to wrap up warmer than I normally would because I’m not working hard enough to raise my body temperature.  Through Green Commute Initiative, you can add clothing to your bike package so you can get the right gear for your commute and make big savings.

I’ve also found that cycling an e-bike to work is the easiest, most reliable way to get into work as you’re far less likely to get caught in traffic or the delays that can plague trains.

2. It’s Healthy

Even though you won’t necessarily get sweaty riding an e-bike, it’s still exercise and you’ll still do yourself the power of good. There’s an aerobic exercise target, recommended by various health agencies around the world, of 150 minutes of moderate activity a week. You really don’t have to work that hard to start racking up the minutes—a brisk walk or riding an e-bike, say—but the benefits you get from clocking up this amount of time doing low-intensity steady state are immense. If there was a pill that could deliver the proven benefits of regular aerobic exercise, you’d pay through the nose for it.

If your weekly commuting time adds up to 150 minutes or more, you’ll be hitting this recommended target without sacrificing any leisure time. And because it’s easy exercise, it won’t leave you too tired to keep up any sport or activity you already do. In fact, you’ll probably end up cycling to that too for a warm-up—that’s what I do.

3. It’s More Environmentally Friendly

While most of our transport infrastructure still runs on fossil fuels, getting around under your own steam will lower your personal emissions and limit pollution. More than that, the more people who cycle, the safer cycling feels. Making a change to your commute can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to travel in a way that’s better for the environment.

4. It’s Good Value For Money

Cycling to work is not free, but there’s every chance it will save you substantial sums of money compared with driving or taking public transport. Obviously, using Green Commute Initiative to access the Cycle to Work Scheme can significantly cut down your initial set-up cost, and you can negotiate with your employer to spread payments to fit your monthly budget. Just make sure to budget for regular maintenance and replacement parts, as well as insurance against bike theft. All customers of Green Commute Initiative have access to special offers on insurance products. I also subscribe to one of the UK’s cycling membership organisations to access liability insurance and legal assistance in the event of an accident.

The Wahoo Kickr Core has been my go-to direct drive turbo trainer recommendation since it was released in September 2018. In fact, I reviewed the Wahoo Kickr Core last year, five years on from its debut, and could still only find minor faults, which can be overlooked at its price point. So, when Wahoo and Zwift announced their Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One collaboration in February 2024, I was intrigued.

The concept is ingenious. Traditionally, you install a cassette (the cogs on your bike’s rear wheel) on the turbo trainer, and increase or decrease the trainer’s resistance when free-riding (and not following an ERG-mode workout) by shifting up and down with your bike’s drivetrain. The Zwift One cog replaces the cassette with a single-speed cog, and instead of controlling resistance with your bike’s gears, you modify resistance with two handlebar-mounted buttons.

How does this compare to that traditional cassette-based set-up? And will the Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One knock its cassette cousin from my top spot as the best turbo trainer?

Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One: Price And Availability

The Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One was released in February 2024 and costs $599.99 in the US and £549.99 in the UK. When the Wahoo Kickr Core was first launched it cost $899.99/£699.99 and didn’t include a pre-installed cassette, so the total set-up has come down by roughly $400/£200—bucking the trend seen across the rest of cycling. What’s more, it includes a free 12-month Zwift membership (RRP $149.99/£129.99), which reduces the actual cost of your investment to $450/£420.

How I Tested This Turbo Trainer

I logged 10 hours of turbo training on the Kickr Core Zwift One. I’m currently training for the Paris-Roubaix Challenge and I performed several long interval-based workout sessions on the training apps Zwift and TrainerRoad. I also spent time free-riding in Zwift’s virtual worlds and attempted (and failed) to test it in other virtual world-based training programs, such as Rouvy and MyWhoosh. I have experience with most of the best turbo trainers and smart bikes, including the cassette version of the Wahoo Kickr Core, Tacx’s top-of-the-range Neo 3M, and Wahoo’s Kickr Bike V2 smart bike.

Features

The Zwift One edition of the Wahoo Kickr Core is a carbon copy of the standard one, aside from the new  Zwift One cog replacing a cassette. That means you get the same maximum output (1,800W), simulated incline (16%) and power accuracy (+/- 2%) as the Kickr Core that’s been around since September 2018. 

While there are direct drive turbo trainers that can beat all these stats (most notably the Tacx Neo 3M), it’s important not to get fooled into thinking bigger is better. Even serious club riders aren’t able to exceed that maximum power output for more than a second or two at best, while you’d have to be a masochist to want to ride up gradients above 16% for sustained periods. The power accuracy may be an issue if you’re a professional athlete following strict interval sessions, but even the best turbo trainers have a +/- 1% margin of error, so it’s a minor sacrifice to make for substantial savings on the cost of a premium set-up. 

The main difference between the standard Wahoo Kickr Core and this update is the Zwift One cog. The 14-tooth sprocket comes installed on the unit and is compatible with most 8- to 12-speed bikes. This is different from the cassette version, which required the purchase of a separate driver and the installation of a drivetrain-specific cassette if your bike didn’t have a Shimano/SRAM road set-up. This makes the Kickr Core Zwift One more accessible to Campagnolo and mountain bike/gravel bike users, whose drivetrains aren’t compatible with the standard Wahoo Kickr Core out of the box. It also means if you have multiple bikes, or multiple riders want to use the turbo trainer, you can swap the bikes over without having to remove and install different cassettes and drivers.

The resistance is controlled by a Click button rather than shifting between gears on a bike’s drivetrain. The virtual drivetrain has a 24-speed drivetrain and a wide enough gear ratio for inching your way up Watopia’s inclines or putting down the hammer on the flats without spinning out. During ERG mode workouts, it can also increase and decrease the difficulty of the session—ideal if you’re struggling with a hard drill and want to dial it down rather than stopping. The Bluetooth button can be mounted in multiple locations on a handlebar, whether you have flat, drop or triathlon bars, and its coin battery is said to last 100 hours.

The Kickr Zwift One has one major flaw: It’s only compatible with Zwift. While the cog can be used in ERG mode in platforms such as TrainerRoad, if you want to simulate free-riding and shifting between virtual gears, you won’t be able to on rival platforms like Rouvy and MyWhoosh.

The Set-Up

The Kickr Core Zwift One requires some self-assembly but should pose no issues. In the box, you’ll find the main unit, two stabilizing feet, instructions and tools, and it’s hard to get it wrong. Unlike previous Kickr Core models, the Zwift One cog is installed, so once the feet are on the base unit, you just need to remove the back wheel from your bike and slot it in place on the turbo. 

The Click button is a cinch to install on your handlebars. You can put it in various spots, but I found that the inside of the right hood allowed me to easily shift up and down with my thumb in my standard indoor riding position.

The Ride

The Kickr Core Zwift One has a similar ride feel to the cassette version. It has the same 5.4kg flywheel, and the resistance feels smooth and controlled, even when completing intervals that quickly switch from anaerobic efforts to recovery. In free-ride mode, the shifts in gradients feel realistic, and a sharp hill will soon have you out of the saddle.

However, there are notable differences. The single cog design seemed quieter than the cassette version I tried previously, while there are no clunks of the derailleur between gear shifts. The 24-speed virtual drivetrain had no noticeable jumps between gears, and it solves the issue you can have with a cassette where you start to cross-chain or when you spin out after shifting between the big and small rings when downshifting quickly. Keeping track of what gear you’re in is easy and it’s displayed alongside speed, cadence and power output.

As with the cassette version, the main downside is the lack of lateral movement. This was noticeable when jumping from the Wahoo Kickr V6 with Axis feet to its cheaper sibling, and the latter has a stationary riding position, which started to get uncomfortable on training rides of an hour-plus.

Is The Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One Worth It?

The Kickr Core Zwift One is the cheapest it has ever been, and when you consider that it also comes with a year’s subscription to Zwift, it’s hard to beat on cost. The Zwift One cog should last longer than a cassette because there’s no shifting between cogs to wear out the teeth, reducing long-term costs, while the fact that it can be used by multiple people could help you share the investment between others.

If you’re searching for the most cost-effective way to get started with Zwift, then it’s difficult to look beyond the Kickr Core Zwift One. The smart direct drive turbo trainer, pound for pound, is the best design available, and the addition of the Zwift One cog removes some of the hassles that can come with a cassette version. If you plan on using other training programs then you’re better off with the original Wahoo Kickr Core, but for Zwift and TrainerRoad, the Zwift One version takes some beating.

The high-end turbo trainer race has been hotting up in the last six months, with manufacturers adding exciting features to entice new customers and prompt indoor-cycling converts to upgrade their machines.

In September 2023 Wahoo released the Kickr Move, an upgrade to its respected Kickr platform. It integrated 8in/20cm fore-aft (forward and backward) movement into the turbo trainer, removing the need to use an accessory to allow the rider to experience lateral and front and back motion. Tacx wasn’t far behind and launched the Neo 3M in December 2023. This features 2in/5cm of fore-aft, as well as several upgrades to the Neo 2T, which came out in 2019.

However, is the addition of 2in/5cm of movement worth paying for? Or is it a fad, and something indoor cyclists can live without? I tested one to find out.

Tacx Neo 3M: Price And Availability

The Tacx Neo 3M was released in December and costs $1,999.99 in the US and £1,749.99 in the UK. Its main competition, the Wahoo Kickr Move, costs $1,599.99/£1,399.99. It’s possible to buy a Tacx Neo 2T for $1,399.99/£1,199.99 and the Tacx Neo Motion Plates ($299.99/£259.99) to acquire a similar set-up for less.

How I Tested This Turbo Trainer

I’ve logged about 10 hours of turbo training on the Neo 3M. I performed a mixture of ERG-led interval-based workout sessions on the training apps Zwift and TrainerRoad, and completed a resistance-based FTP test and spent time free-riding on Zwift. I’ve experience of the best turbo trainers and smart bikes, including the Wahoo Kickr Bike and the Tacx Neo 2T, as well as mid-range options such as the Zwift Hub and Wahoo Kickr Core.

Features

The headline feature of the Neo 3M is the fore-aft addition, though the improvements run deeper than this. The unit has more lateral movement than its predecessor, allowing you to throw the bike from side to side when out of the saddle on a virtual climb or performing sprints. It adds gravel to its simulated terrains (previously limited to cobblestones), helping improve immersion when riding off-road virtually.

The other main upgrade is the inclusion of a pre-installed cassette, although if you don’t own a Shimano/SRAM 11-speed drivetrain you’ll need to pay extra for the correct driver. The Neo 3M can be paired with the Tacx Smart Network Adapter to provide a more secure connection to cycling training apps via Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable, although this also means an additional cost.

Otherwise, everything is the same as on the Tacx Neo 2T, including its maximum gradients and power (25% and 2200W). I can’t see a situation where you’d want to attempt more than either of those when riding indoors. Its accuracy on power, speed, and cadence is a solid +/- 1%, and it can still be used without a power source and doesn’t require calibrating. The trainer can be folded away when not in use, although you’ll have to remove your bike to do that.

The Set-Up

If you’ve spent more than $1,000/£1,000 on a turbo trainer it should be ready to use immediately. That wasn’t the case with the Neo 2T, which required the installation of a cassette (either a separate purchase, or the one from your bike’s rear wheel), and the additional costs involved.

Tacx has learned from this mistake and supplies the Neo 3M with an 11-speed cassette installed. If you have the correct Shimano/SRAM drivetrain (which most road bikes sold in the past 10 years or so will), then you can be set up and riding in under  10 minutes. The trickiest part is choosing which workout to do first.

The trainer isn’t perfect though. Twelve-speed drivetrains have trickled down to most 2024-release mid-range road bikes, which require you to swap the pre-installed cassette; if you have a mountain bike, expect to purchase the correct driver for an additional cost. It’s understandable that turbo trainers are made in a factory to mostly universal specifications, but in an ideal world Tacx would offer alternative set-ups free of charge—albeit with a slightly longer lead time.

Once your bike is installed, you can modify settings, such as road feel intensity and grade resistance (how realistic climbs feel) using the free Tacx Training app. One thing to note is that the fore-aft setting is locked out of the box, but you simply twist two dials at the rear of the turbo trainer to add forward and backward movement to your indoor riding.

The Ride

Turbo trainers are judged on how realistic the ride feels and the Neo 3M is one of the closest simulations of real-world riding I’ve tested. Its lateral movement is an improvement on its predecessor and allowed for a more natural throwing of the bike from side to side than the Axis feet of Wahoo’s Kickr. The benefit is increased movement in the saddle, getting you moving around on the bike as you would on the road and minimizing sore spots from sitting in one position for too long. 

However, the fore-aft was less noticeable, and I don’t think it added much to the overall experience. In fact, I preferred the Neo 3M when riding with the fore-aft setting locked.

Its magnet-based virtual flywheel remains one of the best around. When used in ERG mode, the gradual changes in resistance were fast enough to get the desired effect of an interval, but not so fast that it felt like you were suddenly riding through treacle when going from easy to hard. In free-ride mode, the turbo trainer’s simulation of road surfaces via haptic feedback felt realistic but still seems like a gimmick, with only a smattering of “non-tarmac” surfaces on indoor training programmes like Zwift.

Is the Tacx Neo 3M Worth It?

There’s no hiding from the fact that the Neo 3M is expensive. It costs more than its direct competitor (Wahoo Kickr Move) and, without built-in Wi-Fi and less actual fore-aft movement, has fewer features than its rival. If you’re on team Tacx, you may be happy to pay the premium, but I don’t think it does enough to justify the extra cost. In fact, it’s possible to get one of the best turbo trainers, like the Wahoo Kickr Core or Zwift Hub, and invest in a rocker plate accessory for a similar ride feel for a fraction of the price.

The Neo 3M is a welcome upgrade on the Neo 2T, but doesn’t shift the dial enough to overtake Wahoo’s offerings at the premium end of the turbo trainer market. The addition of fore-aft movement isn’t worth upgrading for, while the inclusion of a pre-installed cassette should be the minimum at this price. The lack of built-in Wi-Fi is a shortcoming that will raise eyebrows among serious Esports racers and those who want to minimize signal drop-outs during workouts and rides.

Since its launch in September 2018, I’ve banged the drum for the Wahoo Kickr Core when anyone’s asked me to recommend the best turbo trainers.  I’ve put in lots of time on the Wahoo Kickr Core—it’s the turbo trainer I used during my tilt for a Zwift Academy contract in 2020—and can’t fault its performance.

Amazing specs, durable construction and a relatively low price meant it was the best pound-for-pound choice for even strong riders, compared with the more expensive Wahoo Kickr or other top-of-the-range options like the Tacx Neo 2T. Plus, it held its value well, which is ideal if you decide to sell it on.

That all changed, though, with the launch of the Zwift Hub in September 2022. The training app’s first foray into the world of indoor cycling hardware was a direct challenge to the Wahoo Kickr Core, with comparable specs but a lower price.

I tested it and was instantly impressed, putting it at the top of Coach’s turbo trainer pile. In this light, it was only fair to test a Wahoo Kickr Core. Could some more time on the original entry-level smart direct-drive turbo trainer make me rethink my opinion again? Or would it solidify the Zwift Hub’s position as the best turbo trainer for the everyday cyclist?

Wahoo Kickr Core: Price And Availability

The Wahoo Kickr Core was released in September 2018 and now costs $599 in the US and £639.99 in the UK. It has come down in price since it was launched five years ago. It didn’t have any direct competition when first unveiled, but there are now other similarly-priced smart direct-drive turbo trainers now include the Zwift Hub ($599/£549) and the Tacx Flux S ($599.99/£599.99).

How I Tested This Trainer

I’ve logged 10 hours of turbo training on the Wahoo Kickr Core. I performed a mixture of interval-based workout sessions on the training apps Zwift and TrainerRoad, and spent time “free-riding” in Zwift’s virtual worlds. I have experience with most of the best turbo trainers and smart bikes, including the Wahoo Kickr Core’s direct rival, the Zwift Hub, and two generations of the top-of-the-range Wahoo Kickr (Wahoo Kickr V5 and Wahoo Kickr V6).

Features

When it first launched, Wahoo announced the Kickr Core alongside the fourth version of its Kickr turbo trainer. All the attention was focused on the headline specs of the brand’s premium offering, but the Kickr Core provided something that had been missing in the burgeoning smart turbo trainer market: affordability.

It still wasn’t cheap by any means, particularly since users were required to buy a cassette, but it offered a middle ground between a bog-standard wheel-on turbo trainer and the four-figure smart direct-drive models revolutionizing indoor cycling.

In the intervening years, Wahoo hasn’t updated the Kickr Core’s features or specs. But, even though it now has competition for the title of best mid-range smart turbo trainer, its newer rivals are unable to beat it on maximum power output (1,800W), simulated incline (16%), or power accuracy (+/- 2%). Similarly, its connectivity (ANT+, Bluetooth) can only be bettered by the top-of-the-range alternatives. 

The only downside is that, unlike the Zwift Hub, you have to manually calibrate the unit by performing a spin-down. Wahoo recommends performing this every two weeks or after transporting it to a new location. This takes less than 60 seconds, so it’s a minor inconvenience.

The Set-Up

The Wahoo Kickr Core’s set-up is what lets it down. Out of the box, the unit itself is simple to put together. Using the instructions and tools included, I attached the two stabilizing feet to the main body of the turbo trainer in less than 10 minutes. However, that’s where things start to differ from options like the Zwift Hub.

The Kickr Core doesn’t come with a cassette (the cogs found on your bike’s back wheel) pre-installed. Wahoo sells 11- and 10-speed cassettes online for $50/£39.99, increasing your initial outlay, or you can install the one from your rear wheel’s hub for no additional cost. Whichever option you choose, you’re required to install the cassette on the turbo trainer’s flywheel. This is a five-minute job if you’ve got the tools and the know-how, but it could spell a trip to your local bike shop (and additional expense) if you don’t.

Also, if you decide to save money and use the cassette from your rear wheel, every time you want to use your bike outside, you’ll have to remove the cassette from the turbo trainer and reinstall it on your rear wheel’s hub. That’s fine if you’re doing it a couple of times a year, but inconvenient if every training session. Considering the Zwift Hub comes with a cassette of your choice preinstalled, this makes the Kickr Core less accessible to those new to indoor cycling.

Once the cassette is on, you just need to remove your bike’s rear wheel (if you haven’t already), slot it onto the quick-release skewer or tighten your thru-axle, sync the turbo with the Wahoo Fitness app (on iOS and Android) and perform a calibrating spin-down. All in all, it took me about an hour from unboxing to riding.

The Ride

The Wahoo Kickr Core was a solid indoor cycling companion whether used in simulation mode or ERG mode (where resistance is automatically changed by a pre-set workout). Its 5.4kg flywheel’s resistance created a realistic ride feel, and gradient and power changes were smooth—even during an all-out HIIT session.

Although I’d consider myself a strong club-level rider, at no point did I get anywhere close to the Kickr Core’s 1,800W maximum output. There are a handful of locations on Zwift where the gradient tips beyond the Kickr Core’s max incline 16%, but most people will find it a mercy rather than a disappointment that the turbo trainer has maxed out. However, unlike its rivals, the Kickr Core is compatible with the Wahoo Kickr Climb, allowing you to elevate your experience with a gradient simulator that tilts the front of your bike +20%/-10%.

However, the Kickr Core’s ride feel isn’t perfect. The lack of side-to-side movement (and no option to add the Axis feet found on the Wahoo Kickr) led to a rather stationary riding position, which may cause discomfort during long indoor training sessions. To counter, it could be worth investing in a rocker plate or a thick turbo training mat.

Is The Wahoo Kickr Core Worth It?

The Kickr Core is currently the cheapest it’s ever been, though it remains undercut by the Zwift Hub when you factor in the additional cost of a cassette. Despite this, it’s still a great piece of kit that is well worth the investment once you’ve sorted the initial set-up. Plus, it currently comes with a one-year Zwift subscription.

There’s a reason why the Kickr Core was the turbo trainer I recommended to friends for years, and that hasn’t changed. It’s reliable and robust, and is a unit that most will never outgrow. Choosing between it and the Kickr, I’d still plump for the five-year-old Kickr Core every time: the top-of-the-range model’s latest feature additions (Wi-Fi, direct connectivity, ERG easy ramp, Axis feet) and better specs aren’t worth the extra money. 

Yet, it remains second best in my list of the best turbo trainers because it can’t compete with the Zwift Hub on price and ease of set-up—two things that are key to making indoor cycling more accessible.

Running can be less fun when it’s cold and dark. It’s OK to admit that, and wise to go into winter with your eyes open about it. The good news is that with the right running gear those runs become more enjoyable, and safer too.

You’ll find a lot of the right running gear in the Proviz clearance sale, which is full of reflective running gear and cycling gear. Proviz’s whole deal is reflectivity and, if you want to shine like a beacon on dark runs and rides, it’s the brand to go to.

I’ve tested plenty of Proviz running gear and looking at its sale, pretty much everything you need for the winter seems to be included. You can kit yourself out from head to toe in gear that shines when light falls upon it, so other people find that you’re easy to spot in the dark.

Start with the extremities: the Proviz Pixelite Reflective Running Gloves are great and have been reduced from $65/£44.50 to $19.50/£13.50 in the sale. The Proviz Classic Airfoot Running Socks are among the best running socks thanks to their high-visibility colors and reflective strips, and they have been reduced from$15/£14.99 to $10.50/£10.49 in the sale.

One of my favorite bits of winter kit is a gilet, because it’s a versatile layer that you can wear for runs of any speed to keep the rain and wind off your core without overheating. The Proviz Hi Visibility Running Gilet is half price in the sale, having been reduced from $90/£64.99 to $45/£32.50.

Sometimes you do need the warmth of a jacket, however, and the Proviz Reflect360 Fully Reflective Running Jacket provides enough to get you through the coldest runs in the depths of winter. It’s windproof and water resistant, and the outside of the jacket is reflective. The jacket is one of several reduced in the sale, with its price being cut from $145/£94.99 to $130.50/£85.49. There are even bigger deals on less reflective jackets, but for visibility above all, you can’t go wrong with this one.

Not every dark run is cold, of course, and if you’re lucky enough to live somewhere where even night runs can be undertaken in a reflective T-shirt, then don’t miss out on the chance to grab the Proviz Classic Short Sleeve Running Top for just $12/£9, down from $40/£29.99.

For the most part I don’t cycle enough to merit investing in dedicated cycling gear. I usually run six times a week and ride my bike to get around town. However, when running injury strikes I turn to the lower-impact sport of cycling to keep myself fit, and I’ve just gone through a period of regular riding on my turbo trainer while nursing an achilles niggle.

During this spell I tested bib shorts for the first time—the Endura Xtract Lite Bibshorts, to be exact. These are padded shorts with straps that go over your shoulders to hold the padding around the crotch in the right place throughout your ride. 

I have always considered bib shorts a bit too pro-level for my riding, particularly since they’re quite expensive. The Endura shorts are $99.99/£74.99, and that’s the cheaper end of the spectrum for bib shorts.

For longer rides I usually wear cycling shorts, which have the padding but not the straps, relying instead on a tight waistband to hold them in place. I have a very old set of dhb cycling shorts; a more modern option would be these dhb Shorts, which are just £35, or Endura’s Xtract Gel Short, which are $75/£49.99.

Having some kind of padding in your shorts is a worthwhile comfort upgrade as soon as you’re riding for more than 30 minutes regularly. But are bib shorts worth the extra outlay if you use a turbo trainer and don’t plan to become a serious road cyclist? 

I was riding for around 45-90 minutes three or four times a week, mostly doing indoor sessions with my bike on a turbo trainer, and found that the bib shorts were more comfortable than cycling shorts but also a bit more annoying at times.

The straps can be a pain if you need the toilet, for example, or forget to put your shorts, jersey and chest strap heart rate monitor on in the right order. However, the straps do help me get more benefit from the padding because they hold the shorts in the right position better than my shorts without straps, which moved around more during the ride. Some people also find them more comfortable than cycling shorts because you don’t need a tight waistband.

In truth, I’d say this extra comfort was only really worth the extra hassle and cost of bib shorts for my longest rides. Since those still weren’t that long, I’d recommend starting with a set of padded waist shorts if you’re new to regular cycling and not planning on spending more than a couple of hours on the bike at a time. 

I would definitely invest in some kind of padded shorts, though, especially if you, like me, are just using the standard saddle your bike came with. Your behind will thank you.

Our guide to the best turbo trainers can help you decide which model is right for you.

I must admit to a love-hate relationship with bicycles. I absolutely love tearing along a forest path on a mountain bike, flying over bumps in the pouring rain. But during my brief stint as a triathlete I discovered I loathe road cycling. It’s boring, excruciatingly uncomfortable for a woman, and there always seems to be a puncture, chain or brake pad to faff about with.

So when I was asked if I’d try swapping my car for an e-bike I had mixed feelings. Being able to whizz up hills was very appealing, but the hassle of putting on a helmet, waterproofs and booties each time I popped out, and trying to find somewhere to lock it up safely, wasn’t particularly appealing.

But I decided to give it a chance and received the Canyon Commuter: ON 7. I used it for all the trips I would normally do in the car, except when I had passengers to transport.

I work from home so I don’t commute and I usually walk my kids to school, but even though most things are within walking distance in the English town where I live I am in the habit of jumping in the car to pop to the Post Office, go to football training half a mile away and travel a mile-and-a-half to my personal trainer. When I am training for an ultra-marathon I tend to run everywhere, but at the moment I'm injured so I have been driving rather than walking.

It was a refreshing change to switch to an e-bike for those journeys and keep the car on the drive. I used the car twice in the course of those five days, once to take my son to a rugby match 20 miles away, and then a second time to drop him and his two heavy bags at school. The rest of my journeys were on the e-bike including trips to the local corner shop, Post Office, coffee shop and personal trainer.  

The Good

The first thing that surprised me was how light the e-bike is. Designed as a bike for zipping around cities its aluminum frame is lighter than the one electronic bike I briefly used a few years ago and pretty easy to assemble. It can be used as a normal bike with Shimano gears but has three support levels.

Although the tires are designed for smooth roads, they are still much wider than a traditional road bike and gripped well when I cut across grass or went along a footpath for a short distance.

I thought the e-bike might be complicated to use, but it was fairly intuitive and I was able to go straight out on an errand as soon as it was assembled. On a fair-weather day it felt good to be in the fresh air on a quick journey, rather than using the car and trying to find somewhere to park.

I tended to use the power when going uphill and found I could keep a constant pace of 25kmph on an incline and on the flat. When going downhill I turned off the electric power and the bike got up to 30kmph on its own. I subsequently discovered the bike only provides motorized support up to 25kmph by law which explains why this was my average speed.

The bike really came into its own when I was coaching my running group on Tuesday evening. I had two back-to-back hill rep sessions and I was able to motor up and down the hill with my runners for two hours without working up a sweat. The following day, however, I had very bad saddle sore and had to dig out my padded shorts to use on subsequent rides. 

On the next ride I needed to take a parcel to an In Post locker, a job I would normally do in the car. It was pouring with rain but I shoved on my waterproofs and within 10 minutes I was at the locker. Unfortunately it was full so I had to ride another 1km to another locker—which was also full.

It was rush hour at the time and despite the rain I was actually relieved to be on the bike. I passed all the traffic while riding in the cycle lane and I didn’t have to worry about parking—I just cycled straight up to the lockers. The whole round trip took 30 minutes, and with traffic and parking it would have taken the same amount of time in the car.

Traveling to my personal trainer on the e-bike was also a breeze. While it is normally a five-minute car journey, on the bike it only took seven minutes and I was nicely warmed up when I got there.

The Bad

Although I enjoyed all of my seven journeys, by the fifth day the muscles over my ischial tuberosities (inner buttock) were extremely bruised and tender. The seat was far too hard for me and I know from experience that my muscles don’t just get used to it.

I was also surprised that my legs were quite sore and fatigued, and going uphill felt harder each day. Although the e-bike made it easier to cycle, it didn’t make it easy. You still need a relatively good level of fitness to be able to get around on one.

It was also not always practical to cycle. On Thursday morning I usually drive my eight-year-old son to school and then meet a friend at a nearby café for coffee. This is because I have to carry his heavy electric guitar. But this week I had to precariously balance the guitar on the e-bike whilst pushing it 1km to school. It was a pain and completely impractical, even if it did mean I could cycle home quickly afterward.

In fact, doing anything with the kids meant I couldn’t really use the bike (unless it was a cycle ride) and a weekly supermarket shop wouldn’t be practical either, as we usually have four large bags for life full of heavy food, although I guess I could invest in a bike trailer.

The Verdict

Because all of my journeys were 10km or less I found I really enjoyed them as I avoided the drudgery of long cycles, but there was definitely a time and a place to switch to the e-bike. Chores during the day, nipping to the shop, going to meet friends or cycling to my personal trainer were all perfect to do on the bike.

But taking the kids to matches or moving them and their heavy kit around could only really be done in the car. As a single-car household I think this is reasonable enough, but I will definitely be using the e-bike for those local journeys, particularly since short journeys cause more pollutants, as catalytic converters don’t work effectively on trips under five miles.

So I’ll be getting on my bike a little more often, but won’t be ditching the car altogether.

If you look back at the cycling technology and gear of 2018, it’s apparent that much has changed in the intervening years. Most new road bikes come with disc brakes, tubeless-ready tires and can handle gravel-riding roughage, while top-tier lights come with cameras as standard.

Look at the best turbo trainers, though, and very little appears to have changed. Brands like Wahoo and Tacx (now owned by Garmin) have released a couple of iterations of the Kickr Bike and Neo Bike smart training bikes respectively. Moves have been made to improve the indoor riding experience (see the Wahoo Kickr Rise or Elite’s Rizer) via gradient simulators but updates to flagship direct drive turbo trainers have been minimal.

The Wahoo Kickr V6 is the latest release that fails to break this pattern. It looks identical to the fifth version it is replacing, which itself was a near-carbon copy of 2018’s V4. However, though there have only been minor improvements, the V6 doesn’t feel dated. In fact it provides one of the best turbo training experiences available.

Wahoo Kickr V6: Price And Availability

The Wahoo Kickr V6 was released in September 2022 and costs $1,300 in the US and £1,099.99 in the UK. The RRP is $100/£100 more than the Wahoo Kickr V5 was on release and tips the Kickr into four figures for the first time. 

Wahoo Kickr V6 Vs Wahoo Kickr V5

The biggest difference between the Wahoo Kickr V6 and its predecessor is that it now comes with Wi-Fi. This allows you to connect the trainer to your internet router, minimizing the risks of mid-ride drop-outs that can be an issue when piggybacking on a Bluetooth or ANT+ connection between the trainer and your chosen device.

In the past, I’ve experienced these issues, which can be frustrating when you’re mid-workout or in an e-race (such as those on Zwift), where signal loss can send you to the back of the pack. During testing of the Kickr V6, I didn’t have any issues when setting up or with a loss of connectivity.

