Winter Clothing - Advice Please

stiggypop

As mentioned in a previous post I have not cycled since I was a wee whipper snapper. I have just purchased a Hybrid for commuting and need some advice. Obviously, it is coooooolllllddddd out there and seeing as you guys and gals are in the know could you please tell me what equipment will keep me warm?

Presumably, a base layer, jersey, waterproof jacket, shorts or trousers, gloves etc are required, but what makes and models are any good?

TIA!

DiggingDeeper

Evening stiggypop,

Answer in part depends on how far you are commuting, how quick you intend to do it (presumably not too quick to start given the lack of cycling in past) and where you are going to do it (countryside ie not in a city/town with street lights etc, or in built up area)

Are you a realist or a fashion victim. Do Rapha make flouro jackets?

You mention lots of layers which would seem good for the Arctic but once you get going on a bike you might feel you are wearing too much. If you carry a few extra pounds like me you might not feel the cold so much but if you are stick thin could be different.

Sorry to answer a question with a question but more info required. Have you other sporting interests like climbing, walking or running which you already have clothes for. The cycling tops have back pockets which are useful and I miss when I wear my old Helly Hansen stuff from climbing days.

You can worry too much - This will be my 3rd winter cycling and it's never been that bad yet that full length gloves, ron hill bikesters and an altura jacket couldn't cope with. If they can't you really got wonder whether you should leave the bike at home that day.

ANyway I am sure the fashionistas out there will put us right.........................

ansbaradigeidfran

I can't advise on manufacturers etc, as I am stocked in the type of cheap periodical goods that Aldi carry. I would, however, suggest that you walk out of the house a little cold, as you'll warm up in a mile or so or cycling. Carry an extra layer in a bag/pannier as insurance if you doubt that you'll be warm enough.

I've found that my optimum layer count at this time of year is one long-sleeved top and a waterproof hi-vis, with regular jeans for the legs. Lycra leggings go under the jeans in wet weather.

artaxerxes

I spared every expense when I spent £24 on a bright red waterproof cycling jacket from Decathlon, but it works. Keeps me dry and warm in the cold. I wear a merino thermal vest underneath, no jersey.
Ronhill Bikesters for the legs.

stiggypop

Evening stiggypop,

Answer in part depends on how far you are commuting, how quick you intend to do it (presumably not too quick to start given the lack of cycling in past) and where you are going to do it (countryside ie not in a city/town with street lights etc, or in built up area)

Correct... I'll be partaking in a 14-mile round trip so not too far initially, mainly on road. The reason that I went for a Hybrid was so that I can go on trails etc with the mate and missis.

Are you a realist or a fashion victim. Do Rapha make flouro jackets?

Errr... the cheaper the better - as long as it is decent quality and keeps me warm! lol

You mention lots of layers which would seem good for the Arctic but once you get going on a bike you might feel you are wearing too much. If you carry a few extra pounds like me you might not feel the cold so much but if you are stick thin could be different.

I'm 6' 7" and about 17 and a half stone... wanting to get rid of the beer belly and improve my fitness but I really hate the gym experience!

Sorry to answer a question with a question but more info required. Have you other sporting interests like climbing, walking or running which you already have clothes for. The cycling tops have back pockets which are useful and I miss when I wear my old Helly Hansen stuff from climbing days.

I am a football referee so quite active running about at the weekend, so have a couple of base layers thats all.

You can worry too much - This will be my 3rd winter cycling and it's never been that bad yet that full length gloves, ron hill bikesters and an altura jacket couldn't cope with. If they can't you really got wonder whether you should leave the bike at home that day.

ANyway I am sure the fashionistas out there will put us right.........................

Thanks for the advise matey!

Tailend Charlie

not for the fashionistas, but if you catch them when they are in, the aldi cycling gear works surprisngly well for the price. It lasts pretty well as well; been commuting daily for some time and its wearing well.

DiggingDeeper

stiggypop wrote:

I'll be partaking in a 14-mile round trip so not too far initially, mainly on road. The reason that I went for a Hybrid was so that I can go on trails etc with the mate and missis

Hybrid - another low FCN potential scalp hunter in the waiting. Best we watch out for you in the future.

