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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 Lube Chain 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 £229.99 www.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.