Otherwise, the changes to the V6 are minimal. There’s the inclusion of the ERG Easy Ramp, which is also seen on the Kickr Bike V2. Essentially, if you have to pause a workout for any reason, you now have 10 seconds to ramp back up to the power when you resume rather than grinding away at an impossibly hard resistance. There is also an odometer, which logs the turbo’s total use.

In other regards, the V6 is the same as the V5. It has the same maximum power output (2,200W), power accuracy (+/- 1%), maximum gradient simulation (20%) and retains the Axis feet (allowing for 5° of side-to-side movement) that were introduced last time around.

The Set-Up

The Kickr V6 is straightforward to set up and is ready to go out of the box if you have an 11-speed road bike with quick-release wheels. There are only minor adjustments required if you have a mountain bike or thru-axles (common on new bikes with disc brakes).

To start riding, you unfold the two side legs before adjusting the height of the trainer using the bike and wheel size markers as a guide. This is also the time to switch out the Axis feet if required, replacing them with one of the two sets included in the box that allow you to tailor the experience depending on your weight. After this, you remove the rear wheel from your bike, connect its chain to the Kickr’s pre-installed cassette and slot the frame’s drop-outs onto the turbo trainer’s lugs.

Unlike its Tacx Neo 2T rival, the Kickr V6 needs to be plugged into the mains to work. Once switched on, open the Wahoo Fitness smartphone app, add the Kickr to your profile and fill in your router’s details to get the trainer paired to your home Wi-Fi.

The pre-installed cassette works with Shimano and SRAM 11-speed drivetrains (count the number of cogs on your bike’s back wheel if you’re not sure how many gears you’ve got). If your bike is more than 10 years old, you’ll probably need to swap the pre-installed cassette for one that is compatible with your set-up. Also, if using a mountain bike (or even a 1x gravel bike), the number of teeth on the stock cassette won’t leave you with a lot of low-end range, so it will be worth swapping it for the same cassette that you have on your bike if you want to be able to climb hills in simulation mode. If you’re unsure about any of these then contact a bike store.

The Ride

In terms of hardware, the Kickr V6 is identical to its predecessor and feels exactly the same to ride. I was a fan of the V5—and if it ain’t broke, why fix it? Its 16lb (7.25kg) flywheel is the driving force behind its realistic ride feel, while the Axis feet enabled enough side-to-side movement to ensure I didn’t feel like I was fighting against the bike during my out-of-the-saddle efforts.

I tested the turbo trainer in simulation mode on Zwift and ERG mode on TrainerRoad and was impressed with its performance on both. When climbing a virtual hill, the resistance smoothly increased and decreased in line with the on-screen gradient, while it accurately held power without wavering during interval workout sessions. I also used the latter as an opportunity to test out the ERG Easy Ramp and it worked without a hitch.

The only thing its main rival (the Tacx Neo 2T) can offer that the Kickr V6 can’t is the ability to simulate different riding terrains, where haptic feedback makes it feel like you’re spinning your way across cobblestones or gravel. From personal experience, this is a gimmick: while it might add to the immersive nature of a virtual training platform like Zwift, it’s hard to escape the reality that you’re riding indoors.

Is The Wahoo Kickr V6 Worth It?

Wahoo isn’t alone in putting prices up, but, on paper, it’s hard to argue that the improvements are worth the additional $100/£100.

The Kickr is still Wahoo’s top-of-the-range turbo trainer, but for $500/£500 less, you get the Kickr Core—another direct drive smart turbo trainer that is tough to beat when it comes to value for money. At the other end of the scale, if you want a truly immersive indoor training experience, the latest Kickr Bike V2 ($3,999.99/£3,499.99) is a great way to splash the cash.

When compared with other brands’ top-of-the-range direct drive turbo trainers on price, the Wahoo Kickr V6 is in the middle of the pack. Where it leads the way is in being the only one that comes pre-installed with a cassette (saving you additional outlays if you have an 11-speed road bike) and the only release currently available with built-in Wi-Fi.

Its biggest competitor on value is its predecessor. The Kickr V5 is still available online and if connecting to your home internet is a deal-breaker, it’s possible to buy a Kickr Direct Connect (£79.99) and plug the trainer directly into your router.

The Wahoo Kickr V6 is at the top of the best turbo trainer pile. It combines a brilliant, pro-level package that will last you years—and its specs mean you’ll never outgrow it. This is its downfall as well, though. Wahoo hasn’t moved things on dramatically since the 2018 V4 and if you already own one of these, or a slightly newer V5, there’s little need to upgrade.

E-bikes are fantastic for getting around a city, but the initial outlay of four figures is off-putting. That’s why I greet budget options (albeit still in the lower four figures) like the Honbike Uni4 with delight, and hope they work well enough to make cycling with a minimum of effort accessible to more people.

On paper, the Honbike Uni4 looks like great value and it has received a number of five-star reviews. I was initially impressed, but once the odometer ticked into three figures I ran into problems with the battery. It’s a pity because the Uni4 was on track for a place in my selection of the best e-bikes, but there are more reliable budget options I can recommend (see below).

Honbike Uni4 E-Bike: Price And Availability

The Honbike Uni 4 is available direct from Honbike and costs $1,799 in the US and £1,699 in the UK. The only third-party retailer I found that sold the Uni4 is Wellbots.

Design

The Uni4 has a strikingly-designed frame. The vertical seatpost, front fork and head tube are joined by a horizontal J shape that starts at the headtube, runs past the seatpost and then appears to thread through the motor in the rear wheel and finish at the bottom bracket. It’s swooping. It’s elegant. But it has its downsides. 

I was concerned that the lack of separate down tube and top tube reduces the ways to attach a bike lock. The bike anchor in my back garden is at top tube height, which posed a problem when trying to secure this expensive bit of kit. The frame also has a wider-than-usual diameter, which meant I was unable to use my smaller D-lock. 

A minor issue is that the combined top and down tube isn’t aligned with the center of the bike because it comes out either side of the rear wheel. For the first few days I was convinced I hadn’t aligned the handlebars correctly, but it’s just that the crossbar sits at a slight diagonal. Even now I can’t shake the sense that the handlebars are out of alignment.

There are other elements I got on better with. The controls on the handlebars are well-designed, with a three-button set-up by the left grip and a throttle on the right. They’re easy to find and operate with cycling gloves on. The same goes for the bell, conveniently placed for the left index finger, and which was loud enough to raise a cheer from a picket line of teachers.

Another welcome design feature is the belt drive, which means no chain slips, no grease and less maintenance. Power transfer is not as efficient as it is with a chain, but the motor picks up the slack.

The bike weighs 44lb/20kg, which is in the expected range for budget e-bikes, though for many people it will be too heavy to pick up. That’s an issue because you can’t remove the battery, so you may need to pick up the bike to bring it inside to charge as I did. It was unwieldy, and a hassle to bring through my back door and charge overnight. The charging port is where the chainstay of the frame meets the rear wheel.

The Uni4 is available in one size. Honbike says it is suitable for people between 5ft 3in/160cm and 6ft 2in/190cm. In my experience that range feels too wide. I’m around 6ft/182cm tall and even with the seatpost and seat position at maximum extension I found the bike more cramped than my usual hybrid.

The Set-Up

The bike is delivered with all the tools you need to get it started. The instructions specify the recommended tightening torques, which is good to have if you own a torque wrench but can feel surplus to requirements when using the included Allen keys.

The bike is relatively straightforward to assemble and the instruction manual is clearly written, so you won’t need to be familiar with putting a bike together. Attach the front mudguard, mount the front wheel, adjust the position of the right-hand brake, screw on the pedals and raise the saddle. Accounting for the time spent removing the cable ties and protective foam, attaching the mudguard the wrong way round (ahem) and long periods staring at the instructions, it took me about an hour.

How I Tested This Bike

I’ve ridden 144 miles/232.4km on the Honbike Uni4, using it for my eight-mile/13km each-way commute, as well as shorter trips. This is the 14th e-bike I have reviewed and, including test rides, I’ve ridden more than 20.

The Battery And Range

The Uni4’s given range is 62 miles/100km and this is standard among its rivals. The cheaper Raleigh Array, for instance, has a 60-mile/97km quoted range and the more expensive Volt London offers the same range as the Uni4. The Raleigh and Volt offerings are similarly heavy, weighing more than 45lb/20kg.

Using the highest assistance setting on each and along the same routes, I ran the Volt’s battery down in 41 miles/​​67km, while I ran the Honbike’s down in 34 miles/55km. In part that may be down to the carbon belt, but I have other concerns about the battery.

The first is that its performance became increasingly erratic, and the battery discharged more quickly the closer it was to empty. This is frustrating if you’re trying to judge if you have enough juice left to get you home, and was surprising given I received a new bike to test. The second concern was that the assistance tailed off as the battery approached zero. Even when there were two of the five bars left on the handlebar display, the assistance was notably diminished. 

The Motor

The 250W motor—the maximum allowed in the UK—is mounted in the rear wheel, but the assistance it provides feels natural and not like you’re being propelled forward violently from behind, which I’ve found to be an issue on early and/or cheap e-bikes. 

There are three levels of assistance and, in the highest setting, the assistance often had an on/off feel. Sometimes I’d push the pedal slightly and then stop pedaling, but a moment later the motor would give a push. This suggests the Uni4 uses a cadence rather than a torque sensor, using the turning of the pedals (rather than the force put through the pedals) as the trigger for the motor. A torque sensor is usually a feature of more expensive e-bikes as it helps to give a more natural feel to the assistance. However, for the most part, the Uni4 feels natural and I didn’t experience that ill-timed push on lower levels of assistance.

Honbike makes its uphill-assist a selling point and—battery issues notwithstanding—the Uni4 handled steep hills well. I found it wouldn’t keep you traveling at the maximum 15.5mph, but I’d find a speed around 12 or 13mph to settle in at and keep climbing with no more effort than I was putting in along the flat.

There is a throttle by the right handlebar grip that can be used to power the bike while walking it along, though I found the speed was much faster than I could walk.

The App

The Honbike app doesn’t offer much, but it’s easy to use and connects reliably to the bike via Bluetooth, so you can check the battery level and distance traveled. You can also lock the bike via the app, although as far as I can tell that just makes life more awkward for a thief—it does little to deter them in the first place.

The Ride

When everything is working well, the Uni4 delivers an easy, if relaxed, ride. It has the upright riding position of a hybrid bike. The assistance is significant but mostly feels natural, and I could get up to maximum speed or cruise up a hill using a comfortable cadence. 

The 15.5mph limit where the assistance cuts out by UK law really was the upper limit unless I was on a downhill. The bike is heavy, the tires are wider than need be (although they can handle the crater-sized potholes in my neighborhood), it’s single-speed and the carbon belt doesn’t help matters either. All of that comes to the fore when the assistance from the motor winds down and the battery unexpectedly runs out. The bike’s still rideable, but only just. 

Is The Honbike Uni4 Worth It?

Because of the issues with the battery and diminishing assistance, I recommend you steer clear of the Honbike Uni4. If you’re looking to spend as little money as possible I recommend the Raleigh Array. It’s heavy, but I found it cruised along pleasantly and the swept-back handlebars added to its relaxed feel. It also has a detachable battery and gears so you could push past 15.5mph should you feel like it. 

The more expensive Volt London is similar to the Honbike and Raleigh but justifies its higher price by nailing the basics and adding on useful security features, like a key fob that locks and unlocks the bike.

Slightly more expensive again is the Ribble Hybrid AL e, and its distinguishing feature is how much lighter it is—30lb/13.5kg. You sacrifice range and the degree of assistance you can wring out of it, but it covers my daily commute and does the work of getting you going quickly and with a minimum of effort.

The Brompton C Line and Brompton T Line both have  stand-out features that put them among the best folding bikes for cycling to work. Their qualities aren’t only about the commute to the office, though, and either will be a solid buy for anyone who wants a great all-round bicycle.

Despite their similar silhouettes, there are big differences between the two models, and the final choice will come down to the most important factors for you – including budget and how light you need your fold-up bike to be when carrying it.

Price And Availability

The Brompton C Line was released in October 2021 and was a rebranding of the traditional steel range. The C Line starts with the Urban model, which costs $1,490 in the US and £1,195 in the UK, and goes up to the $1,680/£1,350 Explore model that I tested. 

The Brompton T Line also came out in October 2021 and is available in two models: the single-speed, 7.45kg One ($5,225/£4,180) and the four-speed, 7.95kg Urban ($5,500/£4,415). The T Line is only available direct from Brompton.

How I Tested These Bikes

I have written both the Brompton C Line Explore review and Brompton T Line Urban review for Coach.

I tested the Brompton C Line and T Line for roughly two months each, using them for everyday riding around my local area in north London, as well as further afield with rides of over an hour. I also took the C Line in the boot of my car during a trip to Devon and used it to complete a circular ride around the River Exe. I tested the T Line’s fold-up functionality by taking it into restaurants and bars and on the London Underground.

Design

The Brompton C Line has fundamentally the same design and construction as the original Brompton, which was released in the mid-1970s. Its frame and fork are made from steel, it has 16in wheels, and the main differences between the various C Line models are the gearing. The Urban has a two-speed derailleur-actioned drivetrain, while the Explore combines a three-speed Sturmey-Archer hub and a two-speed derailleur to give you six gears.

Brompton tore up the rulebook when designing the T Line, taking the 150 parts that make up the standard C Line and rethinking them with a focus on being light yet strong. Its frame is handmade from titanium, and it has a suite of carbon fibre components (fork, crankset, handlebars) and a carbon fibre seatpost in a 0.3mm steel armour that reduces weight while remaining strong. The result is a Brompton that weighs 7.45kg – the same as a high-end carbon fibre road racing machine.

Its differences don’t end there. Brompton used the T Line as a chance to make upgrades on the original design, such as self-aligning hinges, a spring-loaded handlebar catch and a four-speed compact cassette-based drivetrain. In fact, the only feature the C Line and T Line share is the rim brakes.

The Ride

Bromptons are renowned for being fun to ride, and the C Line and T Line left smiles on my face each time I saddled up.

The C Line Explore I tested was the heaviest model Brompton makes (12.1kg) outside of its electric range, but its six-speed gearing meant that the additional load of the drivetrain wasn’t immediately noticeable when riding. It felt sturdy and reliable at high and low speeds, and I didn’t have to get off and push at all – even on steep hills. Its steel construction absorbed most potholes and bumps in the road, while it even remained comfortable on light towpath gravel.

The T Line Urban was just as enjoyable to ride, though for different reasons. Its  lightweight nature meant ascents were a breeze, while the titanium frame kept the ride comfortable. Its carbon fibre crankset meant I was able to achieve top speed promptly from a standing start, although at high speeds (in excess of 20mph), its handling started to get twitchy. The only flaw I could find in its four-speed gearing set-up was that its top gear wasn’t quite big enough, but in the stop-start nature of city-based riding, it’s rare that you get a chance to encounter this problem.

Weight

There are big differences between the C Line Explore (12.1kg) and the T Line Urban (7.95kg) on the scales because one has been designed to be light regardless of the cost. So, in practice, how noticeable is the difference?

When folded, the C Line Explore is bulky. It may weigh the same as a dumbbell that you’d lift in the gym, but that soon starts to take its toll when you’re carrying it up stairs or through a crowded bar.

On the other hand, the T Line feels like you’re carrying a bag of shopping or rucksack by your side. During a journey on the London Underground, my arm didn’t get tired despite long transfers between lines, and it was easy enough to take up three flights of stairs during a visit to a bar.

While it might only be 4kg difference, if you’re taking a Brompton up and down stairs to your flat every time you head out for a ride, or lifting it into a luggage rack on a daily commute, that strain (and pain) can soon add up.

Getting around is not as easy as it once was. It seems ordering a taxi on your phone is more expensive and less reliable than ever, and it’s hard to keep up with changing transport timetables. Inevitably you’ll be caught out when you really can’t be late. 

Cycling avoids all that trouble and with protected bike lanes springing up all over the place to help people choose an environmentally-sound way to travel, getting to where you’re going is faster and safer than ever. 

The only downside is that it can be hard to avoid working up a sweat, which is less than ideal if you’re on the way to meet someone. Electric bikes, on the other hand, get you around with a minimum of effort so you arrive fresh, and in all likelihood, early.

The latest electric bikes are a far cry from the heavy, tank-like models you can rent from bike share schemes in cities across the UK. While they do the job and are a lot of fun, the push from the motor is clunky and those things weigh a ton. The new Raleigh Trace is completely different. It’s the lightest e-bike Raleigh has ever made and the help from the motor is smooth and feels natural – like you’re just really good at cycling.

It’s also light enough to manoeuvre into an apartment or up a few stairs, or roll it into a lift on its back wheel. That’s helpful because you wouldn’t catch us leaving an e-bike outside on the street.

There’s a lot more to like about the Trace, too. It doesn’t have a clunking-great battery strapped to the downtube, or an LCD screen on the handlebars. Instead, there’s a discreet button on the crossbar and a very handy Bluetooth-connected app providing you with all the info you need to understand your bike and plan your journey. Turn it on and you’re off. The vivid blue or rich copper colourways, with accent front forks, add to the attractive package.

The Raleigh Trace is also the smart way to get to work and with a range of payment options,  it matches up to most monthly travel cards. It’s also well worth seeing if your employer offers a Cycle To Work scheme which can knock between a third and two fifths off the price of the bike. The bike itself is great value too, with integrated lights, mudguards and pannier racks, unlike many e-bikes.

It’s not just a way to be smart with your money, either. Believe us when we say we look forward to getting to work on an e-bike, cruising past stationary traffic (hot tip, if you’re not in a bike lane, pass traffic on the outside – it’s safer), swooping up hills, and not having to carry and get changed into fresh clothes when we get there. In fact, it’s worth wrapping up warmer than you think you need to because you don’t work up a sweat and there’s a bit more wind chill when you’re travelling at speed.

Cycling to work is also a welcome enforced break from doom scrolling on your phone, giving you the headspace to mentally prepare yourself for work then clear your head afterwards. 

And once the weekend comes, the battery’s 50-mile range means you can embark on epic food trips, cycling for destination doughnuts, dumplings or anything else that’s all over your feed.

The Raleigh Trace costs £2,199 and is available to buy from Raleigh now.

The Brompton T Line turned heads when it was announced in October 2021. The lightest fold-up bike the brand has made, its single-speed version weighs 7.45kg – less than most high-end carbon fibre road bikes – while the Urban edition was 500g more but included the choice of having four gears.

Brompton managed this by taking the 150 parts that make up its standard steel Brompton C Line and redesigning them so they stayed equally robust, but at a fraction of the weight. The frame, for example, is handmade from titanium because of the metal’s strength-to-weight ratio, while other neat tweaks include a carbon fibre crankset, a compact cassette rather than a standard, internally geared Sturmey-Archer hub, and even super-light lock-on foam grips.

But how does this Brompton fare amid the cut and thrust of commuting? And is there any way of justifying its £4,415 price?

Brompton T Line: Price And Availability

The T Line was announced in October 2021 with purchases only available via lottery. Although sold out at the time of writing, Brompton says it expects more to be available soon, and the second wave of releases won’t involve a ballot. You can find out more and buy by visiting the Brompton site.

There are two T Line models to choose from: the 7.45kg, One model, which costs $5,225 in the US and £4,180 in the UK and the 7.95kg Urban ($5,500/£4,415) that I tested. Both feature the same components: a titanium main and rear frame, carbon fibre fork, handlebars and crankset, 16in wheels and Schwalbe One tyres with added puncture protection. The only difference between the models is the gearing. The One is single-speed and the Urban has a four-speed set-up with derailleur shifting.

When compared with the rest of Brompton’s range, the T Line is head and shoulders above the rest. If the A Line is its entry-level model, the C Line its everyday steel workhorse and the P Line its more performance-focused offering, then the T Line range should be regarded as Brompton’s concept collection. 

How I Tested The Brompton T-Line

I’ve ridden about 100km around London on the Brompton T-Line in all conditions, including short trips to the local shops and several journeys of an hour in length. It’s a fold-up bike of course and I’ve put this feature to the test too, taking the bike into a restaurant when meeting friends for lunch, as well as onto the Tube when I couldn’t face riding home. I’ve got extensive experience riding and rating everything from carbon fibre road bikes to fold-up commuters, including the Brompton C-Line.

Design

What I noticed first about the T Line was how light it was. Having spent a few months last summer testing a C Line Explore, I was expecting a compact yet still bulky package. I did a double-take when it arrived and blew away those preconceptions. I could immediately see the benefit of having a folding bike this light, particularly if used during a multi-modal commute where you’re getting on and off public transport or if entering and exiting your home involves tackling flights of stairs.

The five-stage unfolding dance common with Bromptons made me tap into my muscle memory, although I was left stumped when it came to the final step – fitting the left-hand pedal. On a standard Brompton C Line, the design sees you slide one out of a folded-down contraption to create a fully functioning pedal, but on the T Line, there was just an empty hole in the crank arm. “They must have forgotten to send me a pedal,” I told myself, before spotting a pedal magnetically slotted into the back of the fork. Just one of the 100-plus ways Brompton has rethought the design, this is a clever weight-saving solution that helped retain the practicality that makes the brand’s fold-up bikes unique.

The Ride

Most of the time, the feel of the ride on the T Line was as good as you’d hope for on a £4,415 bike. The titanium frame helped smooth out all but the biggest bumps I came across, while it remained comfortable whether popping a mile up the road or on an hour-plus journey across the city.

Its lightness took the sting out of even the steepest ascents I could find in north London and its gearing range would ferry me to the top without having to get off and push. Its stiff carbon fibre crankset helped me lay down some power – whether that was getting a head start when pulling away from traffic lights or flying up a hill – and it didn’t take long to accelerate to top speed.

But this is also where I found an issue with the T Line. Its highest gear was a little lacking, and I was left pedalling furiously when riding above 20mph. At these speeds the handling would also feel jerky, which made any descents nerve-racking.

That said, the T Line isn’t trying to be a racing whippet, and if you’re after something that’s fast, light and handles well at high speeds, you are better off investing in a premium carbon fibre road bike.

Value

When a bike costs in excess of £4,000, it’s going to have to really deliver. The materials, craftsmanship and design that have gone into the T Line go some of the way there, while its lightweight construction will leave some avid Brompton fans weighing up whether to upgrade from their old steel steed, which will be looking somewhat portly in comparison.

But when you look at what else the same amount of money could get you, the attractiveness of the T Line starts to fade. If commuting, you could acquire a great hybrid bike or even the Brompton C Line for less than £1,500 and still be left with £3,000 for an all-out road bike. Yes, this option won’t be as light or groundbreaking, but it will work out better in the long run.

Is The Brompton T Line Urban Worth It?

The Brompton T Line should be championed for what it is – an amazing piece of engineering that has taken a much-loved design and brought it into the 21st century. Its weight and utility means it could be the only bike you need in your life, but its price is the biggest sticking point. Given the quality of its construction and the components, that’s not surprising, but it will keep it out of reach for all but those with the deepest pockets.

The world of indoor cycling has been transformed in the last decade. Improvements in the best turbo trainer tech and the best cycling apps have combined to create a more immersive experience when riding a stationary bike. It’s now possible to climb famous mountain passes or race against others in virtual worlds from the comfort of your home.

This new tech tends to come at a cost, though. While it’s possible to pick up a basic wheel-on turbo trainer for double figures, a smart direct drive model is required to make the experience as realistic as possible, and that’s before you factor in any monthly subscription fees.

In this context, it’s easy to see why the launch of the Zwift Hub turbo trainer was revolutionary. Priced at $499 in the US and £449 in the UK, it was the first smart direct drive turbo trainer to be launched at less than $500/£500. It undercuts its direct competitor, the Wahoo Kickr Core, and matches it in terms of specs.

On paper, the Zwift Hub looks like a no-brainer for anyone starting their turbo training journey. But how does it fair in the real-world environment of high-intensity interval training and spinning around the virtual roads of Watopia?

Zwift Hub: Price And Availability

The Zwift Hub was released in October 2022 and costs $499/£449 – an attractive price that’s in stark contrast with other turbo trainer manufacturers, which have been putting their prices up over the last 12 months. It is the first hardware release from Zwift, which is best known for a training app first released in 2014, and is a direct competitor to the Wahoo Kickr Core (£599) and Tacx Flux S (£599.99). 

How I Tested The Zwift Hub

I’ve logged 10 hours of turbo training on the Zwift Hub, including free rides around the virtual worlds of Zwift’s Watopia, interval-based workout sessions and more. I’ve also tested the turbo on the Zwift, Wahoo X and TrainerRoad training apps. I have experience with most of the best turbo trainers and smart bikes, including the Zwift Hub’s direct rival, the Wahoo Kickr Core.

Background And Rivals

A lot of attention is paid to the top-tier turbo trainers produced by Wahoo and Tacx, and each year sees them release refined versions of the Wahoo Kickr, Tacx Neo 2 or their respective smart bikes that incrementally make further improvements. In reality, the closest most cyclists will get to these turbo trainers is in a shop window. In excess of $1,000/£1,000, these pioneering products are out of reach for most.

This is what makes the Zwift Hub such an interesting release. Instead of striving to have the best specs or the most immersive ride feel, Zwift has spotted a gap in the market for a relatively cheap turbo trainer that makes indoor cycling more affordable.

Mind you, the trainer itself is anything but cheap. The frame is made from robust metal and feels like it could withstand years of anaerobic efforts and sprint drills, while its two feet are secured by four substantial bolts.

Its maximum limits in power and gradient simulation are more than most users will ever need and its built-in power meter (accuracy of +/- 2.5%) opens up the world of FTP-based zones and structured training.

The built-in Bluetooth and ANT+ transmitters allow the trainer to sync to a variety of training apps and devices, and while these connection methods aren’t as secure as the Wi-Fi connection offered on the latest Wahoo Kickr V6, I didn’t experience any drop-outs during testing.

The Set Up

Once removed from the box, there are two stabilising feet that need to be installed to the main body of the turbo trainer, but the packaging also includes clear instructions and the required tools.

The trainer comes with a cassette installed and it’s possible to buy it already set up with an 8-, 9-, 10-, 11- or 12-speed cassette, or with no cassette if you use a SRAM XD/XDR driver. If the last sentence has gone over your head, count the number of cogs on your rear wheel and buy the model that matches. If you’re still unsure, a bike shop will be able to help with this.

The turbo trainer needs to be plugged into the mains to work and, on your first time using it, you’ll need to sync it to the Zwift Companion App (available on iOS and Android) to get the most up-to-date firmware.

From here, it’s ready to slot on your bike and take for a virtual spin. The turbo trainer connected seamlessly to my heart rate monitor and Zwift, and I was pedalling my way around Watopia within 30 minutes of unboxing.

However, the Zwift Hub doesn’t come with a handle and it doesn’t fold away, so it’s something you’ll want to set up in its final resting spot. If you plan to use it only during the colder months it’s easy to pack away again in the box for storage.

The Ride

The smart direct drive nature of the Zwift Hub has two benefits over wheel-on models. In simulation mode, it can alter the resistance of the turbo trainer to match the gradients of the virtual paths your avatar is riding around and then your bike’s gears make it easier, or harder. In ERG mode, you keep it in one gear and the resistance is automatically changed by a pre-set workout.

In both riding modes, the Zwift Hub was as good as its main competitors. It was quick to adapt to on-screen changes, could handle the big jumps in power output required during hard interval training, and was relatively quiet. It is bettered only by the top-tier turbo trainers because of their superior gradient simulations, but there are only a handful of road sections on Zwift where you can ride over 16% and you’ll be too busy gritting your teeth when tackling a gradient this steep to notice the Zwift Hub topping out. 

Its construction means that it doesn’t allow side-to-side swaying (unlike the Wahoo Kickr range from V5 onwards), but that’s nice to have rather than an absolute essential. As long as your turbo training mat has padding, you will get lateral movement anyway.

Is The Zwift Hub Worth It?

The main selling point of the Zwift Hub is its price. It’s significantly less than its direct competitor, but the fact that it comes with a cassette of your choice installed will save you at least another $30/£30.

While $499/£449 may still sound like a lot for a turbo trainer, I’d highly recommend saving up a bit longer if it means you can get a Zwift Hub rather than a cheaper wheel-on turbo trainer.

Whenever friends asked which turbo trainer they should buy, I used to say the Wahoo Kickr Core. It combined all the capabilities they would ever need and was a great piece of kit that would see them through numerous indoor training sessions, while being slightly more affordable than the top-of-the-range options. Now, I’ll be recommending the Zwift Hub. The training app’s hardwire debut has knocked its main competitor off the best all-round turbo trainer perch at the first time of asking, and has made turbo training more affordable and accessible in the process.

More About Zwift

• How To Get Started With Zwift Cycling
• Zwift Review: Is Zwift A Good Way To Get Fit?

Wahoo built its reputation on being a disruptor. The American brand tore up the turbo trainer rule book when it launched the Kickr back in 2012, bringing direct drive machines to the masses and starting the decline of wheel-on trainers.

Today, with the sixth-generation Kickr, second-generation smart Kickr Bike and suite of indoor training accessories – from gradient simulator Kickr Rise to its Kickr Headwind smart fan – it has established itself as the dominant indoor cycling hardware manufacturer.

Wahoo isn’t content with owning the hardware market, though. In 2019 it acquired the workout app Sufferfest and last year it added the virtual environments of Road Grand Tours (RGT) to its training app portfolio. The pair have been bundled together and repackaged as Wahoo X, a product whose aim is to challenge rival Zwift with a superior combination of tailored training plans and the chance to race against others online.

Today Wahoo has announced its latest turbo training accessory the Kickr Steer, alongside updates to Wahoo RGT. Designed to be used in parallel with Wahoo RGT and the Wahoo RGT Remote app, the Kickr Steer enables riders to navigate their way around a course for the first time, rather than simply riding in a straight line and relying on the software’s auto-overtake.

We spoke to Wahoo product manager Tyler Harris who pointed out that, until now, the only way to control an avatar would be to change your power output. “To really take it to the next step, you need to be able to steer and navigate through the course that you’re on, to make that more fun and introduce elements of strategy and everything else that you think about riding outdoors.”

The leg work of the new feature is undertaken by the Wahoo RGT Remote app. It uses a phone’s built-in gyroscope, which reacts to being tilted in either direction, sending a signal to the app and changing your avatar’s direction as a result. The Wahoo Steer is a “dumb” device, meaning it isn’t connected to the app at all: it’s essentially a handlebar-mounted platform for a mobile phone to rest on while running the Wahoo RGT Remote app. Two attached paddles tilt the platform from side to side. 

Before getting into what it’s like to use, it’s worth clarifying a few things. You don’t need a Kickr Steer or even a phone running the Wahoo RGT Remote app to use the new function. If you have a Wahoo Kickr Bike, the buttons on the hoods of the handlebars can be programmed to perform a similar function. Alternatively, you can use the A and D buttons on your computer’s keyboard.

