autumn/winter/spring clothing

[PaulLittle]

After my first "proper" soaking this morning, I realise that I'm going to need some decent gear to keep me warm/dry on my daily commute and weekend rides. So looking for jacket, tights, base layer, overshoe suggestions. I don't want to pay the earth but I'll always go for VFM over outright price. I've looked on wiggle and various other sites but frankly I'm a bit bewildered by the choice...

 

[PaulSecteur]

Sports soccer usually have some decent base layers cheapish...
http://www.sportsdirect.com/football/base-layer?dsearch=cat

What sort of commute do you do? The requirments will be different if its an 8mph across town pootle for 2 miles than a 20 mile "fast as you can" back lane thrash.

 

[Zakalwe]

Overshoes always get wet eventually even if they're waterproof - it goes down your leg and in the top. Base layers, you've got the option of getting withers few merino ones that stay fresher longer but cost more or a load of synthetic ones that are cheaper but kick up after each ride. I go for wool because I like it against skin and it stays warm when wet. I go fo ther thinner waterproof shells over mammoth hard shell type things, I'd rather have a couple of layers underneath and be able to take of the outer layer if it dries up rather than be stuck with a sweaty coat because its cold. Waterproofs tend to end up wet on the inside anyway from sweat.

 

[Zakalwe]

Oh yeah, there's a couple of buying guides for seasonal clothing and overshoes etc on road.cc - might be worth a look.

 

[Nocode]

Overshoes always get wet eventually even if they're waterproof - it goes down your leg and in the top.

Damn. I've just bought some overshoes and was hoping they would avoid this
On my commute home last night I thought I'd be ok in my sealskinz but I had that exact issue, the rain ran down my legs and into my sealskinz. I felt like I was cycling home with my feet in plastic bags filled with water - I guess I probably was more or less!

 

[Zakalwe]

Wet, but warm. Definitely worth wearing.

 

[PaulLittle]

The commute is about 4 miles each way but I don't tend to "pootle along" except when I get stuck behind a bus weekend rides are only started in fine weather (irrespective of temperature) but can always get caught out with a shower of course. Currently I am just wearing a T shirt with a Karrimor hi viz running top over and a pair of Specialized long (knee length) padded shorts and Nike trainers (I have flat pedals).

I totaly agree with the layers principle and am thinking along the lines of a dhb Corefit base layer with a dhb windslammer jacket, dhb Roubaix padded bib tights and a waterproof shell top of some description...

Good? Bad? Indifferent?

Any suggestions welcome.

 

[mip]

If it's value for money you want then the dhb stuff is hard to beat IMO.

 

[Zakalwe]

Sounds grand.

 

[Get In The Van]

If you have a TK Maxx nearby check out their sports stuff for top base layers, same with sportsdirect, i just picked up a base layer which was advertised for golfers, its the business! very warm. Hate wool against my skin so its synthetics all the way for me

 

[G2EWS]

Hi Paul,

I am new to this and sat with a friend who choose this lot for me:

1 x dhb Merino Longsleeve Zipneck Baselayer M_190 Blue Extra Large
1 x dhb Minima S Waterproof Jacket Hi Vis Yellow Extra Large
1 x dhb Vaeon Roubaix Padded Bib Tight Black Extra Large
1 x Shimano MT53 Multi-Use SPD Shoes Black 45
1 x Shimano SPD MTB Cleats Multi Release SH56
1 x SealSkinz Waterproof Winter Cycle Gloves Black Medium
1 x dhb Extreme Weather Neoprene Overshoe Black Large
1 x SealSkinz Waterproof Beanie Black Extra Extra Large
1 x Crud Twinpac Crud Catcher & Raceguard Black

Agree that the DHB stuff from Wiggle seems very good value for money.

Will be ordering waterproof, breathable trousers and a jersey to add to this lot.

As to the problem you guys are having with overshoes, I don't seem to be having that with mine. However I do exactly what I do when walking. My waterproof trousers go over the 'over shoes' so any water runs off. In fact I have gone through some big puddles on the way home deliberately and been pleased that my shoes and feet are totally dry!

Best regards

Chris

 

[Norm]

Worry about staying warm above staying dry, and Tenn Outdoors stuff from www.cycle-clothes.co.uk is, IMO, an unbeatable mix of quality and price.

 

[2wd]

If it's value for money you want then the dhb stuff is hard to beat IMO.

I tested my new DHB Pace Roubaix's last night and they were really comfy and warm

Then the mother of all storms fell out of the sky and no amount of winter/wet weather gear was going to stop me getting drenched through to the skin

I've been less wet in the bath

 

[Nearly there]

Worry about staying warm above staying dry, and Tenn Outdoors stuff from www.cycle-clothes.co.uk is, IMO, an unbeatable mix of quality and price.

You can purchase tenn via Amazon too its mostly what I buy as its great price and quality imo

 

[andrew_s]

Overshoes always get wet eventually even if they're waterproof - it goes down your leg and in the top.

You can minimise that by wearing your tights over the top of the overshoe. That requires a gripper (possibly plus zip) at the bottom end rather than a stirrup.