Six of the best gadgets and gizmos on a theme. This week: Six of the must-have cycle gadgets for a fun and safe ride.

By Peter Jenkinson


Following Bradley Wiggins's success in the Olympics and Tour de France, the nation's interest in cycling has received a huge boost - well, what's not to like about the two-wheeled vehicle?

It's fun, helps you fight the flab and can be faster than other modes of transport.

Despite the weather taking a turn for the worse, don't get off your bike. If you want something to keep you entertained on your ride, or equipment that'll help you stay safe on the cycle paths over the coming months, take a look at these six gadgets.


Spinning Around - Bike SpokeLit - £7.99 from www.firebox.com

Stick one of these on your spokes and as you pedal it'll produce a light show that's certain to get you noticed. These multi-coloured hues work in tandem with your regular lights and, as you pedal, will blur into a solid ring of light. Plus it's waterproof and shockproof - fantastic.


Whistle Along - Denon AH-W150 - £149.99 - www.amazon.co.uk

Listening to music while working out can enhance your performance by at least 20%, so let's have a go. These top-end earphones have a seven-hour rechargeable battery and integrated controls and microphones for on-the-go use. If that's not enough, the fact that the Denon Exercise Freak headphones are also lightweight, sweatproof and come with wireless connectivity should help lead you to the buy button.


Safe Cable - Alarmio Personal Cable Lock - £14.95 at www.red5.co.uk

This motion-sensitive alarm cable is a must for anyone with a cycle of worth! It features a 100-decibel alarm as well as two motion-sensitivity settings, so if anyone tries to tamper with your bike, it's sure to let others know. The added four-number combination lock makes it almost impossible for anyone to pilfer your transport, or any other bit of gear attached it to.


Mobile Music - Cycle Speaker - £39.95 from www.red5.co.uk

Of course you want music on the move, but how best to deliver it into your earholes is a tricky business. This cycle speaker is powered by lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, so the tunes keep on playing. It also has a FM radio and micro SD card. Designed to look like a drinks bottle, it should fit most holders.


Illuminate Me - Cateye SL110 - £19.99 from www.evanscycles.com

There is no way we are going to let you on the open road with no lights on your bike. So for almost £20, this front and back set will help ensure that you are seen at all times - totally necessary. Easy to fit, bright and hard-wearing, there's really no excuse.


Foot Form - Reflective Socks - £14.99 from www.firebox.com

Head-slappingly simple, these socks come with a reflective patch to increase your visibility as you cycle. No one will know you have them on until you pull up your trouser leg, so they're ideal for commuters who cycle to and from work in the dark, plus they'll complement your high-vis jacket nicely.


App of the week - Free App Magic - free on iOS

The clever chaps at MagicSolver find three of the best paid-for apps on the App Store and deliver them to your smartphone for free. Sounds too good to be true? It isn't. As long as you download them before the bomb explodes, they're yours. Enjoy.