What to wear?!

[X5OT]

So, I've bought some padded cycling bib 3/4 length shorts, a thermal short sleeve vest top, a short sleeve jersey top, and some padded gloves.

I need some recommendations / advice please re autumn and winter clothing. What do you guys wear? Long sleeve jersey / fleece tops / waterproof / wind proof jackets etc etc? And how about on your legs?? Full length Lycra / other?? Budget is flexible - happy to pay what I need to get the right gear.

Forgive me for the (perhaps) silly questions but I'm a total newbie and want to make sure I'm buying the right stuff!

Also any shoe suggestions? I'm not using clip-in shoes at the moment, just a pair of trainers. What's best for autumn / winter?

Thank you!!

 

[MikeW-71]

It depends a lot on the temperature and how much you feel it really. What works perfect for me, might be too hot for you, or too cold.

You'll find out by a bit of trial and error what works in what temperature, but in general, if you feel slightly chilly before you start, you'll be comfortable when you are pedalling and working harder.

I was out yesterday in 15C, which felt more like 12C when the sun went in, with just shorts and a short sleeve jersey. It would have been better with a long sleeve jersey on TBH, but it was borderline.

Once below 12C I'll use a base layer underneath, I have a nice one from Aldi with long legs and long sleeves, then normal shorts over the top with long or short sleeve jersey. The base layer provides just enough extra without overheating me. I also may start using full-finger gloves.

Below 8-10C the long padded tights come out that have a furry (or Roubaix) lining. These are super warm and your best friend in the winter. Couple them with a winter roubaix jersey and a base layer. Full-finger gloves are now a must, and overshoes will be on.

Below 5C and tights, base layer and softshell jacket. A Buff worn as a balaclava keeps head and ears warm. Winter gloves and overshoes.

I don't always get it right. Until you're sure, it's better to use multiple thin layers. That way you can take one off if you're too hot and put it in a pocket. In winter though, the two thing that will suffer first are hands and feet, it's very difficult to keep them warm all the time and for this reason I don't go out for huge rides in the middle of winter, I go up to about 2 hours or 25-30 miles.

As far as brands go, the DHB range at Wiggle is always worth a look, very good value. They have some "windslam" jerseys that have a windproof front panel. This makes a massive difference to keeping you warm when it gets cold.

As far as footwear goes. Use what is comfortable. Trainers with a firm sole work well, I use clipless almost exclusively and the best system to use if you want to start with clipless are Shimano SPD's. The number one benefit is that your foot stays in the right place all the time and you don't have to worry about slipping off a pedal.

Best of luck!

 

[vickster]

Depends on how cold it is and how much you personally feel the cold. Keeping head, neck and hands warm are key.

Personally if cold cold, probably 2-7 degrees (I dont ride if colder as a girly wuss) I'd probably have padded tights, winter cruisers over the top and my thighs get really cold, two pairs of socks, merino base layer, a thermal jersey of some sort and then a night vision jacket over the top

Over my shoes I have mavic toe covers, not gone the over shoe direction

If it's that cold and raining, forget it, not interested in cycling personally

 

[MikeW-71]

If it's that cold and raining, forget it, not interested personally

Amen to that!

 

[X5OT]

Thank you very much! I'll get browsing ...

 

[X5OT]

SO, is there a jacket which is warm, windproof AND waterproof, or do you end up buying a warm one, and then a lightweight waterproof? Thanks .....

 

[vickster]

If going for merino, get decent merino - the cheap stuff is itchy (my Rohan is non itchy but not inexpensive)

 

[MikeW-71]

SO, is there a jacket which is warm, windproof AND waterproof, or do you end up buying a warm one, and then a lightweight waterproof? Thanks .....

A softshell is warm, pretty much windproof and water resistant, though it will eventually get soaked through. If using jerseys, a thin waterproof shell will keep wind and water out, but can get a bit "boil-in-the-bag" if it's warm.

I cannot wear a softshell in anything over 5C, it's too hot!

 

[vickster]

SO, is there a jacket which is warm, windproof AND waterproof, or do you end up buying a warm one, and then a lightweight waterproof? Thanks .....

Probably but it'll cost a couple of hundred quid or more

I have to say under 7 deg or so, my altura night vision does a pretty good job of all three. Some will find it too warm though

 

[Big_Dave]

I don't do rain although I've been caught out a few times, I cycle all year on my MTB, I don't mind the cold even in the minus figures, I put on plenty of thin layered clothing a couple of jerseys and a micro fleece jumper, and soft shell coat, a motorcycle buff/ beanie hat under the helmet, legs just one or two layers pair of running tights and padded cycle tights (mens, not womens lol) you can stay quite warm cycling even in the minus temps but don't descend at fast speeds or the chill will hit you like a ton of ice blocks.

 

[Coggy]

Probably but it'll cost a couple of hundred quid or more

I have to say under 7 deg or so, my altura night vision does a pretty good job of all three. Some will find it too warm though

I just bought an Altura Night Vision and I can see it being very warm to ride in.

 

[jack smith]

To be honest think of what you would wear out in the cold when your not cycling then purchase similar for cycling bearing in mind youll be active when wearing it so might be a little hotter, personally i never bother with war,er kit i just wear my usual shorts and t shirt with a pair of wooly gloves but i do have a light foldaway windproof jacket i like to use too

 

[vickster]

I just bought an Altura Night Vision and I can see it being very warm to ride in.

It's fine for me on a cold day but then I do feel the cold on the bike, especially when cold, don't get especially sweaty either. Also, I think the older ones (mine is probably a 2011) are much less boil in the bag it seems that the new ones - more a soft feel than plasticky like the newer ones

My jacket is bright yellow, so I'm not going to wear it off the bike

 

[guitarpete247]

Arm and leg warmers give you some flexibility. Put on if too cold, remove when too warm.
If you are dressed fully for the cold and your fingers still freezing (after all you don't generate much heat in your hands) some silk glove liners like these really do help, as do overshoes for both keeping the wet and cold out.

 

[Coggy]

It's fine for me on a cold day but then I do feel the cold on the bike, especially when cold, don't get especially sweaty either. Also, I think the older ones (mine is probably a 2011) are much less boil in the bag it seems that the new ones - more a soft feel than plasticky like the newer ones

My jacket is bright yellow, so I'm not going to wear it off the bike

I went for the black. just in case but wont be switching on LED if I where it Out Out !