Commuting Clobber

[EasyPeez]

Evening,

Switched from car to bike about 8-10 weeks ago for my 20 mile round commute and am loving every minute of it :-)
Only problem is, because I do the school run in the morning I really have to then hammer it to get in for my 9.30am start time, and am thus always drenched in sweat when I arrive.
I have no cycling gear apart from gloves, so am wearing jeans, cotton t-shirt, sweatshirt and, now it's cold, a scarf and plastic hoodie mac over the top. I can get a wash when I arrive and have workwear to change into so it's not so bad really, but with a new bike in the offing and 4 full seasons of cycling to look forward to next year, I reckon it's time I got some decent kit. The new bike means I won't have a lot of readies to spare, so it'll be dependent on how much xmas money I get as to what my budget is, but I'm reckoning I'll have to start with the most essential 2 or 3 items and add something each month.

So, what should I get, in order of most useful (warm but breathable) and where from?
Would I be right in thinking breathable and waterproof are pretty much mutually exclusive when it comes to trousers and jackets?

This looks good value and pretty stylish, but 100% polyester? Surely that's going to be just as boil in the bag as my mac but without the advantage of being rainproof?
http://www.sportsdirect.com/mfx-a-p...oft-shell-jacket-mens-635110?colcode=63511044

Would I be any better off with something like this?
http://www.howies.co.uk/mens/clothing/cycle/dyfi-turkish-sea.html?
Or this?
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-flashlight-windproof-xt-cycling-jacket/#tabCustReviews


Also, are cycling jerseys practical, or just for weekend showboating? I'm loving some of the stuff on here, but not sure it's the most useful gear to be starting with...
http://www.prendas.co.uk/cycle-clothing/jerseys/long-sleeve-jerseys.html

Cheers, Andy

 

[DCLane]

I commute 10-20 miles each way in a range of kit. Most is a base layer plus short/long sleeve jersey. In the winter I've a decent jacket like the one above.

Also remember gloves and decent padded shorts / longs for the colder weather.

 

[mjr]

Wow, where to start? If nothing else, I'd switch the jeans for golfing or walking trousers and the sweatshirt (does what it says on the tin) for a woven jumper.

Breathable and waterproof are fairly exclusive until you get into fairly expensive stuff.

Polyester need not be hot. It depends on the weave and so on. I don't know that item. I ride in a tenn Roubaix jacket autumn and spring which is 100% polyester, switching to a warmer shelled fleece for the depths of winter which is also 100% polyester but very different to wear.

I think cycling jerseys are practical with good design and useful back pockets, but they look naff if you're not near the bike.

I'd probably put a nice base layer fairly high on the list, after you've got a workable trouser/tops combo.

 

[EasyPeez]

Also remember gloves and decent padded shorts

I have padded gloves (winter and fingerless) and, thanks for reminding me - I have some padded lycra shorts that someone gave me when I did the TPT years ago that I'd totally forgotten about, will dig those out this weekend :-)

a decent jacket like the one above

Which one of the 3 do you mean? Or do you mean they're all decent?

This base layer of which you both speak, is Merino the best choice? And would a long-sleeve base wear ok under a short-sleeved jersey when there's a chill in the air but it's not full-on nithering?

switch the jeans for golfing or walking trousers

I already have walking trousers on my xmas list as I do a fair bit of hiking, so here's hoping Santa comes good on those. Would never have thought of them for riding in, cheers.
Any tips on a woven jumper/mid layer for between the base and jacket much appreciated as that seems to be the trickiest bit to nail down.

 

[Sharky]

I would go for the wind proof ones which are lightweight. When it gets colder, it's easy to add an extra jumper underneath.

I would also avoid black/dark clothing and if you are commuting in the dark, make sure it has some reflective bits on it. If no reflective bits, then you can add some of your own with this http://www.glow.co.uk/reflective-tape.html . Works a treat.

For protection against rain, I carry a rolled up rain jacket that came from decathlon for about £10, in one of my bottle cages. In practice, unless it is heavy wet rain and my journey is less than 30 mins to go, I just brave it.

Cheers keith

 

[DCLane]

Which one of the 3 do you mean? Or do you mean they're all decent?

This base layer of which you both speak, is Merino the best choice? And would a long-sleeve base wear ok under a short-sleeved jersey when there's a chill in the air but it's not full-on nithering?

The Sports Direct one seems OK. I've got a Decathlon one and one from a brand called Galibier, again from eBay. Tenn also do some decent budget kit. These work when it's really cold otherwise I wear a base layer and long sleeve jersey most days autumn/winter/spring. I've a pair of Karrimor running leggings from Sports Direct over the cycle shorts as well.

I don't wear merino base layers, they're simply Canterbury / other ones I've picked up off eBay. Also BaaBaa make lovely merino wool socks and a skull cap which are great in cold commuting.

One thing I forgot is overshoes; they're great to keep the rain and cold out of your shoes. My commuting ones were about £10. Planet X are doing some decent budget winter kit and yes, I'd also access eBay or similar.

For riding outside of my commuting I've a decent set of jerseys/jackets but in going to work and back every day they get worn a lot and, as such, wear out faster so I buy cheaper ones.

