Lights
LED lights can be really powerful and you could spend anything from £10 to over £500! In general, the more you spend, the higher the power and better the build quality, but there are some real bargains to be had. A quick eBay search for “Cree LED bike light” reveals super bright rechargeable lights for £30. These are adequate for commuting (especially along the dark Taff Trail) and will help with off-road adventures. A helmet mounted light will also allow you to see around corners better, which is especially useful off-road. Remember to complement any front lights with good rear lights.
Maintenance
Sadly, winter takes its toll on bikes. A 12v low pressure washer could be a good investment. These can be filled from a tap or water butt and plugged into your car if travelling. “Mobi Washers” or “Dirt Workers” are two common brands. It’s also a good idea to brush up on your own maintenance skills rather than relying too much on bike shops. While the initial outlay for tools can be expensive, you can do a lot with a good set of allen keys, spanners, lube and some old rags.
I hope you find these tips useful and happy cycling!