7 miles - freeze your bits off for the first 2 miles, slight glow by 4.5 miles, nicely warm by 7miles - 23 mins depending on route profile and traffic.

stiggypop

DiggingDeeper wrote:

stiggypop wrote:

I'll be partaking in a 14-mile round trip so not too far initially, mainly on road. The reason that I went for a Hybrid was so that I can go on trails etc with the mate and missis

Hybrid - another low FCN potential scalp hunter in the waiting. Best we watch out for you in the future.

7 miles - freeze your bits off for the first 2 miles, slight glow by 4.5 miles, nicely warm by 7miles - 23 mins depending on route profile and traffic.

PMSL - Its basically flat... down a big hill, up a big hill, flat - both ways so nice steady start easy freewheel... work hard... nice finish!

prj45

stiggypop wrote:

could you please tell me what equipment will keep me warm?

Your legs, the faster you pump 'em the more you warm up!

stiggypop

LOL... OK... so at the moment I am thinking:

1) Ron Hill Bikester DXB

2) Altura Airstream Windproof Jacket

... and my existing base layer.... just need to find some decent gloves now!

The Chingford Skinhead

stiggypop wrote:

LOL... OK... so at the moment I am thinking:

1) Ron Hill Bikester DXB

2) Altura Airstream Windproof Jacket

... and my existing base layer.... just need to find some decent gloves now!

I like my Altura Night Vision gloves - but not cheap and a :!: to turn inside out when wet

Keep the feet and hands warm. The pedalling does the rest

The Chingford Skinhead

stiggypop wrote:

Evening stiggypop,

...
I'm 6' 7" and about 17 and a half stone... ...!

I am a football referee so quite active running about at the weekend, ...l.

LoL - I bet you don't have much problem with players giving the ref back chat or the supporters singing "The referee's a w...oh, big bloke, the referee's right."

gtvlusso

stiggypop wrote:

As mentioned in a previous post I have not cycled since I was a wee whipper snapper. I have just purchased a Hybrid for commuting and need some advice. Obviously, it is coooooolllllddddd out there and seeing as you guys and gals are in the know could you please tell me what equipment will keep me warm?

Presumably, a base layer, jersey, waterproof jacket, shorts or trousers, gloves etc are required, but what makes and models are any good?

TIA!

It is surprisingly mild out here! I am still in baggy shorts, padded undershorts, old tee shirts from asda, Endura jacket and mitts or gloves (rain dependand)....Keep it all cheap, when you fall off, get knocked off (hope you don't!) your kit gets knackered anyway. I will switch to 3/4 length or full length bib tights with baggy shorts and wear arm warmers + waterproof gloves when it gets freezing cold in Jan! Good to wear layers as you can adjust on the go - Arm warmers and leg warmers are great for this. I can do up to about 40 miles in the morning or evening (depends on moood and banana intake) - so I tend to have a stop and remove some layers, arm warmers and leg warmers are very light to carry.

simple_salmon

+1 for some of the Aldi stuff. The windproof winter cycling trousers are superb value for money, the (boil in the bag) dayglo jackets less so unless you're only going for a short ride (< 5 miles or so).

I suffer really badly with cold fingers but I find that layering 2 or 3 thin pairs of gloves with Altura windproof as the outer layer keeps them warm and still able to move enough to control brakes etc.

Good luck with the commute and keep at it

marcba

Take care of your head (and maibe your throat), your hands and your feet. Don't use too warm clothes for your trunc (you should not feel warm, but a little cold, at the beginning of your commute).
If it is not reaining, prefer windproof jackets rather than waterproof ones because the later are generaly less breathable.
"the cheaper the better" may be sometimes an error. Take clothes that fit you and that correspond to your need. Saving a few quids is good when you're in the shop, but it should not be done at the risk of having poor protection when on the bike (that does not mean that expensive clothes are always better and needed).
If you intend to commute by bike every day, you may be brought to get clothes in double in order to have always one available.

stiggypop

The Chingford Skinhead wrote:

stiggypop wrote:

Evening stiggypop,

...
I'm 6' 7" and about 17 and a half stone... ...!

I am a football referee so quite active running about at the weekend, ...l.

LoL - I bet you don't have much problem with players giving the ref back chat or the supporters singing "The referee's a w...oh, big bloke, the referee's right."

The usual one is "bloody hell, can't you play centre back for us!" lol....

Cheers for the advice guys... at least I'm no longer going in to this blind!