In kit we trust
GEAR
RiDE technical contributor Alan Seeley on the kit that makes his biking life better
My biking pleasure is derived both on road and in the workshop. I need kit I can rely on, and anything that isn’t up to sustained use reveals itself under the relentless demands placed on it. Value and quality always ace price, but most expensive gear doesn’t always deliver the best results.
1. HJC RPHA 91 - £449.99
RPHA less of a mouthful than Revolutionary Performance Helmet Advanced. But it’s flippin’ brilliant
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Last year, my riding kit was looking tired. I replaced my helmet with this RPHA 91 flipup touring option, and it’s a daylongcomfortable work of genius. The shell uses mixed fibres for protection and light weight. The flip-up visor mechanism and integral sun visor must add a bit, but it tips the scales at a reasonable 1700g. After 10,000 miles, it works as good as new.
2. Oxford Hinterland 2.0 jacket - £349.99
Great in the hinterland – and when you up the pace
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Central to my wardrobe overhaul was this Oxford Hinterland 2.0 jacket, described as “crafted for adventure riders with a sporty spirit”. Not sure how adventurous or sporty I am, but the Hinterland 2.0 delivers that magic combination of weather protection and breathability that riders of my generation marvel at, with hightech fabrics and clever construction. CE AA certification and Level 2 protectors boost confidence. Perfect combined with the Hinterland 2.0 trousers (£279.99).
3. Weise Ion textile heated gloves - £209.99
Toasty fingers assured – even on lowest setting
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Possibly not at the forefront of our minds at this time of year, but it is reassuring to know I have these Weise Ion gloves for when the colder months roll around. My advancing years make me more susceptible to the cold, but even the lowest of the three heat settings is enough to keep my hands warm. The 2200mAh batteries give up to four hours of heat on a single charge – plenty for winter rides.
4. Kriega Rollpack 20 - £129
Carries all you need, without needing a rucksack
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As useful as a rucksack is, they can be restrictive when riding and I’m always tempted to overload them. The Kriega Rollpack 20 moves my daily gear, laptop and whatnot elsewhere – in this case, the pillion seat or rack. Being a roll pack, the fit is flexible to whatever you’re carrying. The straps can be secured to a rack, subframe or so on, otherwise supplied subframe loops can be fitted to your bike.
5. Whale chain breaking and riveting tool - £140
A ‘Whale’ of a tool that Alan says should be in everyone’s toolbox
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Every bit as substantial as it looks and its price tag implies, the Whale chain breaking and riveting tool is the one you will find in most professional workshops. This is a veteran of countless chain and sprocket replacements and still good for many more. Considering workshop labour rates, you would only need to replace a chain and sprockets twice for the tool to have more than paid for itself.
6. Halfords Advanced 150pc socket and spanner set - £125
Still all present and correct after 15 years of hard use
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A mainstay of my workshop, I’ve had this set for at least 15 years. The tools have a great fit and feel, plus a lifetime guarantee. They’ve been worked hard. I can’t see a set exactly like this in Halfords’ current range, but there are plenty similar. Halfords are forever doing half-price offers – at time of writing there was a comparable set (150 pieces) for £125. A no-brainer bargain.