For $36 this is a decent and attractive wind vest but the MSRP is surely a joke, as is Castelli's inconsistent sizing. The material is windproof but cheap and you should be under no illusions that it is breathable - after a hard ride you will build up plenty of sweat inside. Based on my experience with Castelli jerseys I ordered a L (I am 6' but very skinny around the chest) and the vest came up far longer and wider than expected. As usual Castelli have used a cheap and unreliable zip, too. That said, it does keep the wind off, looks good, and adds versatility to your existing cycling clothes.

These are now my first choice gloves, and I have lots of gloves. They look great - I love the asymmetric design and colour scheme. The padding seems over-the-top at first but the cutouts help the palms to wrap around your bars and the padding cushions road buzz without road feel being too muffled. (If you dislike padding of any sort, stay away though - these are not for you.) I ordered my usual size L which came up a bit snug but I expect XL would be too loose. The pull tabs are necessary, and sturdier than some other companies', but you still need to remove the gloves with care or you risk breaking stitches. In colder weather you may want more protection than is offered by the lycra backs. The advertising copy given in the description is spot-on and at $20-25 these are good value.

For $70 these shoes are an absolute steal. Ordering shoes online is always a risk; I was told by the online adviser that LG shoes run to size so I ordered my usual size. When the shoes arrived I had a horrible feeling they were too tight and the reviews that appeared after I'd bought them (see below) suggested this was the case for many others. However, sending them back wasn't an option for me as I live in a remote desert country, so I had to give them a go. Once I'd popped them in the oven for 20 minutes (see video posted below) and moulded the toes and heels, they seemed a lot comfier, and when I took someone's advice to strap them up while standing (ie when your feet are at their widest), and not cinch up the velcro straps too tightly, the problem was solved. I now have full carbon-soled shoes at nylon-sole prices; the black looks good; the heel retention system works; and the mouldable plastic has a wonderfully addictive smell. They even come with different insoles for hot and cold weather. The carbon sole has big vents for breathability which should also help when summer arrives. The carbon sole delivers power without flexing and the shoes feel light and comfortable - I rode 100kms in them yesterday, no foot trouble at all. Admittedly they're not as desirable and high-quality as Sidis but they get 5 stars for value.

Being a consummate poseur, it was time for me to get some white EuroPRO sunglasses and these fit the bill. They are almost as obnoxious-looking as Oakley Jawbones at a fraction of the price, and they come with a proper case. The yellow lenses are great for murky days and make them seem a little more cheerful as well as taking the edge off any sunshine-through-clouds glare. The snap-fit lens system is a bit hair-raising until you get the hang of it, and you will need to take a minute to wipe your fingerprints off the lenses afterwards. Once on you forget the glasses are there and they provide good wind protection. They do mist up if you come to a sudden halt but will clear up quickly too.