Bespoke Blog

For the ultimate in cold weather protection, go for the Bonka evo8. These are the warmest sock in the Assos range, designed to keep your feet comfortable through even the coldest conditions.

Natural merino wool construction makes for a non-itchy, highly efficient layer of insulation. In extreme conditions simply add a pair of overshoes and you have the perfect package.

The "must have" product this Christmas isn't an item of clothing, more of an "accessory", but it does a very good job of protection, in winter and all year round...

Silca's new Phone Wallet is our pick of the bunch. Properly waterproof and seriously capacious, it's also very good value for money.

Designed to fill a standard jersey pocket, snugly and exactly, this doesn't just hold your phone in it's waterproof enclosure, but has plenty of room for all those "daily carry" ride essentials.

Just wonderful, and selling like hot cakes...

Italian brand Q36.5 have won us over with their high-quality bib shorts, and these socks have also won us over this winter. Merino wool increases the insulating thermal properties of the fabric while at the same time significantly reducing volume and weight. Oh, and it feels nice too!

This PNS winter-weight neck tube is made with a bamboo fibre/merino wool mix for a soft, luxurious feel.

Bamboo, like merino, is of course a natural material. They share great moisture wicking properties and a resistance to odours. Bamboo also gives an almost silky feel to the fabric, whilst merino is a great insulator without bulk or itchiness.

Compact, stretchy and anatomically shaped, the Assos evo_7 tick all the boxes. They'll easily scrunch down into a jersey pocket when no longer needed, but provide valuable extra insulation on cooler mornings and long descents.

As you'd expect with Assos, they've paid a lot of attention to the shape. A full circle of elastic at the top keeps them securely in place, and they're even left/right specific shaped for maximum comfort and fit.

The PNS Winter socks have been designed for maximum warmth with thicker wool yarn, but have been woven so as not to be bulky, retaining a comfortable fit. These are proper winter socks, to keep your feet warm on the coldest days on the bike.

Bearing the name of legendary cycling hero Louison Bobet these gloves have a lot to live up to. We're pleased to say they deliver - Primaloft lining is highly insulating, but light weight and resistant to damp. A number of clever design touches, including a bit of stretch in the forefingers, make these particularly comfortable and considerably less 'clumsy' than traditional winter gloves.

These gloves aren't intended for race day (although I'd be glad of them in any longer winter event!) but are ideal for winter training rides, just as the name implies.

Where would we be without decent overshoes? Cold and wet that's where. These Assos overshoes are insulating yet breathable, these overshoes provide a valuable extra layer of protection from wind chill on colder days. Zipped at the rear for easier fitting/removal, and with a hole in the bottom suitable for any standard road cleats.

Part of the Assos early winter range, these merino socks are designed for comfort in the relatively milder parts of winter.

The natural fibres are non-itchy and resistant to odour, and an additional antibacterial treatment helps them stay fresh wash after wash. The evo8 also have a slight compression effect, great for assisting circulation on cooler days.

A classic cycling cap with a difference - one that you'll particularly appreciate when the temperature drops...

The PNS Winter Cap is styled like a traditional cap, but with extra depth sculpted in at the sides and rear. This gives valuable extra protection to your ears and the back of your head.

Made from a thin but fleecy-lined Roubaix fabric, it's insulating without overheating - perfect for active cycling use, and will comfortably fit under your helmet, giving protection from wind chill (at the times of year when all those helmet vents seem more like a liability than a blessing).

Compression socks are usually thought of as a recovery aid. Q36.5 have rethought their design, to make them ideal for active use whilst riding. Mid-weight socks, suitable for use all year round, especially when paired with the:

You can never have too many base layers - they're just so versatile, on and off the bike.

We've just received this stylish offering from Louison Bobet. The Bedee 43 ML is a long-sleeved base layer made in France from 100% Merino wool. Naturally insulating, anti-bacterial and anti-odour and non-itchy, this'll be the one you reach for first on those cold mornings.

Designed with a dropped back and close-fitting tailored cut, this is very much a top performer on the bike, but also very much at home in day-to-day wear.