hi. cycling in the rain and cold, and what clothes to get.

kalioon

Hi everyone. Ive started to use my MTB to commute to work. Not too far 4 or 5 miles each way. Im a bit confused about what clothing im going to need, especially in the rain or cold. Im in Fife in Scotland, so it can get pretty cold and wet up here, and i plan to cycle until the snow stops me.
I have a load of walking gear so im sorted for baselayers and tops, but what shoudl i wear on my bottom half? Ive been looking at endura stuff, humvee shorts. but ive no idea if these are suitable. Ideally id like somthing warm, and waterproof but im open to suggestions.

thanks

earls

The endura shorts and 3/4's are good, sturdy and durable but not completely waterproof. If you're riding only 5 miles at a time view would be fine, any further and I'd be looking for something gortex.
I ride approx 6 miles each way to work and and am fine with 'tights' under my humvee's.
Just ride fast.

Alinshearah

yes wearing clothes is always advisable

kalioon

cool, thanks. can you recomend any tights?

edit: would lidl ones be ok for my needs?

The Rookie

In summer I wear a base layerT and baggy shorts and mitts, once it gets below about 5C I go to a softshell over a base T and 3/4 length and full finger gloves and have used that just fine to -8C, if I get chilly I know I'm not pedaling hard enough and MTFU and get the heat generated, sure it's chilly for the first mile or so as I build up heat, but if I wear more I sweat too much later in the ride.

Simon

felix.london

These shorts are great;

http://www.cyclesurgery.com/pws/UniqueP ... CSBC0842KK

earls

Any tights will do it mate, Sports Direct sell some padded Karrimor ones really cheap.

omegas

Tights or even better winter tights are a must if you are commuting each winter day.

kalioon

thanks guys much more clued up now. couple more questions tho:

Bib tights? yay or nay? im thinking these:

http://www.sportsdirect.com/muddyfox-cycle-bib-tights-mens-635040?colcode=63504003

as they are cheap, and i like the idea of a warm lower back


and for shorts these:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=15892

again as they are cheap and look pretty good. may not be too waterproof but its not exactly a far distance.

thoughts?

hainman

i use the running karrimoor tights and they do the job fine.....

i also have some decathlon shorts that wer only 25 quid and they are pretty durable but you could alway track down some ex armed forces gortex trousers.

i got mine from a mate for free but they aint that dear i dont think.keep you bone dry.

woozor

I ordered some of these last night. I can always let you know what there like when they turn up.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-pace-roubai ... bib-tight/

njee20

Do you really need the baggies? As you've said they're not waterproof, so they'll just get soggy and heavy and feel horrible. Any reason not to just wear tights? Bib tights all the way (and bib shorts FWIW), those Muddy Fox ones will do the job.

On your top half a softshell jacket is most versatile IMO. Most waterproofs make you sweat like an absolute pig, I only wear mine once or twice a year, unless it's absolutely torrential and freezing cold I prefer just getting wet.

kalioon

Thanks again
got a couple of softshell tops from hiking, so those and the techincal tshirts i have should be ideal.

the only reason for the baggies is vainity. not too sure i would look good in just tights. i know; MTFU!! I may just get the muddyfoxes and see how it goes. although the wife already looks at me funny when i put my gloves on, im not too sure what she will think when i start wearing a leotard!

njee20

By the time you've got a top on no one can tell you're wearing bibs. It just stops you getting a cold back and that particularly fetching 'muffin top' effect with normal tights. Far more comfortable.

Would seriously consider ditching the baggies though, IMO they serve only to make things miserable! The general public think you look stupid anyway, why not look stupid in the most functional attire?

kalioon

The general public think you look stupid anyway, why not look stupid in the most functional attire?

a very good point. bib tights it is then!

thanks everyone.

thestefanosmith

thanks guys,lots of questions answered!