The best sports kit for your commute
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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
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
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+ 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
Leggings in technical, sweat-wicking fabric with a cosy brushed lining. The integrated pockets make them good for runs. £110, on-running.com
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Gore-Tex and goosedown is an excellent combination for a winter walking commute. £600, arcteryx.com
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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