1. Chain CheckerAs cassettes have gone from eight speeds to nine, 10 and 11, chains and cogsets have become increasingly expensive. So improperly judging wear on these parts carries painful financial consequences.With the likes of Park Tool's CC-2 (£24.99, madison.co.uk), you can...

Gore Bike Wear Concept Gilet, £169.99Gore comes up trumps again with this lightweight, flexible and breathable gilet. Nothing has been left to chance, from the ergonomically shaped, fleece-trimmed collar to the adjustable hem with its covered cord stoppers. The pièce de résistanc...

In the kit-crazed world of triathlon, we are sometimes judged by our fashion sense as well as our sporting ability, often by the more elite (and more than a little vain) among us. But many style rules exist for a purpose - not only do they prevent

.thelondontriathlon.co.uk) costs £73 for the individual sprint or £78 for the Olympic distance, but the Leicester Flashman Triathlon cost just £21 to enter (sprint distance) in 2008. (See www.leicestertriathlonclub.co.uk for details.) Discover the joys of secondhand tri gear. I

Triathlon is a gadget-lovers' dream: you could buy something new every day of the year and still have plenty of bits and pieces to ask for in your letter to Santa. From heavy-duty wetsuits to lightweight aero bars, and innumerable shiny items in

and hardwearing, carbon-reinforced palms. There's still enough bike feel through the gloves to move up and down the gears or to slam on the brakes. Info: www.madison.co.uk Specialized Women’s BG Equinox, £27.99Specialized almost managed to resist the temptation

Zefal Wiiz, £6.99A good bottle cage is a simple product. It should hold your drink securely in place on your frame, release the bottle smoothly whenever you need it and allow you to easily slip the bottle back in place even when you're moving at pace. The Zefal Wiiz does all that...

Easy-as-pie psi - Top Dog St Deluxe pump, £46.99Tyre pressure affects your bike's comfort, speed, handling and even your safety. And although your road tyres may have a maximum pressure of 125 psi, that might not be the pressure you should use; most riders of average height and w...

. That said, you still require the right gear to ensure you train and race effectively, safely and within the rules of the sport.But what exactly is the right kit? The answer depends, in part, on experience and aspiration. A first-timer aiming to complete a

Easy-as-pie psiTop Dog St Deluxe pump, £46.99Tyre pressure affects your bike's comfort, speed, handling and even your safety. And although your road tyres may have a maximum pressure of 125 psi, that might not be the pressure you should use; most riders of average height and weig...