Currently, routes on Wahoo RGT are all loops, unlike on Zwift where you can change course by selecting a different path when arriving at junctions. The functionality is more about altering your position on the road.

“Under the hood, the road is broken up into about 30 different lanes,” says Harris. “If you don’t steer, you’ll stick to one lane.”

While changing lane might not seem important if you’re just free riding, Harris believes that it can make all the difference when racing, allowing you to hit the apex of corners, employ tactics when racing in a group such as boxing other riders in, and sit in someone’s slipstream before overtaking them with a burst of speed.

He also adds that the Kickr Steer can’t be used to navigate on Zwift right now, but “there’s no reason why Zwift could not take the same hardware piece and apply that approach to their game”.

Wahoo Kickr Steer Price And Availability

The Wahoo Kickr Steer was released in February 2023 and costs £89.99 in the UK. It is available direct from Wahoo and many third-party retailers. 

A Wahoo X annual membership and Kickr Steer bundle is available for US$199.99/£179.99.

The Set-Up

All Wahoo RGT users will get the update to the software as standard, so I’ll concentrate on the Wahoo Kickr Steer. The unit comes in two main parts: an aluminium mount that attaches to your handlebars and has the same mounting point as those used by GPS head units; and a separate platform which can easily be clipped on and off, and which the paddles connect to.

As you’re going to be applying some force through the paddles, Wahoo recommends swapping out a standard mount for the aluminium alternative. It features a Wahoo-style mounting bracket as standard but includes a Garmin alternative that you can switch to if you plan on using a Garmin head unit when using your turbo training bike outside. Weight weenies beware: the Kickr Steer’s aluminium head unit mount is 66g heavier than the plastic one that comes as standard with the Wahoo Elemnt Roam V2, while it is also lacking the same sleek lines, meaning it will most probably create more drag too.

Setting up the platform and the paddles is relatively straightforward, and two Allen keys are supplied to make all the necessary adjustments.

It’s worth noting that the Kickr Steer only works with dropped handlebars.

The Experience

Steering outside relies on you to turn the handlebars or lean from side to side. The user experience of the Kickr Steer involves neither of these. Yes, you press a paddle down to adjust your positioning on the virtual road, but it bears no resemblance to the real world and therefore doesn’t add any more realism to your on-bike positioning when training indoors.

Instead, the Kickr Steer is best viewed as a controller that enables you to move your avatar wherever your hands are positioned on a set of dropped handlebars, and it’s these actions that improve the realism. You are able to sit in someone’s slipstream to conserve your energy before springing an attack or carve your way through a corner. But, like eRacing itself, it takes a bit of getting used to. I found that there was a slight lag when turning, and to turn harder, you had to hold the paddle down for longer rather than apply more pressure – making it a skill of timing.

It was only when racing or in a group situation that the Kickr Steer and updated Wahoo RGT software made sense. I was able to undercut a fellow rider and make a break through a corner, cover someone’s path to stop them from passing me and generally feel more engaged in the whole experience, rather than solely focusing on my power output. 

Unfortunately, thanks to the lack of users on Wahoo RGT compared with Zwift, when free riding or following an ERG-based workout, the steering functionality is a bit pointless. You have to be unlucky to get stuck behind another rider, and you’re best leaving the auto overtake on unless practising your cornering technique.

Is The Kickr Steer Worth It?

Wahoo has made some great turbo trainer accessories that have enhanced the indoor training experience. The Kickr Steer isn’t one of them, though.

While it’s right to highlight steering as the next frontier in training app immersion and the functionality of the updated Wahoo RGT is sound, the experience it offers is too niche. It will only benefit those who race indoors (a minority of turbo trainer users), and race indoors on Wahoo RGT at that – narrowing the pool even further.

Throw in an £89.99 price tag for a platform that allows you to slightly tilt your phone, and it’s something for those who want marginal gains regardless of the cost.

The updated racing mechanics on Wahoo RGT meanwhile certainly make for a more realistic and tactical experience than those found on Zwift – where it’s purely about putting down the power and holding on – and it’s more immersive. Only time will tell, though, whether it’s enough to draw people away from the established racing leagues and different experience categories on Zwift.

I have spent more time than I care to mention fiddling with apps while reviewing e-bikes, so it was a welcome change to find out how to turn on the Volt London review model when I visited the brand’s south London showroom. Press the button on the battery. Hold the key fob in the general vicinity of the handlebar-mounted display. Done.

That encapsulated my experience of the bike too. It got me everywhere I needed to be in London with a minimum of fuss. It’s up there with the best electric bikes I've tried.

Volt is a well-established British brand which primarily manufactures folding and hybrid bikes as a means of getting around, rather than the enjoyment of a sport, although it’s also released an electric mountain bike. Its range can be split into those that use its proprietary electronics and those that use Shimano’s. The Volt London belongs in the former camp.

Volt London: Price And Availability

The Volt London costs £2,199 and is available from the Volt website and a network of bike shops across the UK. The website offers 0% finance over 12 months, and paid-for finance over longer payment terms. Volt is also part of Cycle Scheme, which allows UK taxpayers who are paid through PAYE to purchase a bike and save 26%-40%, depending on your tax band (our Cycle To Work guide explains more).

The London e-bike sits in the middle of Volt’s range of hybrid and step-through bikes. The Kensington step-through is the cheapest at £1,729, and the range tops out at £2,499 for the Regent step-through or Connect hybrid.

The Volt London compares favourably with the competition on price. The single-speed Cowboy costs £2,590, the similar Ribble Urban AL e costs £2,499, and the Van Moof costs £2,998. The Raleigh Array, however, seriously undercuts it at £1,399.

How I Tested This Bike

I rode this bike for a two-week period and covered more than 90km (56 miles) around south London.

The Motor

Volt uses a rear-wheel-mounted Spintech/Bafang Motor, paired with a Bafang torque sensor in the pedals. Received wisdom suggests that this rear-hub motor style of e-bike doesn’t offer quite as natural a feel as a mid-hub motor, which Volt uses in its more expensive models.

That wasn’t my experience here, however. I never felt the bike jerk forwards unexpectedly, either while getting ready to set off or when setting off slowly in heavy traffic, as I have on other bikes.

The Volt rep who talked me through the bike said most people ride in low or normal settings, which I silently guffawed at, because I only ride in the highest setting. He was right, though – the high setting was a touch too punchy for crowded inner-city roads, and it’s best reserved for steep inclines.

As well as increasing the level of assistance on the handlebar-mounted display when heading up a hill, you can also use the boost button while pedalling to add some more oomph, or to help you pull away going swiftly. If you’re walking the bike you can also use it to get some help pushing the bike along, but in this state the motor cuts out at 3mph as per UK law. One thing I liked about the boost feature is that the button is more like a gear shifter and it pushes in a few centimetres, making it easy to operate even with gloved hands.

The Battery

The London Volt packs a 36V lithium-ion battery (504WH) into the bike’s downtube and the range is quoted as 60 miles (96.5km) with an 11-stone (154lb/70kg) rider on a low setting in good conditions (side note: Volt goes into admirable detail at the bottom of the Volt London page).

I am an 11-stone rider who lives up a meaty hill, has to start and stop a lot for traffic lights (which demands more from the battery) and reside among the embarrassment of potholes on south London roads. I also ride with as much assistance as practicable (normal in this instance, but with liberal use of the boost button) and I rode the battery down in 67km (41 miles), which also included periods of riding with the lights pulling charge from the battery. I rate that as a very strong performance.

The battery can also be removed easily using a key. This is especially welcome in the current climate because using your place of work’s electricity to charge your bike’s battery is much more discreet when it’s not still attached to your bike.

The Ride

The Volt London is no lightweight at 22.1kg, but I was able to manhandle it onto its rear wheel to more easily manoeuvre it past the bikes locked up in my house’s narrow side alley.

The motor is powerful enough that you can get the bike moving quickly and with minimal effort. I didn’t miss gears at all, and even hill starts were easy in the highest assistance level or when using the boost button.

The chunky Schwalbe G-One Puncture Resistant tyres look sturdy, eat up potholes and can slam up kerbs, although these are categorised as gravel tyres by Schwalbe. While that’s useful if you want to go on grass to round a pedestrian when riding on a (shared use) path in a park, the tread will actually make the tyre worse at gripping the surface in wet conditions. Still, the tyres are wide enough that that shouldn’t be a problem, although I didn’t ride in the rain during my testing.

The seat is wide and comfy, and has an integrated spring in the seatpost so you bounce a little when you hit potholes.

The Volt London is a single-speed bike, but the high level of assistance on offer means I never struggled to get the wheels turning. Unlike with the single-speed Humming folding e-bike, I was able to push past 15.5mph when the motor cuts out and cruise at 16 or 17mph at a reasonable cadence.

There were two minor issues I discovered that are worth mentioning. The first is that the London is only available in one size. I am 6ft (182cm) tall and found the 19in frame a little cramped. If you’re unsure if that size will work for you, Volt works with independent bike shops across the UK to offer test rides. This network also means it’s not hard to find somewhere to service your bike.

My other issue was with the included front rack. I am not a fan of these in the first place and find it can affect the steering if you strap something heavy on there. It can also turn the front wheel when the kickstand is down, threatening to topple the bike over.

All in all, though, the Volt London did what I wanted it to – take the effort out of pedalling and be comfortable for the entirety of my 45-minute commute. 

Accessories

The London Volt comes with two accessories that are not always included but which I consider essential: integrated lights and mudguards. If you rode this bike outside of well lit urban areas I’d consider upgrading the lights, since the the beam doesn’t stretch that far in the pitch black (in my experience, one short unlit stretch of Clapham Common), but they’re powerful enough to keep you visible to drivers on lit urban roads..

A kickstand is also included and there’s an integrated Arbus rear wheel lock. The only thing missing, which also feels like it should come included, is the chain lock that works with the integrated lock. The chain is recognised as gold standard by insurer Laka (which offers 30-days of free insurance for Volt customers) and is worth the investment, although it is very heavy.

Is The London Volt Worth It?

Yes. It’s great value and more stylish than a bike this practical has any right to be. It reminded me of the Raleigh Array, another relatively heavy, wide-tyred hybrid with a big battery and powerful motor, although the Volt hides its battery in the downtube. While the Volt London costs substantially more, the straightforward security features are a big draw.

I did find the Cowboy 4 ST a better bike to ride, and it’s only 14% more expensive. However, it doesn’t have the network of bike shops to fall back on for servicing, which is worth considering.

The new Elemnt Roam is small, affordable and easy to use, and my spell checker hates it. What it lacks in vowels it makes up for in improvements on what was already a pretty solid platform. The move from single to dual-band GPS should put an end to dropped signals and the Strava straight line of doom, and will be better suited for “covered sky” environments (usually woodland), where single-band GPS can struggle to obtain a single.

The Roam can also synchronise with other equipment using the Wahoo X system, allowing you to interchange indoor and outdoor training plans without compromising the demands of a given block of training. In a more prosaic but equally welcome change, the Roam has a greater colour palette (up to 64 from the 2019 version’s eight) and a USB-C socket for more convenient charging. 

There’s also a touch of future-proofing in the form of built-in accelerometers and a gyro. At present these serve no purpose, but it’s easy to imagine that future firmware updates will use them to add extra functions, most likely in the form of emergency crash alerts. Finally, it has the feature of the moment: the ability to feed you data about the upcoming climbs on your chosen route.

Wahoo Elemnt Roam v2: Price And Availability

The Wahoo Elemnt Roam was released in October 2022 and costs $399.99 in the US and £349.99 in the UK. It is available direct from Wahoo UK and Wahoo US, and many third-party retailers. 

The original Elemnt Roam costs £299.99 and Wahoo’s other bike computer, the Bolt, costs £264.99.

Rival Garmin’s best bike computers top out with the Garmin Edge 1040 (£519.99), with the Edge 830 (£349.99) being Garmin’s effort at the Roam’s price point.

The Set-Up

No-one wants to go from the excitement of unboxing a new device to getting lost in a welter of menus. It’s rare to find a device these days that isn’t designed for a quick and easy set-up, but even so the Elemnt Roam stands out.

There used to be an ironic blog titled “Pictures Of People Using QR Codes”. It was empty. How things change. These days we use them for everything from ordering a pint to proving we’re not contagious, and, of course, for setting up bike computers. In the Roam’s case, scanning its QR code with your phone instantly syncs the two devices as well as authenticating training and tracking apps such as Strava – something that is usually a separate step. Synchronising various apps allows you to incorporate their features into the existing Roam feature list. This does mean that you’ll need your phone with you to get the absolute most out of the Roam, but that’s true of pretty much every bike computer these days, even those significantly more expensive than this.

In addition to the built-in and app-borrowed functionality, Wahoo’s Live Track function adds an Elemnt-specific social factor, monitoring and comparing you with other Wahoo users nearby. It’s a niche function, but despite the smaller pool of users, any form of comparative date is useful, whether it’s for training, for ego or just for the feeling of being part of a club.

During set-up the Roam will use your initial location data from your phone and apps to download the most relevant maps for you, while offering a prompt that will allow you to download other regions or countries when you know you’re going to need them. We sent it off in search of a few French maps just to be on the safe side, and the Roam got on with the job in the background while we continued tinkering with its other features and pairing it with an external heart rate monitor.

The Experience

The Roam is an interesting mixture of behind-the-scenes advancements twinned with very traditional display. The standard selection of data fields and even their arrangement onscreen and the bulky text of the display all feel reassuringly familiar – it’s not appreciably different from looking at a bike computer from a decade ago. The unit is controlled via chunky, sealed buttons that click solidly within their housings, feeling durable and responsive. Three buttons across the front of the unit cover your most-used features, such as page changes and history, while buttons on either side allow you to access and navigate the menus.

The default data is arrayed across three pages, the first containing speed, distance, time, ride duration, average and max speed, and the amount of climbing. Press the solid-feeling sealed button and you switch to a more detailed page with gradient and VAM (average ascent speed) details, while a third push takes you to the GPS page. 

This was possibly my only moment of being dissatisfied with the Elemnt Roam. The new Roam has a 64-colour display, with a higher resolution than its predecessor, but it still wasn’t quite big or bold enough for my somewhat mature eyes to instantly grasp what was on the screen, and it took a little getting used to before I could reliably pick out important details on busier maps. Clicking into the pan-and-zoom mode allowed me to resize the map using the side buttons, which helped a great deal, but a more vibrantly colourful display might make things a little more distinctive. 

Upon finishing a ride, you’ll jump to a pair of at-a-glance pages for the ride and the week, allowing you to track your day’s contribution to your overall training plan.

Pressing the on/off button will take you into a more detailed menu where you can adjust the backlight and indicator LEDs, add further sensors, and access features such as FTP tests and training sessions. The array of sessions is particularly appealing, covering everything from intervals to climbing to sprinting sessions and more besides. For the average user, these workouts will be more than enough to improve your performance – it’s unlikely that you’ll need anything more nuanced until you hit a fitness plateau, and all of this is before you start importing custom plans from other devices.

Is It Worth It?

The Elemnt Roam is a lovely little machine: solid, with straightforward controls and enough functions to be genuinely useful without having so many as to become cluttered or unintuitive. The easy set-up and incredibly straightforward use are big factors in its favour – it’s been a long time since I’ve got as deep into a gadget’s functions without needing to use the manual.

It would be easy to be underwhelmed by the fact that most of the Roam’s improvements are internal and, in the case of the gyro and accelerometer, as yet unrealised. On a surface level it’s hard to see that much has changed in the update, but on a practical level the improved GPS performance and increased memory are both welcome additions, while the ability to marry up your indoor and outdoor training programmes will help keep training blocks interesting and allow you to change things up without training less efficiently. 

Given that I already like the existing Roam user environment and am quite happy to keep it, most of the changes being under the surface is no problem. While there are more expensive computers with bigger feature lists, I’m always happiest with features I know I’ll definitely use, especially when they come at a good price.

Garmin’s Edge bike computers have been the gold standard for years now, de rigueur for pros and amateurs alike. Only a few rivals have been able to come close to the performance levels – and none that can match the Garmin’s ubiquity. With that in mind, we were surprised to find that the elite model among the best GPS bike computers can still get better. Although, with that improvement, it also gets pricier.

In the case of the Garmin 1040, the big change is that it now has solar charging through its screen glass. This promises a doubling of its 90-hour battery life during passive use and a sizeable 10-hour increase during high-demand use. In other words, you can pair your HRM and power meter, use the GPS and run the 1040 Solar’s myriad analytical features simultaneously without wiping out the battery.

Back when the Garmin was essentially just a GPS and repeater for your HRM data, such an enhancement would have been irrelevant, but those models with their perishable rubber joysticks and dim screens are long gone. The 1040 is a data-and-processing heavy beast. It can anticipate your stamina reserves based on previous ride data, track your existing ride data and historical data to monitor the effectiveness of your training load, alert other riders if you crash and more. About the only things it won’t do are shout “clear left” at a junction and buy you cake at the café stop.

Garmin Edge 1040 Solar: Price And Availability

The Garmin Edge 1040 Solar is available now and costs $749.99 in the US and £629.99 in the UK. The basic Edge 1040 costs $599.99/£519.99 and is available packaged as a bundle, with mounts, a HRM-Dual monitor, USB cable, speed and cadence sensor, and tether for $699.99/£599.99. 

The Set-Up

Any sort of consistently gathered, reliable data is an invaluable aid to improving your performance, and you can’t fault the Edge 1040 Solar for the amount of data it collects. The more devices you pair it with and the more rides that accumulate in its memory, the more useful it becomes, even if you’re the sort to take its interpretations with a pinch of salt. 

From a personal perspective, data has always been the silver bullet that kills junk miles. It’s what allows a rider who can only train for a few hours a week to compete with a rider who can train a few hours a day. Data lets you find out what’s working and what isn’t, and data tells you where your strengths and weaknesses are. After several weeks with the 1040 Solar I’ve still not run out of things for it to measure and interpret. Oh, and there’s also the easily forgotten benefit that it stops you getting lost.

Immense feature list aside, the Edge 1040 is a nice piece of kit. Straight from the box it feels solid and looks stylish. The old rubber-nipple joystick has long since been replaced with a responsive touchscreen. In the box is a good selection of accessories, including a protective rubber case, a verging-on-the-absurd number of rubber bands and widgets to ensure a perfect fit, and two mounts – one for attaching the 1040 Solar to your handlebars, and the other for mounting it forward of the stem. Given how utterly “pro” the latter looks, it’s hard to imagine anyone using the former, though it’s nice to have the option.

Setting up is straightforward if you have a smartphone. The Garmin Connect app will sync via Bluetooth and transfer all your settings. It neglects to mention that you’ll need app permissions turned on in the privacy menu of your mobile phone – simply switching on Bluetooth and opening the app won’t do the job.

Initial set-up allows you to choose from a variety of cycling types, including road, mountain, gravel touring and indoor, among others. You can also add power, heart rate or cadence sensors at this stage. The Garmin Connect app then doubles as a tutorial for the Edge Solar. That I was able to easily synchronise an iPhone and a Garmin Vivoactive was unsurprising, but I was particularly pleased to discover that a selection of obscure third-party peripherals from my “bits box” also connected easily, from brand-name power meters all the way down to the cheapest heart-strap monitor Amazon can supply. Like a happy drunk, the Garmin appears willing to talk to anything.

The Experience

The user interface is simple to understand and navigate, but also customisable, allowing you to choose what metrics are displayed and where. Its default is to give you your most recent route and a compass bearing, followed by what Garmin calls “glances” – quick data on weather, training schedule, recent exercise history and any notifications pushed from your phone. 

Helpful extras include a stamina guide, which makes suggestions on how to handle certain routes efficiently. It can also display data for climbs on routes that you’ve added, so you get a colour-coded profile of your ascents that will appeal to anyone with Rule 5 instincts.

The screen itself is sharp and handles direct light well, and didn’t white out in blazing sunshine. Even in typical wet British conditions, I discovered that the screen is as responsive to gloved fingertips as bare ones, and remains responsive even in the rain. Having once had a big-name bike computer lobotomised by overhead power cables on a train, I was equally pleased to find that lightning storms and public transport do the 1040 Solar no harm either.

Is The Garmin Edge 1040 Worth It?

The 1040 Solar’s biggest selling point is its battery life, something that will presumably give it cross-over appeal into some of cycling’s greybeard long-distance communities. But, in all honesty, it has something for everybody. It’s probably the most feature-packed head unit on the market, trumping any rivals within the Garmin range, and even outdoing excellent rivals from Hammerhead.

The size of the Edge 1040 might be an issue for some users: it’s fractionally bigger than recent models, feeling like a throwback to the 700 series, albeit with a larger 3.5in (89mm) screen in place of the old physical controls. Its size is another reason to prefer the supplied out-front mount, as the 1040 Solar will take up a lot of handlebar space. Whether you find its size problematic will be down to the sort of riding you do. My first use of the 1040 Solar was on unfamiliar roads in France and the sizeable navigation display was reassuring as I ventured deeper into landscapes best suited to a Gallic Deliverance. If you’ve invested heavily in aero kit, however, the size of the 1040 Solar will rankle.

As will the price, no doubt. Even if you shop around it’s nearly a third again as much as its nearest rivals from Hammerhead and Wahoo. Still, its range of features is ahead of anything else’s, and the solar charging is a godsend. Anyone who has turned off features on a long ride in order to save battery life will appreciate the fact that the 1040 Solar does away with that “riding blind” feeling on long days. It’s a great product with features that are genuinely useful, so naturally I highly recommend it. I also highly recommend waiting till it’s in the sales.

A typical e-bike is heavy: somewhere in the region of 30lb-55lb (15kg-25kg). It’s understandable given you have to integrate a motor and battery to create the best electric bikes, but the weight makes it difficult to manoeuvre when you’re out of the saddle. It’s more of a problem for a folding e-bike when portability is even more important. The best folding bikes tend to come at a premium price because the folding mechanism is harder to design and manufacture than a standard frame, but in return you should be able to carry it around shops and on public transport easily, and into your home to store.

After reviewing six folding e-bikes, I’ve tended to favour the ones that can be wheeled because that bypasses the weight issue. Hummingbird, however, solves it by being lighter than any others – including many electric road bikes – at a weight of 22.7lb (10.3kg).

Hummingbird manufactures exceptionally light bikes to begin with. The brand’s electric bikes also use an all-in-one battery and rear wheel-mounted motor from Zehus. At 7lb (3.2kg), the whole kit is only marginally heavier than the Brompton Electric’s 6.4lb (2.9kg) battery.

Hummingbird even offers a more sustainable Flax range of folding bikes and e-bikes, with the frame made from flax plant fibres. The material has been developed by motorsports engineering company Prodrive, which is also behind Hummingbird, and it is supposed to have remarkably similar properties to carbon fibre. There’s a carbon-fibre Hummingbird of an identical weight and price to the Flax version.

It’s all very impressive, but also very expensive, as innovative things often are.

Hummingbird Folding Electric Flax: Price And Availability

The Electric Flax bike is available from Hummingbird for £4,995 and delivery times are currently two to four weeks. The bike is available to buy using Splitit, a 0% interest credit service that divides payment into three instalments. If you don’t reside in the UK you can buy it for £4,162.50 – the price with VAT at 20% knocked off. 

The full price is £500 more than Hummingbird’s entry-level folding electric bike, which weighs the same and has the same features. It’s also the most expensive folding e-bike I’ve tried. It’s closest competitors are the Brompton Electric P Line ($4,700-$4,810/£3,695-£3,775, 34.4lb/15.6 kg) and Gocycle G4 (£3,299, 17.6kg/38.8 lbs), but you can also find usable options for much less like the the Furo X ($2,399/£1,799, 33lb/15kg).

How I Tested This Bike

I had the Hummingbird for a week and used it for a trip to a supermarket, to drop off a parcel and two cycle commutes for a total of around 37 miles (59km). Unfortunately, I was directed to use an outdated version of the app, but I did squeeze in a 3km ride to test the remote control and regenerative braking feature.

The Fold

Folding the Hummingbird is a four-step process. First, unlock the clamp under the seatpost and swing the rear wheel under the frame. Then unlock the clamp on the head tube and fold the handlebars down, clipping them to the chain stay – this last part requires force to clip in and then to pull out again, and I found it awkward. It’s then a case of unlocking the seat clamp and pushing the seat down. You can stop there, or you can unclip the pedals and slot them into place by the rear wheel. While this part is fiddly, it’s a clever alternative to folding pedals.

I missed having a mechanism that would allow you to set the height of your seat so it is easy to return it to the same place each time. There’s a measure on the back to help but I could never get it quite right. On the Brompton Electric you set the rider height, so you can bang it straight back to where it was without thinking or fiddling.

The mechanism differs from all the folding e-bikes I’ve tried in one respect: the frame does not have a vertical hinge to fold it in two. That leaves you with a long, thin folded bike that can sit in a hallway without sticking out too much and also feels easier to carry. It’s well balanced and not as awkward to hold next to you as the wider Brompton is. I happily carried it around a superstore in one hand and a basket in the other for 15 minutes, although by the end my arm was beginning to tire. It will, of course, depend on what you think is a reasonable weight to carry. My wife, while active (currently training for a marathon), picked it up and immediately dismissed the idea of carrying it around.

The Battery

The range is quoted as up to 50km (31 miles), although on closer inspection that’s 30km of riding with a possible 20km extra coming from regenerative braking. This is the first e-bike I’ve come across that employs this technique, which is common in electric cars, although in my experience of driving you’re not getting anywhere near close to two-thirds of your distance travelled back. As far as I can tell, there’s no way to see how much battery you have clawed back in the app either, so I’m unable to speak to how achievable that 20km is. 

The regenerative braking can be activated either by pressing a button on the remote on the handlebars or pedalling backwards. You don’t brake instantly, but slowly cruise to a stop. I found that the button on the remote was sticky and couldn’t tell if my press had registered. Pedalling backwards was more effective and reliable, but I kept getting caught out by adjusting the position of the pedals a quarter turn backwards to leave my feet in a comfortable position when cruising, which resulted in a touch of braking and loss of momentum.

Perhaps regenerative braking is something that could be mastered if I had longer with the bike, but I suspect I would turn it off and work within the 30km limit, which seemed accurate to me. 

The battery takes three hours to charge and a full charge lasted me 29km, which is good going considering I was tackling hills and stopping frequently at traffic lights (getting going again takes significantly more power than cruising along). The battery is charged via a plug in the rear axle. Normally, I prefer a detachable battery, but since this is intended to be a bike you store inside and that sits along a wall next to an outlet, I don’t hold the Hummingbird’s built-in battery against it.

The Motor

The strangest part of riding a Hummingbird is the default way to wake the bike up and turn the motor on. You need to lift the back wheel and pedal so it “reaches 5km/h” or the equivalent spinning speed. Then you need to ride the bike to a speed of 8km/h, then pedal backwards three times. I live on a close with a slight incline so had an ideal runway to perform this routine and it worked reliably, although I must have looked a little odd. It’s a rigmarole and one that seems a bit much when you’re paying so much money.

If you use the included handlebar-mounted remote and paired Bitride app it is possible to use that combination to start the bike and motor, but on the one time I was able to try the three-button and six-light remote, I found it far from intuitive, and it was difficult to tell if it had worked. 

The app is better than the remote and includes the ability to customise the levels of assistance, regenerative braking and boost. The boost, triggered by one of the spongy-feeling buttons on the plasticky remote, is very welcome though. Without it I felt I had to physically work a bit on hills, which I take as a personal affront when riding an e-bike, but once I had the remote and app working I used the boost on the steepest hill near me and raced up it with minimal effort.

On the flat, the motor delivers a decent punch and applies assistance smoothly and naturally. You can set off in a queue of traffic and pull away swiftly from the vehicle behind, but the assistance is responsive enough that it won’t power you into the car in front. Full marks. The motor makes a high-pitched whirring sound, but that’s a minor complaint. 

The Ride

I personally found the bike didn’t suit my size and strength. Once over the 25km/h limit of the motor, the single speed didn’t offer enough resistance and I was left trying to accelerate ineffectually with too high a cadence. It won’t be the same for everyone, because it depends on your size, fitness and riding style. However, as a 6ft regular cyclist and runner, I gave up trying to go faster than 25km/h, freewheeling until the bike slowed a bit and then starting to pedal again, whereas on a Brompton Electric I’d move up a gear and accelerate. That doesn’t mean the Hummingbird will be slower in urban areas – my commute took a similar amount of time (traffic lights are the great leveller).

I also found the short handlebars made the steering twitchy, to the point where on certain parts of my commute I didn’t signal, preferring the stability of two hands to ride over gigantic south London potholes. Speaking of the south London terrain, the Kevlar tyres withstood riding straight over broken glass.

Accessories

The Hummingbird comes without some essential accessories, which is disappointing. There are no integrated lights: Hummingbird instead offers lightweight, rechargeable Knog lights for £75. Full-length mudguards cost another £72. Like Brompton, there are also bespoke bags and racks that fit the frame, although I didn’t try those. My review model did come in the carry bag (£174), which was a useful way to keep the bike protected and tidied away when I wasn’t using it.

Is The Hummingbird Folding Electric Flax Bike Worth It?

The Hummingbird Flax should be lauded for how light it is and for its use of sustainable materials. While the twitchy steering and single-speed set-up didn’t suit me, there’s a person this bike will suit to the ground, and to find out if you are that person I’d recommend you find a shop that allows you to test ride one. That test should include carrying it around in its folded state, because if you struggle to carry 10kg or baulk at the idea of doing that, I’d point you in the direction of a folding e-bike you can wheel around instead – the Brompton Electric P Line with the extra roller rack, or a Gocycle.

Indoor cycling giant Zwift has launched its own turbo trainer, the Zwift Hub, which arrives with a clear purpose – to make setting up and using Zwift easier. The Zwift Hub will cost £449/$499, a competitive price for a direct drive (wheel-off) trainer, and will be available from 3rd October on Zwift’s website.

The Zwift Hub is based on the JetBlack Volt and looks set to be one of the best turbo trainers when it lands on the market, purely because it’s been designed to make the set-up process easier.

While experienced cyclists will be dab hands at popping the back wheel off their bike and installing it on a turbo trainer, many of us are less familiar with the mechanics of the process, and when terms like “cassette” and “axle adapters”  start cropping up it’s easy to decide that maybe you don’t want to ride your bike indoors after all (although our how to get started with Zwift guide can help).

With the Zwift Hub, you pick the cassette you need for your bike while buying it, with video guides to help you do that on the website, and the Zwift Hub then arrives with the cassette already installed for you. 

Working out which axle adapter your bike needs is also not always clear, so Zwift’s adapters are packaged on cards that have instructions on how to identify which one you need and install it in place.

Despite not cycling outdoors, aside from the occasional commute, I love cycling on Zwift and have done so for years without knowing what cassettes or adapters are, because someone once set up my turbo for me and I haven’t touched it since. Hopefully the assistance you get with setting up the Zwift Hub will open up indoor cycling to more beginners like me. It even has colour-coded feet so you can be sure you’ve attached them to the right leg of the turbo trainer.

