Winter Commute Gear

[The Jogger]

Now that summer is gone well the promised heatwave hasn't arrived yet, hopefully August, I've been planning my winter commute. I really want to cycle most of the winter, as it is said, 'there is no such thing as wrong weather but wrong clothing' or something like that. Now because of the nature of my work I can't do the cycle in with lycra (heaven forbid) then change into uniforrm, anyway quite often I leave the bike at the station but I really need to get the right cycling gear for commuting. Any suggestions and nothing rediculously expensive. I will buy maybe one item a month in the run up to the really bad weather.
Cheers
Jogger

 

[The Jogger]

Is it something I said?

 

[BSRU]

Is it something I said?

It's always quiet at the weekends.

Base layers version of tights, long sleeve tops plus glove liners, sock liners and skull caps are important when it's cold, things made from merino wool, keep you warm and are very thin.
It's important to stop extremities getting too cold, such as fingers and toes.

 

[palinurus]

Unless it's some way below freezing I do fine with a base layer, L\S jersey, tights, gloves, gilet or windproof jacket. On head a wooly hat, or if you wear a Helmet a buff or skullcap. Overshoes are good too. I don't tend to buy expensive gear (I would if I wasn't warm enough in cheaper clothing but that isn't the case). Many winter days are not that cold, just dark and a bit damp. You will need lights you can trust if you ride unlit roads.

Good tough tyres are recommended (who wants to fix a flat in the dark with cold fingers). Fairly fat puncture-resistant jobs (25s or 28s depending on clearance for me). If it snows I use my 'cross bike with mud tyres at lowish pressure.

 

[jim55]

having ridden motorbikes for many years its obv the wind chill factor that does it ..get a good windproof gilet (vest top)to keep ur body warm,,iv always found and its a well known fact ,keep the core warm and it is not so bad ,,a good pair of windproof gloves is essential ,,and base layers help too ,,

 

[cyberknight]

Now because of the nature of my work I can't do the cycle in with lycra (heaven forbid) then change into uniforrm,

Surely what you wear to and from work is no concern?

If it is then it is discrimination.

 

[Norm]

TJ, I've just got into Tenn Outdoors gear, especially the S-Cafe fabric stuff which is made out of old coffee grounds. I've got a couple of options but I'd suggest starting with the Sprint at £18 and a windproof gilet at £16. A pair of arm warmers (mine are Specialized) and full-length polycotton walking trousers, such as the Craghoppers Kiwis and that's my gear down to about freezing, with an Endura Gridlock if it gets colder.

 

[Dilbert]

Last Autumn I got some bib longs and a thermal compression top from Aldi when they did their bike thing. I wear that with one of their long sleeve tops and and Altura Night Vision Jacket. That along with a beanie, buff, thin and thick gloves and thin and thick socks and some overshoes allows me to tune my outfit to the temperature and kept me going through most of last winter, although I admit I got the bus when it snowed.

If you don't find any bargains before hand its worth keeping an eye out for the Aldi thing, usually mid to late September

 

[Norm]

Sorry, having read Dilbert's post, I've realised I've got an Altura Night Vision rather than the Endura I mentioned previously.

 

[The Jogger]

I have a night vision also, lightweight, what about waterproof trousers, BTW thanks for all the suggestions.

 

[Cletus Van Damme]

I use the Endura Gridlock waterproof over trousers. They pack down fairly small and have always kept me dry and I do not sweat to much in them either.

http://www.chainreac...px?ModelID=9273

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

i commute every day when on placement, upto 46 miles a day, unfortunately my placements have been september to march and usually in the middle of nowhere (nobody wants mental health units in their backyard), so i kinda got some winter experience. all i can say is.....

wool baselayers and goretex...top and bottom...nothing else will do, you'll either be hot going uphill or cold going downhill with owt else.

feet, forget fancy clipless systems even the winter specific ones at £200 (bin there done that), they all have a design fault, the cleat plate, sucks out the heat in your feet, not good below freezing. get some big chunky flat pedals (clips if need be) and some goretex walking boots.

whilst expensive, goretex stuff is hard as nails, i've fallen with my gore paclite pro shell on whilst pissed a few times, not even a scratch, my shoulder and elbows tho....pretty badly bashed up (my own fault i know). it will last years and years as well, so well worth the investment.

for info, my jacket was £350, pants £130 and boots £110, over mittens £30, and my overshoes for when i need to wear shoes £45 (all goretex paclite pro shell), best money i ever spent on anything cycling or cycling related.

 

[SquareDaff]

Top to bottom:
Aldi Skullcap: £2.99
Body: Any old thermal underwear £8-10; Aldi long sleeve winter top (£7.99), Yellow cycling jacket (£24.99)
Legs: Aldi Waterproof (contain a thin layer of neoprene) lycra cycling leggings (£9.99)

That kept me warm in last years extreme temperature for a fraction of the cost mentioned above. The key is layers - add more when you start to feel it bite.

Even more important - protect those sensive areas with

1) Neoprene overshoes (Altura) - around £22.
2) Sealkinz waterproof gloves - £25.
3) The infamous buff - £3 - when it gets really cold you can then cover you lower face, neck and double up the ear protection!

 

[SavageHoutkop]

I have a night vision also, lightweight, what about waterproof trousers, BTW thanks for all the suggestions.

I have Altura overtrousers and Mr SHK has Altura Nightvision overtrousers, great in the depths of winter for keeping warmth in.
I also do the merino layering thing -

buff (move to merino-possum scarf in depths of winter)
skullcap (move to merino-possum beanie in the depths of winter)
2x thin merino base layers
Altura nightvision

I have waterproof non-cycling boots (ladies here) from Gabor Sport which are brilliant.
I suffer from cold fingers and toes, I use ski gloves in winter.

 

[vickster]

Evans have a load of clothing on sale, wintery stuff like jerseys, jackets and tights etc included, if you are in a shopping mood. Quidco may track too. Not in all sizes, but worth a butchers I reckon