The Light is, obviously, the lighter version of the Race we tested last year. It’s a no compromise feather-light performance tyre. In 23mm guise it weighs a scant 190g, about 30g lighter than the Race. The low rotating weight should help on the climbs, as does the Silica compound which gives low rolling resistance. Michelin

We tested this bargain carbon cage a while ago and it’s still going strong – we’ve used it for mountain biking, battering accross cobbles and long rides with big bottles – no problems. Read the full review here. They are available from the Planet-X website and at 24g, they weigh about the same amount as a set of bottle cage bolts.

Pulling it out of the box the Aspide Carbon is greeted with long ‘oooooooohs’ from everyone in the office. The all carbon version of the SKN we’ve been very impressed with, weighs a measly 100g, 50g lighter than my perch of choice, the Specialized Toupe. The carbon shell, which has the now common-place channel for pressure relief, has a varying shell thickness, putting more material along the central area, and is supported by Avio Tube titanium rails. There’s a little flex in the rails and a tiny amount of give on the carbon, but it’s drastically less than nearly all other saddles, so we’ll be interested to report on the comfort of it. The flame finish looks very funky, and matches the Scapin beautifully. Just not too sure if it’ll be all that comfy after 6+hours… Ultimate Pursuits

My everyday pedal is the trusty 105. Cheap, indestructible and all the performance of the pedals which sit further up the range. For the Etape though weight is everything and I’ve just put a pair of Ultegra pedals on. The 105’s weigh 330g, if I had opted for the DuraAce models I would have saved 49g, but be lighter in the wallet department to the tune of £125. The Ultegra pedals strike a good compromise of weight, 300g, and price, £65. Ultimate Pursuits

These FSA cranks are expensive at £450, but for that you get crank arms and spider made from a carbon fibre monocoque. The chainrings are CNC’ed from 7075 aluminium, with ramps and pins to improve shifting. The outboard bearings, as is the trend for cranks now, are oversized cartridge bearings to handle the forces put through the cranks better, with a chromoly axle. Weight for the 50/34 configuration (with bottom bracket) is just 780g. They’re the choice of Team CSC too.Full Speed Ahead

It’s important I’ve got the right gearing, so couple with the 30/54 chainset the 12-27 cassette. It’ll be reassuring I’ve got low enough gearing should I need it, after all you never know how your legs will be on the day. Again I’ve chosen Ultegra as it represents a good balance of light weight and a light price tag. Ultimate Pursuits

I’ve been using this latest model from Polar for a few weeks ( read our preview) and it’ll be strapped to my bars for the Etape. I won’t be relying on it all the time, but it’ll be there to hopefully stop me getting all carried away and trying to race some French dudes. It records all the information I’ll need should I wish to analyse my performance post-ride… or maybe I’ll just head to the nearest bar.Polar

To save stuffing my jersey pockets I’m going to be using this small saddlebag from Agu. It has enough capacity to take a couple of innertubes, mini-tool, mobile phone and other bits and bobs, and means I can keep my jersey pockets free for stuffing with more important things like food. Unladden it won’t add much weight, just 125g, and the easy Klickfix bracket design means it can be taken of in a second. It’s a great bag for the more modest daily commute too, as its made from tough 600D Polyester and includes a bright yellow rain cover to protect the contents, though the saddlebag is coated with a water repellent material for good measure. Ultimate Pursuits

Yes we love carbon fibre. The Air Stik strives to save weight over the standard model by the main shaft being made from carbon fibre. It saves 5g over the aluminium version which isn’t much, but it sure does look good. Blackburn have been making pumps for a long time and it shows, the finish is excellent, as are the ergonomics: the shaped handle folds out into a more comfortable t-bar, there’s a bit of rubber also on the handle for better grip and the thumb lock lever attaches the pump onto the tube very reassuringly. A bracket mounts the pump onto the frame underneath the waterbottles. Weight: 157g. Ultimate Pursuits

You want to carry at least two spare tubes, and the super lightweight 70g Ultra-lights are a good choice. They’re also a good choice to put inside your tyres to save a little more weight. They’re a good partner to the already light Pro2 Light tyres I’ll be riding . Michelin

A mini-tool is essential. Hopefully you want have any mechanicals but in case anything falls of (fingers crossed they won’t), the I-Beam has just about every tool I’ll need – there’s no chain tool but that aside every possible mishap is covered. Folded away inside the tiny device are 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm allen tools, a straight blade screwdriver. Park Tool are reknowned for their quality and durability so it shouldn’t let you down. All that and it costs under a tenner. Bargain. Ultimate Pursuits