The AFX PRO from FLR is a slightly higher-spec version of the basic AFX, and together they represent FLR's new(ish) push into the flat pedal shoe market. While the AFX PRO's basic shape is sound and the price is great, the sole grip is lacking, colours are limited and it's hard to see what FLR did with the input they got from trials champ Aurélien Fontenoy.

The 661 Comp is a great-fitting and minimalist trail glove that's just right for the milder days of spring and autumn, and the warm rides of summer. The single-layer palm gives great bar feel, mesh panels create excellent airflow and the build easily avoids being flimsy. There's no pad for wiping away sweat or snot, however, so be prepared to drip.

The Bontrager Adventure Frame Bag is really well thought-out, offering plenty of useful features without being fussy or pointless. It’s also properly waterproof, impressively rugged and hardwearing, and stable no matter how hard you ride or how rough the terrain. Only its dark fabric and lack of reflectives let it down.

The small but perfectly formed PRO Discover Food Pouch attaches to your bars for quick and easy access to... well, food. Or in reality, plenty of other things, such as bottles, phones, tools and Tangfastics. It's stable on the bike, usefully water-resistant and well-made, though it's really only necessary once you've filled every other storage spot you have.

Dexshell's Gradient Waterproof Beanie is an extremely warm, waterproof and windproof hat that's perfect for pre- and post-ride wear, though it's too hot for riding unless it's well below freezing. It's thick enough affect hearing, too. If you aren't warm in this, then the outdoors is probably not for you.

The Alpinestars Cascade is a warm and comfy winter glove that makes good use of its Primaloft insulation, and for cold and dry rides it's only let down by a slightly short cuff and the lack of a snot pad. It soaks through rapidly in rain, however, and while it stays fairly warm it gets heavy – and wearing wet gloves is never that pleasant.

The Alpinestars Denali is a surprisingly versatile gilet, insulated to great effect with Primaloft, and cut really well for riding. It's good on its own with a good amount of pocket space, and it's slim enough to be a really good midlayer too. The insulated rear panel can get sweaty with a pack, however, and it's expensive.

Dexshell make a heap of different waterproof socks for almost every instance, and the Thermlite is mid-length with a thermal rating on the lighter end of the scale. Nevertheless, it's good for all but the coldest riding, though if it was taller it would be better still.

One of many strap based products, allowing you to attach essentials to your bike, the Lezyne Sendit Caddy has some plus points that is does it securely, has a compartmentalised pouch to store items out of muds way, but the pouch could be a little bigger and slighter better made.

The Rockrider AM is a lightweight, long-sleeve jersey that's comfortable, effective and impressively cheap. The slim fit is good as far as it goes, but small changes to the shape just about everywhere would really improve it.