Winter clothing

DEZZA53

So what do you wear on a winter ride with temperatures into single digits ? Waterproof jackets on top of various base layers, or just a top quality windproof jersey/jacket ? From what I've seen, most roadies seem to wear windproofs, I can't decide which way to go on this. Thoughts and experiences please......thanks.

tmg

For me its a merino base layer, long sleeve jersey and a softshell jacket, waterproof goes on top of all of that if its really chilly

alihisgreat

I'm on a very tight budget (saving the pennies for some decent spring/summer stuff):

-Lidl Bib-tights £15 i think.. fantastic value -> tested down to -2C
-Lidl base layer (think its technically a rugby one?)
-t-shirt summer base layer on top of that if its really cold
-thin long-sleeve jersey (mainly just for the pockets)
-softshell jacket (think its this one? http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/regatta-bradwell-softshell-p148176 -> picked it up in TK Maxx for £10)
-Neoprene Altura overshoes
-Cheap endura gloves (+£3 running gloves as liners - from sportsdirect)
-thin running hat (£4 from sports direct)


this combo works great and i've tested it down to -2C, although i'm not riding for more than 2 hours. really happy with the quality of the lidl stuff.

if you go down the expensive route, from what I've seen from the local roadies, you'll get stuff with a sleeker fit, and the bibs would probably be a little warmer with windproof panels towards the top for sub-0 days.

dawebbo

Today it was :

Bib tights with bib shorts over the top. Base layer (cheapy helly hanson type) and soft shell (wind proof). Thick socks and neoprene overshoes. Thick gloves. Neck buff pulled over chin (tucked in so no air gets down your neck) and buff on head.

Only really feeling the cold on fingertips and toes (though I seem to suffer from that whatever I wear!) and exposed bits of my face. Glasses will steam up when you stop but easily remedied by sliding them a little down your nose until you're moving again.

MattC59

It depends on how far into single digits and whether it's wet or not.

When I was last out, it was 2C and wet (but not raining), so I wore a short sleeve merino base layer, long sleeve winter jersey with softshell jacket over the top. I had bib longs on my legs and my feet were kept warm with woolie bollie socks and PRO overshoes. PRO Ultimate gloves on my hands and a buff under my helmet to prevent brain freeze.

If it's a bit warmer, I'll do away with the softshell and wear a long sleeved merino base layer under my winter jersey, and carry a lightweight windproof in my jersey pocket.

You can get some fantastic bargains at this time of the year. You will hear nothing but praise for the dhb stuff from Wiggle, and they've also got a 'up to 40% off' sale on winter clothing at the moment. The Gore Phantom jacket that I wear is about £95 at the moment.

Which ever route you go, cheap or expensive, layering is the key. ie base layer, winter jersey then jacket (whether just wind proof or something heavier). Trap layers of warm air and keep the chilling wind out.

amaferanga

A good baselayer and a good windproof jacket with some bibtights should keep you plenty warm enough (gloves, overshoes, etc. as well obviously) unless its well below zero. If you wear too much you'll sweat too much going up hills and get chilled on the descents.

dawebbo

In the recent weather I've been getting chill blanes (sp?) in my thighs if I don't double up on leg gear.

Agree with Ama about not wearing too much though, as a general rule you should wear enough that you will be a bit cold at first before warming up once you're going. You'll sweat regardless, which is why windproof stuff is essential.