Winter Clothing for a Winter Virgin

cal_stewart

As a rider who has done little miles in the rain and crash on my bike killing the frame has made me replace it with a winter frame. So what clothing would you recommend.

A waterproof jacket, would like one I can run in to.

Gloves would like waterproof one

Overshoes

and what should i pull on my legs.

cheers cal

STEFANOS4784

Personally my legs don't get that cold, knees more so. I use cheap DHB bibtights from Wiggle. For me gloves are important as my hands become agonisingly painful if out for any length of time in winter. Can't remember which ones i use so not terribly helpful but i think they're seal skins. Also over shoes are essential, i got 'DBB' branded ones cheap off ebay and they seem to do the job great ie feet dry and not cold, also a fairly tight fitting rain coat i use a dhb one which was heavily discounted and in my opinion it was an absolute bargain. Just shop about, with cycle gear, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for-within reason of course.

STEFANOS4784

In fact i just read my post and i was about as useful as a chocolate tea bag, sorry :oops: :arrow:

Blonde

If you want warm, yet low bulk kit, go for windproofing on your outer payers. Windproof winter gloves are a must. If you wore a wooly jumper and cycled at high speed or wore it on a windy day, it might be warm, but it would still let all the cold air stream in through the holes in the knit. The same is true of most clothing materials, unless they are specifically designed to be windproof. I also use a merino wool glove liner inside my gloves, so if you intend to do that, don't buy your outer gloves in too small a size! Merino wool socks are extremely warm for such low bulk (essential if you wear the same sized cycling shoes all year round as too tight shoes will make feet sore as well as cold). Don't wear two pairs of socks unless your cycle shoes are really large! Wear overshoes on top instead. A merino wool base layer is also a great buy - very low bulk, yet, in my experience, much, much warmer than synthetics, as merino doesn't hold much moisture from sweat so you don't freeze on descents after some exertion on a climb. Also, natural wool does not pong like synthetics, so you can wear a few times before washing - so useful for daily commuting. The rest - well everyone is so different in how much they feel the cold, and of course longer rides will require more comfortable/warmer/drier clothing than shorter rides, so it is difficult to advise. Suffice to say that the better quality kit is more expensive, but really will keep you warmer and more comfortable for longer, so if you intend to do longer rides of over 4 hours in winter, do consider investing in the higher quality kit.

Not Another Hill

If you're quick, Aldi have got winter cycling gear in. I've just got a warm and windproof jersey (£14.99); pair of winter tights with coolmax pad (£12.99) and some winter gloves (wind/water proof) £4.99. Quality looks good. Not worn them yet but for commuting this winter I reckon they're a bargain. The stuff is flying out of the shops so you'll have to be quick. Wiggle's own DHB tights are good (wore them all last winter) although the zippers at ankle are not the most robust.

cal_stewart

cheers lads i've got DHB clothing and i think its great value. looks like wiggles getting some money.

Anyone got a waterproof they bike and runnin that they can recommed.

cheers cal