The Zwift Hub will also connect to other indoor cycling platforms such as Wahoo Systm or TrainerRoad, and while it is beginner-friendly, it has the specs to satisfy experienced cyclists too. The maximum resistance is 1,800 watts, and the power measurements are accurate to within 2.5%. The maximum gradient it can simulate is 16% and a forthcoming update will allow the Zwift Hub to calibrate itself.

Zwift has been expected to launch its own smart exercise bike for some time, but that plan has been shelved for now. Instead, the Zwift Hub is arriving to make it simpler for people to get into indoor cycling on the platform.

Although not well known outside cycling circles, Tacx has been manufacturing well-respected indoor trainers since 1972. The Dutch brand, which US giant Garmin acquired in 2019, released its first smart direct drive turbo trainer in 2015, and the Neo 2T is its latest version.

It’s the brand’s top-of-the-line turbo trainer (although you can upgrade to the Tacx Neo Bike if money is no object), and is a direct competitor to Wahoo’s top-end Kickr V5 and the Saris H3. But does it blow the best turbo trainers out of the water?

Tacx Neo 2T: Price & Availability

The Tacx Neo 2T was released in September 2019 and costs $1,399.99 in the US and £1,199.99 in the UK (although, at the time of writing, we’ve seen it listed for £959).

The Wahoo Kickr V5 costs ‎$999.99/£999.99 and the Saris H3 costs $899.99/£899.99.

The Neo 2T is the top-of-the-range Tacx turbo trainer and is a step up in features and build quality from its second-tier direct drive model, the Flux 2 ($899.99/£699). The brand also makes wheel-on models (the $299.99/£229.99 Boost and $369.99/£269.99 Flow), rollers, and the previously mentioned Neo Bike.

Specs & Hardware

It’s easy for your eyes to glaze over when looking at turbo trainer specs, but these really do stand out. The Neo 2T packs a maximum output of 2,200w, the ability to simulate gradients of 25%, and power, speed and cadence accuracy of +/- 1%. What does this mean for the average user? Unless you’ve got the sprinting prowess of Mark Cavendish, gobble up Alpine climbs for breakfast and are training for your own tilt at the Tour de France (and your coach needs uber-detailed data), you can safely assume that you’ll never reach the limits of Neo 2T’s potential.

These hard numbers match or beat the competition, but it also has a few other tricks up its sleeve to set it apart. The design allows for a degree of side-to-side movement when out of the saddle, its virtual flywheel can simulate the feeling of descending, and it even has a “road feel” feature that provides haptic feedback through your pedals whenever you’re riding over the rough stuff in virtual worlds.

Throw in auto-calibration, the ability to be used without a power source, and quiet operation (my wife, in another room, said she heard a subtle whooshing sound rather than the house-shaking hum that come from some turbo trainers), and it was en route to being one of the best turbo trainers I’ve tested.

The Set-Up

The Neo 2T lost marks straight out of the box. Unlike the Wahoo Kickr it doesn’t come with a cassette pre-installed. Tacx recommends installing a new cassette and chain to keep everything running smoothly and quietly.

If you have the means (a chain whip, lock ring tool and spanner), installing one yourself is relatively simple, but will require you to buy a new cassette or use the one from your wheel, which makes switching between indoor and outdoor training more time-consuming. If you don’t have these tools to hand, or prefer the act of riding your bike to tinkering with it, it’ll require a trip to your local bike shop. I chose to remove the cassette from my wheel and install it on the freewheel.

Before you can get to this stage, you have to unfold the turbo. This is made up of a central piece and two legs that fold down like the wings of an Imperial shuttle from Star Wars, with feet that snap into place with a satisfying click and elevate the body of the turbo trainer off the ground. It’s then just a case of installing the cassette, connecting your bike’s chain to it, slotting it onto the turbo, and tightening the included quick-release skewers. The Neo 2T is also compatible with thru-axles and adapters, and instructions on how to swap them are included in the box.

Slot your front wheel into the included riser block and that’s it. You don’t even need to plug it in to a power source, although it’s recommended if you want to make the most of all the features and for ease of pairing with third-party apps such as Zwift.

It is worth pointing out that, once the Neo 2T is set up, you won’t be moving it without uninstalling your bike from the turbo. It doesn’t have a handle like the Wahoo Kickr to let you manoeuvre it easily, which is a handy feature if you don’t have the luxury of a dedicated indoor training space. The legs also can’t be folded up when the bike is on it, unlike the majority of turbo trainers, so it takes up a sizeable amount of space whether it’s in use or not.

The Ride

When spending four figures on a turbo trainer, you’d expect the ride to be one of the most realistic ones around and the Tacx Neo 2T doesn’t disappoint. While platforms such as Zwift have their critics, the visual stimulus of virtual worlds has transformed the experience of indoor cycling. The Neo 2T takes the immersion up a notch, producing the most authentic recreation that I’ve ever felt when pedalling away on a turbo.

When exploring at your own pace, the virtual flywheel responds as your bike would on the road, while the gentle vibrations from riding over in-app cobblestones or boardwalks are surprisingly close to the real sensation. The turbo also allows for a certain degree of side-to-side sway too, which adds to the realistic feel. Short of investing in additional accessories that help simulate climbs and descents (such as the Elite Rizer), this is the closest you’ll get to outdoor riding indoors.

When used in ERG mode, where resistance is changed automatically as you progress through a workout rather than simulating the virtual world’s gradients, I found that it fluctuated above and below the target watt output a lot more erratically than the Wahoo Kickr I tested, which held a fairly steady maximum output. While this didn’t affect the intensity of the training session, I preferred the rigid cap of the Kickr’s ERG mode.

Is The Tacx Neo 2T Worth It?

The Tacx Neo 2T is the most expensive direct drive turbo trainer currently available. The RRP is more than most people would spend on a bike, and the lack of pre-installed cassette adds an extra expense.

Tacx can point to the fact that it is trusted by a number of elite athletes across the men’s and women’s professional pelotons, but if you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re not going to be making an attempt to claim the yellow jersey any time soon. Compared with its direct rivals, I don’t think that the Tacx Neo 2T does enough to justify the additional outlay. Sure, it’s got great performance specifications and fun experiential features, but it’s not very practical when you might need to pack it away for 23 out of 24 hours a day.

If money is no object and you have the space for a dedicated pain cave, the Tacx Neo 2T is a worthy centrepiece that will provide hours of (type 2) fun. But if you need something more compact and can make do with imagining what some virtual cobbles feel like, then you’ll be better off with one of the alternatives. If you’re in the market for a model that you can grow into without breaking the bank, I suggest investing in either the Wahoo Kickr Core or the Tacx Flux 2. 

Cycling is one of the best ways to get around, and a Brompton is one of the best ways to cycle, especially in cities. The unique way a Brompton folds, tucking its rear wheel under the crossbar as well as folding the frame and crossbar in two, means it’s small enough to store under a desk, or bring in to shops (saving you locking it up outside), or store in a corner of even the smallest apartment. I discovered that in the course of writing this Brompton Electric C Line review about the company’s first electric effort, as did a different contributor while writing their Brompton C Line Explore review.

The Electric P Line is Brompton’s second electric bike and keeps the same battery and motor, but it costs more than 20% more. It’s not price inflation, though – that extra money buys an upgraded Brompton experience. Brompton has gone all out to cut the weight down, shaving precious ounces off components all over the bike and using a new rear frame design made of titanium (which doesn’t come cheap). While the Electric C Line Explore weighed 36.6lb (15.53kg) without the removable battery, the Electric P Line drops to 28lb (12.7kg).

That new rear frame also allows for a roller rack to be added (for a price) so it can be wheeled when folded, making it more practical for more people. All of which puts it high up our list of the best e-bikes. 

Brompton Electric P Line: Price And Availability

There are two versions of the Brompton Electric P Line, one with the roller frame and one without. The bike alone costs $4,700 in the US and £3,695 in the UK; with the roller rack, that rises to $4,810/£3,775. It can be bought direct from Brompton UK now, with financing options available. If you’re a UK taxpayer, it is also worth investigating if you’re eligible to use the Cycling To Work scheme, which can save you a significant amount.

It is not available to order on the Brompton US website yet, but you can sign up for alerts. 

Both versions are available in muted storm grey or midnight black colourways, with mid or high handlebars at no extra cost, although the high handlebars add a little weight. 

How I Tested This Bike

I tested the Brompton Electric P Line with the roller rack in storm grey with high handlebars. I had the bike for close to a month and rode more than 105 miles (169km), with the longest ride being a 16-mile (26km) trip back home after picking up the bike at the Brompton factory. I used it to cycle to work (eight miles/13km each way), to get to football (four miles/7km) and run short errands of less than a mile.

The Fold

The basic fold mechanism is the same as on any other Brompton – anyone can master the basics in a couple of tries. With the seat down it folds down to 25.3in (645mm) high, 23in (565mm) wide and 10.6in (270mm) deep. As far as I’m aware that’s the smallest dimensions of any folding e-bike.

The crucial difference in the folding mechanism on the Electric P Line is that there’s a stopping block on the version with the roller rack, so when the seatpost is around halfway up you can wheel the bike along without it flapping open. On the Electric C Line you had to have the seat all the way down to lock the bike in its folded position.

It’s a great development, but not quite up to Brompton’s high design standard yet, because there’s no obvious cue that you’ve passed the stopping block. The only way to tell is to bend over and have a look, or lift it and risk looking silly if the bike unfolds in an ungainly manner. It’s not a major issue but as with Apple products, if something isn’t quite right on a Brompton it stands out.

The roller frame works well, especially on the shiny hard floors of supermarkets, train stations or my office. Make sure that if you set it down outside that the ground is flat – I soon found that on a gentle slope or uneven path it would topple over. I took to stepping on the rack when it was next to me just to ensure it stayed upright.

The Battery

The battery is the same 300wh version found on the Electric C Line. The quoted range is 20-45 miles (30-70km), which tallied with my experience – it certainly managed the minimum in that range time and again, and I’m giving it a reasonable thrashing: I’m a 167lb (76kg) rider who travels with a heavily loaded backpack, especially on my commute; sticks to the maximum level of assistance whenever possible; travels in the centre of London where I’m continually stopping and starting for traffic lights, and lives up a steep hill. I am a “power” user, and the Electric P Line still delivered on its promise. 

On my first day with it, it lasted 21.5 miles (34.8km) to get me home from the Brompton factory, even though I accidentally put the lights on (during the daytime). A smarter rider would set the lights to automatic on the battery’s top panel.

I also tested the middle level of assist and was left with 45% charge after 14 miles (23km). The middle level of assist still provides plenty of power when pulling away and up hills, so I’d happily ride in that mode if I had a lot of riding to do between charges without feeling like I might as well have taken my lighter, cheaper hybrid for all the work I was having to put in. 

The battery is detachable so you can charge it away from the bike. It is housed in a bag with a shoulder strap so it can be carried separately to the folded bike, and it’s straightforward to clip the battery on and off. 

This battery bag also has a front zipped pocket with a small opening for a lead, which allows you to connect a USB charging cable to the battery and charge your phone or other device while you ride. When I discovered this, I had another of those moments where I marvelled at how well designed Brompton bikes are. The Electric P Line also comes with a complimentary Quad Lock phone mount, so you can also run the cable to the phone on your handlebars. 

It takes four hours to charge the battery, but you can purchase a fast charger that halves that. Five LEDs on the battery allow you to keep an eye on the charge when riding, and buttons let you cycle through the four assistance modes (one is off) and operate the lights. 

The Ride

The Electric P Line keeps the motor in the front wheel and pairs it with a torque sensor in the bottom bracket, which measures the pressure you put into the pedals along with your cadence, to deliver the required assistance. In practice I found that when taking off from stationary, the assistance didn’t kick in quite as quickly as I wanted it to, but then only one e-bike I’ve ridden has nailed that – the fourth-generation Cowboy. 

Once it does get going, the assistance hits the sweet spot of delivering power without jerking you forwards – an especially hard trick to pull off with a motor mounted on the front wheel. (One other disadvantage is that it may make fixing a puncture trickier, but in this regard Brompton has upgraded the tyres on the Electric P Line to make this less likely, and Brompton has an extensive network of dealerships which will help if needed.)

Crucially, in nose-to-tail urban traffic the assist allows you to keep up with cars as they pull away, so you can take the primary position in the middle of the lane without worrying about impatient drivers behind you. 

The motor also dealt easily with any hill I faced. I often had to change down gear (it seems that too slow a cadence and the motor eases off), but once I selected the right one I whizzed past other riders.

The four gears were also an ideal range and better suited to me than the six-speed Electric C Line I reviewed. On the C Line I found most gears left me with a comically high cadence, while all four on the Electric P Line had their uses.

One minor issue is that Brompton uses calliper brakes, and I prefer hydraulic disc brakes on electric bikes because you can get up to speed quickly so the added stopping power is welcome. To be fair, that’s not a possibility given the Brompton’s design, but I had to modify my riding to allow for a greater stopping distance. 

The App

The Electric P Line connects to the Brompton app quickly and reliably. It doesn’t do a lot, but it’s well designed and straightforward to use, and combined with the Quad Lock makes it easy to swipe between assistance levels and see the precise level of charge in the battery – no more wondering how much of the final 20% is left when the last light’s on.

The Accessories

Along with the Quad Lock phone mount, the Electric P Line comes with integrated lights and mud guards.

Is The Brompton Electric P Line Worth It?

There was something almost life-changing about having this Brompton. The sheer convenience of it – from how accessible it was to get out of the house, to how little effort it takes to whizz around, to being able to take it into shops more easily – made me consider doing errands and trips to the shops I would otherwise have rejected as too onerous. 

While I had a similar experience using the Brompton Electric C Line, the Electric P Line is noticeably lighter when you carry it, and the ability to wheel it was another feather in its cap. If you can stretch to it, I’d say it’s worth paying the maximum amount to get that roller rack so you can wheel it. 

If you want a Brompton Electric but your budget can’t stretch to a P Line, opt for the cheaper two-speed Electric C Line. The gearing is less important because the motor is doing the heavy lifting, and it’s lighter than the six-speed so you do even less heavy lifting.

The Gocycle G4 is priced similarly to the C line, but I still prefer the smaller dimensions of a folded Brompton. In part that’s because I chose to live in a house that favours location over size – if you have more space it may not be a consideration, but the G4 feels noticeably more unwieldy in a shop.

Imagine a version of you that is much better at cycling. You find it a total breeze and can cover miles and miles at a leisurely pace without breaking a sweat or feeling an ache in your legs – a smile plastered over your face at all times.

That is you on an e-bike.

It sounds nice. But it feels even better, which is why we beseech you to try an e-bike this summer, because along with that unbeatable feeling of breezing along with the wind in your face at minimal effort, there are other benefits that can make a significant difference to your quality of life.

We realise that sounds a bit much, but bike and e-bike manufacturer Ribble has given us the opportunity to wax lyrical about e-bikes, as well as introduce the excellent Ribble e-bike range, and we are only too happy to do so.

Riding An E-bike Is Great Exercise

No matter what type of e-bike you ride, you’re moving and pretty much any movement – surprise surprise – is good for you. Riding an e-bike is light exercise, which is fantastic if you’re not that active at the moment as it’s an easy and achievable first step to moving more. 

If you are more active, adding extra movement is still beneficial, especially as it won’t tire you out so you can still participate in the exercise you already do. If you are training hard, perhaps for a marathon or fitness competition, riding an e-bike will most likely see your body working in heart rate zone 1 which is ideal for active recovery. Consider it the smart way to get to and from the gym or the running track.

Cycling Outdoors Is Great For Your Wellbeing And E-bikes Make It Easier To Get Those Benefits

There are also benefits for your wellbeing. Being outside is widely regarded as being good for your state of mind, and we’ve found the act of concentrating on the road helps to focus the mind and be in the moment, leaving the worries of the day behind. Being outside when it’s sunny, incidentally, will also help your body produce the vitamin D it needs.

You can, of course, get the same benefits on a regular bike, but knowing you won’t get sweaty or expend much energy makes riding more accessible in our opinion. We’ve certainly chosen to get to work via public transport rather than cycle at the end of busy week, while a commute on an e-bike can easily be done on tired legs.

You Can Keep Going On An E-Bike

As we get older and slow down (happens to us all), we’ve found that e-bikes have allowed us to cycle distances we wouldn’t consider otherwise. If you’re a road cycling or gravel aficionado and are looking for an extra helping hand, Ribble’s options are well worth looking at. The R&D put into Ribble’s pro team is put to good use across the range and especially in the Endurance SL e electric road bikes – one of the lightest e-bikes there is at a mere 10.5kg. For bike-packing adventurers, the off-road Gravel AL e puts in an extra powerful motor and can take a battery extender to help the assistance last over weekend-long rides.

E-bikes Are Unbeatable For Local Journeys

An e-bike is not just good for leisure rides; you’ll quickly discover it’s a very convenient way of getting around your local area. There is a major push to promote active travel in the UK and worldwide, and some policies are creating a compelling incentive to choose a bike instead of a car for short journeys. 

Often you’ll find doing these journeys by bike either takes the same amount of time or are in fact quicker, and you save on the cost of petrol. You can also load up the bike with shopping in panniers or your child in a child bike seat and let the bike’s motor take the strain.

Ribble has a great range of bikes that will suit wherever you live, whether that’s in the middle of a city or down a rural lane. The easy choice is the Hybrid AL e, the most affordable e-bike in the range and stylish to boot – it was the first Ribble we rode and it impressed us by being far lighter than the competition. 

Since then the range of options has been expanded to include the Hybrid Trail AL e which is equally at home on town or trail, while the practical Urban AL e is a workhorse with swept-back handlebars for an easy riding position.

We’re also big fans of the CGR AL e all-road bike, reviewing it in 2021 and awarding the sporty-yet-comfortable ride an Editor’s Choice badge.

That’s a lot of bikes to consider and as a direct-to-consumer manufacturer Ribble can customise dozens of aspects to get the exact build you want – although there are also popular set-ups to choose from.

Ribble has showrooms across the country where you can find the bike that fits you. If you’re not able to get to a showroom, you can also schedule a one-way video call with a Ribble expert who can talk you through the range and help you work out which Ribble e-bike is best suited to where and how you’d ride it.

Whichever Ribble bike you go for, you’ll get a Mahle e-bike motor and battery, which is light, discreet and intuitive to use, with most models featuring just one button on the crossbar to operate. (There is, of course, an app for people who like to customise and track performance.)

E-bikes Don’t Cost As Much As You Think

We mentioned how using an e-bike for local journeys can help you save on petrol, although that may not seem a bit rich when quality e-bikes cost four figures. The good news, however, is that Ribble accepts Cycle To Work scheme vouchers which will save you at least 25% and as much as 39% for higher rate taxpayers, and help you spread the cost. If you don’t qualify for that benefit, Ribble also offers finance so you can pay in affordable monthly instalments, which most likely will cost less than how much it costs to fill up a family car nowadays. 

Brompton has announced its next e-bike, the Brompton Electric P Line. It’s lighter than other models, making it easier to lug about and can be fitted with a roller rack so it can be wheeled around when folded. Other key upgrades include four-speed gearing and Continental tyres which should cut down on punctures. 

It does cost significantly more than the current Brompton Electric C line models, the two-speed Urban which starts at £2,800 (UK only) and the six-speed Explore which starts at $3,850/£2,995.

The Brompton Electric P Line starts at – drumroll please – $4,700/£3,695, or $4,810/£3,775 with the roller rack. 

So, why make a more expensive Brompton Electric? I put that question to Brompton CEO Will Butler-Adams. “What we’re trying to do is make something that's useful and that as many people as possible can use,” says Butler-Adams. “It’s not expensive for the sake of being expensive – it delivers a different experience.

“We spent ages developing the electric drive [on the first Electric C Line] and refining it to get the most efficient, light, useful drive, but the reality is it’s still heavy and for some customers, it’s too heavy.”

The same Brompton battery and motor is used on the new P Line. It has a range of 20-45 miles (30-70km) and a zippy ride that eats up hills and delivers assistance that is powerful without being jerky, which is no mean feat. That has required changes to be made elsewhere to make the P Line lighter.

One of the major weight savings comes from the use of titanium in the rear frame – a material that doesn’t come cheap – but refinements and developments have been made throughout the bike, like the four-speed gearing, to make it as light as possible. 

Minus the battery, the Electric P Line weighs 28lb (12.7kg), compared with the Electric C Line Urban which weighs 32.2lb (14.61kg) and the Explore 34.24lb (15.53kg).

“For the Brompton, weight really does matter,” says Butler-Adams. “With all respect to people who spend a lot of money making their bikes lighter, it doesn’t really make a huge amount of difference when you get on the bike for the average user. But for the Brompton, it makes a massive difference when it’s dangling on the end of your arm.”

I reviewed the Brompton Electric C Line Explore, and I’ve ridden 70 miles (114km) on the Electric P Line so far. The lighter weight is a noticeable improvement, making it easier to take the bike into shops with you. As I – and a colleague who reviewed the Brompton C Line Explore – discovered, the convenience of storing and accessing a Brompton over a regular-sized bike is what makes it a worthwhile purchase. 

That means the more expensive version with the roller rack is another welcome development – it’s easy to wheel along supermarket aisles or station platforms. It’s also something that distinguishes it from the Electric C Line, as it’s the new rear frame (seen in the top-of-the-line, er, T Line) that can accommodate the roller rack.

While we continue our testing ahead of a full review, we recommend UK readers brush up on the Cycling To Work scheme, which can help you save up to 39% on the sticker price and spread the cost.

Selecting a cycling-related gift for a saddle-loving loved one – whether they’re a casual weekend rider or a diehard downhill bomber – can be tricky, but we’d put on money on one of our cycling gift ideas hitting the mark. That’s because many of them are just straight-up useful, while the rest are just things of beauty and who doesn’t need more of that in their life?

If none of our suggestions below hit the mark, perhaps our suggestions for gifts for runners or gifts for swimmers will hit home. Or we have fitness gift ideas as well as experience days to consider

The Best Gifts For Cyclists

Many road cyclists don’t want the weight of permanent mudguards on their two-wheeled steed, but still want to avoid getting splattered when riding along wet roads. Solve their dilemma by gifting them these lightweight, detachable mudguards.

“Hmmm, I would love to support such an excellent charity,” you think, “but the recipient’ll throw a fit if they don’t get a thing to unwrap.” Make that thing this cup, featuring a design that’s exclusive to Sustrans. It’s available on T-shirts, a tea towel, a thermal flask or a notebook if you prefer, but this hardy enamel mug can handle being thrown in a pannier with a Thermos.

Riding a bike in London can seem like a scary prospect – the city can feel as if it’s a long way off the likes of Copenhagen and Amsterdam for cyclists. This guidebook seeks to dispel this myth, proving that London is a cycle-friendly hub bustling with independent and community-focused clubs, shops and cafés that have only grown stronger after the pandemic-influenced cycling boom. Featuring routes, advice and titbits of history from more than a century of cycling in the city, it’s the ideal gift for a London-based cyclist, whether they’re a relative newbie or a dyed-in-the-wool cycle commuter.

Does your cycling-mad giftee own a coffee table? This beautiful hardback book belongs there. Author Chris Sidwells takes the reader on a colourful journey through the history of the cycling jersey, from the simple tops of the 1900s to the design glory days of the sixties and seventies, on to the let’s-not-talk-about-it era of the eighties, and up to the tech-heavy garments of modern-day Tour de France champs.

The Bike Citizens navigation app is a great way to plot and follow a route through a city, but it’s a bit of a bust if you have to keep fishing your phone out of your pocket or, even worse, ride one-handed holding your phone in your free mitt. That’s why Bike Citizens has developed this cleverly designed silicone phone holder. When you first see it you may, like us, have a hard time believing it’ll hold your phone securely – but trust us, it will, and it’s a truly delightful purchase.

More of the best bike phone holders

The best gifts are cheap and funny, but ideally have a shelf life beyond the initial opening. When unwrapping the Original Bike Balls, there’s sure to be some sniggers around the table (box ticked), but the scrotum-shaped silicone package is more than a joke present. Featuring a red LED light, the balls can be attached to a bike’s saddle, adding some extra visibility when riding at night. The waterproof strap means they should be able to withstand the worst of the winter weather, and their batteries can easily be replaced once they’ve run dry. Who knew added safety could be such a laugh?

Cycling and pizza go hand-in-hand – the wheel-shaped Italian dish is both an ideal fuel and a firm favourite after a long day spent in the saddle. This pizza cutter allows you to combine your love of both, slicing and dicing your ’za to your heart’s content with the wheels of a fixed gear bike. In fact, the use of two cutters (rather than a standard pizza cutter’s single blade) makes it a doddle. It’s available in a range of colours, so there’s bound to be one that’s perfect for the cyclist in your life.

Give the gift of warmth with the original tubular scarf – the Buff. The material is lightweight enough to remain breathable when worn over the mouth and nose, but helps take the edge off on colder mornings. What’s more, it’s a gift that can be used all year round – its UPF 50 rating and moisture-wicking abilities mean it works as a bandana or headband come summer.

It’s wise for regular cyclists to give their bikes a little TLC, especially if they power on through the colder seasons. If you know someone who caught the cycling bug this year, getting them this book means they’ll be able to take care of the regular maintenance and small repair jobs, saving them a world of bother and quite a bit of money over the long run. It’s not a glamorous gift, but it’s one that will keep on giving as long as they keep riding. Get a preview of what’s in store, author James Witts shared his bike maintenance basics for commuters with us.

Some cyclists just have everything, and if a new thing is released, they’re happy to go ahead and buy it for themselves. For those cyclists – and all civic-minded riders – you can give the gift of a better cycle network by sponsoring a mile of it. Sustrans, the charity that maintains and expands the network, lets you add a personalised gift message to the Sponsor A Mile certificate they’ll receive. As a bonus, this gift acts as the perfect rant starter: “If it wasn’t for Sustrans this essential infrastructure would go to waste, honestly, this country….” Hours of fun for all the family.

If the cyclist you know wears synthetic gear, and almost all of them will, then this gift is a smart idea they probably won’t have thought of. Wash such gear in the bag and it will catch the plastic microfibres shed by synthetic clothes so they don’t end up polluting rivers and oceans. Let’s be honest, it’s not a gift everyone will appreciate, but the eco-minded will thank you.

If you’re buying for someone who is still new to cycling, this cleaning kit from Muc-Off is a great entry-level introduction to the world of bike maintenance. Not only will the set’s various brushes, sprays and tools help them get their bike back to showroom condition, but it will keep their bike running more smoothly. Be warned, though: this could be the start of a serious tinkering addiction that (speaking from experience) can stretch into whole weekends.

There’s a lot of cycling-inspired artwork out there but for the cyclist in your life to want to display it on their wall, it needs to be something special. Trail Maps offers ways of creating unique customised prints that celebrate a special ride or cycling trip. All you have to do is search on Strava for the ride you want immortalised and pick whether you want the print unframed, framed or framed with a mount. The result is a stylish and unique gift that will look great on the wall of any pain cave.

One of the most frustrating activities a cyclist can undertake is attempting to inflate a tyre with a rubbish pump, especially when working with the high pressure required on road tyres. This Joe Blow pump removes all the fuss from blowing up a tyre, and the person you give it to will thank you every time they use it.

Looking for something that combines fashion with functionality? This Bar Bag from Rapha is one of the hottest trends in road cycling. Strapped to the handlebar or bike’s frame, it’s the ideal home for mid-ride snacks or additional layers when your cycling jersey’s pockets are already bulging. But it’s got a life off the bike too – a hidden cross-body strap means you can throw it over your shoulder. The bag is constructed from durable waterproof fabric, meaning it can handle the worst of the winter weather.

A lot of keen cyclists are avid Strava users, mainly because until recently the tracking app offered a wealth of features free. Many of those features, including the key parts of Segments where cyclists compete for the fastest time over set stretches, are now behind a paywall so the cyclist in your life may well appreciate having another year of using it without it costing them anything. Or you may get an earful when they complain bitterly about (you) having to pay for something that was once free – it’ll very much depend on the person. There are plenty of other reasons to subscribe, however, including an improved routing feature and the type of training analysis you get on high-end multisport watches. If it turns out the giftee already has a Strava subscription, your generosity just means it’ll be automatically extended.

• Is a Strava subscription worth it?

Although bikes haven’t changed much in more than a century (they’re still based around a frame, two wheels, pedals, seat and a set of handlebars), there have been a number of iconic and groundbreaking designs over the last 70 years. The illustrator David Sparshott has captured some of the most renowned – from Eddy Merckx’s Hour Record bike from 1972 to Chris Boardman’s Lotus track bike from the 1992 Olympics – in his signature style, and this A2 print would look great hanging in any cycling fan’s home.

If you’re giving to a primarily urban rider, rather than a road bike enthusiast or mountain biker, you’ll probably find they’ve never considered upgrading their pedals. If you do it for them they’ll never have to experience “stalling” at the lights again – AKA your foot slipping off the pedal. The Vibram surface, a material commonly used for the outsoles on hard-wearing shoes, helps any casual shoe find grip. There’s also a set with embedded lights rather than reflectors (removable and rechargeable, mercifully) if you fancy really pushing the boat out.

Are you really giving a tool kit? Well, yes… but that’s not all. With this comprehensive kit you’re also giving the joy of tinkering for hours on end, without having to stop because there’s a key tool missing. You’re also giving the expectation of a quick tune-up of your ride whenever you want, but best to keep that one to yourself for a bit.

Mornings spent cycling always involve some sort of pit stop for much-needed refreshments (coffee and a big slab of cake), but then there’s a dilemma over what to do with your bike: leave it outside unlocked with the other bikes on the assumption that you’re in the countryside and “people don’t do that sort of thing here”, or lug a big lock around with you on every journey? Enter the Ottolock. Compact enough to slip into a jersey pocket yet strong enough to deter any would-be thieves, the steel and kevlar cable lock is perfect for coffee stops, toilet breaks or any other time when you’ll be away from your pride and joy for a matter of minutes rather than hours.

More of the best bike locks

Any keen cyclist will appreciate the work of World Bicycle Relief (WBR), a charity that delivers and maintains rugged bikes in developing countries to increase mobility and access to schools, hospitals and markets. You could just donate some money on behalf of your giftee to this estimable cause, but everyone likes to unwrap something, so buy them one of these terrific Stolen Goat jerseys instead – all profits from the sale go to WBR. There are two designs for men and women, or you can opt for a WBR turbo towel, which costs £9.99.

More of the best cycling jerseys

Brompton has built a reputation for being the brand that all of the best folding bikes are compared with, and for good reason. The bikes have become utilitarian workhorses favoured by train commuters and city dwellers alike because of their durability, reliability and compact nature. They can be taken on public transport or stored in compact living spaces without the footprint of a traditional, non-folding bike. 

