Accessories | Britain's best bike rides

Bike kit for track and tarmac from sturdy locks to multitoolsSafetyHelmets are sensible in any situation, and essential on mountain-bike trails: no experienced mountain bike rider goes without one. Prices range from �20?�130, but the good news is that cheaper ones offer much the same protection as expensive ones ? though they might not keep your head as cool (or indeed look as cool). Just make sure it fits snugly and doesn't wobble. Buy a bright-coloured one for visibility like this Giro Transfer bike helmet in silver. You might also consider gloves (especially mountain-bike riders) as your hands are the first thing to break your fall. Elbow and knee pads are also useful offroad too, but you'll probably get some funny looks on your daily commute.Protective clothingPadded shorts can add a lot of comfort to a ride and prevent chapping. These come in either traditional stretch Lycra, which can also be worn under your usual clothes, or more fashionable baggy shorts. Zip pockets are handy. Prices range from �15 to �80. Even a cheaper pair can make a difference. Halfords has some stretchy ones for only �13.Meanwhile, don't let rain ruin a ride. A high-visibility waterproof jacket is almost essential in the UK, along with waterproof trousers. Many items labelled waterproof are only showerproof, so double check. Gore-Tex is guaranteed waterproof ? but doesn't come cheap.Looking cool...DXR makes cycle shoes you can wear down the pub. They look like regular tennis shoes, but have reflective backs, special "power-transferring" rigidity, and SPD soles to clip to your pedals (alwaysriding.co.uk).The people at Swrve "are passionate about bikes but we don't look so good in spandex". So the firm makes urbanwear made with natural fabrics and water- or wind-resistant material suited for biking .Velo-re makes surprisingly clever clothing from recycled bike tyres and innertubes. The firm was founded in 2006 with the idea that tyres can be "tired, but don't have to retire". Check out their belts.GizmosCharge up while you're riding: BikeCharge is a dynamo system that attaches to your wheel and can charge any USB powered device. At �80 it's a luxury, but may be useful on remote rides.You can attach your smartphone on top of the handlebars using a special mount, such as the iPhone bike mount from Tigra Sport. These and other attractive knick-knacks at (cyclewiz.co.uk).Keep the phone dry as a bone with a stormproof case. Aquapac does them for �16.GPS is becoming ever more popular. The Edge 800 is Garmin's latest cycling computer. You upload a GPX/TCX file made on a route planner site such as GIPsies.com ,and then it just works like a car satnav would, minus the annoying voice. It does cost �349.99, but there are cheaper versions (garmin.com).Some swear by the various GPS apps you can buy for your smartphone. The Cyclemeter GPS Bike Computer has been getting some good reviews on the iPhone and Android store. It's only �1.99 and does a lot of what the Garmin can do ? ride time, distance, average speed, route map and even graphs of elevation and speed. But the GPS receiver is far better than what's in a phone, which means you'll get a quicker and more accurate signal. Plus the memory is better, and it can run for about 15 hours before it needs to be recharged. And it's waterproof. Phone apps are far, far cheaper, but you do need a signal for it to work, and it will drain your battery on a long ride, when you might need your phone for something else.If you just want a simple bike computer to tell you speed and distance, then you needn't spend much at all. Cateye's Velo 5 cycle computer weighs in at only �13.BackpacksBackpacks should, first and foremost, be comfortable, practical and waterproof. Osprey has a range of cycling-specific bags that pass muster. The latest addition is the rehydration backpack, featuring a water pouch integrated in the back of the pack. There's a tube to drink from round the shoulder. Osprey's best one is bafflingly called the Zealot. You'll never lose your bottle again.SecuritySecurity specialists (and ex-thieves) recommend two locks: one to thread through your back and front wheels and one to lock to something through the frame and wheel. UK locks have a "sold secure" rating system of gold, silver or bronze, and bike insurers insist on this rating. Don't skimp on a bike lock.As a primary lock, use a D lock. The Kryptonite New York series are thicker than your average lock and will take even the most determined thief an aeon to grind through. A cable lock, such as the Abus Centuro 860mm, is good as a secondary lock.ToolsUnless you're a bike mechanic, you might as well buy only what you need, in which case buy the best you can afford. Cheap tools will only need replacing sooner, and in the long run could end up damaging your bike.The Specialized EMT Comp multitool (left) is really useful: it has all the allen keys, plus tyre lever, chain link remover and more, priced �25?�30.LightsLight never seem to last long ? they either get nicked or smash on the road. One of the best front and back light sets for the money is the Smart Lunar 35 Lux (from about �27). They are quite robust for an inexpensive set, and very bright: the front one is particularly luminous ? find a straight road and you'll be amazed at its range.Cycling holidaysCyclingFitnessguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

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