What to wear in the cold and wet of winter?

[Gaz Vickers]

Definitely get leg / knee warmers and a good pair of gloves and something to keep your head warm (profile piccie suggests there is no mop of hair to do this)

Arm and Leg warmers or Bib-Tights??? As for my hair, Yes sadly it has decided the time is right to leave me!

 

[vickster]

Bib tights will cost rather more than leg warmers - depends how much cash you have and how much kit you want to buy. The combo is more versatile esp if starting off cold and then warming up through the day

 

[Gaz Vickers]

Bib tights will cost rather more than leg warmers - depends how much cash you have and how much kit you want to buy. The combo is more versatile esp if starting off cold and then warming up through the day

Ah yes, i get you - Makes sense to purchase the leg warmers.

 

[Typhon]

Yesterday was my first ride back in the UK after coming back from holiday. I went out at 12 and the blue skies and sun negated the fact that it was quite nippy and I was fine in just my lycra shorts and short sleeve top.

Today I got a rude awakening though. I had to go out at 9:30 as they said it's going to rain constantly from 12pm onwards here (in fact it already is). It was bloody freezing with thick grey cloud. I was practically frozen to the bike.

I've just been on wiggle and ordered myself some bib tights and a long sleeve jersey. Hopefully that'll do me for now. Eventually though I will have to invest in a thermal base layer, overshoes, skull cap and some long fingered gloves to replace the fingerless weight lifting ones I wear on the bike now.

I've spent about £500 now on my triban 3 and accessories/clothing to go with it. Which seems like a lot to spend on a new hobby....till I remind myself that would have only bought me about 2 tanks of petrol and a new tyre. And the car has sat a lot more on the drive these past couple of months than it used to.

 

[vickster]

And the bike and kit will be depreciating by a much smaller monetary amount than the car (probably won't make you feel better about not driving though)!

 

[Typhon]

Very true! And If I keep using the bike as much as I am, I won't be tempted to upgrade the car in a year or two as I normally do as I won't really see the point. So at least I won't realise the depreciation for a long time.

On the other hand though, knowing me I will probably upgrade the bike instead. I could be very tempted by a decent carbon bike. I have to keep telling myself not to look at the "show us your carbon thread". It gives me too many ideas!

 

[vickster]

That's me - used to change the car every 6-12 months, now it's the bike...but I lose a couple of hundred rather than a couple of thousand!

I have a carbon bike, need to ride it more. It's the daily commuter I change

 

[Typhon]

Ah well that's ok then! A couple of hundred is nothing especially as you're obviously using the commuter most days.

It looks like you have a nice collection of bikes from your signature! I think I can see myself ending up with a few bikes in the garage too.

 

[vickster]

I don't have a garage, they live in the lounge I try to ride 3 to 5 times a week if weather ok. Don't do rain if possible

 

[KateK]

Bought my first pair of leg warmers last week: wore them friday. They are now called The LegWarmers of Power cos I cycled 75 miles in them, first time over 65, and they kept me cosy all day and never fell down. Did a gentle 30 in the rain today and lovely and cosy. They're my new best friend (and they don't eat my choccie biscuits either)

 

[Buzzinonbikes]

Anyone tried the "Winter cycling trousers" from Aldi? Any good?

 

[Typhon]

My bib tights and long sleeved jersey arrived from wiggle today (only took 2 working days even though I chose the free delivery). Just been on a 15 miler in this dreadful wind and they were great, kept me nice and snug the whole time.

I would definitely recommend bib tights to any other beginner who is looking for winter clothing. They are very comfortable, lots of padding and for me they were so much better than shorts as they stay in place.

 

[Widge]

I am determined to break the habit of a lifetime this winter and get out and ride-if only a little....so this thread is a good 'un.

Although I have my new shiny Triban...........I may well revert to my trusty MTB when things get slippy/muddy/wet 'n greasy...but that's ok....however-I have very little (as yet) winter specific riding gear.

Plenty of thermal underwear...........padded lycra shorts...........'shell-suit' type troosers...........'RonHill' type lightwieght jackets......fleeces aplenty......seal-skinz socks (if I can find them?) .........waterproof over trousers (Gelert hiking type). Is any of this an adequate start?


What I do have is that 'skullcap' linked to earlier. I tried it under my helmet today and it is wizzo and toasty-so not a bad investment of 4 quid or so? I woz impressed!

ANy advice appreciated.

I'm not REALLY a 'roadie' (yet) so am not quite sure how far down the spendy bespoke gear route I want (or need) to go....but perhaps I am just being UNRACER!

Best

w

 

[Mo1959]

Widge, kind of hoping I can keep getting out even two or three times a week this winter too. Got a reasonable amount of decent clothing and a hybrid bike with mudguards so no real excuse. I wouldn't say I enjoy rain but I could cope with it. Just hate the wind though.

 

[Typhon]

That looks pretty comprehensive to me widge! I'm sure you'll be fine in all that.

I'm going to continue going out every day as long as it's not icey as I'd be too concerned with cars skidding into me (none of the roads I cycle on are gritted). As they say, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!