Winter Riding

dan1983

I know the winter is a few months away (although it doesn't feel like it right now), but I was wondering what people wear for riding in the winter months? I was planning on buying a waterproof/breathable jacket, but what about on the bottom half? I thought about getting some trousers, but don't know if once I get riding, I'll be too hot in them.

So wondered what you lot do.

As I say, I know it's early but I'll need to gradually buy the stuff in the next couple of months as my car insurance is due in Dec so need to pay for that in the winter! :x

Thanks in advance.

The Big Cheese

Yes, it's approaching rather too rapidly at the moment I know -

I usually wear a t-shirt as a base layer - with a berghaus 'over the head fleece' (rather a tight fitting one) then a Gortex (or equivalent) waterproof/breathable outer layer.

I usually end up going through the usual hot/cold/hot/cold phases

With regards to trousers I wear some gortex combat trousers that I bought from and army surplus store which are great as they are covered in pockets etc and do the job of keeping me dry (mostly). But they are no good if it is torrential rain. So as a backup I have a set of waterproofs that are rolled up in my day-sac just in case.

I have a lot of outdoor gear as I do a lot of walking/hiking and spent a fortune. However, you dont have to spend that much, check out Black's sales, also milllets etc.

If you have a TK Maxx near you, def check it out. I bought a £300 Lowe Alpine goretex jacket for £50 - its high vis yellow so its great for the bike also ....they always have lots of technical clothing in there. Well worth a lookie

neil_sheehan2000

Maybe it's just me, but I find I'm fine in the same pair of shorts in Winter or Summer. Trousers just seem to get in the way. Plus, if it rains, you ARE going to get wet regardless of what you're wearing, and bare skin dries quicker...

Scubar

ive been trying to find some waterproof tracksuit bottom type things, something with an elasticated bottom so it doesnt get caught on the chainset

chilled rider

I too wear the same shorts that i wear in the summer. The only addition this year i will make is a pair of waterproof over shoes as i think the plastic bags in my shoes are getting a bit ;long in the tooth 8)

The Spiderman

Went out for a ride last night,in high winds and rain.It was more like a typical ride in November,tahn August!

I wore an Altura base layer and lycra shorts,with my Altura Night Vision jacket and Altura waterproof trousers,over the top.

These kept me reasonably dry,for the first hour or so,but after that the rain gradually found ts way in and I got more sweaty.

Unless you spend a lot of money on the very best breathable fabrics,you will still find that you get damp,as much through exertion as the rain.There is always a compromise between breathability and waterproofing,and you probably need to find a £100 plus jacket or trousers to reallly deliver good perforance if you are spending all day out on the bike.

Even in winter I don't find I need to wear much more than a good base layer,so long as my outer layers are windproof.

The key is to layer up,so you can remove layers as you get colder or warmer.

Some useful,extras to carry are a thin beanie to wear under your helmet,decent gloves,and Sealskinz waterproof socks.Overshoes work if you ride on road,but I find they come unattached when riding off road.

Arm and leg or knee warmers are useful too,as they give you some extra warmth when starting out and can easily be slipped offif you get too hot.

I`d definitely reccomend that you look at Altura's range of waterproofs if you want good performance without spending too much.Their Cascade,Night Vision or Dryline trousers should fit the bill.Most of these will be good for a ride of a couple of hours or so.

The trousers are cut narrower at the bottom,with velcro tab adjusters to keep them out of your chain.