Advice on clothing

[400bhp]

Hi

After about 15 years out of cycling (used to do a bit with Stretford Wheelers) I have decided to go the cycle to work route. I have purchased a road bike

My daily commute is around 8 miles x 2. I am also planning to do a bit of additional weekend cycling (probably 30-40 miles) up to some old haunts.


Having been out of the game for such a long time the whole cycling gear jobbie has changed. Given winter is almost here would some of you recommend some suitable clothing I should buy in odred to satisfy my cycle to work/leisure cycling?

I was thinking of perhaps:
1) a waterproof / windproof top with an old t/shirt underneath then perhaps an additional layer if needed
2) perhaps some 3/4 length bib shorts and/or some cycling shorts with a pair of Ron Hill runners.
3) warm gloves and overshoes (initially I'm not going to buy cycle shoes as I'll put up with trainers until I get used to the bike)
4) skull cap to wear under my helmet.

Any advice or alternatives appreciated.

I'm looking forward to getting on the bike again.

 

[Kestevan]

Sounds Mostly OK.

However, I'd suggest getting a cycling specific top, or a proper baselayer rather than an old T-shirt. Something that wicks sweat away rather than letting it soak will make you much more comfortable (and less smelly).

If your sticking with trainers, you might find that the majority of overshoes will not fit. I know the endura waterproof ones I have are bloody tight over even skinny fit cycle shoes, I just don't think you'll get them over std trainers.

Buy a Buff. Best invention ever for keeping head/ears/neck warm.


Oh, and

 

[leighd]

Personally I only started commuting about three weeks ago (now up to 20 mile round trip). Bought some bib longs, winter top and high vis jacket from aldi all for under £50.

On reflection I think it was a good investment. Been back to buy another set of longs and top so I can wash one wear one etc. Also dries on radiator at work in no time.

 

[Unkraut]

My experience of wearing trainers when commuting (11 km) is your feet freeze once it gets below 5 or 6°C. I invested in some cheapo walking boots, windproof, thick and covering the ankles. A size too big so you can move your toes and thickish wooly socks helps. Doesn't stop your feet from getting cold, but they don't turn into blocks of ice even when it is well below freezing.

 

[Lazy-Commuter]

I do about 7-8 miles (~30 mins) each way.

Your top layer(s) description sounds more or less exactly the same as what got me through last winter on the commute. I wore a wicking t-shirt base layer (bogof at Mountain Warehouse, paid a tenner or so for a pair) with a Montane Fetherlite smock as the waterproof / windproof top layer, as per this thread. I'd put an extra (mid) layer on between them if need be. As the weather changes, I mix and match that combination to suit .. the Fetherlite folds down small enough to stash somewhere and carry with you in case the weather changes.

Bottom half, I just went cycling shorts with wind / waterproof over trousers as needed, though I'm thinking of getting some 3/4 length bib affairs for this year.

I went straight from el cheapo padded palm cycling gloves in the summer to an old pair of ski gloves for the winter. Might get something in between this year 'cos some days it was too cold for the cheapies and the ski gloves were too hot.

I have a pair of waterproof walking shoes so just used those: only problem was the rain could run down my waterproof top layers and soak down my socks and wet my shoes from the inside out. Never did quite fix that one.