Suitable cost effective winter wear

[Richard A Thackeray]

I too wear Ron Hills. They were the thing to have for MTB several years ago but not so easy to find now. I don't need to be the height of style these days! They are fine for me.

I've got a few pairs too, but they're mainly worn around the house, or over running gear prior to an event(slipped off before the start (quite fancy a pair of those fancy tights that Zepnat(?) are sellingwith Velcro down both legs, so there's no need to remove shoes

How about Decathlon?? http://www.decathlon.co.uk/C-10830-helmet-clothing-and-footwear

Plastic bags? I might give that a try. Cheers.

The old solution, & one that wears well (especially is as an addittional layer in the toes of over-shoes

 

[NorthernDave]

Planet X have some ridiculously cheap stuff at the moment, especially in bundles. Usually fast delivery too.
I've just ordered some 100% merino arm warmers for under 3 quid (reduced from £14.99)
Decathlon have some good stuff in their sale as well.
And, as has already been said, Lidl and Aldi have some budget bargains coming up soon.

 

[13 rider]

+1 for Aldi gear I starting cycling last Sept just as Aldi had there winter sale . got a winter jacket and long sleeved top worn every weekend through the winter no problems still in good order . If the other half knits a headband to keep your ears warm are great . My mum knitted me one and said I bet you don't use it . Wore it every ride its the best thing I got .

 

[cyberknight]

I use arm/legwarmers atm with a SS base layer , beware they come up small , luckily you can send them back if they are too tight but i would go up a size .
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/300-short-sleeve-cycling-baselayer-white-id_8235725.html
In winter i change the leg warmers to running tights or ron hill bikesters and swap my SS jersey to long sleeve along with the base layer + arm warmers + gilet .
I have a selection of buffs collected free from various cycle mags over the years as i find they are perfect .
For my hands i have a oversized pair of aldi/lidl winter gloves which i wear a liner glove on the inside or even just get some thinsulate gloves at a push ( i have been known mid winter to wear a thick thinsulate glove with glove liners ) or full throttle with a pair of bar mitts that go over the handle bars that you put your hand in , i do have bad circulation in my hands feet so i tend to go overboard compared to most.
For my feet i have invested in a pair of winter boots but atm toe covers are a fantastic buy as they keep the chill off your feet , its down to 5-6 degrees on the country lanes at 6 am !

 

[RichardB]

I seem to be getting by with some ancient kit, stored in the attic from when I was last cycling regularly. I have a bright yellow waterproof jacket ('breathable', yeah right) with detachable hood which keeps the rain off my top half, and a pair of fleece longs which seem to be good in both warm weather and cold. I got some Aldi waterproof trousers which are excellent, and a pair of overshoes from Halfords for a tenner which seem good, although I haven't used them in the rain yet. Cheap waterproof gloves from my LBS and I am good to go. My big problem is changing attitude. For the last 10 years I was commuting every day by motorcycle, so foul weather gear was simply a matter of keeping the water out, and adjusting the layers underneath according to temperature. Now the engine is inside the clothing rather than under the petrol tank, a complete re-think is necessary. More does not mean better. But my motorcycling days have left me with a selection of buffs and some lovely silk glove liners, which are ideal for cycling.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

I've got several aldi softshells, they are my standard winter outer, until it gets proper chilly they are my sole top layer.

Buffs are excellent head and neckwear, great under a helmet if they are your thing, this is the time of year that you get them as freebies on the bike mags