The much-lauded design has had a few tweaks since it was launched in 1976 and Brompton’s core range – the C Line – is the culmination of almost five decades of research and development. Available in three gearing set-ups – the two-speed Urban, the three-speed Utility or the six-speed Explore (which I tested) – it sits above the entry-level A Line but below the lighter, performance-focused P Line and boundary-pushing, uber-expensive T Line.

• NEWSFLASH: New Brompton Electric P Line Revealed

I’ve tested and owned numerous bikes over the years, but the Brompton C Line Explore was the first folding bike I’d welcomed into my home. As someone who doesn’t need their bike to be foldable for commuting or storage reasons, I rely on a Specialized Langster single-speed for everyday riding. So would I benefit from a Brompton?

It didn’t take long for me to see its advantages. With my normal set-up, I have to retrieve my bike from a garden shed, wheel it through my mid-terrace house, and repeat this in reverse when I return. The process takes roughly five minutes at each end of a trip, but it can sometimes be enough to dissuade me from riding – particularly if my destination is somewhere within walking distance. The Brompton solved this issue. Small enough to be folded away and stored under the stairs, it was ready to go when I needed it. While this isn’t reason enough to invest in a Brompton, it was an immediate benefit.

Another included the ability to take the bike into restaurants, bars or other venues, rather than leaving it in the street. Also, because of its adjustability, it’s not just a bike for one person and can be used by multiple people in your household – even if you’re not the same height.

Price And Availability

The rebranded C Line was announced in October 2021 and replaced model codes that Brompton had used for 45 years. Gone were initialisms that were coded descriptions of the handlebar, number of gears and additional fixtures (eg M6L for mid-rise, six gears and lights), and in their place was a word-based structure. Other than a change in stickers, the bikes are the same.

The C Line starts with the Urban model, which costs $1,490 in the US and £1,195 in the UK, and goes up to the $1,680/£1,350 Explore model that I tested. At its core, each C Line model is the same: its main frame, rear frame and fork are made from steel, it has 16in wheels with puncture-resistance Schwalbe tyres, it comes with mudguards and a front carrier block for Brompton-branded luggage, and it can be bought with low, mid or high handlebars.

The main difference is the gearing. The Explore has a wide-range six-speed drivetrain that combines a three-speed Sturmey Archer hub and a two-speed derailleur. This means that there are three big gear changes that are taken care of by an internal hub in the rear wheel, and each of these has a high and low setting that is controlled by a derailleur – the same method as the gears on most bikes.

If you’re not sure which Brompton C Line model is right for you, there’s a simple way of looking at it: you’re already spending more than $1,500/£1,000 on a folding bike, so why not spend an additional 10% or so and get six rather than two gears? While there is the additional weight (2lb/900g) to factor in, you wouldn’t notice this except on inclines, and the ability to opt for an easier gear negates this. You also get a pump on the Explore model that is conveniently stowed in the triangle of the rear frame.

Set-up

The bike arrives folded in a cardboard box, and the only thing you have to do is install the saddle on the seat post using the supplied Allen key. Once that’s in place, the bike is ready to be unfolded. Although there are instructions in the box on how to do this, I’d recommend watching a video tutorial. It’s also worth practising how to refold the bike as the order isn’t repeating the unfolding in reverse. 

You’ll also find a Cateye front light included in the box, which needs to be charged before it can be used, and a pre-installed AAA-powered rear light. Installing the front light on the mudguard is as simple as clipping it onto a pre-installed mount.

The Ride

The functionality of a folding bike counts for nothing if the ride experience is poor. Fortunately, the Brompton C Line Explore doesn’t falter here – it’s one of the most fun bikes I’ve ever ridden. 

On short trips that I’d have previously walked, the Brompton slashes the total journey time. Unfolding is complete in the same amount of time it takes to tie your shoelaces, and I’m at my local shops before I would be at the end of my road if on foot.

The Brompton doesn’t shine only on short rides. I tested it on longer journeys, some of 10+ miles, and it remained comfortable. At no point did I wish I was on my regular, non-folding bike. There is a bit of flex in the handlebars and steering tube to smooth out all but the worst potholes, and its low centre of gravity helped keep you in control.

The only downside was that the steering felt “twitchy” on the first few rides but you soon modify how you turn the handlebars to counter this. I was also able to put its gears through their paces on inclines in north London. While the jumps between each gear were noticeable, there was enough low-end range to tackle any ascent without having to get off and walk or spin on the pedals uncontrollably. 

The top end was punchy, and you soon get up serious speed on the flat – which feels even faster on the 16in wheels. Changing gears on the internal hub took a bit of getting used to – you have to stop pedalling to go up or down – but this was due to my inexperience.

Sure, it might not be as fast as a road bike with drop-handlebars, but it's no different from a standard hybrid bike in this respect. Besides, its upright positioning means you get a good amount of airflow, so don’t turn up to your destination a sweaty mess.

Value

It’s hard to ignore the fact that the Brompton C Line Explore is $1,680/£1,350. That price makes it more expensive than any of our best commuter bike picks, and you’re left with a bike that is heavier than most, relies on rim brakes rather than disc, and has fewer gears. A large chunk of your money is spent on the folding functionality, and if you don’t need this, are you better off investing in a standard bike?

My answer, unhelpfully, is yes and no. I’ve got none of the stereotypical needs for a folding bike, but I found that I would make the choice to ride more often on the Brompton than if I was relying on my non-folding bike. It’s also a bike that can fit seamlessly into your life, rather than you having to fit your life around it. For example, you can ride somewhere safe in the knowledge that, if you need to take public transport or a taxi home, you can easily bring it back with you. It can be stowed on a train or put in the trunk/boot of a car without having to worry about pre-booking a spot or using a bike rack, and it means you’ve got another means of transport with you when you’re away.

Is It Worth It?

After my extensive testing of the Brompton, it’s easy to see why their owners become passionate advocates for the flexible steel steeds. There are cheaper alternatives available (both folding and standard commuter-focused bikes), but if you can stretch your budget, it’s worth buying the best. You won’t regret your investment and it’ll bring a smile to your face each time you unfold it.

More About Bikes

• Ride to work in style with our one of the best electric bikes
• Find advice, tips and gear recommendations for cycle communting on our cycling to work guide
• The ultimate city runaround and the best folding e-bike we’ve tried, by a country mile – the Brompton Electric review 

The joy of owning a bike comes from riding it. From cycling to work with the wind in your face, avoiding traffic jams and public transport, and saving money. From spending all Sunday exploring the countryside with friends.

The joy absolutely does not come from figuring out where to store your bike if you don’t have a shed or garage.

However, it’s an essential question for many bike owners, especially those who live in flats, perhaps with roommates who aren’t delighted by the idea of squeezing past a bike in the hallway every time they come home.

Often the only option is to store your bike outside, which means you need a bike cover. Unless you fancy having to continually repair the damage done by the elements.

Naturally you want your bike cover to be waterproof, or at least water resistant, and also to block out UV rays, which can damage your bike over time too. Openings that allow you to lock your bike are also useful if you’re planning on leaving it in a front garden.

You can also get covers for bikes stored indoors, which don’t need to be waterproof, but will stop the bike getting scratched or smearing grease on anyone who passes by too close to it. The good news is that there are plenty of affordable options. Browse our picks of the best bike covers, then check out the best bike locks or the best cycling backpacks.

The Best Bike Covers

The Goose bike cover is made from 210D Oxford fabric, wherein thinner outer fibres and thicker inner fibres are woven in alternating horizontal and vertical directions, resulting in an extremely durable fabric. That’ll prick up the ears of anyone who’s ever ripped a cheap cover after snagging it on the big ring. The Goose provides rain, sun and dust protection, and it comes with a storage pouch, a storm strap for tethering it down on windy days, and an elasticated hem for securing it under your tyres. It’s also got reflective loops so you won’t reverse over it in the dark!

It’s easy to dismiss B’Twin as a cheap own brand, but Decathlon doesn’t take the easy route of bulk-buying low-cost products and slapping its own decals on them. B’Twin products are often designed and built by Decathlon, or at least sourced with quality in mind. The B’Twin Protective is a basic elasticated cover composed of polyester and polyurethane, meaning it’s water resistant rather than waterproof, making it better for carports, balconies or sheds than for completely outdoor storage. It’s affordable, it’s very easy to fit, and it comes with a storage pouch for when not in use. 

Oxford makes covers for everything from motorbikes to road bikes, and its single bike cover is an affordable, UV-resistant option with reflective panelling and a storage pouch. The 100D polyester construction provides a balance between durability, weight and stiffness that will make it easy to fit, although you might want to weigh it down when it gets windy if your storage space is outside. As the Aquatex name suggests, the cover is waterproof.

The large cross on the side of this cover is an opening with Velcro fastenings that allows you to lock your back wheel and frame up with the cover on. The cover is waterproof and packs away into a stuff sack – you can even shove the cover into the sack wet and take it with you, because it won’t get damaged by being stored while damp. For those looking for extra security, there’s a camouflage design of the Urban cover available, because you can’t steal what you can’t see, can you?

The Lifeline Waterproof has several selling points, including its reflective panelling, which is ideal for preventing bumps from cars if you’re going to store your bike in a driveway or communal parking area. It comes in several sizes depending on how many bikes you want to cover, and the 210D material has a low-level hole at the front for passing a lock or ground anchor through. The opening is reinforced with red weave, so it won’t rip and (more importantly) will be easy to find amid the folds of fabric. Be warned – if you ride a 29er, it won’t fit the wheels.

Rust is the bane of a cyclist’s life. A rusty chain will not only shorten the life of components, but it’ll make you work harder too. This rain cover from Topeak will help keep the orange stuff at bay courtesy of a 190T nylon fabric that is not only water-resistant but also UV-proof. What’s more, it has a handy bag attached to it that it can be stuffed into when not in use – meaning no more scrabbling around trying to find somewhere to store it.

You can get this waterproof nylon cover to fit one or two bikes, and it has holes on the side that let you slip a lock through the front wheel(s) at the bottom. Both versions are large enough to cover most bikes and have a bottom strap that can tighten the material, making it less likely to be blown free – although we found it won’t handle the worst winter storms, so make sure to secure it by other means if there’s a weather warning. We bought one of these in 2017 and it’s only just become unusable, with the material wearing out and ripping. We’d call that pretty good going for the price.

Bike Covers Buyer’s Guide

Most of us put months or even years of research into buying a bike, and it’s not until we get it home that we realise we also need to think about how to protect it when it’s not being ridden. To decide on the best bike cover for you, begin by identifying where you’ll store it, because that will dictate the qualities you require.

If you will store your bike somewhere sheltered like a shed or garage, then durable heavyweight fibre that can resist the odd bump from a lawnmower is going to be more important than waterproof or UV resistant fabric. 

Alternatively, if you’ll be storing it in a driveway, you’ll want water resistance at the very least and ideally some reflective elements to stop you from accidentally nudging your bike with your car in the dark. Outdoor storage also makes some form of lock port vital, so that you can run a chain or D-lock out through the cover and around something secure, without inadvertently letting the rain in.

Fabric weight plays a huge role in determining what conditions your cover is best suited for. Much like buying a bike, you’re looking for the optimal balance of stiffness, durability and weight. 

Fabric thickness tends to be measured in one of two ways. Denier (D) measures the weight in grams per 1,000 metres of yarn, while Tex (T) measures it per 9,000 metres of yarn, so broadly speaking 1T is nine times thicker than 1D. It may sound as though the bigger, thicker fabric will provide the best protection for your bike, but the annoyance that comes from trying to wrestle excessively thick fabric over your bike far outweighs the extra protection it provides. 

Unless you’re feeling very, very precious about your bike, it’s better to look for a lighter fabric with a more durable weave, such as 210D Oxford or Ripstop. 

Finally, check the size of the cover. While most covers are designed with road or hybrids in mind, recent trends towards very wide handlebars and 29cm wheels mean that some mountain bikes can be difficult to cover.

CamelBak’s M.U.L.E. (which stands for Medium to Ultra Long Endeavours) has stood the test of time, becoming a mainstay of the brand’s bike pack range. Today’s M.U.L.E. is highly evolved and there are models tailored for everything from commuting through to big days out on e-enduro bikes over demanding terrain. The team at Coach stablemate MBR checked out three variations suited to trail riders of all sorts. Watch the video below to hear what they have to say.

M.U.L.E. 12L

This is the standard pack aimed at trail riders, but don’t take standard to mean run of the mill – it still packs in loads of features. The 12L capacity is plenty for a big day out on the trails and the pack is constructed from recycled materials. Most importantly for the environment, the pack is built to last. 

The latest CamelBak three-litre reservoir is included with the pack and it’s equipped with an improved shut-off valve that prevents leaks, even if you pile loads of kit on top of a full bladder in the boot of your car. Plus, the new reservoir cap is easier to open and close than ever. CamelBak says that the new reservoir delivers 20% more water per sip than the older version and Hydroguard technology helps prevent bacterial nasties from growing inside!

CamelBak’s Magnetic Tube Trap keeps unruly delivery tubes in place on the harness which prevents the tube from flapping around and makes it easy to locate without taking your eyes off the trail.

The Air Support back panel, which features on all M.U.L.E. models, maximises air flow and helps to prevent overheating and the dreaded sweaty back. 

The storage options are plentiful and well thought out, with integrated tool organisers and a multitude of pockets. There’s also a sternum strap and a removable stability belt to achieve a stable fit.

The M.U.L.E. 12L also comes in a variety of colours, and in versions to suit male and female physiques. It costs £120.

M.U.L.E. Evo 12L

The Evo has all the same features as the standard M.U.L.E., but is aimed at riders who never let the weather get in their way. It adds all-weather protection with its welded construction. 

In addition, the Evo is equipped with CamelBak’s Command Centre harness which uses two chest straps to ensure the load is stabilised, doing away with the need for a waist strap.

The Evo comes in one style and costs £140.

M.U.L.E. Pro 14L

If big days out on an e-bike over serious terrain are more your thing then this is your bag.

The extra two-litres of capacity means it can swallow an e-bike battery on top of your regular kit, so you can double your range to reach the most testing terrain. 

Whilst you’re there you’ll be glad to know that, as in all of CamelBak’s Pro range, you can slide in an extra back protector. 

The Pro also comes with a tool roll to keep everything organised and rattle free, and there is additional storage in the waist strap for small items. If you decide to hop on an uplift there is built-in storage for your helmet.

Like the Evo, the Pro costs £140 and there’s a choice of black or agave green colourways.

For further details head to camelbak.co.uk

This year, UK brand Altura is turning 25 years old and one way that they are celebrating this milestone is by releasing a freshly designed range of mountain biking (MTB) clothing. Although Altura have been absent from the MTB side of the cycling for a while, they’re no stranger to making excellent quality MTB kit. 

Altura have scored favourably with Coach’s colleagues at mountain bike publication MBR in the past with the Attack 360 jacket and Attack One80 shorts scoring highly thanks to their excellent features, fit and value. 

Here, the team at MBR take a closer look at three jerseys, three pairs of shorts and a pair of gloves that are suited to all riders looking to get their MTB fix in style.

Jerseys

Starting at the top, the first item we checked out was the Kielder long-sleeved jersey. It’s great to see Altura making moves to more environmentally-sustainable kit. Both the long-sleeved jersey and the short-sleeved version incorporate 100% recycled polyester fabric.

It has excellent sweat-wicking properties and it’s fast drying, too. Altura have cleverly placed fabric with extra breathability in key areas such as the armpits and the back for maximum comfort.

The bonded neckline and cuffs are low profile to prevent chafing, and as we’ve seen before with Altura, the relaxed cut and fit is spot on. We especially liked the longer, contoured cut at the back to give good coverage when on the bike, helping to avoid unintended fleshy exposure. The short-sleeved Kielder jersey has all the same features except for, yeah you guessed it, long sleeves.

The short-sleeved version is great for spring and summer rides with the long-sleeved version adding a little extra warmth and protection. The jerseys cost £35 for the short-sleeve and £45 for the long-sleeve, both options look to be superb value. When it comes to deciding whether your new top matches or clashes with the rest of your kit, you have three options: a couple of nice shades of green, plus blue in the long sleeve and yellow in the short sleeve.

The Kielder jersey also comes in a women’s cut, with all the same features, blue and yellow colour options, and three-quarter length sleeves. The women’s jersey costs a competitively-priced £40.

Legwear

Altura’s new Esker shorts do not come with a liner, so you can match them up with your favourite bib short or liner.

The Esker shorts are a good length and work well whether you are wearing knee pads or not, and the back is contoured for good coverage when on the bike. The shorts are well specced with nice detailing such as stretch panels, belt loops and a zipped pocket.

A welcome extra is the fabric’s water-repellent coating so you won’t have to ride with soggy shorts if you get caught in a shower or blast through some water.

The men’s shorts come in green or black, and the women’s in black or purple. Both styles cost £55. 

If you’re braving heavy rain, know the trails will still be wet from a previous downfall or just don’t trust the forecast and can’t stand the idea of a soggy chammy, the Ridge Tier shorts are the ones to go for in Altura’s range. 

With 10k waterproof, yet breathable fabric, and taped seams, these shorts have been designed to keep you comfortable through the worst conditions. Like the Esker they come without a liner so you can pair them up with your favourite padded undershort.

The side release buckle is easy to use and adjust even in the wet, and there is extra coverage with the contoured waistline and extra protection with longer, articulated fabric at the knees. In addition the water-resistant zipped pockets help to protect your valuables.

As with the rest of the new range the fit is relaxed, yet well cut so you won’t be troubled by excess fabric flapping around. To top it off, these shorts sit nicely with knee pads.

The Ridge Tier shorts cost £80 and come in navy with orange detailing, or black with green detailing.

Gloves

To finish off the range Altura have created a new glove, the Kielder. This is a highly breathable, lightweight glove, which has become popular with riders, us included. The minimal padding on the palm results in superb feel and control, the latter accentuated by the silicone brake-lever grippers on the index and middle fingers.

The perforated Amara suede palms help to keep sweaty palms at bay and of course help to protect your hands both from the rigours of riding, and when it all goes wrong, crashing!

Around the wrist Altura use a neoprene cuff which keeps the gloves in place without the bulk of a velcro closure.

The Kielder gloves come in three colourways – grey, dark green and carbon (black to you and me) – and cost £25. There are six unisex sizes from XS to XXL so every rider should be able to find the right fit.

The new range is feature packed, stylish and helps riders choose more environmentally-sustainable kit – it’s great to have Altura back on the scene.

For further details head to altura.co.uk

Cycling is a great way to keep fit and indoor cycling is an increasingly popular way to exercise on a bike – it’s convenient, traffic-free and there are plenty of training apps which provide engaging experiences. 

Indoor cycling is also increasingly expensive. The best exercise bikes and best spin bikes can cost as much as £3,000, and while the best turbo trainers cost much less, you also need to budget for a bike. Then there’s a range of kit that promises to make you more comfortable, tech to help track your progress and ongoing app subscriptions to maintain. 

In contrast, some people will resolutely stick with an old and faithful bike attached to a second-hand magnetic wheel-on turbo trainer. Nothing wrong with that, of course.

Coach’s publisher, Future, is undertaking a survey to learn all about the indoor cycling habits of readers across a range of titles, including Coach. So if you know your way around a direct drive turbo and have an opinion on the best training app, enjoy a spin class at the gym or a light pedal while watching TV, or even have a vague notion that this might be something you’d like to investigate one day when you have the time, we’d like you to take part in our survey.

The survey should take no more than eight minutes to complete. To say thank you for your time, your name will be placed into a prize draw for a chance to win* an Amazon voucher worth £250 or $300 (depending on where you live). The survey is open to UK, US and selected countries in Europe and runs till 9th May 2022. 

Take the survey >>

*Prize draw T&Cs apply

Cycling to work used to be reserved for a certain type of person. Predominantly white and male, they’d think nothing of going toe-to-toe with traffic, and saw their journey to the office as a badge of honour to be worn (along with lots of Lycra). This is starting to change though, as more and more people start to see the benefits that come with cycling to work – it’s cheap, mood-boosting and of course great exercise – while cycling infrastructure is improving, meaning cycling is safer.

You can ride to work on whatever bike you want, but if you’re starting from scratch, it’s best to look for a hybrid bike. A cross between a road and mountain bike (hence the name), they’re the most popular type of bike sold, and for good reason: their upright position is less taxing and better for keeping you cool when riding than a road bike, but they tend to be a bit nippier on the asphalt than a suspension-toting mountain bike.

They aren’t just for the commute either – they’re just as much at home on country lanes and canal towpaths, meaning your investment can be used in your leisure time too.

While we’ll focus on hybrid bikes in this article, there are two other styles of bike that make for great commuters – folding bikes and electric bikes. The former comes into its own if you’re looking to combine cycling with another mode of transport on your commute. The latter is ideal if you’re put off by the effort it would take to ride home after a long day. Although they might look like quite an investment, it’s worth remembering that the savings on public transport, petrol or car park charges soon add up – not to mention they’re effectively a gym membership too. That said, it’s worth investigating if your new bike can be bought under a Cycle To Work scheme. The cost will be deducted from your pay packet, normally over 12 months, and you could save as much as 39% on your purchase, which can include all the accessories you need like helmet, locks and lights.

The Best Hybrid Bikes For Commuters

The cheapest pick in our round-up, the Subway 1 from Halfords’ in-house brand Carrera comes at a price that’s the minimum you should spend when buying a new hybrid bike. While you can pick them up for less, you want your commuting bike to be able to withstand more than one season of riding to the office without falling apart. The Subway 1 has mechanical disc brakes that will remain sharp even in wet weather. Its 16-speed Shimano Tourney groupset (the cogs and the chain) will give you enough range for any hills in your route, while replacing any parts should be straightforward when it’s time for a service. Finished with wide, 1.95in tyres, the Subway 1 is at home on gravel paths and on smooth roads – handy if tackling the odd pothole on the commute.

Buy men’s from Halfords | Buy women’s from Halfords 

While a new hybrid bike might look a bit boring when compared to that vintage bike you’ve been eyeing up on eBay, it’ll be a lot more pleasant and comfortable to ride day in, day out in all weather. Take the Giant Escape 2 Disc as a prime example. The frame is made from a lightweight aluminium, making the bike easy to manoeuvre on the go, and its hydraulic disc brakes are reliable. It’s comfortable to ride too, thanks to a vibration dampening seat post, wide tyres and ergonomic grips. Spend an extra £50 on the City edition, and you’ll get mudguards and a pannier rack too.

Buy from Giant 

Hybrid bikes come in a broad range of styles, and the Triban RC 500 is towards the road bike end of the spectrum. Essentially the brand’s touring bike but with flat handlebars, it’s a great pick if you want something that will cut quickly through traffic without having to ride on the drops (the curved part of a road bike’s handlebars). The bike’s biggest selling point is its Shimano Sora R3000 groupset, a well-built and robust range complete with 18 gears that is generally found on much more expensive hybrids. And if you’re worried about the cost of your investment, the frame, handlebar and stem come with a lifetime guarantee, providing extra peace of mind.

Buy from Decathlon 

The Sirrus X is American manufacturer Specialized’s all-terrain hybrid platform, and bikes range from the £499 Sirrus X 2.0 to the £1,299 Sirrus X 4.0. The X 3.0 is the sweet spot in the line, providing you with a bike that is comfortable both on and off the road. Its one-by set-up (where it only has one chainring) is a nod to mountain biking, and makes maintenance that bit easier – one fewer chainring equals less to clean or go wrong. Although it packs only 10 gears, the range is wide enough that you can cruise at speed on the flat, while still having enough in reserve to climb steep ascents.

Buy from Specialized Concept Store | £849

The FX fitness bike line-up from the American company Trek ranges from a £475 basic build through to a fully featured commuting machine that costs just shy of £1,000. The FX 2 Disc is in the middle of the range and is a great-value offering that does the important bits well while leaving room for the likes of pannier racks, kickstands and mudguards which you will get if you upgrade to an equipped edition. The biggest selling point is its inclusion of hydraulic disc brakes – something of a steal at this price – which offer supreme stopping power in all conditions.

Buy men’s from Trek | Buy women’s from Trek | £600

At the height of the pandemic, new bikes were like gold dust as everyone saddled up and enjoyed riding on quieter roads. Although the traffic has returned, the cycling industry is still struggling with this backlog, so when a brand guarantees your purchase will be sent within 48 hours, it’s worth taking note. The Hybrid AL 2.0 won’t leave you disappointed, either: a lightweight aluminium frame is paired with a comfort-boosting carbon fibre fork to create a super-smooth commuting rig. Throw in an 11-speed drivetrain from Sram, hydraulic disc brakes and all the extras (rack and mudguards) you’ll ever need for getting to the office and the Hybrid AL is tough to beat.

Buy from Ribble 

A cycling rucksack is often last on people’s lists when they are getting equipped to start cycling to work. After investing in a commuter bike and all the safety and security equipment like lights, helmet and a lock, if there’s anything left in your savings or cycle-to-work scheme budget, the priority tends to be gear like a waterproof jacket, padded shorts and a jersey. After all, you already own a backpack to get your daily essentials to and from work, so that’ll probably do, right?

Wrong. Commute to work using a standard rucksack and you’ll soon start to see the pitfalls of using a piece of kit not designed for the task at hand. Even if it does have a separate laptop compartment (enabling you to keep your work computer separate from a change of clothes), the straps are unlikely to be comfortable, the minimal ventilation will turn your back into a sweaty mess, and the lack of reflective detailing could make you hard to spot after dark. And that’s before you encounter your first wet ride, when the dry clothing you were planning on wearing in the office gets drenched in a downpour.

Fortunately, there are plenty of cycling rucksacks that have been designed with commuting in mind. Spacious, full of clever compartments, and, most importantly, water-resistant as a minimum, a good cycling backpack will revolutionize your ride to work. Most are functional and stylish enough to be used off the bike too.

Here’s my pick of the best backpacks for cycling to work.

The Best Cycling Backpacks For Commuters

How visible you are on your bike is an important consideration for any type of rider, but too often people forget about their backpack, which can diminish visibility even if you have the most reflective jacket in the world. The easier you are for drivers to see, the safer you are, and the Proviz REFLECT360 is more visible than any other when light falls on it.

The webbing on this bag encapsulates this brand: functional bike gear with understated style. Release the compression straps and the webbing can take a bike helmet or a pair of shoes, which is useful since this rucksack’s 18-liter internal compartment is not the biggest (upgrade to the Pro for 88 liters). The tough nylon material is water-resistant, but the welded-seam liner is completely waterproof.

Osprey has many bags with well-thought-out technical details to suit any type of cycling, but we rate the Metron as one of the stand-outs for commuting. It covers all the basics, with laptop and organizer pockets and a sternum strap. Osprey’s cycling features are also present: a deployable helmet carry net, light loop for added visibility and there’s a rain cover in the base of the bag. The killer features on this backpack, however, are the shoe pocket in the main compartment, the side pocket that keeps your phone to hand and the smart, all-black design—aided by the compression straps so you can avoid the carrying-your-house-on-your-back look.

In 2022, American bike behemoth Specialized teamed up with the chic Scandi clothing and bag brand Fjällräven to release a range of cycling-specific gear. The result was predictably one of the most stylish launches of the year, and the Cave Pack is the collaboration’s take on the most famous rucksack from the brand with the Arctic Fox logo. It has a large main compartment perfect for stowing a change of clothes or a small shop on the commute home, and its padded laptop sleeve and easy-access top pocket help to keep essentials at hand. The padded shoulder straps are comfortable both on and off the bike, and the bag can also be transformed into a tote-style carrier. It’s also designed to slot seamlessly into the Cool Cave pannier, so can be used as something of a hybrid rucksack/pannier bag.

Bikepacking is essentially cycle touring minus the pannier rack. Instead of being attached to some additional hardware, bags are strapped to seat posts, frames and handlebars, 

lightening the load and spreading the weight more evenly. Kit needs to be waterproof, durable and able to handle the rigors of a multi-day adventure. London-based brand Apidura made its name in the world of bikepacking, and produces luggage that is ideal for anything from a weekend away to round-the-world epics. So when it launched its City Backpack back in 2020, we knew it could be trusted to handle the worst of the commuting conditions you’re likely to encounter. Fully waterproof, its contents will remain bone dry regardless of the weather, while reflective detailing helps to keep you safe and seen after dark. A suspended laptop sleeve secures your computer without impacting the bag’s comfort, and zipped pockets help to keep essentials like keys and phones to hand.

Elops might not have the label or logo of Rapha or Ortlieb, but Decathlon’s in-house cycling brand produces great gear at wallet-friendly prices—and as well as being affordable, it’s stylish and most importantly waterproof. The Speed 520’s 25L capacity is plenty for commuting, while its separate 17in laptop, lock and side pockets mean you don’t have to go rummaging around inside every time you need to retrieve something.

Clusters of Ortlieb’s popular waterproof bags can be seen every morning and evening in cities far and wide, and there’s little doubt they are all excellent bags, but this stylish daypack is our pick for commuters. It’s still waterproof, but it’s lighter and more comfortable to wear than the classic Ortlieb bag. It also has reflective strips on the back that will keep you visible at night.

This bag from the motorcycle and bike accessory brand Oxford ticks two vital boxes straight away—it’s brightly colored and completely waterproof—but it also has a few useful extra features. There’s a water-resistant pocket on the front, reflective detailing that will catch headlights from any angle, a loop on which to hang another bike light, and padded panels to improve airflow around your back.

This hardy roll-top sack offers impressive value, especially when—as it often is—it’s reduced below its RRP of £60. The rucksack has a removable hip belt that makes carrying heavy loads more comfortable when attached, and a molded back panel allows air to flow. Along with the spacious main compartment, there’s a smaller front pocket for easy access to essentials.

How are you supposed to cycle to work if your office’s dress code requires you to be fully suited up? You get the corner suite with a walk-in wardrobe or you buy this bag. It comes with a garment box and instructions on how to achieve a crease-free fold, and there’s an expandable pocket for your dress shoes.

The whole shebang is sweat-repellent and has been given the antimicrobial treatment, so it smells as fresh as it looks. There are plenty of organizers for your business accoutrements and a 16in padded laptop pocket, plus pockets on the waist straps to keep your pass in so you can whisk through security and hit the showers before the big boss sees you in a sweaty state.

If you’ve rejected the standard 13in laptop size as too small, then this might be the commuter bag for you thanks to its 16in laptop sleeve. The Granville backpack is also completely waterproof, so all that tech will stay safe in a rain shower, while its mesh back panel will help to keep your back dry from sweat too.

There’s a great range of sizes in Deuter’s Bike range, but for our money the 20-liter version hits the sweet spot, offering enough room for your everyday cycling needs while still small enough not to annoy while riding. The fit and the Airstripes ventilation system make it comfortable to wear, while there’s an integrated rain cover and even a special compartment for storing wet or sweaty clothes, so they don’t come into contact with the rest of your stuff.

