Cinelli Zydeco
Price £1,600, alwaysriding.co.uk
Frame aluminium
Gears Shimano Tiagra
Brakes TRP Spyre

For cyclists, April really can be the cruellest month. You set out in sunshine only to find yourself battered by icy winds and horizontal rain. We are always caught between seasons – which is where the multiple talents and split personality of a bike like the Cinelli Zydeco comes into its own. It’s hard to work out if it’s a race machine impersonating a commuter, or an urban hybrid masquerading as a mud slugger. Maybe it’s all four of these.

Always Riding, an independent supplier, has now taken Cinelli’s versatile Zydeco frame and created their own colourful version. For the gears, they’ve selected a full Tiagra groupset which is wide ranging enough for both flat-out road riding and spinning up a dirt climb, while the TRP Spyre brakes they’ve chosen sit at the top of the tree for stopping power when it comes to mechanical discs. The tyres are mighty Schwalbe G-Ones – high-functioning, cross-discipline rollers which are as happy on tarmac as they are in the mud – and the tan walls add a touch of class. This bike is a no-excuses all-weather all-rounder. Get out there…

Cool kit

The premium cycling brand Le Col has just launched their highly anticipated new men’s and women’s range. The collection introduces a new design scheme, class-leading comfort and a dedication to technical performance which makes this collection stand-out among its competitors.

Founded by British pro-cyclist Yanto Barker in 2011, Le Col has become noted for developing some of the most technically advanced cycling clothing on the market, in part down to Yanto’s experience in the saddle and a determination to create clothing designed for performance.

With changes across the full Le Col range, the new Pro Jersey is the showcase item. Built using entirely new materials and meryl NILO fabrics, the jersey is now 28% lighter, and with a SPF50+ rating, it is the perfect choice for the warmer days of the year, providing naturally high wicking and cooling properties in hot weather whilst maintaining insulation for cooler temperatures.

Le Col has introduced a new colour palette for the SS18 collection, with dark navy, burgundy, purples and sky blues featuring across the ranges. The brand is also introducing hexagon patterns with fades on some products for people who really want to stand out.

The new SS18 range is being manufactured at Le Col’s own factory in Treviso, Italy – home to some of the world’s greatest cycling roads, and rich in cycling history.

Le Col cycling jersey £150, lecol.cc

Email Martin at martin.love@observer.co.uk or follow him on Twitter @MartinLove166