Winter Cycling Clothing

Marshlett

Morning all, first post but I have been a viewer of the forums for some time.

I know we are still in the summer but I want to start to look at preparing for the winter. Every day I cycle to work about 10 miles. Last winter I cycled every day even when it was snowing; however my clothing choices ranged from waterproof pants for highways workers to snowboarding trousers and jackets to try and keep myself warm and dry. I saw some people using really tight thermal clothing and they looked quite comfortable, where as I wasn't and found myself going through a new set of clothes every day as I couldn't get my stuff dry for the next day.

So here is my question, I want to keep warm and protected from the wind, snow and rain during the coming winter. usually I would probably cheap out and try and get a set of bottoms and top for under £50. If I need to spend more I will probably think about it / have to.

I think gloves, overshoes and head warmer I can decide myself but in terms of bottoms and top plus mayber a jacket what should I get?

Thanks

Jonathan

giant_man

Never mind winter, Autumn comes first, just some arm warmers and leg warmers would help with your existing jersey/shorts. A light shower proof jacket for the rainy days. As far as a winter jacket goes, and some bib tights, there is so much choice out there. You don't have to spend a fortune. Something hi-viz is a consideration. Overshoes, or even oversocks are very effective. You may not have to change your road shoes for winter 'boots' if you get the overshoes bit right. For your head, a good skull cap ie Endura, Castelli, aren't expensive and make a world of difference for a warmer head. There's nothing as bad as having cold wind around your ears and head imo. But for clothes, layering is the answer.

On cold days, a good gilet will suffice with a long sleeve jersey, and base layering always helps.

Brand wise, forgetting the out of your budget Assos-Castelli-Rapha kit, if I were you I would be looking at mid range level stuff such as DHB, Prendas (Santini), Sportful, Gore and even Aldi/Lidl is worth a look. It is true that buying cheap means you probably buy twice, but careful consideration will mean you won't have to.

paulb369uk

Like you I was unsure what the best clothing would be when the weather starts to turn. I am new to cycling and didn't want to spend loads in my first year, I have opted for an Aldi showerproof jacket, some Lidl tights, leg and arm warmers, shoe covers hat and gloves (came to around £60) ok it may only last one winter but the quality doesn't feel too bad !!! I have also got some base layers that I bought a few years ago from primark.

Happy shopping

Ps Lidle and Aldi have had their bike weeks recently so you might find a few bits still kicking around in store.

Marshlett

All sounds good.

I don't mind spending £200 if it means I will be warm and able to move about rather than being all padded like a certain tyre manufacturer mascot! Last winter I was cycling to work in temperatures below -10 as I live quite high up but then as I drop into town it starts to get a bit warmer.

So if I say a budget of £200 what you think I should buy, looking at top, bottoms and possibly jacket? Give me a shopping list :-)

indyp

For tights and jersey/jacket, don't think you can go far wrong with dhb. I agree though for Autumn leg & arm warmers are probably best. The tights below are v good, but personally I'd want the Zero for deep winter - jan/feb. Jackets/jerseys are also fairly good from there for the price. Also have a look on Start Fitness as they had some superb deals on Scott clothing other day and it's better quality than dhb.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-vaeon-rouba ... bib-tight/

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-windslam-softshell-jacket/

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-long-sleeve ... ix-jersey/

indyp

sorry not fitness it's cycles.

Marshlett

Thats great thanks. I have dhb roubaix arm warmers which I use most of the time as its pretty windy sometimes but the rest looks ideal.

vs4b

I've got one of these and used it last year all winter. http://www.wiggle.co.uk/altura-night-vi ... of-jacket/ I think it's brilliant both in value and absolute terms. Was good through the very coldest days and is generally ace!

menthel

More than your budget but I have equipped myself with base layers (gore long sleeve), a torm long sleeve top, 2 pairs of dhb roubaix bib tights and some defeet woolie boolies, as well as the tops, tights and gloves I have from last year. I have also gone with a castelli LS gabba for the wet and unpleasant days. Then again I also plan on cycling and audaxing through the winter as well as commuting!

durhamwasp

Keep an eye out at Aldi and Lidl, they will be due an autumn/winter cycling special pretty soon, and you really cant beat their gear for value.

grim168

lusso max repel bib tights work for me.