all the gear and no idea!

stratcat

Well, not quite.

I've been cycling for a few years now and my cycling gear consists of :
Clipless shoes
dhb bib shorts (brilliant won't be going back to "normal" shorts in a hurry)
dhb base layer for those chilly mornings
a couple of cheap Aldi/ lidl jerseys
A ron hill waterproof, bought years ago, for those lovely Cumbrian summers
helmet
Bolle safety glasses from ebay (cheap and stylish 8) )
and recently I splashed out on a very nice jersey from those lovely people at Shutt - cracking bit of gear.

The thing is I'm riding further now, not the usual 1hour blast out to keep fit, more the "out all day" type of ride. I know my gear is up to the task, but what other gear would you recommend I look at/purchase. Especially as I can set off in blazing sunshine and an hour later be up on the fells in snow!

As an example, I set off yesterday morning with my short sleeve jersey on - I was freezing so I wore my waterproof (which is pretty bulky - they usually live in my wifes panniers) I was Ok, but had it warmed up during the day it would have been a large bulk for me to carry (no panniers on my bike you see :shock: ) I should have put a long sleeve jersey on, but it felt warm in the sun.
Would arm warmers be better? a windstopper? gillet? I want to be self sufficient so I'm not loading the wife up with gear (yesterdays 50 miler nearly killed her ) so I guess I'm thinking about stuff that will squash up into a jersey pocket.

Any recomendations as to what my "system" should look like?

Cheers

Brakeless

I carry one of these, packs to nothing

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=32354

and one of these

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Altur ... 360038385/

both will fit into one back pocket easily although if it's slightly chilly I'll be wearing the vest.

I find that these 2 plus some armwarmers cover most situations with veery little bulk or weight.

Scrumple

How is the fit of the Mavic?? Weight?

I have a castelli which is as light as a carrier bag, but flaps and is an awfully baggy shape.

Brakeless

I've just weighed it. I've a large and it's 115g. It fits snugly, I'm 6ft 1 and 40 chest.

stratcat

Thanks Brakeless,
Is the vest a ripstop nylon type material? Is the altura breathable? I've read people say that for a shower they'd just get their windproofs a bit wet as they dry out quickly. Better than a boil in the bag feeling.

Looks like a good set up though.

Brakeless

The vest is a really light pertex type nylon on the front and an open mesh on the back. The pocket rocket is described as breathable and I can't say I've ever noticed a build up of condensation. The drying out theory is fine for a shower but if its raining and windy for a prolonged period then it's time for a proper waterproof.

JesseD

I recommend you buy the following:

Gilet, you can get a really nice Endura one for circa £30
Arm warmers, can be rolled down on stuck in backpocket when it warms up
Knee warmers or full leg warmers, again can be taken off when it gets warm.
Cotton cycling cap to keep your head warm.
Decent gloves.

With the rest of your kit you will be pretty much kitted out for all rides during spring/summer/autumn.

Winter is a different beast, invest in good quality kit like assos or rapha.

miggers

stratcat wrote:

Well, not quite.

I've been cycling for a few years now and my cycling gear consists of :
Clipless shoes
dhb bib shorts (brilliant won't be going back to "normal" shorts in a hurry)
dhb base layer for those chilly mornings
a couple of cheap Aldi/ lidl jerseys
A ron hill waterproof, bought years ago, for those lovely Cumbrian summers
helmet
Bolle safety glasses from ebay (cheap and stylish 8) )
and recently I splashed out on a very nice jersey from those lovely people at Shutt - cracking bit of gear.

The thing is I'm riding further now, not the usual 1hour blast out to keep fit, more the "out all day" type of ride. I know my gear is up to the task, but what other gear would you recommend I look at/purchase. Especially as I can set off in blazing sunshine and an hour later be up on the fells in snow!

As an example, I set off yesterday morning with my short sleeve jersey on - I was freezing so I wore my waterproof (which is pretty bulky - they usually live in my wifes panniers) I was Ok, but had it warmed up during the day it would have been a large bulk for me to carry (no panniers on my bike you see :shock: ) I should have put a long sleeve jersey on, but it felt warm in the sun.
Would arm warmers be better? a windstopper? gillet? I want to be self sufficient so I'm not loading the wife up with gear (yesterdays 50 miler nearly killed her ) so I guess I'm thinking about stuff that will squash up into a jersey pocket.

Any recomendations as to what my "system" should look like?

Cheers

+1 for the Bolles, no more worries about trashing expensive ones.

Our gilet is excellent, I work at Shutt - We are a small company so happy to offer 'bulk' discount. PM me if you are interested...

Pete

stratcat

I've seen some windproofs at the LBS that have zip off sleeves. Looks like a good compromise as well.

I hear what you are saying about the showers - its sods law that they turn into torrential downpours two miles down the road.

Thanks Pete, I've a birthday coming up and so I might treat myself to a couple of things. Do you accept callers at your shop/office?

Winter - I usually put as much cycling gear as I can get on and pedal like hell to keep warm - mind you next year I might be looking for some feet/shoe covers to keep my tootsies warm and dry

rake

is there such a thing as "no gear all the idea".

guilliano

I rank in the all the gear, all the idea, none of the talent/fitness camp personally.

For current mornings my kit is thus:

Choice of bib shorts, usually Endura FS260 Pro unless I plan on a long ride
Adidas Supernova running tights
Endura Baa Baa long sleeved merino base
Endura FS260 Pro jersey
Endura Rebound wind/showerproof jacket
Woollly Booley merino socks
Endura Strike gloves

miggers

stratcat wrote:

I've seen some windproofs at the LBS that have zip off sleeves. Looks like a good compromise as well.

I hear what you are saying about the showers - its sods law that they turn into torrential downpours two miles down the road.

Thanks Pete, I've a birthday coming up and so I might treat myself to a couple of things. Do you accept callers at your shop/office?

Winter - I usually put as much cycling gear as I can get on and pedal like hell to keep warm - mind you next year I might be looking for some feet/shoe covers to keep my tootsies warm and dry

Hi Stratcat - yes we run an open office, call first.. Mostly Simon covers the office..

Hope to meet you...

Pete

stratcat

miggers wrote:

Hi Stratcat - yes we run an open office, call first.. Mostly Simon covers the office..

Hope to meet you...

Pete

Thanks Pete, I will ring - probably be a week or two's time.

Are you open weekends?

miggers

stratcat wrote:

miggers wrote:

Hi Stratcat - yes we run an open office, call first.. Mostly Simon covers the office..

Hope to meet you...

Pete

Thanks Pete, I will ring - probably be a week or two's time.

Are you open weekends?

'fraid not, I live near Oxford so home at the weekend...