Ed is our assistant editor, he’s Dirt magazines resident expert on all things mechanical and we call him the Colonel. Here’s the kit he always hammers…

Bell Variant Helmet
I’ve got to be honest here, this isn’t my first choice when it comes to a helmet, that would be Giro’s Xen purely because of its better looks. But, in some kind of anti vanity attack of karma I managed to leave my Xen in a skip (don’t ask how) earlier on this year and have had to make do with this Variant. In hindsight though I think ‘make do’ is maybe a bit harsh, as apart from the slight lack of style when compared to a Xen I think it’s every bit as good, particularly in the comfort department where it possibly even goes one better. The best bit of news though is that it costs pretty much half what you’d pay for a Xen. In my eyes that alone makes it a great purchase.
Price: £49.99 – £59.99
Madison 0800 1300 598
www.bellbikehelmets.com

Fox Sidewinder Gloves
It’s funny how things that go around come around. I’m sure the first decent pair of riding gloves I ever owned were a pair of Fox Sidewinders, and now 15 or so years later, after trying almost every other glove there is, I’m back in a pair of Sidewinders. I think the main thing I like about them is the shape, they just fit my sausage fingers a treat and the thin palm never bunches. The only time I don’t get these out the drawer is if it’s really cold and wet, but apart from that they’re perfect for everything. The only other thing I would say is the age–old saying ‘they don’t seem to make them like they used to’. I’m just sure my original pair lasted longer than these new ones do, but maybe that’s just my rose tinted spectacles?
Price: £30.00
Fox UK 01914 876 100
www.foxeurope.com

Shimano Mp66b Dx Shoes
Yeah, if you didn’t already know I’m not one of cool and the gang, 95% of the time I ride clipped in. To make things even worse for years I’ve been prancing around in a pair of true Sidi disco slippers, purely because they’re one of the only pairs I’ve found that don’t give me foot cramps, but the other month these saviours landed on my desk. To be honest I wasn’t sure about the white, but even shining box–fresh they undoubtedly looked a million times better than my Sidi’s. Apart from looking a load better though, especially after a few rides, the main things that I like about them is that they’re comfy, warm, and do a good job of keeping out water. Apart from possibly a different colour option I really couldn’t ask for any more from a pair of SPD shoes, and at just under £50 I reckon they’re a bargain.
Price: £49.99
Madison 0800 1300 598
www.shimano.com

Race Face Dh 3/4 Shorts
I’ve got far more pairs of riding shorts than I have regular shorts, or come to think of it even trousers for that matter, but yet pretty much every time I go for a ride these are the ones which I pull out. The reasons why I likethis pair so much are simple; they’re tough, yet light, they’re a good length and cut, the vents work well, they’ve got two good zipped pockets, they’re comfortable even when wet, and finally because I reckon they look quite good too. Great shorts in my opinion.
Price: £69.95
Silverfish 01752 843 882
www.silverfish-uk.com

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