How to keep warm on a budget

[PaulBowden]

The topic title says it all, really....
I'm looking forward to getting back on bike as soon as weather and work (teaching) permit - relatively gentle touring: perhaps a couple of 30 mile rides a week (weekend) and a couple of shorter ones on work day evenings.
Any recommendations of (especially budget) really warm clothing (doesn't need to be waterproof) would be gratefull received.
Many thanks to all who read and reply
Paul
Lincolnshire

 

[2Loose]

I think a few light layers are the best way to stay warm without specialist clothing. One windproof\showerproof garment on the outside and even if you get too toasty then one can come off easily and make you a bit cooler.

 

[longers]

Hi Paul, layering is good as 2Loose says.

What have you got already in the way of clothing knocking about that you could use?
At this time of year wearing older clothes can be a good thing if you end up on the deck so you're not too fussed about the holes you might collect.

Skiing type gloves are just as good as some of the more pricey bike specific ones, they can be picked up cheap.

If there's an army surplus shop or the like nearby some of their vests/base-layers and longjohns are perfect on the bike, if you can find any that fit.

 

[ELL]

layers are the way to go but also get your self down to Aldi as they do some good kit for cheap prices.

 

[Zoiders]

spend good money on winter longs form the LBS.

Base layers fleeces and wind/rain shells can be picked up cheaply from TK Maxx.

 

[dellzeqq]

for 'base layers' read 'vest'. M+S long-sleeved thermal vests are (I think) £12 for the cotton variety and £18 for the wooly ones - and the wooly ones are just super-warm. Go now, though, because they sell out

you could also post your size in the 'Wanted' section of this forum. I've got at least one top I'll never wear again. It's not pretty, but it's not worn out.

 

[Zoiders]

Don't use cotton as a base layer.

Ever.

 

[chrishodges]

A cheap base layer from Lidl or Aldi is a great place to start. Once you have a base layer, as others have mentioned layering is the way to go.
Also a good set of gloves to keep you hands warm can make a great deal of difference.

 

[PaulSecteur]

Sports direct are doing some campri base layers, about £8 eacj for a long sleeve top and bottoms.

 

[snorri]

Don't use cotton as a base layer.
Ever.

That's a bit strong surely?
The OP intends gentle 30 mile touring, not any high performance stuff. I have never had any problems with cotton vests.

I find the most important aspect of winter clothing is a windproof outer, jacket and trousers.

 

[PaulBowden]

Many thanks to all who have posted (more welcome!)
I should have started by pointing out that I'm new to cycling, having started only last year; hence, my complete lack of knowledge of what is obvious, to most of you!
I can now see that layers are the obvious starting-point and I'll explore the possibilities mentioned: I've got some Aldi stuff, but this is for summer riding and the problem is, it's impossible to predict when their winter cycling gear is going to be available...
Re the last post (for which, thanks), I wonder which jackets, trousres etc people would recommend?
Thanks again
Paul

 

[Cletus Van Damme]

You will be lucky to get the Aldi stuff which is a shame as it sells out really quickly. They do appear on Ebay at an inflated price, they are made by Crane. I use an Endura Gridlock waterpoof jacket which is very good for around £50, it has never let any rain in yet and keeps me warm and is also windproof, might be a bit warm if you really go for it, although it does have large vents under the arms. I also have the Gridlock overtrousers which were about £35 and again they seem to be pretty good. Although I am sure that you could get cheaper overtrousers from a cheap hiking shop, but they might make you sweat a lot more. I also have the Endura Hummvee long cycling trousers, these are great they keep the light rain off and are good with the wind. They are baggy though, I just do not like the look of myself in lycra The Endura stuff is pretty good IMHO, but I cannot comment on the Aldi stuff as it was all gone when I went in, it may have just been as good for a fraction of the price.

 

[zacklaws]

Sports direct are doing some campri base layers, about £8 eacj for a long sleeve top and bottoms.

I too can vouch for these, bought myself a top last winter, I was that impressed with it I raced back later that week and bought one more top and two sets of bottoms. What I like about them apart from being warm, is that they are only thin and not bulky and you can hardly tell your wearing them and ideal for work. I am even finding them warmer than my army issued "extreme cold weather" thermals which I have used for fishing for years.

http://www.sportsdirect.com/campri?dcp=3

Quite a few places sell them if you google them

 

[cyberknight]

Many thanks to all who have posted (more welcome!)
I should have started by pointing out that I'm new to cycling, having started only last year; hence, my complete lack of knowledge of what is obvious, to most of you!
I can now see that layers are the obvious starting-point and I'll explore the possibilities mentioned: I've got some Aldi stuff, but this is for summer riding and the problem is, it's impossible to predict when their winter cycling gear is going to be available...
Re the last post (for which, thanks), I wonder which jackets, trousres etc people would recommend?
Thanks again
Paul

Sign up for the email newsletters form aldi +lidl then you get a few days notice of whats going to be coming out and when .In the summer i luckily was off work the day that aldis summer stuff came out.
From what i have seen the sports direct stuff looks ok for the price.

As for cotton? when its really cold i have used a cheap cotton vest under those aldi long sleeve compression tops as base layers!
When its that cold the cotton didnt get soaked .

You also have ebay ,if you shop around you can get a few good deals.

If you need a windproof the cycling plus magazine has one as a gift when you sub , the gift value out weighing the cost of the mag

 

[Zoiders]

That's a bit strong surely?
The OP intends gentle 30 mile touring, not any high performance stuff. I have never had any problems with cotton vests.

I find the most important aspect of winter clothing is a windproof outer, jacket and trousers.

You will still sweat, should you end up with a mechanical that leaves you out in the cold with a sodden base layer.

Cotton base layers are a no no.