Clothing Advice

[monnet]

In contrast to Rich i find gilets very useful. Once I got one I wondered how I'd lived without it.

Why? You can wear them with a short sleeved jersey to keep the chill off. They also offer protection from the wind and rain without the clamminess of long sleeved waterproofs. When it gets colder they can be another layer over your winter jersey to keep the wind chill off your chest. All this AND when they are not needed, they can be stuffed into your back pocket - ready to re-emerge when needed.

 

[rich p]

In contrast to Rich i find gilets very useful. Once I got one I wondered how I'd lived without it.

Why? You can wear them with a short sleeved jersey to keep the chill off. They also offer protection from the wind and rain without the clamminess of long sleeved waterproofs. When it gets colder they can be another layer over your winter jersey to keep the wind chill off your chest. All this AND when they are not needed, they can be stuffed into your back pocket - ready to re-emerge when needed.

I'm willing to be convinced but do you agree that they're often pricey?

 

[BalkanExpress]

I'm willing to be convinced but do you agree that they're often pricey?

Like everything else bikewise you can pay a little or a lot.

I'd never even heard of gilets as a kid (except in French classes) but coming back to cycling I'm now sold on the idea.

I've got a Cannondale morphis, the sleeves come off converting a very boil in the bag waterproof into a very useful gilet. I've worn it a lot over the winter with just a longsleeve jersey on underneath. It keeps the bodycore nice and warm, cuts out windchill on the descents and if I overheat on the climb it goes into the back pocket.

 

[zoglug]

So wheres the best place to buy from? Do you just use the LBS? Or online from the likes of Wiggle/Evans or ebay?

 

[monnet]

I'm willing to be convinced but do you agree that they're often pricey?

Yes, I'll accept they can be pricey. To be honest the first I got was given to me and the other was going cheap in a sale. I still love them though!

 

[johnr]

If you live near an Aldi go down tomorrow. They did their bike stuff at the beinning of the month and still have some left at my local store. I got a light rain jacket there which is fantastic for wind and water protection and keeps in enough warmth when I'm cycling home after midnight.

Their shirts are not bad, certainly good enough to keep you going through the summer until the retailers put hefty reductions on the respectable brands. Same goes for mitts and Aldi's socks are brilliant. I'd stay well away from their shorts, though.

I also picked up a bamboo base layer for £6. I've worn it a couple of times on cold mornings and it seems to work well. Extremely comfortable fabric and easy to look after.

If you've got cash to spend and are planning all year round riding, I'd look at the bargain sections on winter clothing and invest there. Now is the time to pick up real savings on the top notch stuff you'll need to keep you comfortable and dry. Aldi ( and a decent pair of bib shorts) will keep you going until then.

Enjoy.

 

[summerdays]

Another newbie question, whats a Gilet and what makes them so useful?

I find it less boil in the bag than a jacket, and if its just a light drizzle, it keeps enough off you to stop you getting chilled. (Mines also pink which I think adds to my visibility on the road!! same as Cathryn's).

I'm willing to be convinced but do you agree that they're often pricey?

I bought my in the sale last autumn, though didn't start wearing it until this spring.

 

[stonecastle]

I always take with me a pair of water proof over trousers and a rain jacket and waterproof gloves. Good rain gear is a must for cycling as you get absolutley drenched when cycling in the rain.

A cycle cape is a good alternative to rain clothing if you don't want to carry much weight. But if you are going to be doing some walking as well then a good pair of breathable, waterproof overtrousers and a breathable waterproof jacket are a must.

You can also easily strap a folded umbrella to your cycles top tube as well for use when you are off the bike.

One tip about waterproof jackets try to get one that has a hood that can be detached so that it can turn with the head, this makes it easier to see in every direction when you turn your head.