Winter Kit Question

whitestar1

I have a limited budget and need a winter jacket/trousers/gloves for daily commute. Been browsing the stores but can't decide what I should get. Any ideas?

BigDonn

Check out the Tenn Outdoors store on Ebay - stuff is all very cheap and the short sleeved jersey that I got for £10 is decent quality.

StorckSpeed

In my opinion the Gore kit is the best, fits well, durable and looks good for years.

Best value though is DHB kit from Wiggle, gets great write up and still manages to be functional and long lasting.

SimonAH

I have to agree on the DHB stuff - not overly feature laden but really good quality stuff especially the eVent kit.

jimmcdonnell

+1 for DHB, but I wouldn't trade my Gore Phantom jacket for all the t in C. That, a gilet, l/s base and very occasionally a l/s mid layer have got me through -5 degree winter rides.

bails87

jimmcdonnell wrote:

+1 for DHB, but I wouldn't trade my Gore Phantom jacket for all the t in C. That, a gilet, l/s base and very occasionally a l/s mid layer have got me through -5 degree winter rides.

+1 to both points, all the DHB stuff I've had has been great for the money, but my Phantom is great 'full stop'.

With a long sleeve baselayer and a buff around the neck it's been warm enough for stop-start MTB rides on icy Welsh mountains, but with a short tshirt under it, and with the sleeves zipped off it's been cool enough to wear in the mornings for the past week

whitestar1

bails87 wrote:

+1 to both points, all the DHB stuff I've had has been great for the money, but my Phantom is great 'full stop'.

With a long sleeve baselayer and a buff around the neck it's been warm enough for stop-start MTB rides on icy Welsh mountains, but with a short tshirt under it, and with the sleeves zipped off it's been cool enough to wear in the mornings for the past week

What's the stock name for this 'Phantom' and how much it cost?

whitestar1

SimonAH wrote:

I have to agree on the DHB stuff - not overly feature laden but really good quality stuff especially the eVent kit.

Will check Wiggle out for the eVent Kit.

MrChuck

whitestar1 wrote:

What's the stock name for this 'Phantom' and how much it cost?

Gore Bike Wear Phantom Jacket, probably expect to pay £90-£110 ish

StorckSpeed

Evans are currently selling a Gore Phantom for £80.
End of line so Limited sizes and colours though.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gor ... gn=froogle

Also have a look at the Gore Store
http://www.tgstore.eu/

MichaelW

You should consider 2 jackets, one windproof and one waterproof. Save your waterproof for when its raining, you will be more comfortable and the jacket will last longer. In the cold, you can wear both.
Everyday cycling windproofs need to be a little bit tougher than the featherweight ones you commonly find. Light colour, non-flappy cut, high collar and reflective bits are essential. Rear pockets are not really necessary.
Ron Hills are good/cheap/durable leggings.
For really cold weather, some breathable rainpants work well. Montane Atomic DT work for me.

Dont forget the other winter gear: woolly socks, neck buff/headover tube and gloves. You will need a solution for cold, wet feet. I used to use plastic bags but graduated to sealskinz. Roadies tend to use neoprene over-booties.

whitestar1

MichaelW wrote:

You should consider 2 jackets, one windproof and one waterproof. Save your waterproof for when its raining, you will be more comfortable and the jacket will last longer. In the cold, you can wear both.
Everyday cycling windproofs need to be a little bit tougher than the featherweight ones you commonly find. Light colour, non-flappy cut, high collar and reflective bits are essential. Rear pockets are not really necessary.
Ron Hills are good/cheap/durable leggings.
For really cold weather, some breathable rainpants work well. Montane Atomic DT work for me.

Dont forget the other winter gear: woolly socks, neck buff/headover tube and gloves. You will need a solution for cold, wet feet. I used to use plastic bags but graduated to sealskinz. Roadies tend to use neoprene over-booties.

Great advise! Just what I was looking for. Thanks

redballoon

I have been commuting to work in Aldi winter cycling gear for years. It is cheap and does the job. There winter jackets, trousers and gloves will keep the rain and cold out on a half hour commute. Keep your best gear for when you are not commuting. Wear a merino top wool top when it gets cold though and a good windproof skull cap. Also velcro overshoes that are easy to take on and off. After trying loads of different ones, I think Eager Overshoes are best, though they look a bit pants, but who cares - you are going to work.

Dingbat32

You might want to try some Craft Performance Rain Pants, they are a nice slim fit, but offer full rain protection for 365 day riding, I've been wearing mine since last year when I first read a review of them wen I was working in Sweden:

http://www.alwaysriding.co.uk/craft-per ... s-511.html

For the top half, the Craft Rain Jacket to match, mine is the Performance top:

http://www.alwaysriding.co.uk/craft-per ... 1-908.html

For the cold, a hat that covers the ears is a must, maybe the Craft Winter Hat:

http://www.alwaysriding.co.uk/craft-win ... -1084.html

Or the Etxeondo 3 in 1 Neck warmer / hat:

http://www.alwaysriding.co.uk/etxeondo- ... d-774.html

Gloves, the Craft Siberian are very warm:

http://www.alwaysriding.co.uk/craft-bik ... e-261.html

BTW - Full disclosure, I am not affiliated with Always Riding, but having used them for the past 2 years, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them as a young, independent alternative to the bigger corporations, and for a husband and wife team, they put out a good site!

whitestar1

redballoon wrote:

I have been commuting to work in Aldi winter cycling gear for years. It is cheap and does the job. There winter jackets, trousers and gloves will keep the rain and cold out on a half hour commute. Keep your best gear for when you are not commuting. Wear a merino top wool top when it gets cold though and a good windproof skull cap. Also velcro overshoes that are easy to take on and off. After trying loads of different ones, I think Eager Overshoes are best, though they look a bit pants, but who cares - you are going to work.

Nice one mate! I had given up on winter riding as it seem to cost just too much to buy the gear for the upcomming winter. Wonder when Aldi will begin stocking the gear?

whitestar1

Dingbat32 wrote:

BTW - Full disclosure, I am not affiliated with Always Riding, but having used them for the past 2 years, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them as a young, independent alternative to the bigger corporations, and for a husband and wife team, they put out a good site!

Man they are expensive :roll:

whitestar1

Dingbat32
What do you have to say about the Craft Bike Siberian Glove? is it waterproof too?

Torvid

You probably won't need full on winter gear till after christmas, so could always drop a few hints to the loved ones about what you might need?