Cheffy update#2 No sore arse!

[cheffy]

Well, after a week of fettling with the saddle, riding into work, a weekly total of 30 miles and an early morning 20 miles today i'm feeling alot more comfortable on the Triban, i cannot beleive how smooth the bike is and now really loving it,
Dealing with the cold this morning, it was +3 and felt very cold, i had a t shirt, long sleeved cycle shirt and wind proof nylon jacket, i soon warmed up after the first mile, but got cold as soon as i stopped so i need to invest in some lightweight warm gear, i'm on a bit of a budget, but don't want crap, which is probably what im wearing now, are any of you in the know of a reasonable suitable set up that would help me out?
On the plus side i am now another 3lbs lighter this week, and my best freind and i are getting on a lot better since adjusting the saddle, a big thanks to all your support and answering my questions and i will keep giving you updates and of course asking questions, and part some of my new found knowledge to any newbee that might need it!
Happy riding folks

 

[Fab Foodie]

Cycle-specific layers are what's required. Decathlon is a damn good start on a budget.
T-shirts will not wick away moisture. A merino base layer is a very good investment and prices vary widely, even M&S sell them, but any other cycle specific or active sport underlayer say HH or similar will work better than a T.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/F-10975-under-garments

Armwarmers are a good investment to wear under a long sleeve shirt and are useful all year round.
Bib longs are warmer than regular longs too, especially over the lower back.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/bib-tights-3-black-id_8181412.html

I'm also a fan of the Gilet and Decathlon do a good basic one with a mesh back, Keeps the wind off your frontage, but will allow the sweat out far better than a jacket. Keep the jacket then for when you stop.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/5-windproof-gilet-black-white-id_8221240.html

You soon get used to layer for the appropriate conditions and then add or remove as you need on the road.

There are sales on at Wiggle and the like too, so if you're not too fussy you can get some ready bargains.

 

[cheffy]

Thanks fab foodie thats where i will be heading, decathalon in coventry, i should have looked when i brought the bike:0) and not too pricey

 

[MattHB]

proper base layers are a must. Stay well away from anything cotton as it wont wick moisture away, as FF says. If you cant wear wool like I cant, the endura base layers are cheap and excellent. (particularly the transmission range)

If you want to splash out, Odlo base layers are mindblowingly good, you stay freakishly cool when it warms up, and warm down to ridiculous temperatures all other times.. and for some reason, they never smell bad!

 

[GentlyBenevolent]

If you see them on a sale (as full price they're not budget in my book) then I can vouch for Icebreaker merino base layers. After using them on snowboarding trips I've been mightily impressed. I've alternated between 2 of them on 6 days of boarding (~6 hours per day) and at the end of the trip they didn't whiff one bit.

On the bike I use a generic nylon/synthetic top underneath a cycling jacket. Might go a base layer under that if it's really cold, but even today (at 4C) that was enough. Your needs may vary depending on your onboard pie-storage facilities and general level of nesh.

As an aside, great to see you're getting on so well. Today was the first ride of the year for me, and I'm already missing it again now.

 

[Falwheeler]

Mountain Warehouse have some good cheap base layers http://www.mountainwarehouse.com/ru...g-sleeved-tee-shirt-p5230.aspx?ism=0&cl=BLACK

 

[Easytigers]

I've had a couple of Aldi and Lidl base layers for the last couple of years and they've done me proud. Look out for the next sale

 

[Little yellow Brompton]

Well, after a week of fettling with the saddle, riding into work, a weekly total of 30 miles and an early morning 20 miles today i'm feeling alot more comfortable on the Triban, i cannot beleive how smooth the bike is and now really loving it,
Dealing with the cold this morning, it was +3 and felt very cold, i had a t shirt, long sleeved cycle shirt and wind proof nylon jacket, i soon warmed up after the first mile, but got cold as soon as i stopped so i need to invest in some lightweight warm gear, i'm on a bit of a budget, but don't want crap, which is probably what im wearing now, are any of you in the know of a reasonable suitable set up that would help me out?
On the plus side i am now another 3lbs lighter this week, and my best freind and i are getting on a lot better since adjusting the saddle, a big thanks to all your support and answering my questions and i will keep giving you updates and of course asking questions, and part some of my new found knowledge to any newbee that might need it!
Happy riding folks

I would keep a look out for Aldi or Lidl stuff when they have offers.
Tenn is a budget label you will find on Ebay, but I've had less than good impressions of their sizing a ratios.

 

[mcshroom]

I like the On one merino base layers: -

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CLOOMBL120/on_one_100_merino_base_layer_120gm

 

[Widge]

Most of my cycle-specific clobber is Aldi/Lidl stuff............the best things I've bought apart from this (given I am always looking for 'cheapskate solutions!) is a merino neck-buff from Planet X ('On- One'), some super warm high-tog socks from my local garage, and a thin thermal skull cap for just a few quid on eBay.

The Aldi type stuff is (mostly) good and amazing for the price IME. I love my winter jacket and gloves...and most of the rest is pretty serviceable. It is a good way to find out what you REALLY need without breaking the bank.

But.....Aldis bike Bonanzas are only twice a year....but well worth watching out for if you are just starting to build up your clobber.