Cold weather gear

Dan_Giant

I'm going to be starting to commute to work soon and all i have at the moment is a set of lycra shorts, a cycle top, and cycle jacket which is wind proof and waterproof, and fingerless gloves.

What stuff would people say is essential for commuting and staying dry and comfortable. I will be riding my road bike, carrying a small rucksack i'd imagine and distance is 16miles each way. So lightweight but good is what I'm after i suppose.

Recommendations on rucksacks would be good too.

Cheers

Dan

jeepie

Hi Dan,

I like to wear base layers for cold commuting. I've got two Helly Hansen ones that I wear all the time. Then you need a good waterproof - I use a Lusso high vis one. I don't worry about my legs and just wear bib shorts all year round. Some good gloves which I've yet to find are essential ... if you find any that keep your hands dry and warm but not too hot and not too bulky let me know. Some nice warm waterproof socks and overshoes also good.

Cheers

J

lc1981

On the gloves front, I bought a pair of the new Endura FS260-Pro Nemos recently, on the strength of this review: http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/cate ... e-12-46159. Generally I've been happy with them so far, though they do get hot inside when the temperature is anything above cold. They're clearly not fingerless though.

Dan_Giant

Like the look of those gloves, will have to give them a try.

Found some 3/4 waterproof shorts which I like the look of. That way won't get to hot, plus won't get a wet bum. Can't think of anything worse.

Azhar

Dan_Giant wrote:

I'm going to be starting to commute to work soon and all i have at the moment is a set of lycra shorts, a cycle top, and cycle jacket which is wind proof and waterproof, and fingerless gloves.

What stuff would people say is essential for commuting and staying dry and comfortable. I will be riding my road bike, carrying a small rucksack i'd imagine and distance is 16miles each way. So lightweight but good is what I'm after i suppose.

Recommendations on rucksacks would be good too.

Cheers

Dan

hey dan. my commute is exactly the same distance. its hard at first but i find it immensly enjoyable. the only thing i have is bib shorts, leg warmers, i do wear one of those adidas clima cool tops inside (the compression type top), jersey on top, long sleeve waterproof/windproof jacket, helmet and rucksack. i ahve recently bought some overshoes that keep the foot warm/dry. in terms of rucksack i would high recommend http://www.wiggle.co.uk/deuter-speed-li ... -rucksack/ its enough to get my trousers, shirt, spare bib and shorts, puncture kit and small pump all in this bag. best thing is, when you have the bag on and clip it all up and you start riding it honestly feels like you dont have the bag on. very very good bag. smallish too so at least you wont be tempted to take too much stuff.

lc1981

Dan_Giant wrote:

Like the look of those gloves, will have to give them a try.

Just don't blame me if you wear them in mild weather and get very sweaty hands!

Dan_Giant

Haha, would only wear them in the coldest of days.

godders1

Roubaix Arm, knee and leg warmers and a merino base layer means you can wear most of your usual kit but adapt for colder conditions. For me this approach works down to say 5-8 deg celsius.

You will want a pair (or two) of thick roubaix longs and a jacket/thicker outer layer for when the temp dips down to <low single figures.

Buff and skullcap for under the helmet (again merino wool is good).

Extremities are probably the hardest bit to get right. I've gone with neoprene overshoes for the past couple of winters but think this year I'm going to splash out on a pair of dedicated winter shoes.

seanorawe

I keep everything minimal.

Bib shorts and a jersey. To keep warm I have roubaix lined Arm and leg warmers. A balaclava, a warm under armour and a cool one too. Full finger gloves, and a waterproof jacket.

The waterproof jacket was the most expensive peice costing £80 but everything else was bought in Decathlon and ebay. no problems at all.

Initialised

ffs it's July, save this for late september.

godders1

Are you paying for the bandwidth or something?

It’s been an awful summer and it can be chilly enough first thing to warrant arm/knee warmers, long fingered gloves etc. Also now is the best time to be buying cold weather gear, lots of bargains to be had.

(And I know it’s a UK forum but we do have people posting from all over the world. It’s not summer everywhere).

clarkey cat

mudguards will be the best bad weather investment you can make

tarbot18

As i live up north by eck lad ! and commute 12 miles round the coast of wirral in all weathers ie last winter -10 i use a variety of gear depending on temp and the bike im riding.
Proper winter single digit stuff i have 2 pairs of long cycling pance on with overshoes a base layer top layer and altura jacket , balaclava under my helmet for the windburn and stops the sand !
Ive found the best winter gloves for warmth waterproof and cost are the £7 aldi winter ones

tarbot18

Initialised wrote:

ffs it's July, save this for late september.

are you sure didnt look like it today :shock:

andyrr

Ay, we're having a mild winter at the moment !

Agree on the mudguards front, if your bike isn't designed to take proper guards (bosses on the front fork and rear) then the Crud race guards are pretty decent, not as good as proper ones but better than nowt. Giuards mean and bike don't get as soaked in cruddy water.
Overshoes - stops feet getting absolutely soaked / frozen but if you will be commuting in all weathers then I'd recommend winter boots - my Diadora Chilis have been a great buy, feet never now get cold, with overshoes over these a 1 hour commute in soaking roads (like today) does see socks get a bit wet but nothing like ordinary shoes. Shouldn't be wearing them in Summer (what summer ?) but as they are good at keeping feet pretty dry I'm wearing these whenever the forecast is for wet weather. The alternative is wet shoes a few miles into the commute and they aren't dry for the return journey.
Showerproof gillet and decent waterproof jacket also are requirements, try to keep the waterproof jacket use at a minimum as you start to cook inside it.

The Rookie

Summer - cotton shorts and a base layer top with mitts to prevent gravel rash in the event of a downer.
Winter - Past knee length cotton shorts, base layer plus softshell and fullfinger (Aldi) gloves - when it gets below -6 I add some 'long john' style climbing leggings.

Knee and arm warmers are only needed if your not trying hard enough! ;-)

16 miles I'd be looking at a rack, sweaty back time otherwise!