The really useful magazine - now part of Motor Cycle Monthly

Ten of the best commuter goodies

1. Venhill’s Sockets and Drivers kit: RRP £24.95

This good quality kit comes in a handy pouch that is easy to stow on a bike or in a rucksack – ideal for commuting. It features a solid moulded handle and has 1⁄4in drive sockets, enabling the user to choose between ‘T’ bar and straight drive set-up. Fitting into the handle are five double-ended drives, each 175mm long, with hex tips in 3, 4 and 5mm, both straight and ball end, plus Phillips drives numbers 1 and 2 and slotted drives in 4 and 5.5mm sizes. Also included are three sockets, 180mm long, in 8, 10 and 12mm diameter.
www.venhill.co.uk

2. Oxford products Handlebar muffs: RRP £29.99 (Hot Hands £59.99)

This is one product that won’t help your street cred but they will probably be the best money you’ll spend this winter. They attach in just a few seconds, can be easily removed and they will keep your hands warm and dry. You can even use them with Oxford Hot Hands by slipping the wrap around heated grips into a pocket in the muffs to get even toastier hands!
www.oxprod.com

3. Keis heated grips: RRP £49.98

Heated grips are worth having all year round and can make a massive difference to how much you enjoy a cold ride, and to your safety. If you can’t feel your hands then your reactions are much slower. The new grips from Keis are simple to fit and come with a temperature controller with two heat settings and an on/off switch which can be mounted to the handlebars or bodywork.
www.motohaus.co.uk

4. Two Zero: RRP £29.99

Some of the best ideas are quite simple, like this reflective vest which is designed to be worn either over a jacket or can be unzipped to cover a rucksack. It means you’re still easy to spot and it keeps your rucksack clean and dry. In the past HiViz wear has been a bit unsightly but this one looks stylish and is available in two colours. Two Zero products are designed by Morag Hutcheon, check out her tasty laptop and shoulder bags...
www.two-zero.co.uk

5. Knox Cold Killers Sport top: RRP £47.99

This layer is available in mens or ladies and is well worth the money. It’s fully fitted and is windproof at the front, sleeves and neck. It’s comfortable too thanks to the fleece lining at the back. It’s very warm and looks good off the bike as well. There are loads of products in the Cold Killers range from balaclavas and inner gloves to neck tubes, pants and socks.
www.coldkillers.co.uk

6. Bags Connection Dolphin Bag: RRP £49.31

German motorcycle luggage specialists Bags Connection have introduced a new waterproof line with welded seam technology and proven roll closure systems. Manufactured from tarpaulin material with welded seams, the Dolphin bag has an integral sleeve that will accommodate laptops of up to 17in in size. The seven litre volume provides plenty of extra capacity and there are internal organiser pockets for pens. In addition to the padded shoulder strap, there is also a cross strap that secures the bag around the waist so that it will not be blown around.
www.motohaus.com

7. Oxford ChillOut Trousers/top: RRP £54.99 (trousers £44.99)

Layers are very important if you want to stay warm during winter, the ChillOut range from Oxford are designed to keep you warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s warm. The top has a high neck for wind protection and the trousers have pre-formed stretch panels in the knees and Lycra at the back of the legs for comfort.
www.oxprod.com

8. Bagster heated apron/muffs: RRP £69 (£99 muffs)

Imagine riding around in an electric blanket... well now you can with Bagsters new heated goodies. Aprons are all the rage with scooter riders in Europe, you don’t tend to see many over here but anybody who has ever used one swears by them, they’re easy to fit and these ones simply wire to the battery to give three cosy heat settings. Imagine the warmth on your early morning ride, bliss!
www.bagster.com

9. Weise Parka: RRP £79.99

Parkas became synonymous with scooter riders during the 60s and they’re fashionable again today. This Weise take on the classic look is stylish and more importantly waterproof (unlike the old US Fishtail!) The Parka has a faux fur hood to keep you snug off the scooter and can accommodate optional CE armour which costs £19.98.
www.weise-clothing.co.uk

10. Knox Zero winter glove: RRP £130

If I was splashing out on winter gloves this year I’d be giving these a try. They feature Knox’s patented Boa lace closure system and scaphoid protection which are excellent. For the first time in a motorcycle glove they also feature OutDry® waterproofing technology which forms a barrier between the outershell of the glove to stop water getting between the outer and lining. This will stop the uncomfortable, wet and heavy feeling you often experience with traditional ‘waterproof’ gloves. Sounds good to us and it’s worth reading the full details on their website.
www.knox-lab.com