Finisterre Hegen ¼ Zip wool fleece, £175

Finisterre Hegen ¼ zip wool fleece

With its high performance and eco credentials, Finisterre is the UK’s answer to Patagonia. This fleece is made from 63 per cent wool reclaimed from industry waste. £175, finisterre.com


On Cloud 5 Waterproof, £155

On Cloud 5 Waterproof

The fifth iteration of one of the Swiss brand’s most popular pairs of shoes – almost as ubiquitous in the office as running to it – now comes equipped for wet commutes. (If you’re more interested in shoes that go easy on the joints, the Cloudmonster is a great maximal jogger.) £155, on-running.com


The author wears his own, 15-year-old Deuter backpack and carries the folded-up Brompton T Line
The author wears his own, 15-year-old Deuter backpack and carries the folded-up Brompton T Line © Nico Wills

Deuter Bike I 20

This lightweight and sleek 20l pack may be aimed at cyclists but, thanks to clever back cushions and hip and sternum straps, I’ve found it doubles up well for running commutes. It can happily carry a laptop and a change of clothes, and features an integrated rain cover. Mine is still going strong after 15 years. £90, deuter.com


Lezyne Fusion Drive 500+ bike light, £56

Lezyne Fusion Drive 500+ KTV Drive Pro+ LED Bike Light Pair

With 500 lumens on the front (pictured above) and 150 on the rear, this bike light is strong enough to illuminate a pitch-black road – yet it weighs in at a slight 128g. Elastic straps mean it’s easy to put on and take off, and each charge powers up to 35 hours’ use. £56, merlincycles.com


On Performance Winter tights, £110

On Performance Winter tights

Leggings in technical, sweat-wicking fabric with a cosy brushed lining. The integrated pockets make them good for runs. £110, on-running.com


The author wears the Showers Pass Elite 2.1 jacket and the Specialized Align II MIPS helmet
The author wears the Showers Pass Elite 2.1 jacket and the Specialized Align II MIPS helmet © Nico Wills

Showers Pass Elite 2.1 jacket 

If body-hugging cycling gear isn’t for you, this shell jacket happily accommodates work clothes underneath, yet retains technical credentials for winter commutes. Highly waterproof with a generous protective collar, reflective detailing and adjustable velcro cuffs, it’s available in both men’s and women’s cuts. £239, showerspass.co.uk


Assos Ultraz Winter Gloves, £100

Assos Ultraz winter gloves

These insulated cycling gloves may be pricey, but they really do the job. They have kept my fingers incredibly warm at below-zero temperatures. And they are backed by a two-year warranty. £100, assos.com


Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones, £159.95

Shokz OpenRun Pro

These bone-conducting headphones are the best I’ve tried. The sound quality is excellent even when cycling at speed, but the ear canal is left completely clear, meaning you can stay aware of the traffic around you. They have a 10-hour battery life (with a very quick charge time), are rain- and sweat-resistant, and sit secure and unnoticed on the head. £159.95, uk.shokz.com


Le Chameau leather Chelsea Aventure boots, £250
© Nico Wills

Le Chameau leather Chelsea Aventure boots

Robust, comfortable and smart, these waterproof boots are as at home pedalling to work in the rain as they are in a client meeting. They’ll also last for years. £250, lechameau.com


Montane Phase Lite waterproof jacket, £325

Montane Phase Lite waterproof jacket

At just 300g and tightly packable, this is a good option to stow in your backpack in case the heavens open. The Gore-Tex fabric has great breathability, which makes it good for running, too. £325, montane.com


Kryptonite Evolution Mini 7 Lock With Cable + Flexframe Bracket, £84.99

Kryptonite Evolution Mini 7 Lock With Cable + Flexframe Bracket

With a Sold Secure Gold rating, this is a great on-the-go lock. The 4ft cable is ideal for securing wheels or locking a bike round a wide lamppost. £84.99, freewheel.co.uk


Spoke Bulletproofs water‑repellent chinos, £130

Spoke Bulletproofs water‑repellent chinos

Made from a durable heavyweight cotton, these chinos have a slight stretch, reflective detailing, and are water-resistant. Great if you’re riding to client meetings. £130, spoke-london.com


Arc’teryx Patera parka, £600

Arc’teryx Patera parka

Gore-Tex and goosedown is an excellent combination for a winter walking commute. £600, arcteryx.com


Sealskinz Scole zippered pocket five-panel cap, £35

Sealskinz Scole zippered pocket five-panel cap

An excellent, snug waterproof cap for rainy commutes on foot. £35, sealskinz.com


Brompton T Line folding bicycle, from £4,250
© Nico Wills

Brompton T Line folding bicycle

Brompton’s lightest folding bike is an engineering marvel – it is astonishingly lightweight. While the fold remains the same as the classic model, the new components are made from titanium and carbon – enabling the bike to tip the scales at a mere 7.45kg; shaving off some 2kg from the next-lightest in the range. Choose from either the single- or four-speed model. From £4,250, brompton.com


Quad Lock Bike Kit, from £45.99

Quad Lock bike kit

Once your phone is housed in Quad Lock’s impact-resistant case, clipping it in the handlebar mount is super-easy, and then it’s very secure. There’s also a poncho cover for when it’s raining. From £45.99, freewheel.co.uk


Thule Pack ’n Pedal commuter pannier bundle, £200

Thule Pack ’n Pedal commuter pannier bundle

This is a great all-in-one set; the rack easily and securely attaches to almost all bike seat stays, and the 22l pannier is rated highly waterproof even in heavy rain. £200, thule.com


Specialized Align II MIPS helmet, £45

Specialized Align II MIPS

This is one of the lowest-priced cycling helmets to have been awarded five stars in the respected Virginia Tech Helmet Rating, so it’s one of the safest choices for commuting. It’s easy to adjust, comfortable, and great-looking. £45, specialized.com


Continental GP5000 All Season TR, from £79.99

Continental GP5000 All Season TR

Tyres can be overlooked, but the GP5000 is reputed for puncture resistance, performance and reliability – I have enjoyed thousands of kilometres on the same set. This latest model is a good choice for winter rides. It’s tubeless, durable, and promises a better grip in wet weather. From £79.99, condorcycles.com


Endura Hummvee Transit waterproof trousers, £69.99

Endura Hummvee Transit waterproof trousers

I turn to this Scottish mountain, road and triathlons biking brand for harsh winter rides. Stashed in a backpack, these trousers are great for throwing on in a storm; the fabric is waterproof and hard-wearing and the waistband well-elasticated. £69.99, endurasport.com

Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024. All rights reserved.
Reuse this content (opens in new window) CommentsJump to comments section

Follow the topics in this article

Comments