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I'm a fair weather cyclist normally, a Spring to Autumn kinda guy (although I cyclocommute all year - 10 miles per day max.). However, tomorrow is looking stunning, sunny and dry but very cold and I want to get out on the road.
I have winter running kit so I'm good for leggings and socks, I also have neoprene overshoes, I have hats, buffs and bandanas as well as decent gloves. But what do I wear on top? I need something long sleeve, and with rear pockets, but what material? I have an ME soft shell, but that's not a cycling top, do I aim for something similar but cycling version? Or something more like a track suit top?
Or something like this combo... http://www.decathlon.co.uk/500-warm-cycling-jacket-black-white-id_8315511.h...
Cheers, Tony
In reply to Tony the Blade:
For road I tend to wear a long sleeved cycling top (Roubaix type material) with a thermal underneath and a gilet on top. The thermal will be short or long sleeved depending on just how cold it's going to be. I've also a couple of MTB tops that have a showerproof outer which keeps most of the wind off should I need it.
The other thing is keep your speed down, sit in a smaller gear and spin, then you aren't moving through the cold air as quickly.
For road I tend to wear a long sleeved cycling top (Roubaix type material) with a thermal underneath and a gilet on top. The thermal will be short or long sleeved depending on just how cold it's going to be. I've also a couple of MTB tops that have a showerproof outer which keeps most of the wind off should I need it.
The other thing is keep your speed down, sit in a smaller gear and spin, then you aren't moving through the cold air as quickly.
In reply to Tony the Blade:
How cold are you talking where you are?
I'm still riding in Spring/Autum style gear but that may change this week as it's looking colder.
Neoprene overshoes.
Legwarmers.
Bib shorts.
Merino LS base layer.
Summer weight jersey (with pockets and full zip)
Patagonia Hudini wind breaker.
For a bit colder than 8 degrees C i'd most likely look at:
Neoprene overshoes (with waterproof ones if it's really wet)
Winter bib tights (fleecy).
Merino LS base layer.
Winter weight jersey.
Wind breaker.
Maybe a waterproof jacket or softshell if it's truely honking weather.
EDIT:
Extremeties are also important, i've got a Castelli winter cap that comes down over your ears and wear some UKC approved Skytec gloves if it's baltic.
How cold are you talking where you are?
I'm still riding in Spring/Autum style gear but that may change this week as it's looking colder.
Neoprene overshoes.
Legwarmers.
Bib shorts.
Merino LS base layer.
Summer weight jersey (with pockets and full zip)
Patagonia Hudini wind breaker.
For a bit colder than 8 degrees C i'd most likely look at:
Neoprene overshoes (with waterproof ones if it's really wet)
Winter bib tights (fleecy).
Merino LS base layer.
Winter weight jersey.
Wind breaker.
Maybe a waterproof jacket or softshell if it's truely honking weather.
EDIT:
Extremeties are also important, i've got a Castelli winter cap that comes down over your ears and wear some UKC approved Skytec gloves if it's baltic.
Post edited at 12:08
In reply to Tony the Blade:
Having bought every base layer possible in every material imaginable I've reached the conclusion the way forward is Helly Hansen's original long sleeved thing a a base layer and then on top a medium weight windproof soft-shell (I like my Polaris slightly fleecy lined one) from Go Outdoors, or if rain is possible I confess to the Rapha pro team race cape (in my defence I got it free) which is frankly amazing. Sometimes I stick a lightweight running waterproof on instead, and rely on the breast pocket only for keys & phone.
Having bought every base layer possible in every material imaginable I've reached the conclusion the way forward is Helly Hansen's original long sleeved thing a a base layer and then on top a medium weight windproof soft-shell (I like my Polaris slightly fleecy lined one) from Go Outdoors, or if rain is possible I confess to the Rapha pro team race cape (in my defence I got it free) which is frankly amazing. Sometimes I stick a lightweight running waterproof on instead, and rely on the breast pocket only for keys & phone.
In reply to Tony the Blade:
Below 8 degrees:
Slightly fleecy tights (mavic)
neoprene overshoes and wooly boolie socks
A fairly thick baselayer top (thicker than Helly Lifa)
A Castelli Motirolo (something like that) jacket - windstopper on all front-facing bits and fleece for most of the bits out of the wind. Really, really first class thing.
Thin Castelli head band to keep my ears warm!
Merino liner gloves and Decathlon/Simond leather and softshell gloves(£14). If it's really cold, these get replaced by a pair of BD Punishers and liners instead.
