Our top 10 summer cycle-kit

As the sun comes out and tracks start to dry up, you know it's time for long, warmer, cycling days. But as you pack away those thick thermals and insulated jackets, it's time to think of a whole new range of clothing for the summer.

Here is our checklist of a few of those important essentials when thinking of the summer wardrobe…

Helmet
You all know you need a helmet, but in the summer time this can be more of a pain as it can become warm, sweaty and uncomfortable. Try finding one with a load of air vents to keep good air-flow, and make sure it fits perfectly and not too tight, as this can cause excess sweating. Visors are also advisable to shade your eyes from a bit of that sun glare.

Sunglasses
Shades are important to protect your eyes from the sun. You may come over a sudden ridge, and get blinded when you least expect it. A good wrap-round pair of glasses could help shade your eyes from all angles and are more comfortable when riding. Make sure they're not too loose as falling glasses could be dangerous.

Technical t-shirt
Mountainbiking always brings on a sweat, and even more so in the summer. A great baselayer will help with wicking, meaning you can stay cooler when you're riding, but don't cool down too much when you stop. For the summer, shirts are available with a looser fit to keep you cooler, but still containing the same technology.

Lightweight gloves
Protect your hands but don't let them get hot and sweaty. There are loads of great light-weight gloves around.

Tyre pump
Pump more air into your tyres and you will go faster on those dryer summer trails.

Waterproof jacket
They may not be sexy, but a waterproof jacket could save you from those sudden, unpredictable showers in the mountains. Winds can also pick up from nowhere when you're in the mountains, particularly in the evenings, so a windshield jacket is always useful.

Pack
A comfortable, lightweight pack is important to store those extra layers, puncture repair kits, maps, munchies, wallet, and room keys. The last thing you need on a hot summer's day riding is a heavy pack, so find something big enough to take everything, but light enough to stop you overheating and keep you comfortable.

Water bottle
Dehydration is never a good thing, so take plenty of fluids with you in either a bottle or hydration pack. It may be some time before you come across a rest-stop, and if you get injured, you will need water. Water also cools you down. Some kind of energy drink may also be useful to keep up your sugar levels.

Energy bars
As well as tasting good, energy bars can help keep up your sugar levels so you can make it to the end. Chocolate is never good in the warm mountains, and soft bars can squash in your packs easily.

First-aid kit with mosquito killer…
While the sun is shining and you're feeling confident and happy about your riding, you may lapse concentration for a brief moment, while an unpredictable obstacle happens to jump out in front of you…. Or the now dried-up trails through the forest may provide you with scratches and bleeding you hadn't planned for. Take a first aid kit! And mosquito killer is always beneficial through the summer.