Most commuter backpacks cater solely to cyclists who keep their smart work clothes at the office, since stuffing your finest threads into a 18-liter rucksack is not a great idea. For those who do need to carry smart togs with them on the bike and keep them crease-free, the Henty Wingman is your best bet. The roll-up design will keep your clothes clean and safe from wrinkling, and it has plenty of room for the other items you need to carry with you to the office each day.

Rapha originally focused on road cycling but has moved into all aspects of two-wheeled travel, and this typically stylish travel bag is its answer to the commuter backpack question. The 15-liter capacity is smaller than most (opt for the £170 25-liter Travel Backpack if size does matter) but still allows you to squeeze in some shoes, a 13in laptop and other smaller essentials. Finished in a smart and subtle waterproof nylon fabric that has a reflective trick up its sleeve, it’s a rucksack that looks as good off the bike as on it.

Don’t be put off by the Thunderstorm’s lightweight nature. Although just 600g, its IPX6 waterproof rating (imagine getting blasted with a jet wash and you get the idea) and reflective detailing means it punches like a heavyweight. What’s more, it can hold 30 liters—enough room for all your work essentials and a quick grocery shop on the way home—and its roll-top closure can be compacted down if you’re not carrying a full load.

If you’re looking for value, the 30L Waterproof rucksack by Lomo may just be the best cycling commuting bag on the market. Currently available for less than £40, the backpack is the perfect companion for cycling to work. It is made from a waterproof and hi-vis PVC material and includes additional reflective detailing to up your visibility even more. The inside is basic—there’s a separate sleeve for a laptop and a large compartment for everything else—but if you need something affordable and reliable for year-round commuting, you’d be hard pressed to find anything better.

Swiss brand Freitag is renowned for its unusual approach to bag design: It’s all about repurposing and upcycling. The main body of each bag is a section of heavy-duty tarp that in its previous life was used on the side of lorries, while other repurposed parts include car seat belts and bicycle inner tubes. Although it might sound a bit Frankenstein’s monster, it really works. Each bag is not only incredibly durable and water-resistant (I’ve had one in my collection for over a decade) but is totally unique and good for the planet too. The F14 Dexter is its smallest messenger-style bag, but don’t judge it by its stature. An expandable flap closure can be secured with Velcro fasteners at multiple points on the bag, giving you buckets of room when required.

Wearing a helmet while riding a pedal bike is not a legal requirement in the UK. Whether it’s even worth wearing one is disputed. That may seem counter-intuitive but we admit the arguments against it have some merit. However, we’ll leave you to dig through that can of worms on your own time and assume that if you’re reading this, you’re down with strapping a hard hat to your noggin in the name of safety.

We’ve picked a selection of helmets to suit all budgets, and you’ll also find our full buyer’s guide with info on what to look out. 

The Best Bike Helmets For Commuters

This budget helmet is lightweight and breathable thanks to the 17 vents it has on the top. Since all helmets have to meet certain safety regulations you won’t find many that cost much less than £30 unless on sale, and we reckon this as good a bargain as you’ll find when seeking a new lid.

Buy from Decathlon 

Another cheap and cheerful option that will serve the budget-conscious commuter well on their rides to work. The Halfords Commuter Helmet has a visor to keep the rain off your face and the sun out of your eyes. In addition, the sizeable vents offer a good amount of breathability.

Buy from Halfords 

This well-ventilated helmet is a great option for both commuting and weekend long rides, and it has the MIPS tech that can offer greater protection from rotational impacts. It comes in a range of colours, so you can match it up to your frame as well.

Buy from Evans 

This lightweight, highly breathable helmet is ideal for those who want to avoid a sweaty head at all costs on their commute. It’s also easy to adjust the fit of the helmet with one hand while riding if needed. Endura has three hi-vis colourways in stock, while Evans has white or black.

Buy from Endura | Buy from Evans 

We’re not insulting anyone by pointing out that traditional bike helmets haven’t been designed to look good, but this one has. This Italian brand has put in “elegant lines”, although we found it a bit bulky at 420g and it doesn’t suit long faces (like ours). If you have a fuller face, though, there’s plenty to recommend it like a detachable brim, an inconspicuous reflective panel on the back, front and rear vents so your hair doesn’t get so wet when it rains, and a dial on the back so you can easily adjust the fit. The WG11 also refers to Kask’s own safety standard which has been developed to dissipate rotational forces as well as to protect against direct hits.

The all-singing, all-dancing one. This smart helmet adds front and rear lights as well as indicators operated by a handlebar-mounted remote control. There are also integrated speakers and a mic, which connect to your smartphone over Bluetooth. A built-in sensor triggers a brake light when you decelerate quickly and an SOS feature can also be set up in the partner smartphone app, automatically texting your GPS location to an emergency contact if the helmet detects a fall. If you like the idea of more lights but aren’t keen on the extras, Livall offers more affordable versions with fewer features, as well as in different styles.

Buy from Halfords 

This one costs a pretty penny, but you can rest assured it’s the last one you’ll ever have to buy thanks to a proprietary material that recovers after an impact – whether that’s dropping it on the floor or being involved in an accident. However, we weren’t convinced by the folding and multi-fit features, and found it somewhat uncomfortable and ever so heavy, but its unique self-sustaining properties certainly make it an option.

Buy from Hedkayse | Hedkayse ONE review

You have to start with the price here, because the HEXR helmet costs an astonishing £299. As you’d expect, that’s down to a combination of some unique and impressive features, but still, £299!

Those features start with a custom fit. You get your head scanned – either in person in London or via the post – to create a helmet that fits your noggin perfectly. The straps of the finished product can be adjusted slightly if you prefer a particularly tight fit or want room for a hat underneath. We’re thinking beanie rather than top.

That flawless fit helps maximise the protection provided by the helmet, which is considerable. HEXR claims the helmet is 26% safer than foam models owing to the hexagonal cell structure, and that cell structure also means it’s breathable so you won’t overheat. The shape of the lid is also highly aerodynamic, if you have racing in mind, and as a final bonus the helmet is made from renewable materials, unlike foam.

Buy from HEXR 

• If safety is a concern, our cycling to work guide has tips on how to stay safe on the road 
• These winter cycling tips for commuters will also help you ride safely through the darker seasons
• To spread the word about Cycling UK’s cycle safety webinars, they shared three cycling safety tips for beginners.

Bike Helmet Buyer’s Guide

What other features should you look for?

There are a few other features that may persuade cycle commuters to go beyond the basic. You can get a breathable helmet that doesn’t make you too sweaty on your ride to work, and there’s no harm in getting one that makes you more visible to other road users. This starts with reflective details, but you can also get smart helmets with integrated lights, including turning indicators.

Foldable helmets can also be useful for commuters, because you can slip them in a bag or desk drawer once you’ve finished riding. Many foldable helmets are more “squishable” and even the best of them don’t end up that small, but they’re easier to stash somewhere than a regular helmet.

Cycling to work is a great way to beat the traffic, make your commute greener and add some casual exercise to your routine. To ensure it’s an enjoyable experience, however, you’re going to want to look beyond your standard office wear when you saddle up. A cycling jacket is one of the first bits of kit you should consider adding to your wardrobe. Designed with the demands of cycling in mind, the best cyclists’ jackets offer protection from the wind and rain yet remain breathable, ensuring you stay dry in all weather without feeling (or looking) like you’re wearing a bin bag.

A good cycling jacket should be functional but not look too out of place when you’re off the bike. Our top picks will keep you dry even on the wettest ride, while some can hold their own on the coldest winter days, too.

When two of the biggest brands in hiking and biking combine on a range of clothing and accessories, you’d better believe we sit up and take notice. The collaboration features this multi-functional anorak which has all the pockets and snap-button pouches you could need for a day in the hills and a slightly dropped hem at the back to keep you comfortable and dry when in the saddle. Sure, it’s expensive, but can you put a price on a durable jacket that will look good and perform for years to come?

Buy men’s from Fjällräven | Buy women’s from Fjällräven | £265

Olive green or black might not seem like the obvious choices for a jacket that’s got to keep you safe when riding after dark, but Chrome’s Storm Salute Commute has a few tricks up its sleeves (and on its back). Reflective details on the rear keep you visible from behind, while detailing on the arms and wrists ensure your hand signals are as clear as day. Its protection from the elements is second to none, and will guarantee you turn up looking on point – even if you get caught in a downpour.

Buy men’s from Chrome | Buy women’s from Chrome | £189

Unless you work on a building site or are a lollipop man, full hi-viz is a bit overkill. Of course you want to be safe and be seen on the roads, but surely there’s an alternative to dressing up like a human traffic cone? Enter Proviz’s Reflect360 Plus jacket. This waterproof jacket is made from a unique material that is grey in the day but comes to life at night, reflecting the light from vehicles to turn you into the most visible thing on the road. It has to be seen to be believed, but if you cycle commute at night it’s almost certain you’ll see people wearing them – they’re hard to miss. Its updated version is even more breathable and waterproof than the original.

Buy men’s from Proviz | Buy women’s from Proviz | £119.99

Sports retailer Decathlon’s in-house cycling brand does everything from bikes to boots, and offers great value. Its RC500 Rainproof Jacket’s cut is certainly road bike-focused – with its slightly extended rear hem and wide zip pocket on the back – but is quite subtle in design. The waterproof membrane will keep you dry in a heavy shower, and its breathability keeps the sweat at bay on milder days. It gets extra points for its roll-up saddle flap, a great feature that protects your backside from puddle splashes.

Buy men’s from Decathlon | £54.99

Endura is renowned for its mountain biking roots, so you can be sure that its jackets can stand up to more than a bit of drizzle on your way to work. The Hummvee Lite is fully seam-sealed and constructed from a breathable 2.5-layer waterproof fabric, which means your top half will be kept dry and comfortable in all conditions. It has rubber strips on the shoulders to prevent a rucksack’s straps wearing through the durable water-repellent finish. It also folds down into a small pack, making it ideal for stuffing in your pannier or backpack even in the warmer months so you have some protection from those all-too-frequent summer deluges.

Buy men’s from Endura | £94.99

London-based Vulpine’s modus operandi is to make clothing that is functional when cycling, but also looks the part when you arrive at your destination – after all, head-to-toe Lycra might prompt sniggers down the pub. The Portixol jacket is fully waterproof and extremely breathable, with a fleece collar that guarantees you’ll stay warm once winter hits. The full-length zip has a handy puller that makes it easy to use even when wearing gloves. Like the Triban jacket, it has a reflective saddle flap – although this one is held in place by magnets when not in use. It also comes in a women’s cut.

Buy men’s from Vulpine | Buy women’s from Vulpine | £100

There’s no doubt Rapha knows how to make functional-yet-fashionable cycling kit, and its commuter jacket is a case in point. On first inspection, it could be a waterproof jacket from any outdoor-focused brand, but it’s packed full of clever features. The waterproof zip is off-centre to stop it rubbing against your chin. Its hood will fit under a helmet, and can be stowed away using a reflective strap when not in use. Its reflective detailing on the rear is designed to sit below a backpack and in the eyeline of motorists. The jacket’s relaxed fit – in both men’s and women’s cuts – is made to be worn over office clothes too, meaning you can say goodbye to riding to work in a different set of clothes.

Buy men’s from Rapha | Buy women’s from Rapha | £100

A good waterproof layer doesn’t have to cost the earth, as this jacket from Wiggle’s in-house brand proves. The waterproof and breathability rating rivals that of coats twice its price and its 360° reflective detailing keeps you safe while not lighting you up like a Christmas tree. While it’s a great outer shell for year-round riding, its lightweight stature comes into its own from spring through to autumn, where it’s handy to have an emergency layer stuffed away safely in your commuter rucksack or pannier. 

Buy men’s from Wiggle | Buy women’s from Wiggle | £80

There is no such thing as an unstealable bike. Short of carrying your two-wheeled steed with you wherever you go, it’s impossible to guarantee thieves will never get their mitts on it. Even the most impressive locks are just an interesting diversion to the seriously committed scoundrel.

That’s the bad news, but there is good news, too. Bike locks are getting smarter and better all the time. Also, you don’t need to make your bike unstealable – you just need to make it a less attractive option to would-be thieves. More unattractive than the bike locked up next to it, at any rate. It’s like the old joke: you don’t need to be able to outrun a bear, you just need to outrun your brother.

You’ll find a range of locks to suit your budget and security requirements below, followed by a guide covering what to look for.

The Best Bike Locks

This Sold Secure Diamond-rated D lock weighs just 1.3kg and has a clip design so it can slide onto your jeans waistband, belt or back pocket. It comes with a cable which is long enough to pass through both wheels – useful since the D isn’t large enough to go through a bike stand, the frame and the back wheel. The icing on the cake is the clip which neatly holds the coiled cable when not in use.

This is a terrific-value lock, offering a Sold Secure Gold level of protection for under £50, with the added bonus of a cable thrown in. The cable doesn’t offer a great deal of protection itself, but will suffice to wrap around a quick-release front wheel while the D secures the frame and back wheel if you’re not leaving the bike alone for too long.

If you’re really, really sick of people nicking your bike, this is the lock to get. It’s small yet surprisingly bulky and heavy, so it’s not the most convenient to carry around, but it’s worth it given the quality of protection it offers. You’re getting a 10/10 rating from Kryptonite, which means the company will pay up to £3,000 towards a new bike if you can show that the Fahgettaboudit was overcome by thieves stealing your bike (and if you register, free for the first year). That’s unlikely, though, because the small size of the lock works in its favour: it’s difficult to get a wedging device in to break it, and the 18mm hardened steel used is so tough there’s every chance that a thief will quickly give up and leave it be.

Buy from Bikester | £133.99 (currently reduced to £114.99)

Hiplok has a range of chain locks that you can wear as a belt, including the Hiplok Gold, which provides Sold Secure Gold protection. This lighter version (1kg compared with the Gold’s 2.2kg) offers only Bronze-level security, but the 6mm hardened steel chain is still pretty robust and it’s comfortable to wear while cycling – all the chains can be tightened to ensure a snug fit. There’s also a reflective version which is useful if you often ride in the dark.

Buy from Hiplok 

If you ride a carbon-frame racing bike in a city you should probably steer clear of this cheap D-lock, which only has a Sold Secure Bronze rating. However, it is an appealingly priced option for those who tend to lock their bike up only for short periods outside in areas with relatively low bike theft, and you can attach the D-lock to the frame of the bike using the supplied bracket to make it easier to carry with you.

Buy from Halfords 

A foldable lock is convenient because it slips in a bag or rucksack more easily. You’ll certainly notice the 1.76kg weight of the Bordo 6500/85 on your back, though, so you may wish to buy the bracket bundle that attaches it to the seat stay. This is one of the few folding locks with a Sold Secure Gold rating – Abus also sells less secure versions of the Bordo, along with one that has a built-in alarm, though the latter is more expensive and only has a Sold Secure Silver rating.

Another Gold standard D-lock, this one has an extra-long shackle to make it easier to secure your bike against railings and anywhere else where there isn’t a standard bike rack to use.

This bike lock belt isn’t as comfortable as it looks in photos, but that’s because it’s heavier and harder than you probably expect, which is a good thing in security terms. It’s rated only Silver by Sold Secure, but that will be enough for most commuter bikes, and it’s convenient to wear around your waist when cycling (make sure you get the right size to avoid it slipping down your legs while you ride). The loop shape makes it more convenient than a D-lock when locking your bike to railings, though a chain or cable would be more flexible.

Buy from Litelok

This Bronze-rated cable is flexible enough to twist around the crossbar of your bike to transport it, as well as being a good option for people who rarely get the chance to use a standard bike rack and have to contort their lock to attach their bike to railings, trees, lampposts and whatever else is available.

• Hide your ride when it’s locked up at home with one of the best bike covers.

Bike Lock Buyer’s Guide

To make your bike look unappealing to a thief you ideally want a couple of bike locks, and both should have a Sold Secure rating. Sold Secure is an independent, non-profit group that rates locks Diamond, Gold, Silver or Bronze. Diamond offers the highest level of security, although you’ll find most are rated Gold which is recommended for bikes worth more than £1,000. 

Silver provides a balance between cost and security and is fit for bikes worth £250 to £1,000 – though it won’t hurt to get a Gold lock – while Bronze locks are mainly to deter opportunistic thieves. Many bike insurance policies will require you to have a Sold Secure-rated lock, so it’s worth checking the rating before buying one if you’re paying a monthly premium to protect your investment.

Many lock brands also have their own security rating system, which can be useful in choosing between a couple of locks from the same brand, but is of little use when comparing them against other brands’ locks.

The reason you want two locks is to provide a varied test to any thieves and to ensure you can lock all the removable parts of your bike. D-locks (also called U-locks) are robust, but chains and cables are easier to wrap around several parts of your bike including quick-release wheels. Having one of each is advisable, and there are also folding locks available that are easier to slip into a bag. Cable locks are the cheapest and least secure option, so they should be paired with something more robust if you’re planning on leaving your bike on the street.

Another factor to consider is portability. Most D-locks come with a mount, but check the lock’s size to ensure it will fit in a convenient place on your bike. Wearable locks are a convenient option, but they often don’t have as high a security rating as D-locks. Weight is a big factor in portability too: heavier locks are more secure, so it’s often a case of finding the right balance between security and portability for you.

Cycling might be one of the most affordable modes of transport around, but it requires an initial investment that, on occasion, can rival the cost of a car. There are top-end road bikes that easily break the five-figure mark, while even entry-level models from some brands will set you back more than £1,000.

Not all bikes are eye-wateringly expensive, though. If you’re just after a cheap bike to get around your local area, it’s possible to pick one up for less than the price of a couple of tanks of petrol—and cycling can often be a quicker way of getting from A to B than driving, not to mention easier to park.

Not all budget bikes are equal, so it’s important to choose wisely, otherwise you’ll end up with something that will sit in the garden rather than being ridden. So we’ve rounded up the best budget bikes from major UK retailers as well as a few entry-level models from established, big-name brands. Most are available for less than £500, and they’re ideal for leisure riding and starting your active travel journey. 

If you’re looking for a commuter bike, it may be worth investing more and getting something that can handle the daily grind. The Cycle to Work scheme can make this a more manageable and affordable experience.

The Best Budget Bikes

To help find a bike that fits your budget we’ve ordered this list by price, from least to most expensive.

At £175, it’s hard to find a cheaper model than this hybrid bike from Halfords’ in-house brand, Apollo. A steel frame makes for a strong and durable bike, and its upright position, swept-back handlebars and wide tyres provide a comfortable ride on roads and paths. An 18-speed Shimano-branded gearing set-up is a highlight at this price. It’s available in two sizes (18in and 21in) and should fit anyone from 1.6m to 1.9m (5ft3in to 6ft 3in) tall.

Decathlon is renowned for making high-quality bikes at budget prices and the French firm’s Riverside line is aimed at leisure riders tackling everyday terrain. Although the range starts with the £199.99 Riverside 100, the cheapest model with stock in all sizes is the 120. For the extra £50, you get better wheels, a slightly reduced weight, and an eight-speed Microshift drivetrain that should be able to handle all but the most extreme inclines. The frame, fork, stem and handlebar have a lifetime guarantee, while the rest of the parts come with a two-year warranty.

While the Riverside is Decathlon’s hybrid range, the Triban is its road-focused design. Topping out at the £4,300 Van Rysel FCR, the brand knows a thing about creating fast, fun road bikes, and although the RC100 is a small fraction of the price, it has some of that same racing bike’s DNA. Centered around a lightweight aluminum frame and featuring a Shimano Tourney 7-speed drivetrain, this is a solid bike for less than £300, although the gears might lack the range required if you live somewhere hilly.

Evans Cycles’ Pinnacle range has been going since 2006, so you’re in safe hands when saddling up on its entry-level Lithium 1. It’s the most off-road-friendly budget bike in our round-up, in large part thanks to its grippy 40c Vee Speedster tyres, and has room for chunky 2.2in MTB tyres if you really want to venture off the paved surfaces. Evans is part of the Fraser group, so you can also try one for size in branches of Sports Direct and House of Fraser.

Single-speed bikes or “fixies” have a certain reputation, but this style of bike is more than a hipster accessory. On the flat, or even slightly undulating terrain, only having one gear to choose from isn’t that big an issue. In fact, it has benefits, including less to go wrong and fewer parts to replace when they do. The 6KU single-speed bike is made from durable and pot hole-dampening steel, and features the narrow flat bars that have become fashionable on most modern fixie designs. It’s available in a variety of colours from cayenne to concrete so there’s sure to be one to match your style.

Wiggle’s in-house brand Vitus is another great pick if you’re looking for value. The Mach 1 is its hybrid range and starts with the £399 RRP single-speed model, but we’d recommend stretching to the Seven if you can—especially considering it’s currently reduced to £220. It’s packing the same 7-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain as the Triban RC100, but the key difference is the brakes. The Vitus’s disc brakes are something of a steal at this price point. Its flat bars may also be better suited to a beginner, since they make it possible to change gear and control your speed without having to move your hands on the handlebars.

Another in-house brand from Halfords, Voodoo cut its teeth making mountain bikes. The Marasa is its entry-level off-road-leaning hybrid and combines a lightweight aluminum frame and fork with an 18-speed Shimano drivetrain and 38mm Maxxis tyres. The highlight is hydraulic disc brakes, which are more accurate than the mechanical version and a steal at this price. The only downsides are that, while lighter, its aluminum parts are less hardy than some of the steel parts found on other bikes featured. Also, its rigid alloy fork won’t dampen vibrations off-road as much as a suspension fork (like that found on the Cannondale offering).

Trek is one of the world’s biggest cycling brands and its most expensive rides tip into five figures. Its entry-level hybrid, the FX 1, is more expensive than almost all the others here with an RRP of over £500 (although we’ve seen it for as little as £350, so it’s worth shopping around). But are you actually getting more bike for your money? Well, no—but that’s kind of the point. Its light, aluminum frame requires less effort to ride than steel alternatives and its 21-speed Shimano Tourney/Altus drivetrain is a higher-quality range than any of the cheaper alternatives. It’s the finishing kit, though, where you’ll notice a big difference: The smattering of Bontrager components boost the rider’s comfort at each of the bike’s key touchpoints (saddle and grips).

Another £500-plus bike that we’ve seen for sub-£400, the Sirrus 1.0 is the most affordable model in Specialized’s range and, like the Trek FX 1 Disc, it’s a hybrid bike with a skeleton that combines an aluminum frame and steel fork. It too has a Shimano Tourney/Altus drivetrain, although the 14-speed set-up provides a similar range for slightly less weight. Where it falls down is its V-brakes, a slightly outdated form of braking even on budget bikes.

As with Trek and Specialized, Cannondale is a big-name American brand that has heritage when it comes to pioneering road and off-road bikes. The Trail is its entry-level mountain bike range, with models starting with the £500 Trail 8 and going up to the £1,750 Trail SE 1. At the midway point is the Trail 5. While its RRP is above our £500 budget bike limit, it’s currently available for £506, and we’d recommend snapping this deal up. 

Its aluminum frame is paired with a SR Suntour XCM fork packing 100mm of travel, keeping you comfortable and in control when things get rough. The bike’s 10-speed drivetrain is geared towards hilly off-road riding and its single chainring minimizes maintenance woes, but its ratios could send you spinning out if riding at speed on the flat. The frame and fork’s use of quick-release mounts limits upgrading, with more expensive modern wheels using thru axles—something worth bearing in mind if you want a budget bike that can grow with you.

When Wahoo released the first Kickr turbo trainer 10 years ago, it was a seismic moment in indoor cycle training. A decade on, its Kickr V5 is still pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on a stationary bike, providing an immersive experience on those days when heading outside on two wheels just isn’t going to be convenient (or fun!).

So how does it differ from previous versions? On the face of it, it looks nearly identical to the fourth-generation Kickr from 2018. It has the same recessed 16lb (7.3kg) flywheel, a quick-release mechanism, built-in speed and cadence sensors, and a power meter, and is thru-axle compatible. Scratch a little deeper, though, and you’ll notice subtle improvements.

Wahoo has replaced the static feet with Axis feet that allow for a slight 5° of movement from side to side, helping you simulate the real-world experience of cycling. (These feet are also available to purchase separately and are compatible with older Kickr turbo trainers.) It has also improved power accuracy from +/-2% to +/-1% (ensuring your wattage is what it should be) and the machine will now auto-calibrate itself, unlike previous models which required a spin down every once in a while.

• NEWSFLASH: Wahoo Adds Wi-Fi To New KICKR Bike And Turbo

Wahoo Kickr V5: Price

The Wahoo Kickr V5 was released in August 2020 and costs £999.99 (although, at the time of writing, we’ve seen it listed for £899). The Kickr is the top-of-the-range direct drive smart turbo trainer, in a line-up that also includes the cheaper wheel-on Wahoo Snap (£429.99) and smart direct drive Wahoo Kickr Core (£699.99) turbos. (The brand also sells the stationary Kickr Bike for £2,999 if money and space are no issue.)

In layman’s terms, direct drive means that your bike’s drivetrain (the parts that control power transfer from the pedals to the wheels) connects directly with a cassette (the cogs on the back wheel) that is pre-installed on the turbo’s flywheel. This does away with the wheel-on method, common on older or cheaper turbo trainers, where you place your bike’s back wheel on a roller.

The benefit of a direct drive set-up is a more realistic feel, improved resistance and the removal of problems such as tyre slips. The only downsides are the extra expense and the need to find somewhere to store your rear wheel when using your turbo.

The smart aspect allows the turbo trainer’s resistance to be controlled by external software. The Kickr connects to all training platforms such as Zwift, Wahoo SYSTM and Trainerroad, while a fixed wattage or incline can also be set via the Wahoo Fitness app. What’s more, you get free trial passes to Wahoo SYSTM in the box, giving you the chance to find out if that training platform suits you (then the fee is $14.99/£11 a month, or $129/£94 a year).

Wahoo Kickr V5: Set-up

The Kickr V5 is a solid piece of kit that will survive being put through its paces. At 22kg, it’s not the lightest thing to move around, but it’s more than likely that once you’ve set it in place in your pain cave, it won’t be moving a lot anyway.

Setting it up is relatively simple. After unfolding the two supporting legs and adjusting the Axis feet until they’re level on your floor, you just have to plug it into a power source, remove your rear wheel from your bike, and slot it on to the turbo. If this sounds a bit too technical, the instructions feature detailed guides for getting started.

If you’ve not changed your bike’s chain for a while (or ever), it’s wise to do this before installing it on to the turbo’s shiny new cassette – a worn chain will wear down the cassette a lot more quickly than a new chain, and it’ll sound like a bag of nails rather than the claimed “virtually silent riding experience”. Not sure how to do this? Your local bike shop will be able to help.

It’s also worth noting that the Kickr V5 comes pre-installed with an 11-speed cassette. It will work with an eight, nine or 10-speed cassette common on older bikes, or even a 12-speed cassette with a specific adapter. It is also compatible with 130mm and 135mm quick-release axles, and 142x12mm and 148x12mm thru-axles. Again, if in doubt, your local bike shop is your friend.

Wahoo Kickr V5: The Ride

When investing in a turbo trainer, you want something that’s up to the task of powering an avatar around a virtual world. Training platforms like Zwift can’t create an immersive experience if your turbo trainer keeps breaking the illusion.

The Kickr V5 clears this bar with ease. It is able to simulate climbs in SIM mode between 0-20% and specific wattage of up to 2,200 at 40km/h when used in ERG mode – where the turbo automatically sets and amends the resistance for you, which is handy during an interval workout. The upper limits simply show what the trainer, rather than you, is capable of – unless your name is Chris Hoy or Geraint Thomas, that is. In practice, any climb and its various changes in gradient that I attempted on Zwift felt like it would on the road, while in ERG mode I could just focus on turning the pedals during workouts with resistance automatically adjusted as I progressed during the session.

The addition of the Axis feet means an improved feel when out of the saddle on a climb or sprinting hard compared with the previous Kickr V4 and Core models that I’ve ridden, but don’t expect to be throwing your bike from side to side like Mark Cavendish any time soon.

To further increase the realism, Wahoo also sells the Kickr Climb (£449.99), a gradient simulator that lifts the front of your bike up and down alongside virtual gradients. There’s also the Kickr Headwind (£199.99), a fan that adjusts its strength depending on your heart rate and speed, but these are bonus rather than essential additions to your set-up.

Wahoo Kickr V5 Vs Core

One of the Kickr V5’s biggest rivals is its sibling, the Wahoo Kickr Core. It will save you £300, but that’s not the only reason you should consider it as a direct drive smart turbo trainer.

While its max watts and incline are lower than the Kickr V5 (at 1,800w and 16% respectively), this is more than enough for an amateur or even club-level rider. Although it can’t be folded away like its big brother, that’s only an advantage if it’s going to be put in storage over the summer.

The only downsides I can see are that the Kickr Core doesn’t include Axis feet (and won’t ever be able to because of its construction) and that it doesn’t come pre-installed with a cassette. But since the cost of a cassette is a lot less than the £300 price difference, it might just be the best pound-for-pound direct drive smart turbo on the market.

If you must have the best of the best, then it’s tough to beat the Kickr V5, but if you’re happy to settle for a plucky underdog that punches above its weight, then the Kickr Core is the trainer for you. 

Is The Wahoo Kickr V5 Worth It?

There’s no getting around the fact that the price of the Wahoo Kickr V5 is more than many people would spend on a new road bike, so it’s not surprising if you’d balk at spending that on a turbo trainer – especially as you need a bike to use it too.

That said, the Wahoo Kickr V5 sits in the middle of other top-tier offerings, like the Tacx Neo 2T (£1,999 RRP) and Saris H3 (£899 RRP), and you’re investing in a solid piece of professional-grade kit that will last you for years to come, as well as keeping its resale value if you find that indoor cycling isn’t for you.

If you already own an earlier Kickr, the differences with the V5 are evolutionary rather than revolutionary, so it’s not worth the additional outlay, plus you can upgrade your current model with the Axis feet (£64.99).

Pioneering folding bike company Brompton has revealed the T Line range, consisting of two models: the singlespeed One and the four-speed Urban. The T Line One weighs just 7.45kg, making it the lightest bike that the London-based brand has ever produced.

There’s no getting around the eye-watering prices of £3,750 for the One and £3,950 for the Urban. That’s roughly the same as a high-end carbon fibre road bike or even one of the best e-bikes.

“There is an old adage in cycling: light, strong or cheap – pick two,” says Joel Natale, Brompton’s head of production management. “We picked two, and we try to make products that will fulfil the others for you. We’re never going to let the strength go because it’s integral to you being able to use this bike day in, day out, but if you want cheap and strong, we do other products as well.”

• NEWSFLASH: New Brompton Electric P Line Revealed

The T Line isn’t just a concept or a limited run, and Natale believes it will be filling a gap in the market that Brompton doesn’t currently cater for.

