Few winter clothing questions

[martint235]

is the wet feet from the rain or from the sweating with thick socks and the overshoes

Definitely the rain. I have had damp feet from sweating into waterproof socks before but in heavy rain we're talking serious amounts of water in the sock (and the shoe for that matter). I imagine it's a wicking process from the top of the sock.

I've seen some longer overshoes which come further up the calf so I'm going to give those a go.

 

[jowwy]

It may well be his opinion, which you once again seem to be riding on the back of, incidentally. But anyway, suggesting a £250 all-in-one thermosuit to a rider about to go into his first winter is (in my opinion) completely inappropriate, not to mention impractical. So in terms of the topic, a thermosuit is almost certainly not 'the answer'.

Outside of races, you are probably more likely to trash kit in winter than at any other time of the year. I have trashed bibs, overshoes, jackets and gloves at various times due to slipping on ice or mud, the sort of stuff which is not unusual on the roads at this time of the year. Individual items are easily replaced. If you trash any part of a thermosuit, then the whole thing has to go in the bin. You still think it's a good idea for a beginner?

1. we all have a right to an opinion - not just you
2. he's not racing, just riding in the winter - so maybe he won't trash any of his kit, in the same way as i havent trashed any of mine
3. i'm not jumping on the back of anything or anyone, just stating that is @Mr Haematocrit opinion, which he is entitled to make
4. The OP didn't give a budget for the intending purchase, so quoting cost's of the item means nothing

5. Please don't turn this into another debate of who is right and who is wrong, just answer the question with your opinion and stop stating that all other opinions are wrong.

Thank you

 

[jowwy]

Definitely the rain. I have had damp feet from sweating into waterproof socks before but in heavy rain we're talking serious amounts of water in the sock (and the shoe for that matter). I imagine it's a wicking process from the top of the sock.

I've seen some longer overshoes which come further up the calf so I'm going to give those a go.

was just asking, cause i'm looking into waterproof overshoes and socks myself

sorry for thread hacking to the OP

 

[martint235]

was just asking, cause i'm looking into waterproof overshoes and socks myself

sorry for thread hacking to the OP

It's the spray from the front wheel hitting your legs that causes the problem. I've found that front mudguard actually makes this even worse in heavy rain as it just sprays all the water on to my foot.

 

[Dusty Bin]

1. we all have a right to an opinion - not just you
2. he's not racing, just riding in the winter - so maybe he won't trash any of his kit, in the same way as i havent trashed any of mine
3. i'm not jumping on the back of anything or anyone, just stating that is @Mr Haematocrit opinion, which he is entitled to make
4. The OP didn't give a budget for the intending purchase, so quoting cost's of the item means nothing

5. Please don't turn this into another debate of who is right and who is wrong, just answer the question with your opinion and stop stating that all other opinions are wrong.

Thank you

I don't think I've said anyone was wrong - but there's certainly no harm in stating that a Castelli Thermosuit is almost certainly not a viable or practical option for someone asking what kit he should be buying for his first winter on the bike.

If you read my post again, I said 'outside of racing - there is more chance of trashing kit in winter than at any other time'. If you do actually ride through winter, then it's just a matter of time before you hit a patch of mud or an ice patch and then hit the deck. The fact that you haven't trashed any kit yet does not mean you never will.

Finally, the OP did indeed not mention a budget. But common sense really should suggest that a new rider going into his first winter on the bike is probably not looking at top end (and thoroughly impractical too, I might add - for all the reasons I stated) all-in-one kit.

Finally, finally - do not lecture me on what to say. I have offered practical suggestions here, where all you have done is picked yet another fight, while offering nothing of use to the OP. Your net contribution to this thread is precisely zero.

 

[tigger]

Back on topic. Layers and choice for varying conditions is the key. Everyone rides at different intensities plus some people run hotter than others, so it's impossible to say what's right for you in any given conditions.

I'd always recommend a pure merino base layer in winter, it just seems to keep you warmer and regulate temperature better. Finding a balance between breathable, wind proof and waterproof is also important (in that order in my view), this will depend on the weather and ride intensity.

