Shoes
Shimano RX6
● The RX6 (£160), available for men and women, are excellent shoes for gravel riding, rough-stuff touring, day-to-day winter riding and more. They’ve proven comfortable, practical and versatile – and easy to clean after muddy winter rides. The sole’s pattern of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane – a tough, abrasion-resistant plastic) lugs worked well on a variety of surfaces, including more grip than we expected on mud, yet they remain stiff and supportive enough when cycling. The single BOA dial and a Velcro strap over the forefoot also offer quick and easy on-the-fly adjustability.
Jacket
Castelli Emergency 2
At £180, it’s an investment but, from the construction to wet-weather performance, Castelli’s Emergency 2 jacket (men’s and women’s versions) oozes quality. It boasts a fully-taped waterproof shell (10,000mm rating) that’s easily stashed into a jersey pocket and an elasticated hem that keeps the jacket snug around hips and cuffs. A waterproof full zip is easy to pull down on climbs, and there’s also a mesh vent below a flap at the top of the back.
Saddle
Scratch M5 AGX Tirox
● The Scratch M5 unisex saddle (£103.99)
