fairweather(?) commuter

waytogoyet

Afternoon,
So I've done my home to commute a couple of days a week for the last month or so, and have now got a nice new road bike.
Last week I got pee'd on, it started out as light rain then full blown storm by the time I got into work, it wasn't too bad but not the best start to the week
I set off this morning in the drizzle which soon started to get heavier! So I turned round after a mile!
I don't actually mind the weather, At least I certainly don't mind running in it. What should I do to make it more comfortable to cycle in it?
I'm going to put work clothes in a carrier bag inside rucksack so they don't get wet. Should I wear waterproofs? Just a normal (running) top / shorts at the mo?

And what about winter? - Running tights / base layers etc?
Thanks for the advice!
WTGY

il_principe

Dedicated cycle clothing is best. Waterproofs are a tad pointless IMHO as they do not allow you to breathe if working hard so you get wet anyway. I commute in a cycling jersey with lycra shorts overlayed by a pair of lovely Swrve shorts:


In the winter I wear bibtights, long sleeve jersey (with base if v cold), full fingered gloves, windproof jacket and overshoes if it's raining, oversocks if it's cold.[/list]

10milesfromafan

Get the right clothing and I'm sure you'll be OK. Wear breathable items / thin layers and you shouldn't be too bothered by the weather. Depending on what you carry in your sack, and if you have the spare cash, you can buy sealable waterproof bag liners. I bought mine from 'Wiggle'.

No such thing as poor weather - just poor clothing. Or so I've been told.

chuckcork

Ditto with the being prepared angle, both mentally and in what you're wearing.

You didn't say how far you cycle to work, at this time of year you could probably go with just accepting you're going to get wet and not bother with the hassle of waterproofs, as long of course as you have changes of clothing sorted, I personally just use a carrier bag in my backpack. Proper cycle shorts and jerseys don't really soak up water and get cold the way a cotton T-Shirt does, so with maybe shoe covers to stop them being sopping for the ride home you could be OK.

In winter weather though the trick is not only to wear good quality wind and waterproof's but also to layer up. I'll have on extra layers of everything, wear Amfib tights, and waterproof jacket, waterproof gloves, lighweight cap to keep the head warm etc. Have cycled out in this when around -1C and been warm enough (in fine weather) and cycled the 14 miles home at 3C in rain and sleet, not in comfort mind but doable. At around 6C upwards I could be out in the rain for a club ride of 3 hours and be OK.

waytogoyet

Thought that would be the case Jash, thanks for the reply. Might struggle to get much past the mrs, but will be ok to get a few odds and sods.
I was pushing about the running gear as I've got most of that, although I stayed in shorts all winter, not sure if it will be colder on a bike?
10miles, couldn't see them on wiggle but I'll give the carriers a go first up, and then try and find them
CC / Jash, you both mention jacket, I guess up top will be colder than when running?
I've got plenty of layers, but I'll pop to lidl on thurs and pick up a few things

Commute is 17 each way, but will only be done a few times a week

prj45

waytogoyet wrote:

So I turned round after a mile!

I sentence you to watch Nicole Cooke's gold medal effort 100 times!

waytogoyet

Fait point about turning around, but then I did put the steed in the car and cycled home, and did 7 miles on foot at lunch, so not all bad

I missed the ladies cycling, watched the mens one, the guy who came third was unbelievable the way he joined the leaders

samoff

I only commute a couple of times a week myself. It doesn't half make life easier logistically. You can ferry work clothes back and forth on drinving days so you don't have to carry anything on the bike. I also keep a dry pair of socks and shorts there in case I get a soaking in the morning.

The best thing to get you cycling in the rain is to wave a mrs who'll make it clear (with a look) that she's lost all respect for you, should you ever wimp out. Works for me.

If you want to justify buying more gear (if only to yourself), then I'd suggest working out how much petrol money you save every time you ride. For me it's £2.91.

jonginge

samoff wrote:

If you want to justify buying more gear (if only to yourself), then I'd suggest working out how much petrol money you save every time you ride. For me it's £2.91.

+1
8 quid* a day in train fares saved



* would still be 5 if I bought a season ticket

waytogoyet

I agree with the fuel saved, although thats kind of how I justified getting the bike!
I'll pick up a few things this week from lidl, small purchases go under the radar!

gtvlusso

Your skin is waterproof.....

You only need breathable stuff if you are gonna do more than 5 miles or are going up massive hills! It costs a fortune and ultimately if you fall/knacked off your kit will probably be trashed.

I do about 40 to 50 miles everyday and I use; cheap tee shirts from Tesco and cheap kit from www.probikekit.com - bib tights, altura jacket, arm warmers, mitts and winter gloves + overshoes for my Sidi cycling shoes. My padded shorts are all from Halfords £8 a pair, so I have 5 pairs! My waterproofs are used for other things aside cycling - multi tasking!

Buy loads of kit and keep it cheap/simple (you always have clean/dry kit then!) - get a box for under your desk to store spare clothes and shower kit in and you are away!