Besides mudguards, there are a number of accessories required to complete an all-weather winter bike.
Lights

Lights are essential if you want to get the most out of winter. We’d recommend two lights at the front, and two at the rear, one on flashing mode and one steady. The former helps attract a driver’s attention, the latter makes it easier for them to gauge distance. Having two lights also means you’ve got a back-up if one fails and the Lezyne Zecto (reviewed here) is designed as the ultimate back-up, owing to the fact it can be used as a front or rear light.

If you want to train early in the morning or at night on unlit roads during winter then you will need a high-powered front light and we’d recommend 500 lumens as a starting point.

Even if you only plan on riding during the day we’d still recommend having a small light front and rear in case caught out in failing light or the weather turns (it can be almost as dark as night if caught in a winter storm).

Read our separate lights buyer’s guide here.

Saddlebag

Most riders will use a saddlebag year-round but, if you don’t, then winter is the time to make the switch.

You can store the essentials (inner tube, patches, tyre lever, multi-tool and an emergency gel) in the saddlebag, leaving your pockets free for spare clothing and the extra food required for long training rides.

We’d recommend only using a small saddlebag to complement the lines of your bike. The PRO Medi is an RCUK favourite thanks to its quick but secure velcro attachment, while it also has reflective detail.

Frame pump

Finally, a frame pump is a sensible, but not essential, winter purchase.

Fixing a roadside puncture, desperately trying to inflate the tyre, is a sure-fire way to zap motivation – and get cold. A frame pump, while not the most aesthetically pleasing option, has more volume and will help you get close to your preferred tyre pressure.

Not convinced? Then at least make sure you have a good quality and reliable mini pump which you know won’t fail you and will provide enough air to get you home.

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