 

[cyberknight]

I ride 10 miles each way and always wear what you would call proper cycle clothing as i find it more comfy as its deigned for the job .
Most of my kit is decathlon /aldi/lidl stuff although i do have dhb kit for the weekend , mainly as a 5 day a week commuter i found i required one set of kit for each day as with a family wash and wear it would not reappear for a few days.

 

[vickster]

Merino baselayers, doesn't get pongy unlike polyester

Planet X do all sorts of merino including very good socks

 

[CopperBrompton]

100% waterproof and fully breathable these days means Gore Active/Active Shell/AS (not to be confused with the far older and much less breathable standard Goretex). Not cheap, but worth every penny.

Coolmax is also a great wicking base layer. For in-between layers, Merino or standard wool.

 

[Pumpkin the robot]

I had a gore as jacket. Excellent piece of kit. I onlt sold it as it was the wrong colour for me!

 

[Bodhbh]

This base layer of which you both speak, is Merino the best choice? And would a long-sleeve base wear ok under a short-sleeved jersey when there's a chill in the air but it's not full-on nithering?

I already have walking trousers on my xmas list as I do a fair bit of hiking, so here's hoping Santa comes good on those. Would never have thought of them for riding in, cheers.
Any tips on a woven jumper/mid layer for between the base and jacket much appreciated as that seems to be the trickiest bit to nail down.

tbh if you're already buying walking gear, most of that will be absolutely fine for cycling in. The main difference is, as you're bent over on the bike, cycling tops tends to be longer at the back and the trousers come further up. That and it tends to be a closer fit, which may or may not be to your liking. I'd probably get a decent cycling specific jacket, and just use your walking gear for the rest. Altura Nightvision is a good winter jacket for the commute, with underarm vent zips to keep it breathable.

Merino has it's pros and cons. It doesn't stink and keeps you warm when it's wet. But it's rarely cheap, can wear quickly, and if you absently stick it on the wrong wash or in the dryer you will end up with a vest for a midget. I just use M&S thermal vests tbh.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

Not read the rest so apols if repeating. A nice merino base layer as your treat item while on a bike induced budget. Although I got a nice Decathlon one for £20 a couple of years back. Avoid anything merino in Aldi, it is mixed and itchy as hell. Other than that Decathlon & Aldi bike & hike gear quality invariably outstrips the price you pay. Layering works better IMO than a big jacket, Aldi softshells are my outer of choice for all weathers, it is only the rare heavy rain days that they soak through. Showerproofing is surprisingly good with them and there is no boil in the bag. Windproofing is achieved with a couple of layers although one of my best ever biking finds is a windstopper vest. It means I can dispense with an intermediate layer on all but the coldest days. (I naturally run quite warm so like as little as possible on)

Hiking type trousers are good & flexible & usually have secure pockets for phone, wallet etc for travelling light and come in different season weights for when it is too chilly for shorts, it is a long way into -C before I think of Lycra 3/4 or longs under trousers.

Normal socks, a couple of pairs if its cold (trainer type under regular ones) & keep some dry ones at work if you don't have drying facilities, the worst feeling pre ride home after a day at work is pulling on damp socks.

Gloves, season appropriate & think layers again, thin man made fibre or silk liners make a surprising difference under regular cycling gloves on cold winter days or under fingerless in autumn /early spring.

A Buff is an essential for your head and neck, fits comfortably under a helmet too.

 

[subaqua]

Padded shorts or undershorts are a must for anything over about 2 miles otherwise your knackers (if you are a bloke ) will be a little tender as the padding keeps em in the right place.

 

[mjr]

Padding is a personal thing. I don't usually bother up to 20-30 miles but I like my saddles.

I like dark clothing. My bike has plenty of lights and reflectors.

 

[gazza_d]

Jeans and a cotton T are possibly the worst for more than a mile to the shops. It may be that you are sweating but unable to wick it away so getting damp and cold.
Thin layers which you can take on and off to tune to the weather are best. I try to avoid wearing the waterproof jacket unless it is tipping as I get too sweaty in it and then alternate between overheating & being cold which is not nice.

I find I am quicker in cycling specific clothing. I commute about 17 miles each way most days including the winter, so need to quickly change at work so it's not an issue.
If it's above about 8'C then a short sleeve top & a long sleeve cycling top work well for me, once I am over the first mile or so and warming up. At that king of temp I stick with track mitts as well, and save the winter gloves for when it's quite a bit colder
Another +1 one for Aldi softshell jackets. Mine is 2 or 3 years old and is good down to almost 0 with just a thermal underneath (I do work hard though on the bike).

It's worth having a look at Aldi as some stores may still have some cycle clothing in at a reduced price. the rest of Aldi gear is quite decent as well, except perhaps the long cycling leggings. I have found the cut around the groin a bit odd, and the pad is too far forward and I get on with most cycling gear. Or buy some cheap muddy fox tops from Sports Direct as they wick moisture well and dry quickly (important if you don't want to pull damp clothing back on at the end of the day for the ride home) and some Ronhill tracksters over cycling shorts, or seamless trunks (It's the seams that are the issue).