Commuter clothing

tenohfive
tenohfive Posts: 152
edited May 2016 in Road buying advice
Just getting into cycling and will be doing a reasonably long (for me) commute so looking to expand the wardrobe slightly so that I'll be fairly visible. Also trying to factor in what of me running gear will layer well with certain items to save me spending a fortune.

Right now I'm looking at cheap jerseys - I've got a Decathlon jobby and have just ordered a brightly coloured Tenn Coolflo jersey; think they're on the right lines. Any jumps up to streets better quality for not much more cash?

The next thing I'm after is some sort of visible jacket for early mornings/returning when it's dark in crud weather. It looks like there's a compromise between breathability and waterproofing (expected) and right now I can't afford to do both. So I was looking at a showerproof jacket as I can use my base layer for flexibility - merino for when it's chucking it down, and any range of different weight synthetic base and jerseys for when it's light rain.

With that in mind I've come across a couple of options - the Altura Microlite for £20 or the Castelli Squadra for £33. Not sure whether the Castelli is nearly double the jacket compared to the Altura, and I am trying to keep costs down to keep SWMBO happy. Also open to other options.

Am I on the right lines?

Comments

  • frisbee
    frisbee Posts: 691
    Both of those jackets are emergency jackets, you wouldn't really want to be wearing them regularly. They are for wearing when you set off and tucking into your pocket after a bit or putting on if you get a shower.

    Coming into summer you can get away without waterproofs really, they make you hot and damp as opposed to just damp.

    And then go for something like an Aldi special winter jacket when it starts getting cooler.
  • fenix
    fenix Posts: 5,437
    You can get lightweight fluoro and reflective over vests too. http://www.ekoi.fr/en/safety-vest-ekoi/ ... -vert.html That way you can wear whatever you want on top. THey're mesh so it doesn't add any layers really.
  • vpnikolov
    vpnikolov Posts: 568
    I personally would not bother with hi-viz if my commute is not during dark hours. That being said, hi-viz makes complete sense for winter riding, but is highly questionable when cycling during summer months.
  • andcp
    andcp Posts: 644
    Fenix wrote:
    You can get lightweight fluoro and reflective over vests too. http://www.ekoi.fr/en/safety-vest-ekoi/ ... -vert.html That way you can wear whatever you want on top. THey're mesh so it doesn't add any layers really.
    That looks a good buy.

    I have one of these: https://www.cycledivision.co.uk/product ... gilet-7188
    I found out yesterday they are surprisingly water resistant - well worth a tenner.

    Cycle Division also do jackets, but I have no idea what they are like:
    https://www.cycledivision.co.uk/product ... ain-jacket
    https://www.cycledivision.co.uk/product ... flo-yellow

    p.s. I have no connection to Cycle Division other than being a satisfied customer.
    "It must be true, it's on the internet" - Winston Churchill
  • fenix
    fenix Posts: 5,437
    Given how bad some of our drivers are - I really think at least bright colours are needed for commuting to work.
    Drivers are often on the phone, or tuning their radios, or driving so close to the car in front that they can only see a few feet ahead. Then add in the glare of the sun, or a dirty windscreen, or a hangover...

    Wearing dull or black kit just makes no sense to me.
  • tenohfive
    tenohfive Posts: 152
    If I went for a vest it'd be a gilet style with pockets in the back as I'll get more use out of that. For a tenner that RST one looks pretty good.

    My commute does include cycling in the dark so the high-vis is a priority for me.

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