Helmet and trouser suggestions for wet weather?

geebus

I've decided I don't mind riding in the rain that much really.
However, I'd prefer not to get TOO soaked.

Unfortunately I'm on a bit of a budget - is there anything for not silly money that will do better than a standard cheap pair of waterproof trousers as far as stopping me getting soaked from the inside?

I really should wear a helmet more too - rarely do on the road. Current choice of helmets is a £6.25 one from Sainsburys (ok, it was half price) that's maybe 4 years old, or a 25+ year old one from freecycle that looks like a toaster. Looking at pics from the last mtb event I did, even the newer one looks distinctly chunky etc.
So if I had a helmet that kept my head warmish and dry, might wear it more!

prawny

Any helmet that fits! Go to a shop and try a few on get one that is cheap and comfy and looks ok.

Trousers wise, Lycra up and get wet. All waterproofs will make you sweaty on a buget. You could try rain legs I suppose but I just get wet and it's fine, just keep warm and dry off when you get there.

daddy0

Helmet wise I recently bought an Abus helmet with red LED light on it for £35 from the LBS. Thats quite a bit more than the £6.25, but not a lot for a new helmet from a shop. It was the only helmet under £50 that wasn't too dorky looking. Its not going to keep you dry or warm though, but I don't think you really want a helmet to insulate you, if you're cold then just wear a hat underneath it. Too much insulation on your head will be uncomfortable unless its very very cold outside, and then it probably wont keep you warm enough.

geebus

I'm lycra-adverse, but happy riding in whatever trousers I happen to be in.

Should note that my actual 'commute' is about a mile, but also like to use it for saying going indoor rock climbing (maybe 15 miles away), as well as shopping etc.

I was more thinking keeping the rain off for the helmet - though my beanie does a decent enough job so far, just needs to be dried out after!

prawny

For keeping the rain off your bonce

http://www.gbcycles.co.uk/product/32469 ... ure_II_Cap



Jobs a goodun.

Peio333

I would suggest you to check in TKMAXX. I have found really good stuff there to fully waterproof myself for a fraction of the price. In Scotland we have the problems with the cold weather the rain and the wind. With what I got from TKMAXX the only thing that gets wet (no matter the weather) are my glasses.

geebus

I was in Blazing Saddles in Hebden bridge earlier (cheekily using their pump as my tyres were a little soft to avoid a petrol station - cheers guys) and noticed they had 3/4 length waterproof trousers.
Wondered if this made it a bit more 'breathable' without letting too much water through etc, even if wearing trousers - tend to be wearing army boots at work.

Cap's a good idea, though a bit much cash right now.

What about helmet covers for bike helmets? Seems it'll still be 'breathable' as there'll be airflow under the helmet.

godders1

I couldn't wear them on the bike myself but type "raf goretex trousers" into ebay (you'll need clips as they're baggy at the bottom).

geebus

Ta - don't have any trousers that aren't 'baggy' really, so no issue for me .

combatsapph

Search ebay for Army surplus gore-tex. I got a brand new pair of RAF gore-tex trousers for £14.68 in an unoffensive blue. I had reservations about the quality but once I got them I soon realised they were well up there with any £120 of gore-tex trousers you'll seen in a mountain equipment shop.

Example.

geebus

Got a wiggle £15 voucher (should have two, must look in to that), so weill have a look), otherwise do like the idea of the Army surplus ones for 'cheap' .

Cheers for the suggestions.