Winter kit recommendations

GavH

I'm stuck here in Afghan for another 5 weeks hence my mind is wondering about the impending winter months and what kit I could spend good money on.

Last winter I lived in Hampshire, where it rained probably once on one of my long winter rides. Now I live in N Ireland where I'm pretty certain it'll rain every day. So what kind of kit should I be looking at?

Last year saw me sticking neoprene overboots on, a pair of ronhills over my normal bib-shorts and a HH Lifa top or similar under a long sleeved winter training jacket (a Bienne Scotland one). I had an Altura beanie and a pair of gloves, coupled with an Altura windproof pertex jacket thing for an added layer if I needed it. Like I said though, heavy rainfall wasn't something I needed to worry much about.

This year I'm thinking about getting a new jacket, maybe Gore or similar quality and a pair of full bib-tights. I also saw a waterproof pair of Sidi boots and wondered whether they'd be any better than Sealskinz socks and my overboots and current shoes?

Any thoughts?

Slow Downcp

I didn't like sealskinz socks, and got sick of buying overshoes when they wore out due to the odd cafe stop etc. Bought some Northwave winter boots three years ago, had warm, dry feet ever since.

Clothing - Assos Airblock Jacket and base, along with 851 bibtights, when it's really cold. Otherwise Internediate Jersey and/or gilet. It is expensive stuff but really is worth it. My Airblock jacket is 5 years old and still going strong. If it's light rain I don;t bother with a waterproof as you get just as hot from the sweat - wet is okay as long as you're warm. For if it really lashes down, I have a Giordana Tenax rain jacket.

Aggieboy

GavH - I bought this jacket last Winter. It's a fantastic jacket and a bargain at this price. Get it while you can. Highly recommended.

Take care out there.




http://www.cyclesurgery.com/1027968/Pea ... acket.html (scroll down for other colours)

Material - http://www.pearlizumi.com/cms/uploads/WindWater.pdf

GavH

Aggieboy, thanks for the tip, tell me, what's the sizing like on these? I'm normally a medium but can find some Mediums to be a bit snug. That said, I'm losing weight hand over fist out here at the minute so that might not be a problem when I get back next month!

Anonymous

A Gore Tool II Winstopper effort was the best winter investment I ever made. When it's slightly warmer I have an Assos 851 that is also grand but not so good if you are stopping at all as it lets your heat out very quickly.
I have a pair of Gore Bibshorts with chamois and without, I prefer the ones without and wear them over my normal bibshorts, both are excellent.

I got some 'Presta' gloves from Decathlon for about 13 quid and they are all the cold weather glove I've ever needed and I have bad circulation at the extremities. They look good and have good snot wipe pads too, unlike my other toasty warm Descent gloves with mitten attachment. Those wreck your nose when you wipe.

On the feet I tend to wear normal socks and shoes with some Pro Neoprene shoe covers, When it's mega cold and I'm not going far (e.g. riding the 17.5 to work) then I may even put plastic bags over the socks.

I am tempted to get some proper gore tex boots though as a couple of lads I know have them and rave about them. (I don't mean put them in the middle of a dance floor and throw shapes stood around them to repetitive beat music, just that they really like them.)

Aggieboy

GavH wrote:

Aggieboy, thanks for the tip, tell me, what's the sizing like on these? I'm normally a medium but can find some Mediums to be a bit snug. That said, I'm losing weight hand over fist out here at the minute so that might not be a problem when I get back next month!

Pm'd you.

GavH

Aggieboy wrote:

Pm'd you.

Nothing receied. :?

Nuggs

I have an Assos 851 Airjack, which I have always found superb.

I also use Assos leg warmers, which are so good that in all but the coldest weather, they negate the need for tights.

My best winter purchases last year were:

1. Pearl Izumi Amfib gloves - take some getting used to but they are warmer than a warm thing

2. DeFeet Woolie Boolie socks - brilliant, stopped my feet from freezing on many an occasion.

That said, I'm hoping this winter is milder than last year. That was a hard winter, during which I often found ice patches even on my afternoon rides :shock: .