“When we survey our own customers, if you ask them for three things they would like in a new bike, around 70% say they want a lighter bike, and if you ask them for just one thing, you’ll get a third of people saying the one thing they would want would be a lighter bike.”

The T Line has delivered on this desire, in part through the use of a titanium frame, and is 3kg lighter than the lightest steel alternative from Brompton. “It’s a really significant weight saving versus a steel bike, but the biggest difference is carrying,” says Natale. “It’s night and day for someone who has a multimodal commute. If you could carry a [steel bike] before, you’ll now do it more easily, or it might be that you literally couldn’t do it before and you were rolling or unfolding instead.”

Titanium isn’t just used for its weight-saving properties either. It also contributes to the strength that Bromptons are renowned for, and Natale says that T Line owners can be confident that it’ll handle the cut and thrust of commuting on a folding bike.

“There was no interest in creating something that could only be ridden on a warm sunny day in California. This is a bike to be used, and titanium has all the properties that suit that. It can be given a good kicking and survive.”

It’s not just the frame that is different from a standard Brompton – 150 of the bike’s components have been redesigned or refined to create something that’s both lightweight and functional. In fact, all that remains from the steel version are the brakes.

“We’ve got a 40-year-old design and people have wanted to change things for a long time, but because we’ve got so much production going on it’s very hard to make what would seem like a small change,” explains Natale. “This bike gave the designers a front-to-back opportunity to change things, so they wasted nothing.”

See related 

• The Best Folding Bikes For Cycling To Work
• Brompton Electric Review: The Ultimate City Runaround
• Brompton Bikes To Launch Long-Term Hire

A carbon fibre crankset (pictured, above) combines a low weight with a stiff feel, meaning you should be able to get away from traffic lights even quicker. Out goes the heavy Sturmey Archer internal gearing in the back wheel’s hub in favour of a 60g derailleur, which Natale says offers a range “you could do most things on”.

The bike still has practical features that make it well suited to commuting. The carbon crank has a plastic guard on it to protect trouser legs from getting caught in the chain. The carbon fibre seatpost with its 110kg limit has been wrapped in a thin layer of steel to increase its longevity and stop it wearing out with every extension and retraction. Improvements such as self-aligning hinges and larger diameter rolling wheels will make folding, rolling and unfolding an even smoother process.

Although Natale expects these improvements to either be available as aftermarket options or to trickle down to the rest of the range at some point, he says that won’t be happening anytime soon: “We’re a small team and we’re making stuff ourselves. We don’t have the joy of just being able to outsource our problems to someone else. We have to figure it out.”

While its price will certainly put it out of reach for most, if you crave one bike that can do it all (apart from mountain biking), an option from the Brompton T Line might just be it.

The Brompton T Line starts at £3,750 and is available exclusively via a ballot system that you can register for on brompton.com and through selected Brompton Junction stores in London, New York, Shanghai, Singapore and Paris.

If you’ve only ever commuted by bike in the summer months, you might be put off by the rigmarole that comes with riding in winter. The cold and wet conditions tend to add a challenge to proceedings, while riding in the dark can feel a lot less safe than cycling in daylight. But it is possible and, with the right kit, can still be an enjoyable way to get around.

As winter essentials go, it’s good to have a breathable, waterproof jacket and a warm pair of gloves for those cold starts. However, a set of lights is non-negotiable – front and rear lights are a legal requirement for riding in the dark. Although a set can be picked up for as little as £10, it’s worth investing in reliable lights that will help keep you visible on the road.

A light’s brightness is measured in lumens, and roughly 400 lumens is the minimum you should look for when buying a front light to illuminate an unlit road. A light that’s just to keep you visible doesn’t need to be as powerful; this type is suitable for riding on well-lit roads or as a secondary light attached to a helmet or bag.

Rear lights don’t need to be as bright because they’re used only for increasing visibility. That said, it’s worth looking for something around 35 lumens if you’re planning on using it during daylight, and a light with flashing modes will help you stand out from the crowd and other light pollution at night.

Lights come in all shapes and sizes, in pairs or as individual items. If you’re planning on using them for commuting, a rechargeable battery is a must. Some level of waterproofing is recommended too if you want them to last longer than one winter of riding.

Here are our top picks, ordered by price, from least to most expensive.

When is a bike light not just a bike light? When its battery doubles up as a power bank. Part of Aussie brand Knog’s PWR line, the Road 700 packs (you guessed it) 700 lumens into three LED lights, making it perfect for lighting the way and leading the charge. It has six modes and claims to last a whopping 165 hours on Eco Flash. Recharging is done with a micro USB cable, and it is simple to clip and unclip from the included handlebar mount.

Buy from Sigma Sports | £84 (currently reduced to £58)

See related 

• Reflective Cycling Gear To Keep You Riding In The Dark
• The Best Winter Cycling Gloves For Commuters
• The Best Cycling Jackets For Commuters
• The Best Hybrid Bikes For Commuters

For £1 more (RRP) than the Knog above, bag yourself a pair of lights that are perfect for commuting in the city. The 200-lumen front and 90-lumen rear lights are said to be visible from 2km away, so they should be bright enough to catch drivers’ attention. Waterproof to IPX7, meaning they can be submerged in water for up to an hour, they can stand up to anything the weather throws at you. The lights are recharged with a micro USB cable, and attaching or removing them from your bike, helmet or seatpost doesn’t require any tools.

Buy from Sigma Sports | £85 (currently reduced to £74)

Although known for its bike locks, US brand Kryptonite also makes commuter-friendly bike lights. The F-100 and R-50 set is kind of self-explanatory (you’ve got a 100-lumen light on the front and 50 lumens at the rear) and, conveniently, they’re USB rechargeable. The main highlights are the built-in memory function, which means you don’t have to cycle through different modes to get to the setting you want every time, and the multiple mounting options, which include a clip that lets you attach a light to your cycling rucksack.

Buy from Freewheel | £74.99

When cycling, you may wish you had eyes in the back of your head so that you can spot cars and vans approaching at speed. This light from Garmin gives you your very own on-bike radar system so you can do just that. When attached and activated, the light is able to detect vehicles approaching from the rear, notifying you on a cycling computer (not included) or your phone. It tells you not only how close the vehicle is, but also its speed (green for slow, red for fast). Although it might sound like a bit of a gimmick, it’s amazing how useful those little warnings become, especially when riding on narrow country roads where drivers might try to pass you when there simply isn’t room.

Buy from Wiggle | £169.99 (currently reduced to £145.99)

Exposure is renowned for making some of the best high-lumen lights around, but if your budget can’t quite stretch to £320 for a front light, then the Trace Pack is an ideal compromise. The aluminium casings offer a premium design and the cable-free build means that there’s even less chance of water damage to your investment. Although on the lower side in terms of lumens (110 front and 75 rear), the addition of side illumination helps increase your visibility. It’s easy to clip the lights in and out of the included handlebar and seatpost mounts, and a handy traffic light battery gauge shows when the lights need recharging.

Buy from Wiggle | £85 (currently reduced to £79.99)

The most expensive set in our round-up is also the most powerful. The Macro Drive 1300XL from Lezyne packs a serious punch, its 1,300 lumens strong enough to light up dark off-road paths. It’s not a flash in the pan, either – the most powerful mode will last 2½ hours before it needs to be charged. The rear light is just as impressive, and can last between three hours (at 50 lumens blast) and 53 hours (five lumens flash). As with the others in this round-up, recharging is taken care of with a micro USB cable, while the lights are held in place using a secure silicone strap.

Buy from Tweeks Cycles | £138 (currently reduced to £95.99)

Cycling is one of the most enjoyable ways to keep fit and when the sun is shining, there’s no better feeling than whizzing along a quiet country lane and exploring the great outdoors. But come winter, there’s every chance that rain, sleet, wind or snow will derail your riding plans.

Enter the turbo trainer, which transforms your bike into an indoor cycling machine. It’s a great way to keep your weekly mileage up even when the weather’s not playing ball, or for completing a training session you don’t want to attempt on open roads. There are also smart turbo trainers, which can connect to training apps so you can cycle with or against others in virtual worlds.

Turbo trainer prices range from two to four figures and the options can seem overwhelming to the uninitiated. To help, we’ve broken down how the main types of turbo trainers work, the advantages and disadvantages of each. We also have a beginner’s guide to turbo training and a guide to how to get started with Zwift, one of the most well-known training apps. But you’re here to see which models we think are the best turbo trainers, so let’s get right to it.

The Best Turbo Trainers

This US brand led the smart turbo trainer revolution, which turned indoor cycling on its head. Wahoo’s Kickr takes all the headlines (the latest version, the V6, will set you back more than a grand), yet the Kickr Core smart trainer is the better buy. Non-elite cyclists probably won’t notice the difference between the Core and the top-tier version—a 16% maximum gradient and 1,800 maximum power output is more than enough for most of us.

The downside to the Core is that it’s not as compact as some competitors when folded down, and that’s about it. Unlike previous models, the latest comes with a cassette installed (ranging from 8- to 12-speed), and Wahoo has even cut the price. Available with a free year’s subscription to Zwift, it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to get your hands on a direct drive smart turbo trainer.

Read more in my Wahoo Kickr Core review

Zwift and Wahoo haven’t had the greatest relationship over the last few years. Zwift’s hardware debut, the Zwift Hub, was accused by Wahoo of infringing the patents of its Wahoo Kickr Core, while Wahoo’s RGT went toe to toe with Zwift in the virtual training space. Both put their animosity (and court cases) to one side in September 2023 though, deciding that clubbing together rather than pouring money into legal costs was in the interests of both parties.

As a result Zwift has scaled back its hardware offerings (the biggest loss being the well-reviewed Zwift Hub) and Wahoo has shut down RGT, while Zwift has also resumed stocking Wahoo’s turbo trainers in its online store.

Before it halted all hardware, though, the indoor training disrupter released the Zwift One cog. A single-speed sprocket that is installed onto a turbo trainer instead of cassette, it features handlebar-mounted buttons that enable the rider to increase or reduce the resistance of the direct drive turbo trainer. In free-ride mode you can simulate shifting with these buttons rather than using your bike’s drivetrain, minimizing wear on components and maximizing compatibility with bikes.

Thanks to Wahoo and Zwift’s improved relationship, the Kickr Core has been available installed with the Zwift One cog since February, combining one of the best budget direct drive turbo trainers with a smart bit of kit that should last longer than a cassette. The only snag is that it doesn’t play nicely with other free-ride virtual training platforms such as Rouvy and MyWhoosh, although with a year’s free Zwift subscription included in the price, you’ll most probably be a committed resident of Watopia before that becomes an issue.

Wahoo’s top-of-the-range direct drive model is now on its sixth iteration and hasn’t been updated since September 2022, but it’s still the best of the bunch if you’re looking to buy a premium turbo trainer. Why? Its headline specs—2,200W maximum resistance, up to 20% gradient simulation, and a power accuracy of +/- 1%—are tough to top, while its WiFi connectivity helps to minimize the annoying drop-outs that can sometimes plague a virtual workout or spell the end of an eRace. Its stand-out feature, which was introduced on 2020’s V5, is the Axis feet. These allow for 5° of side-to-side movement, helping increase the realism when riding indoors and stopping you sitting in one position in the saddle for too long.

Read more in my Wahoo Kickr V6 review

Want to truly recreate the experience of riding your bike outdoors, to the point of feeling the vibrations of virtual cobblestones and gravel? The Tacx Neo 2T smart trainer has your name written all over it. The Garmin-owned brand’s turbo is a next-level piece of kit, able to simulate slopes of up to 25% and a maximum power output of 2,200 watts (professional track cyclist territory), meaning you’re never going to outgrow it. It isn’t perfect, though: the lack of a pre-installed cassette makes it an even more costly outlay than its RRP, while its inability to be folded away with the bike installed means it’s for dedicated pain caves only.

Read more in my Tacx Neo 2T review

The Tacx Neo 3M is the first of the latest generation of premium direct-drive turbo trainers I’ve tried that features fore/aft movement, enabling the bike to move slightly forward and backward during riding. While it may sound like a gimmick, the thought process is simple: When out in the wild, you make constant micro-adjustments in the saddle, moving your position depending on the terrain and your efforts. Historically, turbo trainers have been stationary (and, during longer training sessions, uncomfortable) affairs, and riders have had to purchase after-market rocker plates. The Neo 3M takes this out of the equation, providing marginal movement across all planes.

I wasn’t completely sold on the fore/aft movement during testing, but overall the Neo 3M is a solid turbo trainer that can’t be beaten in the power and gradient stakes. There’s no getting around its cost, but if you’ve got almost £2,000 to splash on a turbo, then only the Wahoo Kickr Move will come close.

Investing in a smart direct drive turbo trainer doesn’t necessarily mean buying a piece of kit that’s more expensive than the bike being used on it. The H3 from Saris is a great example. At a significantly lower price than the top-end offerings from Wahoo and Tacx, it does everything you could want from some hi-tech training equipment – maxing out at a whopping 2,000 watts and slopes of 20%. It doesn’t come with a cassette but remains one of the least expensive ways to add some realism to your rides on Zwift.

While I’m yet to give the Wahoo Kickr Move a spin, the novel inclusion of fore/aft movement warrants its inclusion in Coach’s best turbo trainer round-up. Launched in September 2023, it’s Wahoo’s response to the various rocker plates on the market that keen indoor cyclists have been using to add some more realistic movement to their training. 

It’s essentially a Wahoo Kickr V6 with an additional feature that costs an extra $300/£300, and I’m reserving judgment on whether the technology improves the overall experience enough to justify the extra outlay. However, it does require slightly more room (to account for the forward motion), which might be a problem if space is at a premium.

At the other end of the scale is the Pinnacle HC, another turbo trainer that I’m yet to test but that’s available for a very attractive price, usually with a hefty discount on the RRP. The Evans Cycles’ in-house model is much cheaper than rival entry-level direct-drive turbo trainers, while its claimed specs would put it up there among some of our top-end picks. The only downside I can see is that it doesn’t come with a pre-installed cassette, but this is a minor issue when you consider the low initial investment.

While it might not look a lot different from the budget Halfords trainer below, the Tacx Flow Smart is a much more capable piece of kit. Not only does it feel sturdier to ride on, but it’s a lot quieter than your standard wheel-on set-up too. The big benefit, though, is its smart features. You can connect it to apps such as Zwift and TrainerRoad, where resistance can be modified either by simulating a gradient (up to 6%) or a specific power output (up to 800 watts). It’s the ideal bit of kit for someone who’s looking to get into data-led training without a sizeable investment.

While some serious cyclists might scoff at this entry-level magnetic wheel-on model, there’s more to like about Halfords’ in-house turbo than just its sub-£70 price. If you’re new to indoor cycling, the six levels of magnetic resistance should offer enough of a challenge, although the fact its maximum power tops out at around 465 watts means you might be left wanting during all-out sprint efforts. It’s worth remembering that you will need to invest in a specific turbo tyre too, although these are relatively inexpensive (Halfords’ is £15).

Turbo Trainers Buyer’s Guide

Magnetic wheel-on

The most basic kind of turbo trainer. With this design, your bike’s back wheel is mounted on a roller and the resistance is adjusted by a dial that clips to your handlebars. Magnetic wheel-ons are the cheapest style available, but there are two downsides to consider: they are noisy and they will wear out your back tyre. The wearing problem can be solved by using a dedicated turbo trainer tyre, but that can quickly become a hassle if you plan on using your bike for both indoor and outdoor training.

Fluid wheel-on

Fluid wheel-on trainers are similar to magnetic wheel-ons, but differ in the way they manage resistance. Rather than the user manually adjusting the difficulty using a dial, resistance builds progressively – the harder you pedal, the greater the resistance.

Direct drive

These are the most expensive type of turbo trainer and are fundamentally different to wheel-on options. Rather than mounting your rear wheel on a roller, you remove it entirely and secure your bike’s frame to the unit, connecting your chain to a cassette that’s installed on the turbo trainer’s flywheel. It results in a more realistic experience and generally delivers more resistance than a wheel-on trainer. Direct drive trainers are also pretty quiet – ideal if you live in a flat or don’t want to annoy your whole house when you train.

Smart

You can get any of the above types with smart features. All this means is that the turbo trainer broadcasts an ANT+ or Bluetooth signal to communicate with training apps such as Zwift, Sufferfest or FulGaz to make training far more engaging than staring at a wall. Some smart direct drive turbo trainers take things up a gear, translating in-game gradients into increased resistance, providing a more immersive experience.

With the right apps, your smartphone can do a very good imitation of a cycling computer, and it can certainly help you find your way around with turn by turn directions from route planning apps.

To get the most from these apps you need to be able to see your phone while you ride, and a phone holder and mount is the best way to go about achieving that.

You can get mounts to attach to your handlebars or the stem tube of your bike, and while some are more secure than others, all those on this list are robust and steady enough to keep your phone in place (on reasonably well-maintained roads at least).

There are hard cases that you order to fit your exact phone, and soft ones that can take a range of phones. The latter are often cheaper and easier to use, but the hard cases offer more protection and often come with a reassuringly secure clip-in or twist-in mount.

The Best Bike Phone Holders

Shapeheart’s array of accessories harness the considerable power of magnets to secure your phone in various places. With a bike mount, you might fear that mere magnetism is not enough to hold a phone in place on the handlebars when hitting potholes or bumping your way down a forest track, but we’ve tried our best and there’s nothing that will knock our phone loose. It’s actually pretty hard to prise the phone off the handlebars at the end of a ride.

The kit comes with the mount and a sleeve, and you can pick the size of the sleeve to suit your phone. This is a little less elegant than the cases you can get with some mounts designed to fit your phone model exactly, but at least it means you won’t have to change the mount case when you upgrade your phone. The sleeve has a clear front that allows you to use your touchscreen and is waterproof.

You select a hard case for your exact phone model, then twist and lock the case on the mount, which you can put on the handlebars or the stem of your bike. It’s a highly secure system and you can get other mounts that work with the case, such as car windscreen or air vent mounts. The bundle also contains a waterproof cover for your phone, so you can use the mount in all conditions.

Buy from Freewheel | £54.99

Don’t have an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy? No problem. The Omni RideCase DX from Topeak uses elastic silicone grippers to secure your phone, and these can be stretched to fit phones with 4.5in to 6.5in screens, with or without a case. A system on the rear of the case allows you to slot your phone into the mount that comes with it, which you secure to your bike’s handlebars. The result is clear, easy-to-see directions. Although it leaves your phone exposed to the elements, it’s a great buy for fair-weather cyclists.

Buy from Tredz | £37.99

At their most basic level, phone mounts are a handy accessory to have when you’re heading somewhere new and require the assistance of a map. This cheap silicone model from Halfords is easy to attach to your handlebars when you need it, but doesn’t clutter up your bike with a mount when not in use. Its secure, tool-free design takes seconds to attach, meaning your (in)ability to follow directions is the only thing likely to cause a delay.

Buy from Halfords | £10

While the other inclusions in our round-up involve attaching your phone to your handlebars, this smart piece of kit combines the practicalities of a bike phone holder with the storage space of a saddle bag. Its positioning on the frame can make looking at directions trickier, but its ability to store mid-ride essentials such as a multitool and inner tube means you can leave your cycling rucksack at home.

Buy from Tredz | £32 (currently reduced to £24)

On the surface, the Bike Kit from Zéfal might look identical to the Quad Lock offering, but it has one key difference – a waterproof case. Although we wouldn’t want to go swimming with it, the case should offer enough protection for your smartphone if you get caught in a downpour when out on your bike. The case locks into place securely on the included mount, and doesn’t affect your touchscreen’s useability. The only snag is that it’s currently only available for iPhones.

This cheap and cheerful mount might seem worryingly inexpensive, but we’ve met cyclists who’ve successfully used it to hold their phone in place riding around London. The strap system means that you can use the mount with many different types of phone, though those straps will obscure parts of edge-to-edge screens. The holder is also easy to attach to your handlebars or swap to another bike, making it a useful purchase for regular users of bike-share schemes.

Buy from Bike Citizens Finn | €15 (around £13.63)

Another mounting system where you buy a case for your phone that can then be used to attach it to many different mounts. Quad Lock’s products are by no means cheap, but the mount is secure and lightweight, and you can easily swap from a portrait to a landscape set-up on your phone depending on what’s best for the app you’re using. Once you’ve picked up the mount you’ll have to shop for the phone case separately, but a comprehensive range of models are covered on the Quad Lock site.

Buy from Quad Lock | From £29.95

See related 

• The 23 Best Cycling Apps
• The Best Phone Armbands For Running
• Sustrans’s Challenge Rides Are Cycling Adventures Anyone Can Do

A frame bag offers a third way to keep one eye on directions, although because it’s located on the crossbar it’s harder to see and interact with your phone. It is, however, waterproof and there’s a fair bit of storage in the bag to carry essentials like a spare inner tube and tyre levers.

Buying your child their first proper bike and teaching them to ride is a rite of passage for you as much as for them. You can make it an enjoyable experience for all concerned by buying a suitable bike – and in this regard weight is crucial. Many budget bikes (especially the ones branded with kids’ favourite characters) are too heavy for most children to balance on without stabilisers. The frames are typically made of steel which will be described as “tough” or “robust”, but at 10kg or so for a 14in wheel we think they’re best avoided.

As you’ve no doubt clocked, the lighter the bike, the more expensive it is likely to be, and how much to spend is naturally a serious consideration – especially since children will outgrow the bike eventually. The good news is that you don’t have to buy the lightest bike for your kid – just one that they’re able to handle. If you can, get them to try out a bike in person. If they can’t hold it steady without stabilisers when stationary, keep looking.

To find the right size, take height and in-seam length into account, and match this up to wheel size. Manufacturers and retailers will have size guides to help.

If you’re the type who’s keen on getting value for money, look for the ability to adjust the handlebars and saddle on the bike. Also make sure to get tyres suitable for the terrain you’ll be tackling: slimmer options will ride smoothly on the road, but you’ll need wider tyres if you’re planning to cycle on trails as well.

Here are our recommendations for bike models to consider. Stick with one of these and your nipper will be rolling on two wheels in no time.

The Best Kids Bikes

Weight: 5.3kg for 14in wheel size

Islabikes was started by former pro cyclist Isla Rowntree in 2006 and the brand has become a byword for well-designed children’s bikes. While they’re certainly not cheap, you get a top-quality bike for your outlay, and with new bikes in short supply across the industry, they should hold on to their value pretty well. The Cnoc’s smart features include a fully enclosed chain – meaning there’s no chance for your budding miniature mechanic to get their fingers caught – and a shape that’s focused around keeping toddlers in a more comfortable, upright position. But its biggest (or rather smallest) selling point is its weight. At just 5.3kg, this is a bike that won’t be a pain to carry if your little one decides they’ve had quite enough cycling for one day.

Buy from Islabikes | £399.99

Weight: 6.9kg for 16in wheel size

Specialized has gone above and beyond with ways to modify this bike so it can keep up with your child’s growth. The reach of the handlebars (essentially how far they are from the saddle) can be adjusted by rotating them forwards or back, the brake levers can be tweaked without digging around in the toolbox, and the seatpost is extra long so it can extend as its owner’s legs do. Specialized claims that it should last three summers, so you’ll get some serious ride-time out of your investment. The single-speed build (one gear) is ideal for flat terrain, and the chunky tyres will handle bridle paths and gravel tracks with ease.

Buy from Specialized | £319

Weight: 6.46kg for 14in wheel size

One of the most popular kids’ bikes available, the single-speed Frog 40 is a brilliant first pedal bike. It’s lightweight and aimed at kids aged three to four, with 14in wheels (there are similar 16in and 20in models available) and adjustable brakes to make them easier to fit your child’s hand. The headset can be locked to make it simpler to steer the bike as your child learns, and the handlebar grips are pleasingly soft. It’s an expensive option, but you can be assured of clawing back a significant part of the outlay once the young ’un is finished with it, either by selling it back to a local bike stop (many run buyback schemes with prices preset according to the condition of the bike), or by hitting the classifieds. Stock is not due to come back on the Frog website until Spring 2022, but there’s a fair chance your local independent bike shop will have stock so make sure to check there too.

Buy from Frog | £340

Weight 5.95kg for 16in wheel size

The Bonaly range includes options ranging from 14in wheels up to 24in, so there’s an option for children of most ages. The bike is named after one of Chris Hoy’s favourite spots to ride as a youngster, and it’s not just pristine roads you’ll find in and around Bonaly, so there are 1.75in tyres that can tackle light trails with ease. Here’s some good news: it’s in stock and delivery is within seven days whether your little one would like a new green, blue or pink steed.

Buy from Evans Cycles | From £300

Weight 8.7kg for 14in wheel size

Whatever age you’re buying for, Decathlon’s in-house B’Twin bike brand is worth checking out, offering quality at a lower price than you’ll find elsewhere. There are bikes in the range with 14in, 16in and 20in wheels. Each employs brake levers designed for smaller hands, and are lighter than you’ll find than other bikes at this price. There’s a five-strong range of colours in the 14in selection, and Decathlon offers a range of accessories like baskets and “child seats” which can help seal the deal with your threenager.

Buy from Decathlon | From £99.99 (currently reduced to £69.99-£79.99)

See related 

• The Best Balance Bikes For Kids
• Five Forest Holidays With Family-Friendly Bike Trails
• How To Support Your Child’s Mental Health During The Pandemic

Weight 8.9kg for 14in wheel size

Another range with wheel sizes to suit many ages, but this one goes down to 12in if you want to start ’em early. It’s a well designed bike with all the kid-friendly features you’d hope for, but let’s not beat about the bush – it’s the exceptionally cool colour combos that’ll draw adults to this brand. The Raleigh website has stock in a handful of sizes and colours, but you can find your local bricks-and-mortar retailer on the site, or check what’s still available at Cycles UK, Rutland Cycling and Evans.

Buy from Raleigh | From £220

Until their late teens, your child is going to outgrow any bike you get them. That is a fact of life and a hard one to swallow given the cost of some of these bikes, even if you’re a dab hand at selling used bikes. Another option is The Bike Club subscription service, where you pay a monthly fee to hire a bike, then return it when they’re is too big for it (or, perhaps, stop riding once the weather turns) and pick out a more appropriate option. Once you look beyond balance bikes, which are available from £4.49 a month, it costs from £13.49 a month to hire children’s bikes via the service, with the most expensive larger options costing £26.49. Although a lot of bikes are currently unavailable, it’s possible to join a waiting list for the make and model you’ve got your eye on. There are also adult bikes available, if you fancy joining the young ’uns on their rides.

Sign up | From £13.49 a month

Weight 6.1kg for 16in wheel size

If you can’t get past the idea of having to buy new bikes every year or two as your child grows, Black Mountain offers a solution. The upfront cost is high, but you get an adjustable bike that can grow with your child. With the Skog you’re getting a 16in pedal bike, which can be sized down into either a balance bike and something akin to a 14in pedal bike, with an adjustable frame and removable gears and pedals that allow you to switch between the options. (Black Mountain also offers the Pinto, with 14in wheels, although it’s sold out until January 2022 at the earliest.)

Despite this wizardry, the aluminium frame is still light at just over 6kg, and the belt drive means less maintenance with no oiling required. While the bike is currently sold out and won’t arrive in time for Christmas, Black Mountain is due to open its pre-orders any day now, with delivery scheduled for January. Plus, if you sign up for the waiting list, you’ll get sent an email as soon as pre-orders go live, allowing you to live out your dreams of taking on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?’s fastest finger first challenge.

Buy from Black Mountain | £399

Stabilisers are out. Once the go-to option for kids learning to ride a bike, they’ve now been superseded by balance bikes – and with good reason. With stabilisers a child doesn’t learn how to balance the bike themselves, and when you do remove the stabilisers you may find the bike is heavy and difficult for your child to manoeuvre. With a balance bike, children learn how to balance themselves: they can take to this surprisingly quickly, and if they feel like they’re about to topple they can just put their feet down.

Balance bikes also make transitioning to a pedal bike easier. Tell them to treat it like a balance bike at first, putting their feet on the pedals once they’re moving, they’ll pick it up – hat tip Herne Hill Velodrome. Most importantly, balance biking is a lot of fun.

When picking a balance bike you need to consider two things. First is the weight of the bike – cheaper options will lose their budget charm if they’re too heavy for a child to use comfortably, and remember you might end up lugging it around if your kid decides to walk. The second is the size of the wheels. If your child is around 18 months, 10in wheels will probably be best, while 12in and 14in wheel sizes will work for kids from two to six years old.

The Best Balance Bikes

Islabikes caters for all ages, but its founding focus was on creating top-quality, ergonomic kids’ bikes. The Rothan is the brand’s balance bike and it comes in two sizes – 12in (ideal for 2+) and 14in (3+). Both are built around a lightweight aluminium frame that makes carrying it a breeze, and have toddler-friendly brake levers and adjustable saddles. Plus, as one of the few balance bikes currently in stock, it might just mean that Santa gets your little one something from their Christmas list this year.

Buy from Islabikes | £199

With design echoes of the BMX bikes Chris Hoy first raced on, the Hoy Napier could be the bike that starts your child on their own journey to multiple Olympic gold medals. Even if it doesn’t, it’s a great option, with a lightweight aluminium frame and a stopper on the handlebars that will stop nippers from over-steering. Most importantly there’s a handle attached to the seat because you will find yourself carrying it.

Buy from Evans Cycles | £110

This small balance bike is a little heavier than some more expensive options at 3.5kg, but that’s still not too heavy, and the Puky LR M is good value and has all the features you need. This includes a foot deck to rest their feet on (read: not drag their shoes along the ground and ruin them) while they’re cruising, and an adjustable saddle and handlebars.

Buy from Bikester | £59.99

A hugely popular option and one that’s hard to find in stock anywhere as a result. In fact you might be better off hitting the classifieds, and we’d recommend popping the bike on there after your kid has finished with it because while Frog bikes are expensive, they hold their value well. The Tadpole Plus is a larger balance bike with 14in wheels, so it works well for kids aged three to four, and it has brake levers to help smooth the transition to a pedal bike.

View on Frog Bikes | £220

The Runride 520 is quite the bargain at £50 and is the best budget balance bike option we've come across. It has 10in wheels, and an adjustable saddle and handlebars. It also has a brake lever that’s designed to fit small hands. It weighs 3.5kg and has puncture-proof tyres, because no parent needs the extra hassle of that repair job.

Buy from Decathlon | £49.99

See related 

• The Best Kids Bikes: Top Picks For Your Child’s First Ride
• Five Forest Holidays With Family-Friendly Bike Trails
• The Best Trampolines For Kids Still Available

This bike is expensive, but really you’re buying three bikes for the price of one, because the Pinto can be changed from a balance bike into a 12in or 14in wheel pedal bike, thanks to the adjustable frame and removable gears and pedals. It’s a clever piece of kit that will grow with your child, making that initial outlay seem more reasonable. It is heavier than other options at 5.9kg, but that’s the trade-off for a bike which will last longer.

