Channel your inner cyclist with the best bikes and gear

Cannondale’s Synapse is the most decorated road bike in the game – not just on the road among the peloton and sportive events, but very few bikes have scored the level of accolades by the incredibly picky cycling media. As fair-weather cyclists, we defer to Cycling Plus magazine here: “The ultimate sportive bike: light, smooth, easy to ride but with an exciting race-bred edge.” What makes the Synapse so special, then? Essentially, it’s a perfect blend of race-proven endurance geometry and road-smoothing ridability. The hi-modulus carbon-fibre bike ranges from the Shimano Tiagra-equipped Synapse Carbon at £1,349 up through the line up to the Black Inc Hi-Mod, with Shimano’s Di2 electronic gears, available at a shade under £6,000. cannondale.com

As with Savile Row for suits or picking a pair of shoes from John Lobb, when it comes to the best in breed you have to go bespoke. And bikes don’t come much more bespoke than with UBYK’s ProBuild system. This virtual bike builder allows you to visually customise your own ride with the best components on the market, and watch the weight and price of the bike change as you spec it up. There are informative videos on the parts, so you can make an educated decision on which areas you would most benefit from an upgrade. The mountain bike pictured is a Yeti SB6c Carbon which weighs in at just 27.23lbs, and will set you back £8,150. If road bikes are more your bag, UBYK works with brands including Cinelli, Storck and Parlee to offer the same custom experience for a Tour-quality creation. ubyk.co.uk

While the concept of a folding bike is undeniably a practical one, they’ve never quite amassed the cool credentials of a racer or a fixie. Until now. The JIVR Bike not only looks great, but it’s clever, too: equipped with an electric motor, it provides the option of manual, assisted peddling or full electric modes, as well as a choice of folding positions (so it’s possible to stash under your desk). What makes this nifty piece of commuter kit even handier is the fact that should anything go wrong, customer assistance in London comes for free, including the pick up of the bike, any repair costs or a replacement. Sound good? Pick one up and ride – or carry – it home for £2,000. jivrbike.com

Just because a bike looks like it should be mounted on the wall of a pop-up moustache-waxing salon in Haggerston, doesn’t mean it’s all style and no substance. The Needle, by German-based company Bombtrack, mixes a classic steel frame with modern accessories and design: a tapered carbon-fibre fork means handling is stiffer and more direct. What really sets it apart from its trendy pretenders is the Sram Omnium crankset designed for professional track racing. Overall, you get a bike that’s fast, reliable – and still too cool for school. bombtrack.com

Not 100% sold on an all-Lycra cycling kit? Well you can’t be blamed for that. Happily, you don’t have to ditch denim to ensure a comfortable ride, thanks to the thoughtful people at Cadence. Their jeans are reinforced where it matters most (no saddle-ache here, thanks), and made from a raw denim/Lycra blend for maximum flexibility. There’s even a reflective back patch so you’ll be easy to spot. ubyk.co.uk

Whatever level your cycling skills, donning a casquette will instantly make you feel at least 50% more professional (probably). This clever little cap is made from lightweight technical cotton to keep you cool when it’s hot and, er, hot when it’s cool. And if you don’t feel happy swapping safety for style, just put it on when you disembark and stand around your bike looking confident. No one will ever know. cafeducycliste.com