DECEMBER 2015 | 87

Bosch AQT 45-14 X £279.99 www.bosch-garden.com

NOT THE SNAPPIEST name, but this

pressure washer from Bosch’s recently

revitalised range is an impressive

performer. It turns out the reason I’ve

not had much luck in the past with

pressure washers is that I’ve been

looking for cheap and light. This is

neither, but feels like it will last forever.

It’s easy to use, comes with loads of

relevant accessories and although it’s

powerful, it can also be adjusted to

allow use on more sensitive parts. CO

Venhill VT44 ratchet set £31.67 www.venhill.co.uk

HIGH-QUALITY 1/4IN DRIVE set with

8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 13mm and 14mm

sockets, two extension bars, a universal

joint and a natty ratchet spinner handle.

It also has 4mm, 5mm and 6mm

Allen-head drivers. The ratchet action is

good, though as it’s on a spinner-head

it’s not so important. If there’s a

drawback, it’s purely the massive

size of the storage box. It could all

fit into a far smaller

box that would

fit under a

seat: then it

would be

ace. SW

SDoc100 Dry LubeChain Spray £15.99

www.motohaus.com

DESIGNED TO BE all you’d

ever want from a chain lube

– easy to use, transparent,

reluctant to fling off, good

in all weathers – this is hardly

the cheapest you can buy

(although that price is for a

long-lasting 400ml can).

But so far it has proved to

be everything that its makers

claim for it. CO

Roadskin Sports Gloves £59

www.roadskin.co.uk

I LOVE THE simplicity of these.

There’s not much to them, but

everything that is here is strong

and functional.

There’s a nylon outer, layers

of waterproofing and insulating

material and then a full lining

of Kevlar to protect your hands

if you’re unlucky enough to find

yourself sliding up the road.

Putting your hands straight

into Kevlar, with no silky lining,

might sound odd but in reality in

feels perfectly natural.

They’re on the chunky side, and

the lack of sophistication in their

design and construction reveals

itself on warmer days when they

don’t feel very breathable. But when

the temperature drops they do a

good job of being warm, dry and

flexible enough to ensure you

always feel well connected to your

bike. There’s also a Cruiser version

available for £10 less, that’s slightly

shorter and has an even simpler

exterior. COLIN OVERLAND

Sidi Vertigo Ladies £229.99www.feridax.com

MY OLD SIDI Vertigos lasted me over

10 years, so I’m hoping for another

long-lasting relationship with this new

version of the same boot.

I ordered a size bigger than last

time as they’re quite narrow on the

toe so hoped for a better fit. This was

initially disappointing as the toe is still

very narrow and my first wear proved

slightly uncomfortable. Saying that,

after a few hundred miles they have

now definitely bedded in and are good

enough to wear for a whole day.

The safety features seem much the

same, but there is now the addition of

a Techno VR closing system allowing

accurate fitting on the calf. I’m not sure

about the shock absorbing heel as it

means I can’t flip sidestands down

easily, but I’ll get used to that and the

benefits of heel protection if I do crash

far outweigh the inconvenience.

There’s a bit more to the look, too,

with detailing hinting at the fact they

are women’s boots without a plethora

of pink – although they do come in pink

too if you so wish. CAROLINE BARRETT

TECHNO VR

Patented adjustable closing

system promises a more

snug and supportive fit to

your calf – no matter what

the size or shape.