Livre d'Or

Two locks is essential: I have a frame lock for the back wheel (e.g. http://www.abus.com/uk/Mobile-Security/Bike-Safety-and-Security/Locks/Frame-Locks), and also a D-lock. I find the frame lock amazingly handy -- it carries my keys while I cycle, it makes sure I don't leave my bike and house keys behind when I get on my bike, and it makes me lock my bike and take my key out, even if I park for a few seconds to pop into a shop.

When parking at Cambridge station, I lock up extra carefully. The ideal is to lock both wheels and the frame to the bike stand. With luck, I can do this on a Sheffield stand, by locking the back wheel to the frame, and looping the D-lock through the front wheel, frame and stand. Some sort of loopy lock would make this easier, but it would be harder to carry: my D-lock just clips onto the frame when I cycle.

I was very lucky to get a Belgian second hand bike from the old Station Cycles at Cambridge station. It's pretty much my ideal turn-up-and-go low maintenance bike: solid but not crazy-heavy, upright position, dynamo lights, hub gears (7 speeds, but 3 would have been enough), hub brakes, marathon tyres, mudguards, pannier racks, frame lock, D lock. For a longer ride, I try to carry a pump, as most leaks are slow enough that it's faster to pump up a flat tyre, ride 500m, lather, rinse repeat, especially if you're far from help, or commuting with time pressure.

For a cycling jacket, I like the blue Altura ones: very reflective, but not eye-wateringly high-viz.