Overshoes, a selection of socks, bib shorts, leg warmers, thermal bib tights for when it's colder, a long sleeve jersey, a soft shell jacket of some form (this is vital), cheap thin packable waterproof for when it really rains (remember not even the £££s rainjackets are breathable, so soft shell is your main outer layer unless you go really slow and its really wet), buff / merino hat, merino neck scarf thing, gloves to suit your needs...

That's all you need!

 

[Maverick Goose]

+1 for merino wool-it's most excellent!

 

[Buzzinonbikes]

Just got my first merino product and it is excellent. It's a DHB long sleeve base layer and kept me toasty under a soft shell at about 5-10 degrees steady commuting pace.

 

[sleaver]

As it was mentioned, I could probably stretch to £200 budget wise at the most.

I don't drive to and from work so I would only be out at weekends so I'm guessing that multiples of items won't be that important. It is unlikely I would ride on Saturday and Sunday as I'm studying for a Masters degree part time and so my social life is kind of limited as it is.

Thanks for all the comments so far though, they have been helpful.

 

[downfader]

As it was mentioned, I could probably stretch to £200 budget wise at the most.

I don't drive to and from work so I would only be out at weekends so I'm guessing that multiples of items won't be that important. It is unlikely I would ride on Saturday and Sunday as I'm studying for a Masters degree part time and so my social life is kind of limited as it is.

Thanks for all the comments so far though, they have been helpful.

I would recommend having a look at walking and outdoor shops (Blacks, Go Outdoors, Oswald Baileys if they're still going) or places like Halfords (for Polaris) or Decathlon if there is one in your area. You can sometimes pick up dirt cheap wicking fabric tops, sometimes with a fleecy material. Ignore the talk about onesies as its expensive and probably a waste of your time

Dont just look at cycling gear, look at the running and other clothing. Make sure that when you try a top on that you out stretch your arms... you dont want the sleeves riding too far back from the wrist or the forearms will get cold. Helly hanson gear is usually good for arm length in baselayers.

Various companies make water resistant tops and leggings which make life much easier. Endura used to do a good bib long called the Stealth. Quite expensive though, nearly half your budget. Cheap waterproof trousers and a change of clothing would be more cost effective

 

[Berties]

endura baba Merano long sleeve ,running and riding,and a good wind proof i have a gore with removable sleeves ,a good water proof gillette ,i use a berghaus running one,I have a endura stealth jacket for wet commutes ,but it makes me sweat so avoid having to wear it.good assos socks ,good shoe covers and a pair of longs ,i wear a buff on really cold days,and keep moving

 

[DooDah]

On the subject of "onesie", you could always get festive and buy one of these, looks pretty warm too!

http://www.clothingattesco.com/nigh...ent=ff322116&gclid=COW68Ly337oCFdPItAodJwYA2A

Is that useful enough info?

 

[bpsmith]

Broken link btw.

 

[Lien Sdrawde]

Ive done a couple of 60+ VERY hilly mile rides this last 7 days - with both rides starting at about 2'C and getting as warm as 7'C.
I wore http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-long-sleeve-windslam-roubaix-jersey/ on both days. I adore this Jersey.
At 2'C on day one I had my best grade dhb merino base layer (£40 from memory) - on day two I had my Aldi base layer (£8 from memory). Couldn't tell them apart.
When it got to about 6'C, on both days (with the sun shining on me), base layers came off and the jacket itself was warm and toasty.
I wore roubaix longs on both occasions (Decathlon £60) with a simple cycling cap under my helmet and was really amazed at how snug I was.

To note: I also invested in the Northwave arctic boot (£140) - my compadres feet were icy cold - mine were a perfect temperature. HTH.

 

[Lien Sdrawde]

Also to note: my knees did get a bit cold even with roubaix tights on - do people wear knee warmers over their tights? - it feels like I need to when the windchill is really signifcant but I wonder if they'd stay in place over a Lycra tight???