Bit of advice for a sportive this weekend

bigtallandheavy

First sportive this weekend - leaving from Manchester as part of the Bike & Tri show 46 mile route and quite hilly.

The furthest I have done so far is 32 miles so going to take it nice and steady and just enjoy.

As a new roadie I need some advice on what to wear / carry. Weather says it is going to be 1 degree when we leave rising to 5/6 during the day and dry options as follows -

Bib shorts and leg warmers have no longs, do haves gilet
Arm warmers or skins compression snowboarding thermal top? Or arm warmers and endura humvee jersey?
Fingerless mits or endura strike gloves bought today
Neck warmer
Should I buy a skull cap for this weather? And would you bother packing a waterproof

Going to take water, gels, one tube, patches, mini pump and tool in my saddlebag. The biggest problem I have is pockets as gilet has none!!!

Advice much appreciated

Thanks

lawrences

If you can fit more than one tube in I would do that.

Have fun.

canny_lad

I won't go out without my skullcap this time of year, can always take it off if it gets too hot. I'd stick some zero tabs in your water bottles as well.

ps am a slaphead so no barnet to keep my bonce warm

crescent

Yeah, it can be tricky deciding what to wear. I made the mistake during last year's Etape Caledonia of wearing too much and totally overheated about 10 miles in. I would say anything that is light and easily carried in a jersey pocket eg arm warmers, leg warmers etc is the way forward rather than anything too restricting or cumbersome, flexibility is the key - give yourself as many options as you can without becoming laden down with kit. Stating the obvious I know, but these plus a light (pocketable) waterproof and a couple of layers would be my choice. Good luck.

danlikesbikes

You should be OK with leg warmers on & I'd be wearing my arm warmers too with the gillet.

I ride in the current weather with a cycling cap under my helmet as I find my skull cap gets too hot after a while, but it is each to their own and to an extend the length of your hair.

As for gloves personally I'd wear long rather than short due to the time your going to be in the saddle & exposure to the conditions, but it is personal choice really.

Rather sad but I do like my neck warmer, as I find it packs down small if I get to hot. But I can also wear it with my top open and the neck warmer rolled down and tucked inside which lets out the heat but offers some protection from wind/cold air.

Good luck with the ride though.

supermurph09

In similar temps at the weekend, albeit a little windy I used a base layer (£9.99 from decathlon) over my long sleeved cycle jersey (pro bike kit own brand), a skull cap (I have shaved head) and a neck warmer. I considered taking my rain jacket but as no rain was forecasted I didn't bother. I also left the overshoes at home. I did 50 miles and I'd say what I had on was perfect. The neck warmer allows you to unzip your jersey without getting cold imo.

slowbike

As a regular commuter I've got used to deciding what to wear - it has to go below 0°C for me to wear my base layer, but I do have a wind/waterproof jacket on top (it's high vis as well - so it gets worn at this time of year!) ..

Personally I'd cover arms, legs and hands.
I use a buff for the neck/head as it is very versatile and comfortable (really cold and I've got a fleece one as well)

If your tops let the wind through then the Gillet (I assume windproof) would be a good idea - you can always put tools/tubes and even food in the pockets of the jersey inside - I'd rather have to stop to get some food out than be cold for the whole time - although last year I did quite a few rides in similar temps with base layer and double jersey and that was warm enough - still had longs on though - and good socks ... !

Overshoes would be handy if you've got them - it's wind chill that cools you down - that and being wet with wind ... !

I'd second on the double tube and include one of those instant patches in the tool kit ..

Anonymous

I would 2nd the Buff. Very versatile and easy to carry. Just a light, non fleece one would be best imo.
Overshoes or toecovers are a good thing to have too as has been said. CRC have some Campagnolo toe covers that go around rear of shoe as well as toe area.

Your gloves seem a weak point. Summer mitts or big waterproof monsters is not much of a choice. I feel that big type of waterproof glove are more for commuting than fast riding.
I found getting winter gloves right one of the hardest things.
In the end I gave up on waterproof ones as they are just not breathable and sweat becomes a bigger problem than rain.
The other problem is that if they are too bulky it is difficult to change gear/brake, and I find my hands ache from being stretched out on the hoods.

I have quite close fitting winter gloves and liner gloves to go inside if its really cold.
My liner gloves have silicone dotted palms and finger tips, and are perfect to wear on their own when its mildly cold.