Getting ready for autumn / winter

[Marc78]

I know it's still summer, but with the heavens opening today i spent an hour or so starting to look at bike clothing for the chillier months ahead. This is my first year on the bike, and i started getting out in about april. As I was just starting out and didnt want to spend too much I bought a pair of karrimoor cycling tights and a waterproof high via jacket. I'm thinking that I probably need to upgrade a bit to deal with the lower temperatures but don't really know where to start?

Any advice you can give to help me not waste a load of money would be. much appreciated.

Thanks

Marc

 

[smokeysmoo]

Wiggles DHB range offer good value for money, and I've only good things to say about Altura and Endura products too on the whole.

Plenty on here seem to like Decathlons stuff, again value for money seems to be it's ace in the hole

 

[Ian 74]

I'm thinking seriously about mud guards for the winter. +1 on the altura front. Over shoes are a blessing when it gets cold.

 

[potsy]

Hands and feet are the 2 areas to keep warm, an extra layer or 2 on the body should be enough.
Buffs and armwarmers are useful and take up hardly any room if not needed.

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

Layers,it's that simple upto 10 miles. Longer than that in anything below -2 cel then you need to spend on goretex or similar

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Sunday Morning rides Altura Winter Cruiser Tights, http://www.evanscycles.com/products/altura/winter-cruisers-trousers-ec019973?query=winter cruisers if its below zero long johns underneath, cycle shoes and overshoes, winter cycle jacket with sweatshirt and polo shirt underneath, light woollen gloves if its above zero, thermal gloves if its below zero and a woollie hat. To and from work I dress as normal but add a winter cycle jacket, gloves and woollie hat.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

Hands and feet are the 2 areas to keep warm, an extra layer or 2 on the body should be enough.
Buffs and armwarmers are useful and take up hardly any room if not needed.

Not just hands & feet, mate! You forgot the most important body part: the family jewels!

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

I got through last Winter with tin foil in my Lidl cycling shoes: can't get much cheaper than that...

 

[cyberknight]

Layers,it's that simple upto 10 miles. Longer than that in anything below -2 cel then you need to spend on goretex or similar

I think it all depends on the person and how they feel the cold, i managed fine with layers last winter down to -10 +.

I generally use.

altura winter gloves
Neoprene overshoes
buff

long sleeve aldi compression base layer
SS jersey
windproof

padded shorts
Ron hill bikesters
wintersocks

I am ok with that for most of the winter, chuck in arm+legwarmers and maybe a sleeveless base layer when it get s really cold, mind you at last weeks club run there were people with base layers on and i was thinking ?? its not that cold yet

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

Layers are great I agree, but the rain n sleet make quality waterproofs essential winter kit

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

Not just hands & feet, mate! You forgot the most important body part: the family jewels!

Potsy hasn't got any he's a girl........

 

[Oldbloke]

Thermal cap to go under helmet (if worn!)

Thick shoe covers, BBBs are good value

Padded undershorts

A good quality"wicking" underlayer

Windproof jacket/jersey

I believe ladies' tights are good for keeping out cold & wind (so I'm told!)


Good thermal windproof gloves, don't buy Sealskin gloves, they're crap

 

[jayonabike]

I like the dhb range of clothing and think it offers good value for money. As said before layers are important, a base layer, long sleeve top, waterproof jacket and full length bib tights will get you through winter. Don't forget full finger gloves, a hat, buff and overshoes.

 

[Marc78]

What's buff?

I know what 'in the buff' is, but as were talking about winter cycling i'm pretty sure that's not being recommended!

 

[gaz]

Layers are great I agree, but the rain n sleet make quality waterproofs essential winter kit

Only the heaviest rain will require waterproofs.
Other than that lots of layers will keep you warm even in rain.
A good pair of thick gloves are a must and I like a skullcap to keep my head warm