The Progold Foaming Citrus degreaser is extremely effective, requires minimal scrubbing and has a pleasant citrus smell. It'll damage your tyres (and anything else rubber) if you leave it on too long, however, poses a 'chronic' hazard to aquatic life, and should only be sprayed carefully in well-ventilated areas (think: outdoors).

Giant's Proshield MTB Jacket offers good casual looks, a hood that engulfs the biggest helmets and great breathability when dry. But the boxy cut, awkward zips and lack of water-repellent coating means the outer shell soaks out quickly, and then can't breathe well at all – leaving you soaked and chilled in sweat.

The full-finger Raji Glove from 661 is a lightweight trail offering, with a single-layer palm that's great for bar feel and breathabilty. It's a stylish glove available in various bold patterns, but noticeable pressure points and threads starting to pull leave a question mark over durability.

Fenwick's Wet Weather Chain Lube provides very effective winter protection for your drivetrain, and stays working over multiple muddy and rainy rides. It's easy to use, reasonably priced and environmentally friendly to boot. 

The Evoc FR Trail 20L is a feature-laden pack that combines CE-certified back protection with a place for everything on a big day out – or even a few days. It’s well thought-out, well-made and near perfect for the rider who wants to carry everything. It's heavy and doesn't include a bladder, but its real flaw is its ability to take too much stuff...

The Morvelo Out There Overland Elemental LS Tech Tee is a good, warm long-sleeve tee that suits all sorts of riding. The fit is casual – as is the style – and it's stretchy and unrestrictive on the bike, plus it breathes well despite its thick fabric. Like many polyester tops, however, it can get smelly quite quickly.

The Osprey Siskin 12 is a well-made, medium-size hydration pack with some considered features coupled with a comfortable fit. It’s a good benchmark for this size of trail pack.

Rawvelo's Organic Hydration Drink Mix is very specifically named – not just because it's free from synthetic ingredients, but in its use for hydration. It's not an energy drink, it's a powdered mix of salt and sugar designed to replace what you lose through sweat. It's palatable, comes in three flavours and works well, though the foil isn't recyclable and it's expensive.

The Ergon BP1 Protect is a lightweight pack with storage for the essentials, and though it works and looks like a backpack, it's also a back protector. Slim enough to wear under a jersey as armour and (just) backpack-y enough to be worn above, it offers reassuring protection – though disappointingly the handy 1.5L reservoir is an extra cost.

The Funndamental is an entry-level flat pedal that's great value, a good size and shape, and easy to maintain. If you're dipping a toe (well, foot) into flat pedals, these are a strong place to start.