Wet Weather Clothing?

[Gaz Vickers]

As the weather turns colder and wetter than usual, What Clothing do you more experienced riders recommend?
Do you keep it limited, i.e Lycra shorts/Tights with a Lightweight waterproof Jacket.
Or Full blown wet weather waterproof everything?

 

[Rob3rt]

Bib shorts and a jersey! Maybe a base layer if it is absolutely freezing!

 

[Gaz Vickers]

Also what about face/headwear?

 

[Rob3rt]

A helmet and my glasses.

 

[hotmetal]

IMO a lot depends on your situation, ie distance, speed and destination. If you're commuting a long distance and might not be able to keep a decent pace up (traffic, not just fitness), then more waterproof layers are good. If you've only got a half-hour commute and you can change into civvies then I agree with Rob3rt, less is more – I just wear bib tights, jersey, gloves and maybe a light 'racing style' wind/rain jacket. If you're able to keep up a decent pace without having to stop all the time for traffic lights etc then don't get too overdressed or you'll just get hot and then wet from the inside. YMMV, everyone has different prefs. For instance, I once had to cycle home from work in an absolutely torrential downpour, my commute was only about 20 mins. I ended up leaving my shirt at work and riding home topless (I am a bloke before anyone gets excited). It was 'warmer' having rain on my skin than a soaked shirt.

Sealskinz (or similar) gloves are handy – cold wet hands reduce the fun considerably.If it's really cold you can get those overboot things but I never have, just a pair of 'waterproof' cycling shoes.

One of those buff things can be handy for face/neck in the cold.

Hope that helps.

 

[4F]

In my opinion windproof is more important than waterproof. Merino is excellent and well worth the money. Better to keep warm than keep dry.

 

[hotmetal]

The melon-headed pussy speaks wisely. I also rate merino wool base layers – they seem to have the magical property of being warm when it's cold and cool when it's warm. Plus they don't start to niff if worn twice without washing. I haven't seen any cycling-specific ones though.

 

[Rob3rt]

Don't Rapha use Merino for quite a few of their jerseys?

 

[4F]

The melon-headed pussy speaks wisely. I also rate merino wool base layers – they seem to have the magical property of being warm when it's cold and cool when it's warm. Plus they don't start to niff if worn twice without washing. I haven't seen any cycling-specific ones though.

Then let me assist you Mr Tepid Steel, http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/. The "Baked Alaska" is an excellent item, less than a week for delivery.

 

[Gaz Vickers]

I currently wear.......
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/mtb-windproof-jacket-5-black-id_8182040.html
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/bib-shorts-5-graph-blue-id_8200197.html
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/cycling-jersey-mc-3-id_8085659.html
All were fairly cheap!
Your thoughts?

 

[Rob3rt]

That stuff is all fine. Personally I don't like the jersey's. The pocket situation is a joke, but other than that there is nothing wrong with that kit.

 

[Gaz Vickers]

That stuff is all fine. Personally I don't like the jersey's. The pocket situation is a joke, but other than that there is nothing wrong with that kit.

Yeah i know what you mean about the Jersey! It was only £4 so didnt really expect much!! i will spend more next time and get better quality!

 

[Hacienda71]

If you ride fast enough your body will generate enough heat to keep you relatively warm. But a lightweight vented wind/waterproof over your appropriate clothing imho is a worthwile addition. Aldi are selling them in a couple of weeks, they were only about a tenner last year and fit well in the backpocket of a jersey. Also decent overshoes as your feet are the hardest part of your body to keep warm.
The other thing I would recommend in the rain is mudguards if you can fit them on your bike. It is much nicer cycling in the rain with mudguards both for you and those around you.

 

[Rob3rt]

Yeah i know what you mean about the Jersey! It was only £4 so didnt really expect much!! i will spend more next time and get better quality!

It is fine for short rides and I wouldn't hesitate to use one for commuting etc, but the pocket is not big enough or easily accessible enough on the move for long rides. I like the 3 pocket non-zip jerseys.

 

[spacecadet9]

My cap is my favourite item..

I can be soaked down to me grundies, but when I'm wearing me hat, I don't seem to feel it so much...