Whether its a hipster on their fixie, a banker on their Brompton or MAMIL (middle-aged man in lycra) on their road bike, city streets and country lanes in the UK are packed with cyclists. Around two million Brits now cycle at least once a week. What is making travelling by two wheels so popular?

Cycling is the preferred mode of transport among many Europeans, but when the heavens open, they're resigned to either shapeless waterproofs, getting soaked through or hopping on a bus instead. Now, Dutch label Bybrown has launched the Raindress for style-conscious cyclists.

Brands like Lululemon have changed how people view their clothing; they want it to withstand their hectic lifestyles while still looking good. But that doesn’t mean it has to be basic. By combining technical fabrics with high-end design, Kit and Ace wants to show that functionality can be luxurious.

Strava, the socially focused, GPS-powered activity tracker, has taken the fitness world by storm. It’s had an especially profound impact on the world of cycling, with thousands of riders going to extreme lengths to claim the virtual prizes it offers. But what makes the platform so addictive?