What do I need for winter

[Willow]

I haven't spent much on clothing as have only been commuting since beginning of Sept and wasn't sure whether it would work out with school runs etc.

Up until now I have been cycling in my lidl top, and tennis skort plus lidl fingerless gloves (I do have other things on too but not specifically important for this question!)

On Saturday my legs were chilly so this morning I got out the lidl trousers (actually I didn't like wearing padding and my knees felt restricted but guess I will get used to that). I stuck to the cycling shirt on top and wasn't cold. I do also have a waterproof (yes another lidl!) What else if anything am I likely to need through the winter, I don't want to spend unnecessarily but neither do I want to suddenly find I'm freezing, do you get that cold cycling in Surrey? (I leave home around 7.30am and am back by around 4pm)

 

[RedBike]

Lidl clothing although cheap isn't fantastic.

Treat yourself to some good clothing. Full length Bib shorts, sealskinz socks (and gloves) and a wind proof base layer (Helly hanson). I know this stuff if expensive but it's better than being cold.

I had to rescue Mr Redbike on sunday. He'd gone out riding, got wet, then decided it was too cold to continue!!

 

[Willow]

Lidl clothing although cheap isn't fantastic.

Treat yourself to some good clothing. Full length Bib shorts, sealskinz socks (and gloves) and a wind proof base layer (Helly hanson). I know this stuff if expensive but it's better than being cold.

I had to rescue Mr Redbike on sunday. He'd gone out riding, got wet, then decided it was too cold to continue!!

Thanks I knew the lidl wouldn't be great but was ok to get me through first couple of months. What is the advantage of bib shorts against normal? they look a bit .....!

 

[Dormouse]

When it gets cold you will feel it most in your extremities; for me: ears, hands and and worst of all toes.

You can easily protect you ears with a muff or a stretchy fleece headband.

Get some insulated waterproof gloves. I like Sealskinz winter road gloves but avoid the ones with a loose liner.

Toes are my main bug bear. Cheap solutions are wooly or Sealskinz socks plus neoprene overshoes but these are not enough for me! Will try out winter boots soon: see other threads here. But they are expensive.

 

[Bigtallfatbloke]

I am a total wimp when it comes to the cold...I hate it. I wear far more than most other cyclists I see in winter. This is what i own:

Goretex full bibs wind proof
DHB waterproof overtrousers
Waterproof overshoes (name escapes me right now)
Thick woolen socks , none of those thin cycle jobbies for me!
Cheap DHB base layer (gets smelly though )
Lot's of various cycle t shirts
Specialised arm warmers
Merino wool jumper
Three pairs of full finger gloves wind proof
(about to buy waterproof gloves)
a apir if decathlon inner liner gloves
Two water proof jackets
3 bandanas for under helmet use
WP1 (??) full windproof balaclava
Hi vis vest goes over that

...I dont wear it all at once..although I have done last winter on really cold days.

Also drink a hot drink before you ride with lots of sugar...I drink green tea with honey but thats just me...

On freezing frosty mornings fill up your water bottle from the kettle...that prevents drinking icy water...it'll cool down really quickly but stays around room temp until th eend of the ride....erm...just be careful in the first 30 seconds of the ride

 

[Abitrary]

Before buying escalatingly expensive cycle gear, make sure you try out stuff you'd normally wear out in the cold, bicycle or not.

Tracksuits, macs, long socks. You'll probably only be going at 5mph an hour faster than you normally walk, so don't get dragged into unnecessary purchases during a credit crunch.

 

[summerdays]

Do many girls wear bib-shorts? It just looks like some contraption that I will be swearing in as I try to remove all my layers to go to the loo. Similar to wearing a swimsuit under clothing effect.

 

[porridge]

Tried wearing bib shorts, really uncomfortable !, my preference is wearing the thermal tights from Lidl with a bear of cycling shorts and baggie shorts over the top, it seems to stop getting my legs chilly and feels really comfortable.

 

[John the Monkey]

Do many girls wear bib-shorts? It just looks like some contraption that I will be swearing in as I try to remove all my layers to go to the loo. Similar to wearing a swimsuit under clothing effect.

Well, the Assos girl does...

Bibs are good because you don't get the elastic (as in waist shorts) digging into your midriff, and they don't ride down to give you the appearance of a cycling builder If you don't mind the elastic of waist shorts / tights, go for those, they're usually cheaper!

Back to your op, a good pair of long finger gloves, good socks (the aldi winter ones are decent, in my experience) some baselayers (throw them on under your normal jersey when it gets really cold) arm warmers (for those in betweeny days - start with them on, roll them down or pop them in a jersey pocket once you warm up). The buff is a really excellent multi-functional bit of kit, and it's well worth getting one or two. I find helmet liners (those skull cap things) make me too warm, and usually go with a cotton cap or the buff to keep the chill out. Windproof gear can be surprisingly effective at keeping the cold at bay, and it's worth thinking about a gilet or training jacket made of the stuff.

 

[JohnRedcoRn]

trial and error here too ; out on friday night with bib longs, base layer, winter jersey. also took armwarmers just in case. I'd rather warm up as i cycle than overheat, but you forget how cold the winter nights can be. I have also discovered that its time to put on the winter gloves as my finger ends felt like they were going to drop off after an hour or so. I'm wearing a headband to cover my ears now (not a skullcap, as i say i'm one of those 'warm' people i'd overheat) another thing i never considered is UNDERWEAR ! i find i'm mostly warm / just right but its getting cold down there, so the boxers'll be going on.
***QUESTION ; my ALDI longs and bib longs - very comfortable once on the saddle but when walking the pad hangs way below my backside, maybe i should put me underwear over the top of these pants, superhero style, might make for a more snug fit?***

 

[fossyant]

You can mix and match stuff if you don't want to look like a lycra clad cyclist.

I have an excellent windproof top for close to zero temps - it is fantastic - just use a single layer short sleve underneath - although far to warm at present.

 

[JohnRedcoRn]

I'm also very hairy all over, maybe that helps.

 

[goo_mason]

***QUESTION ; my ALDI longs and bib longs - very comfortable once on the saddle but when walking the pad hangs way below my backside, maybe i should put me underwear over the top of these pants, superhero style, might make for a more snug fit?***

If you do, take a photo and post it up here. I could do with a laugh

 

[redjedi]

What type of bibs/tights do people wear?

I'm looking to get some, but not sure if I want the fleecy backed type of just normal lycra.
Last year I just wore my Ronhill bikesters all through winter, but that was only 3 miles, this year it will be 8 miles each way?

 

[John the Monkey]

dhb Merston 3/4 bibs here.

Roubaix fabric (fleece backed lycra) too warm at much above 10 degrees celsius, and the fit is on the small side (fine for me, but would not suit a heftier gentleman, I'd warrant).

Mr. RedCorn - my Aldi bibs were similar in fit - I'd plump for a pair that fit you properly, once you do, you'll probably realise (as I did) that the Aldi ones don't really fit properly on the bike either...