Kit needed for longer commute.

[Downward]

My commute looks to be being extended by about 20% in a month. I think with Xmas coming too I need some more kit.

Ideally want some good removeable mudguards for my Trek 1.5, I could do with something that keeps my feet dry (MTB shoes seem to last 20 mins on wet roads/heavy rain before letting the water in)

Also not sure about going down the rack and panniers route ?

Thanks

 

[iAmiAdam]

The only thing that's really gonna to save you from wet feet is a towel at your destination, it doesn't matter how waterproof you think shoes/overshoes are, water will get in.

 

[avsd]

The only thing that's really gonna to save you from wet feet is a towel at your destination, it doesn't matter how waterproof you think shoes/overshoes are, water will get in.

I will vouch for that. 40 minutes cycle with overshoes, sealskin socks and inner sock. Feet still soaked in tonight's heavy rains

 

[Downward]

So might be a better idea to save £30 and spend £2.99 on a microfibre towel, stop half way dry feet and change socks ?

 

[buggi]

No, i still go with the waterproof overshoes because although your feet get wet they won't get as cold as they do without so you can easily cycle for an hour in heavy rain and even if they are wet it won't seem so bad. mine are made of neoprene but i've had them made out of other stuff. Also, the overshoes are brilliant in the cold, you can easily tolerate minus degrees in them.

 

[gaz]

Full mudguards and waterproof overshoes will mean you will get very little water in your overshoes.
Anyone that says otherwise, bought the wrong overshoes.

How long is your commute going to be? 20% more of a 5 mile commute is only 1 more mile, it helps to know how far.

 

[Farky]

Full mudguards and waterproof overshoes will mean you will get very little water in your overshoes.
Anyone that says otherwise, bought the wrong overshoes.

Totally agree with that; I run without mudguards and have just bought some fairly good neoprene overshoes. Problem is, most of the water gets in from the spray off my font wheel soaking my legs and feet which then inevitably runs down to my socks which then just absorb the water. Having said that, coldness has yet to prove a problem!

I would say get some decent overshoes and to be as dry as possible, mudguards as well.

 

[Downward]

Well I have looked on the old Mapping and it's about 8.5 miles. If it takes me 30 - 35mins on the way to work now which is 6.5 miles but up a 1 mile hill then I have to do a quick rec on the new route and see how long it takes.
I'm estimating 40 mins though.
Current water seepage is 20 mins with just normal mtb shoes and half mudguards on the hybrid.

 

[potsy]

Decent thick neoprene overshoes and a set of SKS Raceblades should do for what you require,that combination keeps my feet dry in all but the worst wet weather on a similar distance commute to what you'll be doing.
And the Raceblades are easily removed in seconds.Work best on 23mm tyres though.

 

[Wobblers]

Decent overshoes will help keep your feet dry. I was out for an hour in the rain last night but these didn't let a drop in. Mudguards will reduce spray which will help prevent much water trickling down your legs into your shoes.

 

[Downward]

Decent overshoes will help keep your feet dry. I was out for an hour in the rain last night but these didn't let a drop in. Mudguards will reduce spray which will help prevent much water trickling down your legs into your shoes.

Excellent - do you wear them in the cold too to keep feet warm ??

I have 25 tyres re Mudguards so hopefully they should fit.

 

[Wobblers]

Excellent - do you wear them in the cold too to keep feet warm ??

I have 25 tyres re Mudguards so hopefully they should fit.

They're thin, so aren't going to keep much heat in. Thicker overshoes will do that. There are some that are made of thick neoprene which will be warmer. I've a pair of Pro Tarmac NPU overshoes that are warmer. I've not yet tried them in heavy rain so can't testify to their waterproofness, though they seem to be fine.

 

[Downward]

They're thin, so aren't going to keep much heat in. Thicker overshoes will do that. There are some that are made of thick neoprene which will be warmer. I've a pair of Pro Tarmac NPU overshoes that are warmer. I've not yet tried them in heavy rain so can't testify to their waterproofness, though they seem to be fine.

Hmm mind you it's the Wet that does it. You can keep your feet warm longer than you can keep them dry.

 

[Wobblers]

ChainReaction seem to be clearing out their Pro overshoes (see here),. If you're lucky there might be something in your size.

On the subject of panniers, I much prefer them if I'm carrying very much: even on my short commute. More comfortable than a rucksack to let the bike carry the load. If you're not going to be carrying too much, why not use a saddle bag? I use an Altura Arran post pack - lighter and more aerodynamic than panniers!

 

[Downward]

Thanks, I'm thinking of keeping my locker at work and paying £10 to keep access to the keycard, That way I can keep a pair of trousers and a shirt etc and a travel iron in there !