Unfortunately, the Pinto is out of stock and there’s no indication of when new ones will be available again. But all hope of securing a Black Mountain bike isn’t lost. The Skog, which is the next size up, is due to come back into stock in December. And, when combined with the Notch saddle, the bike can be sized down a smidge to make it suitable for smaller riders, which leaves you with a ride that will last until they’re at least seven.

Buy from Black Mountain | £399

The Scoot has 12in tyres and is a great option for two- to four-year-olds, with a back brake designed to fit their hands. There’s a handle under the seat to help you carry the bike when your kids don’t want to ride, especially useful considering it weighs 4.9kg, and it comes in a wide range of bright colours sure to please all comers.

Buy from Freewheel | £129.99

This subscription service is a great option for those who don’t want to try to re-home a bike that their child has outgrown, or suspects a balance bike will end up gathering dust in a corner. Pick your bike from the options available and then you can hire it for a low monthly fee – balance bikes start at just £4.99. Once your kid is too big for it (or your dust-gathering suspicions have been confirmed), you just send it back.

Sign up | From £4.99 a month

If you’re hardy enough to jump on your bike and cycle to work all year round, then you absolutely deserve the best cold-weather kit to help you stay warm while riding. Gore makes some of the finest cold weather cycling gear of any brand, which is reflected by the price tag, which means that when a sale pops up it’s well worth taking advantage.

Amazon’s Black Friday sale on Gore gear is a whopper, with a wide range of kit included and discounts as big as 51% available on some products. You can browse the sale on Amazon, and we’ve picked out our favourite deals below, starting with two sets of gloves, because staying warm on the bike midwinter very much starts with your mitts.

Gore Wear C5 Gore-Tex Thermo Gloves – Save 39%, Now From £42.88

These waterproof, windproof gloves are the ultimate ally in the war on cold hands. They have a Gore-Tex membrane and a thermal interior, and synthetic leather on the palm to help you get a good grip on the handlebars while wearing the chunky glove. The price of the gloves varies by size, but even the most expensive ones are reduced by 19% to £56.63.

Buy on Amazon | From £42.88 (RRP £69.99)

Gore Wear Windstopper Thermo Gloves – Save 42%, Now From £40.92

The windstopper gloves are lighter and more breathable than the thermo gloves, making them better suited for milder days and those who fear sweaty palms as much as cold fingers. They are still windproof and water repellent though, and have a thermal lining. Once again the price varies with size, ranging from £40.92 to £45.11, a sizeable saving no matter which size you need.

Buy on Amazon | From £40.92 (RRP £69.99)

Gore Wear Gore-Tex Paclite Cycling Jacket – Save 31%, Now £137.26

Breathable waterproof gear is what Gore does best, and this lightweight jacket is a great example of that. This jacket has a cycling-specific cut and will protect you from rain and wind without any risk of overheating, and it’s easy to pack into its own pocket and pop in your bag when conditions improve.

Buy on Amazon | £137.26 (RRP £199.99)

Gore Wear M Gore Windstopper Base Layer – Save 39%, Now £42.86

This warm base layer has wind-blocking, water-repellent fabric on the front to provide a last line of defence against any gales that blow through your outer layers. It has a snug fit and is comfortable next to the skin, but can also be used as a standalone top on milder windy days. You can also get a sleeveless version of the windstopper base layer, or a turtleneck, which is our favourite.

Buy on Amazon | £42.86 (RRP £69.99)

See related 

• The Best Winter Cycling Gloves For Commuters
• The Best Cycling Jackets For Commuters

Gore Wear Windstopper Face Warmer – Save 32%, Now £16.99

It doesn’t matter how warm your core is, if you finish your ride with chapped lips, a numb nose, and wind-blasted cheeks you’re still going to feel pretty miserable. Stop that happening by picking up this face warmer in the sale. The breathable fabric blocks wind and repels water, and you can adjust the fit using the velcro sections on the back.

Buy on Amazon | £16.99 (RRP £24.99)

Gore Wear Men's C3 Windstopper Bib Tights – Save 41%, Now £94.02

A quality set of bib tights can seriously upgrade your comfort on the bike, but they are often so expensive many commuters never try them. Take advantage of the 41% discount on these wind-blocking bib tights this Black Friday and you’ll realise what you’ve been missing out on.

Buy on Amazon | £94.02 (RRP £159.99)

Gore Wear C3 Cycling Shoe Covers – Save 48%, Now From 41.38

We started with your hands, we’ll finish with your feet. These waterproof overshoes will keep your lower extremities warm and dry even when splashing through soaked streets on the coldest days. The price varies with size and colour, but you’re getting some kind of discount on any option you choose.

Buy on Amazon | From £41.38 (RRP £79.99)

Riding a bike is one of life’s simple pleasures – as long as you know where you’re going. If you don’t, it can quickly turn into a nightmare stop-start experience full of frustration and wasted effort. And while you can simply turn to your trusty smartphone and house it in a phone holder to help with navigation, a cycling GPS is a far better option.

A cycling GPS – or bike computer, as they are otherwise known – can guide you on your journey, providing turn-by-turn directions and ensuring that you won’t go astray in unknown territory. Unlike a more straightforward car-based satnav, though, a bike computer has a number of tricks up its sleeves.

Even the most basic models can track your distance and speed, allowing you to log your fitness progress by syncing with third party apps like Strava. And the more you spend, the more bells and whistles you get. Top-of-the-range models have features such as training plans and climb profiles, as well as integration with heart rate sensors and power meters, providing live feedback to your riding.

Whether you want to simply go from A to B or collect as much data as you can, these are the best cycling GPS computers you can currently buy.

See related

• The Best Cycling Route Planners To Get You From A To B Fast
• The Best Bike Phone Holders And Mounts For Urban Cycling
• The Best Bike Lights For Commuters To Keep You Riding Through Winter 2021/2022

RRP £99

If you’re looking for a device that will help you get around without the need to log your heart rate, the Velo from Beeline is a good option. The small, puck-shaped product has two modes: turn-by-turn and compass mode. Just set up the route using the app and you’re ready to go.

The turn-by-turn option offers simple directions as you go but the compass mode is a more adventurous take on navigation, leaving you free to find your own way to a predetermined point rather than following a set route. As well as using the app to find you a route, you can also upload your own GPX files to Beeline Velo.

Other features include a Strava integration to track your rides, a shockproof and waterproof silicone case that can be attached to most bike’s handlebars or stem, and a 30-hour battery that’s rechargeable via a micro USB cable.

Buy from Beeline | £99 (currently reduced to £79)

RRP £149.99

The Edge range from GPS juggernaut Garmin is the best-known line-up of cycling computers on the market, and for good reason. From the entry-level Edge 130 to the £500, top-of-the-range Edge 1030, this collection of well-designed, functional devices has options for all types of cyclists.

The budget Edge 130 is an ideal companion if you’re just starting your cycling computer journey. Although the navigation is limited to a breadcrumb trail (a solid line on a blank screen, rather than an illustrated map), the turn-by-turn prompts and downloadable routes make it perfectly capable of exploring new roads.

As well as GPS and a built-in altimeter, performance data such as average speeds, elevation climbed and ride length are available as standard. The Bluetooth and ANT+ compatibility also means that you can pair it to other sensors for even more analysis.

Buy from Garmin | £149.99

RRP £264.99

If Garmin is leading the way with well-established cycling computers, then Wahoo is the disruptor looking to offer a bolder, more exciting alternative. Its ELEMNT Bolt is a case in point. Launched back in 2016, the smart tech made an instant impact on the cycling community. Now on its second iteration, it has become a firm favourite among road cyclists.

The large 2.2in (56mm) screen makes it easy to view the information available, with clearly displayed maps, stats and anything else you could possibly want when riding. There are customisable LED lights above the screen that can be programmed to give you a visual cue of things like heart rate or power zones, or the direction of your next turn at a quick glance. All this can be controlled by prominent buttons on the front and sides – handy if you’re riding in winter with cycling gloves.

The ELEMNT Bolt can guide you on pre-planned routes as well as plot routes on the fly by inputting an end point, and when you hit the end of your ride the built-in WiFi will upload the data to all third-party training platforms.

Buy from Wahoo | £264.99

RRP £349.99

The Edge 830 is one model below the brand’s top-of-the-line Edge 1030, and although the screen is not quite as big, and the battery life not quite as long (up to 20 hours versus up to 24), the Edge 830 pretty much does everything its big brother can for £200 less. The bright 2.6in (66mm) display is crisp and clear in both day and night-time riding, while the on-screen navigational alerts and sound effects have helped steer us in the right direction on numerous rides – including a four-day coast-to-coast bikepacking trip.

It’s not just a great GPS, though. As well as tracking every data field you could wish for, you can create and sync workouts through third-party integration with the TrainingPeaks app, recharge the device on the go, and control the settings through a touchscreen as well as buttons.

Buy from Garmin | £349.99 (currently reduced to £299.99)

Finding the right pair of winter cycling gloves is a bit like being Goldilocks… if the three bears had gloves, that is. While you want something to keep your hands warm and covered when it’s wet, windy and cold, the best gloves also keep things breathable and leave you with functioning fingers – you’ve got to be able to work your bike’s brakes, after all.

Experienced cyclists who have tackled their fair share of winter riding will often have two sets – and for good reasons. Milder days simply require a thin pair that will take the edge off, and a thicker, waterproof pair will be kept in reserve for those days when the temperature plummets. Both can be worn, one over the other, when it’s truly arctic.

The key thing to look out for is some level of waterproofing – damp hands quickly become cold hands. Other notable additions include reflective detailing, touchscreen compatibility and additional grips on the palms to make holding the handlebars easier.

Here are our picks of the best cycling gloves that will leave numb fingers a distant memory.

DHB Merino Liner Glove

Merino wool is a miraculous material. This natural fabric is soft, breathable and warm when you need it but moisture wicking when things get a bit too toasty. It’s also naturally odor resistant, meaning you can extend the number of wears between washes. These liner gloves from Wiggle’s in-house brand DHB are 100% Merino wool and are a great way of adding some warmth to another pair on the coldest winter days. While they are great in their own right on clement days, it’s worth noting that they aren’t waterproof.

Buy from Wiggle | £20

If the DHB set above are a great liner, then these from Italian brand Sportful are the ideal outer. Their No Rain fabric keeps the elements out in all but the worst conditions – and ultimately, if it’s raining that hard, it’s likely you won’t be out on your bike. They do include some light insulation, meaning that they can be worn on their own. Silicone prints on the palm ensure a strong grip, even in wet weather.

Buy from Wiggle | £38.50-£50

We’re big fans of Proviz at Coach. The brand’s hi-vis jacket is one of the stand-out picks in our round-up of the best cycling jackets, and its Reflect360 gloves offer up more of the same. The backs are constructed from the same highly reflective material, increasing your visibility when riding and making hand signals. A waterproof outer and a micro-fleece lining keep things warm and dry, and a padded palm ensures your hands stay comfortable. Finishing flourishes include a touchscreen-compatible section on the index fingers and a range of sizes from small to XXL.

Buy from Proviz | £44.99

See related 

• Reflective Cycling Gear To Keep You Riding In The Dark
• The Best Cycling Jackets For Commuters
• The Best Cycling Backpacks For Commuters
• The Best Bike Helmets For Commuters

Cycling commuting kit needs to be durable and be able to handle the odd scrape that comes with daily use. The midweight gloves from Chrome Industries are a reliable set that can withstand any abuse you throw their way. Made from a 70D Nylon Ripstop outer, they provide protection from showers and the resulting post-rain road spray, and the polyester lining is comfortable and warm against the skin. Constructed with the commuter in mind, they feature a touchscreen-friendly fingertip. Smart synthetic leather detailing and a discreet colourway makes them ideal for use when not cycling too.

Buy from Chrome Industries | £47

When it’s blowing a gale, freezing cold and tipping it down with rain, you need to reach for the big guns to stop your fingers going numb. Look no further than these Sealskinz gloves. Constructed from premium materials – goatskin leather, Merino wool and a 100% hydrophilic membrane – the gloves are designed to offer the ultimate protection from the elements. Although they might seem expensive, they are a worthwhile investment and, thanks to their breathability, can be worn long into the spring. What’s more, they will definitely last you more than one winter.

Buy from Sealskinz | £75

Amid the approaching gloom of darker, colder seasons, we have some good news for you: people in the UK are cycling more. We’d wager that’s mostly down to continuing an activity taken up during lockdown, avoiding the hell that is rush-hour traffic or finding an alternative to crowded public transport on the return to work. And given most of last winter was spent in lockdown, we expect that a lot of new riders are about to experience their first winter of cycling.

More good news: it’s not half as bad as you might imagine – but the same isn’t true for the bike. The winter is hard on a bike for all the same reasons that you might not fancy cycling as much yourself, except with added salt.

“The salt is the shocker really,” says Julian Thrasher, head of training for Madison. “When it gets particularly cold and they grit the roads, all of that comes off and it lands on the bike and you get this perfect storm of corrosion with the damp, the cold and the salt all working together to strip all the grease and oil off your bike.”

At best, that will result in cycling becoming harder and hefty repair bills come spring, so we asked Thrasher to outline what people should do to look after their bike during the winter months.

Which parts of a bike are most affected by winter?

The drive train [which broadly refers to the chain and everything it touches] and your brakes are going to be most affected. A car hides everything that’s delicate away. All the gears are in a gearbox that is submerged in oil. On your bike, they’re all out on display. That’s why you have to oil the chain. Then it’s any moving parts as well and anywhere that water can sit. Things like exposed bolts, bottle cage bolts, they can suffer from corrosion, and any exposed cables as well.

What’s the best thing you can do to look after your bike during winter?

When you get back from a ride give the bike a very quick rinse off, dry it down and add a bit of lubricant. That’s the thing that people tend not to do. Maybe it gets a tarp bunged over the top of it and a bungee cord, but if it’s outside, it’s cold and damp and the bike never gets a chance to really dry off.

If you’re lucky enough to have a garage or a little porch that’s dry, bring the bike inside and give it a quick five- or 10-minute clean. That’s going to stop all the road dirt and salt sticking to the bike and causing problems.

Would doing it every week, rather than every ride, be OK?

For sure. Just don’t get lazy with it. I must admit I did a 60-mile gravel ride and it was really boggy and I got back and at that point I’m like, “I’m not cleaning it, I’m done, I just want to go in and have some soup!” But I put it in a warm, dry garage, and that made the mud dry out. I took it out for another ride and then I cleaned it, but I did oil the chain before I took it out again.

What should you do before and after winter?

Book a full service to make sure your bike’s in the best condition to survive winter. Make sure that grease is inside everything, that your hubs [the centre of your wheels] are OK, and that the chain’s not too worn, because winter is going to accentuate anything that’s slightly worn. Then essentially it’s keeping it clean with a bit of lube.

See related

•  Bike Maintenance Basics For Commuters
• Spring Clean Your Bike With This Five-Step Plan
• The Best Hybrid Bikes For Commuters

Do you have any other general maintenance tips?

The more you can spend on good-quality bike-specific washing gear, the easier it is going to be. Some wiping rags and the Finish Line bike wash are the things I would point you at, along with chain lube. Use bike-specific lubricant, because a motorcycle chain lube will really gunk things up quickly.

Another suggestion would be to consider your choice of lubricant depending on the conditions you’re riding in. In a month when it’s just cold and it doesn’t rain at all, a wet lube might be a bit too much. In my experience if you use a wet lube all the time it does make your drive train dirty because it’s quite a thick lubricant. The dry lube is more like water, so it’s not retained on the chain as well.

Also, when lubing the bike make sure that the lube doesn’t go on to the disc rotors if you’ve got disc brakes. It’s very easy to put too much lube on the chain as well. I see that happen and that causes problems.

Another tip would be to avoid the car pressure washer when you’re at your service station. This might seem a bit counterintuitive, because you watch the pro teams and they clean the bikes off with the pressure washer. But those bikes get taken apart, fully rebuilt, put back together again, and fully regreased.

Cycling to work has a whole host of benefits. Not only can it save you money on travel costs in the long run, but it’s a great way to add some incidental exercise to your day too, improving your fitness and helping you maintain a healthy weight – in fact, you could even bin that expensive gym membership you’ve got. What’s more, riding your bike provides a big boost in endorphins, improving your mood even on those chilly winter mornings.

Understandably, air pollution is a concern, though. Even some of the UK’s smaller towns can fall foul of high concentrations of harmful particles during rush hour and, as a cyclist, you can sometimes find yourself staring down the barrel of a sputtering exhaust pipe. It’s worth noting that, although long-term exposure to polluted air is associated with the likes of asthma, bronchitis and emphysema, scientific research has shown that the health benefits of cycling outweigh any of the downsides of breathing polluted air in major European cities.

There are ways of minimising the amount of pollution you encounter when commuting. Keeping an eye on air pollution in your area and avoiding outdoor exercise altogether if the levels are high is the most extreme option; alternatively you can plan your journey so that it avoids busy roads and congestion hotspots in favour of dedicated cycle lanes, quieter side streets and designated low traffic neighbourhoods, which will help to reduce your exposure to pollution from cars. Perhaps the most basic way is to invest in a mask. But before you go grabbing that disposable one you use in the shops these days, it’s worth looking into the science – after all, you want something that’s going to filter out air pollution and not just make you hot and bothered on the ride to work.

How Do Bike Masks Work?

Particulate matter air pollution comes in two forms: PM10 particles and PM2.5 particles. The number refers to the particle’s diameter in micrometers (μm), and to give you some context, a human hair is 50-70μm. PM10 air pollution varies from the likes of dust and smoke, while PM2.5 includes the harmful pollutants that are emitted from vehicle exhausts. The latter is regarded as the most dangerous because it is the smallest and lightest and can find its way deep into your lungs.

Unlike the three-ply masks that have become synonymous with the pandemic, the best bike masks feature a dedicated filter – some replaceable, some not – that help to remove pollution particles from the air before you inhale it.

The certification to look out for is either FFP2 or FFP3 (N95 or N99 in the US). While both filter out 100% of PM10 particles, the former filters out 95% of PM2.5 particles, and the latter filters out 99% of PM2.5 particles. As it’s not possible to filter out 100% of PM2.5 particles, masks with an FFP3 rating are the best around.

It is worth flagging that all of the claimed protection is null and void if the mask doesn’t fit you correctly. Too loose and it will let unfiltered air in at the sides; too tight and it will be uncomfortable and could make breathing difficult.

The Best Bike Pollution Masks in 2021

Respro is one of the best-known bike mask brands and it claims that its filtering technology is N99-rated. The neoprene shell ensures comfort when riding, while an aluminium nose clip gives you a rock-solid seal against noxious particles. The mask features the brand’s Rapid Airflow Valve System, so you’ll never be left short of breath, and its replaceable Hepa Sport filter removes particles that are even smaller than PM2.5 pollutants. It’s worth noting that Respro recommends replacing the filter once a month, but it’s possible to buy replacements in bulk.

Buy from Sigma Sports | £25

See related 

• Five Tips For Minimising The Risks Of London’s Air Pollution
• How Runners Can Avoid Air Pollution In London
• Of Course Cycling To Work Is Healthy, But We Were Surprised By Just How Healthy

While on the surface this looks like your bog-standard mask, it’s inside where things get clever. The Churchill Pro features British Military Filtration Technology filters, which give the mask an FFP2 rating (although it meets the FFP3 requirements for solid particles). The mask’s material is lightweight and breathable, and a valve helps to ensure you’re not left breathing your own stale air. The mask will last for 340 hours of use (roughly three to six months) but will have to be completely replaced at the end of its life.

Buy from Wiggle | £24.95 (currently reduced to £19.99)

It may be the most budget-friendly inclusion in our round-up, but the LifeLine anti-pollution mask shouldn’t be dismissed as a cheap imitation. Its Velcro fastening means you should be able to tailor the one-size fit to your requirements, and a pinch tab on the bridge of the nose helps keep it securely fitted. Its filter has only 95% efficiency, but this is still 95% better than not wearing one at all. The filters are also replaceable, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to products where the whole mask has to go to landfill.

Buy from Wiggle | £19.99 (currently reduced to £9.99)

Cycling jerseys are probably the most distinctive part of a cyclist’s wardrobe. Unlike a run-of-the-mill fitness top, these jerseys are designed with cycling in mind: the fit hugs the figure to help you slice through the air more efficiently, a full-length zip allows you to modify air flow to hot spots on the fly, and pockets on the back are ideal for stashing tools, innertubes and the all-important mid-ride snacks.

However, not all cycling jerseys are cut from the same cloth. Key things to look out for include breathable fabrics, moisture-wicking technology, comfortable silicone grippers that help things stay in place, and UV protection.

While some jerseys can set you back close to £200, it shouldn’t cost the earth to get something that ticks all the above boxes. Here are some of the best cycling jerseys that look and feel just as good and yet remain budget-friendly too.

Wiggle’s in-house brand DHB has built a reputation for offering great kit at a far lower price than its more “premium” rivals. The Aeron range is its more performance-focused clothing line, but its fit is forgiving enough if you don’t quite have the physique of a professional cyclist. Its stretchy and breathable fabric quickly wicks sweat away from the skin so you’re not left with any damp, uncomfortable patches. It’s available in a wide range of block colours and sizes (XS to XXXL for men, UK 6 to 16 for women), so there should be an Aeron Short Sleeve jersey that meets your taste and measurements.

Buy men’s from Wiggle | Buy women’s from Wiggle | From £30

Don’t adjust your screen – your eyes aren’t deceiving you. High-end British brand Rapha is renowned for its top-tier kit (and wallet-burning prices), but its Core range offers up its well-known design motifs and quality in a more affordable package. The material stretches to you (rather than you to it) and is held in place on your shorts – whether you’re sitting upright or tucked into the drops – by a tacky silicone grip. Premium additions include a zip garage to stop it rubbing against your neck when fully zipped up and a secure fourth zipped pocket on the rear – a safe place for your keys.

Buy men’s from Rapha | Buy women’s from Rapha | £60

Brighton-based Morvelo might not be the most well-known brand, but its designs will turn heads for all the right reasons. The Standard jersey has been at the heart of its road cycling clothing line for more than a decade and the latest iteration is the best yet. Its sleeves are long and “aero” (AKA snug), but the polyester used is stretchy enough to not cause any discomfort. The material has antibacterial properties that will keep that gym-kit funk at bay, wash after wash. It’s one for year-round riding too: reflective detailing on the back adds visibility on low-light and night rides, and UPF 30 adds a bit of protection from the sun on day-long rides.

Buy men’s from Morvelo | Buy women’s from Morvelo | £75

See related 

• The Best Cycling Jackets For Commuters
• The Best Winter Cycling Gloves For Commuters
• Reflective Cycling Gear To Keep You Riding In The Dark
• Why You Should Add UPF Sun Protection Clothing To Your Wardrobe

Another brand that has the everyday cyclist in mind when crafting its jerseys, Stolen Goat’s Bodyline range is the ideal top to wear on a warm summer’s day. Although aerodynamics-focused, the fit is forgiving and designed for all-day riding, meaning it’s as comfortable at the end of your ride as when you first put it on – its fabric efficiently wicking sweat away from your skin while simultaneously drying. Like the Morvelo offering, it too offers UV protection: the brand says it’s rated UPF 50.

Buy men’s from Stolen Goat | Buy women’s from Stolen Goat | £75

The raciest inclusion in our round-up (in terms of cut rather than how revealing it is), the Pro SL Short Sleeve Lite by Scottish bike manufacturer Endura is perfect for scorching days and turbo training sessions, when maximum sweat-wicking capabilities are a necessity. Lightweight mesh panels on the front and sides keep your torso cool without letting you get cold and high wicking panels on the back help stop the build-up of sweat. Grippers on the sleeves prevent them from bunching up, and the same technique is used at the hem. The jersey is available only in a men’s cut and comes in sizes from XS-XXL.

Buy from Wiggle | From £77.99

Commuting by bike is the best way of getting to work – no question – but it can seem impractical for many people. For instance, if you have to travel a significant distance then riding may seem like a non-starter. If you have a small home with limited room, or live in a block with stairs to tackle, securely storing a full-sized bike is out of the question.

There is a solution, though: the folding bike. These once-niche products are continuing to gain favour among suburban rail commuters who want to avoid parking fees, or to sling it in the boot to use at the other end of their train journey. City dwellers too have turned to folding bikes, which can be tucked in a corner or cupboard when folded and carried up stairs more easily.

Below you’ll find a selection of the best models to suit different needs, including picks for short and long commutes, plus our favourite electric options.

• NEWSFLASH: New Brompton Electric P Line Revealed

Pioneered in the mid-1970s, Brompton has become almost synonymous with folding bikes. Often imitated, the the London-based manufacturer’s design remains hard to beat thanks to its durable steel frame that is as strong as it is small, and a folding action that means you’re able to roll it around easily – even when fully folded down – avoiding the need to always carry it.

The standard Classic comes with three-speed hub gearing (meaning the cogs are inside the wheel rather than outside as on most modern bikes), but can be customised to your heart’s content. Whether you want more or fewer gears, a sportier handlebar or a fancy Brooks seat you can get it – for a price, naturally.

Buy from Brompton | From £1,175

A penny less than £500 might not sound like a budget buy for a bike, but it’s worth not going too low when buying a folding steed. While you could probably pick up a hybrid bike with similar components for less, you’re paying extra for the ability to fold – and it’s best not to skimp. The B’Twin Tilt 900 is a case in point. Although Decathlon’s in-house brand also does the £150 cheaper Tilt 500, we recommend stretching your budget to the 900 if you can. While it uses the same aluminium frame as its more affordable sibling, the Tilt 900 benefits from a lighter aluminium fork, a higher-spec nine-speed gearing and ergonomic features to make riding even more comfortable. While it doesn’t fold down as much as a Brompton, it manages to tip the scales at just 12.2kg – not bad for a bike that’s less than half the price of the big-name brand.

Buy from Decathlon | £499.99

If weight is a dealbreaker for you (but money isn’t), then turn your attention to this featherweight option. The carbon fibre-framed fold-up is just over half the weight of a Brompton at 6.9kg and includes some of the most high-tech componentry you can find on any bike, foldable or otherwise. If the price doesn’t put you off, its single-speed build might – especially if you live anywhere hilly where having an easier gear can come in handy. In that scenario, check out the four-speed build, which adds another 1.3kg and £245.

Buy from Hummingbird | £3,495

Electric bikes are on the rise as people discover an even easier, but no less joyous, way to get around. But just because you want to go electric doesn’t mean you have to say sayonara to the advantages of folding bikes. While it wasn’t the first brand to do it, Brompton has perfected the genre since it launched its Electric range in 2018. Using the brand’s iconic folding bike as its skeleton, it features a front-hub based motor and a removable battery that is mounted onto the bike’s headtube when in use. Its range of 30-70km (depending on rider weight, support mode used and hills ridden up) should see you through a number of journeys before it needs charging, and the detachable battery means it’s easy to top up the charge in between rides.

Buy from Brompton | From £2,875 | Brompton Electric review

See related 

• Brompton Bikes To Launch Long-Term Hire
• The Best Hybrid Bikes For Commuters
• The Best Electric Bikes For Commuting
• Six Real-Life Benefits Of Cycling To Work

If you have a bit more room to play with than a cupboard at home and a desk at the office, but still want the convenience of a foldie, the Gocycle G4 will provide that and make short work of most commutes. That’s partly because it’s an e-bike and will chew up any hills you encounter, but also because the tyres are larger and the geometry is like that of a traditional bike, factors that make it easier and more enjoyable to ride long distances on. It doesn’t fold up very small at all, but it is still much smaller than a full-sized bike, and great fun to ride. It’s definitely worth considering if you’re keen on a foldie and plan to ride it for longer than 20-30 minutes regularly. Just make sure you have somewhere to keep it under lock and key, because it’s gorgeous and therefore a target for thieves.

Buy from Gocycle | Buy from Velorution | £3,399 | Gocycle G4 preview

Wearing a rucksack or messenger bag might seem like the obvious way to carry your gear to and from work when commuting by bike, but there’s an alternative that can take the load off – pannier bags.

You may have seen them used in cycling touring, slung either side of the back wheel and attached via a pannier rack (which you can pick up from around £20). It frees your shoulders from the strain of a heavy rucksack and avoids the inevitable sweat patch on your back.

A good pannier bag is durable, water-resistant or waterproof, and able to stand up to winter conditions. Extra features to look out for include reflective detailing, internal pockets and pouches so that you can keep essentials accessible and a foldaway strap to make it easier to carry when off the bike.

We’ve picked our favourite current models below; prices are for a single bag unless stated otherwise. All have universal mounting hardware, so you won’t need to splash out on a specific pannier rack.

It’s well worth considering a waterproof pannier if you commute by bike in the UK. Even if you avoid cycling on rainy days you will get caught out every once in a while and no-one wants to have to sit in soggy work clothes all day. This 20-litre bag has a waterproof roll enclosure, keeping its contents bone dry, and its durable polyester construction will withstand years of use. A shoulder strap guarantees comfort when carrying the pannier from bike to office, and its mounting system ensures it stays securely fixed to your bike’s pannier rack.

Want something that can double up as a backpack and a pannier? You’re in luck. The 19-litre Wayside has backpack straps that can be folded into a zipped pouch, revealing Velcro straps that attach to a pannier rack. The waxed canvas finish is both water- and rip-resistant, while storage includes an internal pocket for a laptop and two compartments on the front of the bag that are ideal for items you want easy access to like keys, a multi-tool and some spare inner tubes in case you’re unlucky enough to get a puncture. Other welcome features include a loop at the top for affixing a light and a chest strap to help spread the load when using the bag as a rucksack.

Another 20-litre pannier, the Thunderstorm City is made for year-round commuting. It’s waterproof to level IPX6, meaning it can withstand high-pressure and heavy sprays of water, and its welded seams and rolltop closure allow you to carry all your essentials to work without having to worry about the weather. A dedicated 13in laptop sleeve and protective kickplate will keep your more expensive cargo safe from any pothole-related bumps.

One of its most eye-catching features is its ability to act as a safety beacon. The hi-vis polyester fabric reflects light coming from any angle, helping you to be seen by drivers at night.

This 17-litre option might look like an expensive alternative to the Altura above, but the extra features earn its price. The bag has an IPX4 rating, so it’s resistant to water splashes from all directions, which in practice provides enough protection for your belongings during wet commutes. But the Shield really stands out for its storage compartments. An internal padded pocket is large enough for a 15in laptop, while there’s an additional one for a tablet. There’s an exterior pocket that is perfect for your phone, keys or bank cards. It also has light attachment loops and reflective panels.

Decathlon’s in-house brand Elops offers a budget-friendly introduction to riding with a pannier – but don’t let the low price worry you. The bag boasts waterproof fabric and seams, and has the same IPX4 rating as the Thule pannier above. While it lacks padded pockets or a strap for carrying off the bike, it’s a good option for those who want a cheap, easy and rucksack-free way of getting a spare set of clothes to the office.