Below 8 degrees:
Slightly fleecy tights (mavic)
neoprene overshoes and wooly boolie socks
A fairly thick baselayer top (thicker than Helly Lifa)
A Castelli Motirolo (something like that) jacket - windstopper on all front-facing bits and fleece for most of the bits out of the wind. Really, really first class thing.
Thin Castelli head band to keep my ears warm!
Merino liner gloves and Decathlon/Simond leather and softshell gloves(£14). If it's really cold, these get replaced by a pair of BD Punishers and liners instead.
In reply to Tony the Blade:
I don't have very many long sleeved jerseys but didn't really want to shell out for more (well, I did want to but managed to restrain myself), so I wear a long sleeved base layer with a short sleeved cycling jersey over the top so I can still use the pockets. As it's got colder I've also been wearing a vest top underneath the whole lot. In the Autumn I carried a windproof jacket with me, stuffed in jersey pocket/saddlebag. I have a goretex cycling jacket that is a bit too warm most of the year round, but has come into its own in the last few weeks. It's just a little bit too bulky to go into a jersey pocket successfully, but the good thing about it is that it has a built in elastic strap so that when I'm not wearing it I can fold it into its own pocket and wear it around my waist. I guess if you have money to spare, you could get a waterproof cycling jacket that is packable enough to go into your jersey pocket and that would be good. I think if you're out for several hours at this time of year something waterproof is a good plan. I also find that the goretex jacket is good for cafe stops when I find I get very cold.
I don't have very many long sleeved jerseys but didn't really want to shell out for more (well, I did want to but managed to restrain myself), so I wear a long sleeved base layer with a short sleeved cycling jersey over the top so I can still use the pockets. As it's got colder I've also been wearing a vest top underneath the whole lot. In the Autumn I carried a windproof jacket with me, stuffed in jersey pocket/saddlebag. I have a goretex cycling jacket that is a bit too warm most of the year round, but has come into its own in the last few weeks. It's just a little bit too bulky to go into a jersey pocket successfully, but the good thing about it is that it has a built in elastic strap so that when I'm not wearing it I can fold it into its own pocket and wear it around my waist. I guess if you have money to spare, you could get a waterproof cycling jacket that is packable enough to go into your jersey pocket and that would be good. I think if you're out for several hours at this time of year something waterproof is a good plan. I also find that the goretex jacket is good for cafe stops when I find I get very cold.
In reply to Tony the Blade:
A bit late to be looking now, most of the stock flew off the shelves about a month ago - but the Aldi winter range of clothing never fails to keep me nice and toasty - from top to toe
Cap, buff, Fleecy winter jacket with windblock front panels, wicking base layer, 'Pro' range bib longs, socks, and overshoes - plus a nice pair of gloves. ( Not forgetting the lightweight rain jacket for when things turn nasty). And all for the price of a 'named' make of jacket or bib longs!
I work on the principle that I will get wet ( either from sweat or from the sky), the roads are manky, so why get expensive clothing covered in clarts. What's more is that the stuff is pretty durable and I've had a good couple of winters wear out of them already ( apart from the overshoes - but theyre cheap as chips so I buy 2 pairs a year and chuck them out once the toes wear through).
A bit late to be looking now, most of the stock flew off the shelves about a month ago - but the Aldi winter range of clothing never fails to keep me nice and toasty - from top to toe
Cap, buff, Fleecy winter jacket with windblock front panels, wicking base layer, 'Pro' range bib longs, socks, and overshoes - plus a nice pair of gloves. ( Not forgetting the lightweight rain jacket for when things turn nasty). And all for the price of a 'named' make of jacket or bib longs!
I work on the principle that I will get wet ( either from sweat or from the sky), the roads are manky, so why get expensive clothing covered in clarts. What's more is that the stuff is pretty durable and I've had a good couple of winters wear out of them already ( apart from the overshoes - but theyre cheap as chips so I buy 2 pairs a year and chuck them out once the toes wear through).
Post edited at 17:14
In reply to Tony the Blade:
when I'm commuting in London I have sealskin socks (useless when wet but good against windchill.) soft shell, over shorts, buff, hat gloves etc..
when out on the road in Kent I have on short cycling shorts, fleecy long shorts, neoprene over shoes, long sleeved based and a fleecy windproof over that, neck scarf and wooly hat & gloves. This may seem overkill. But i hate getting cold. I don't venting to cool down but once I'm cold, I'm miserable.
My Sugoi soft shell has just been retired and the 2 replacements i have bought somehow don't quite cut the mustard.
when I'm commuting in London I have sealskin socks (useless when wet but good against windchill.) soft shell, over shorts, buff, hat gloves etc..
when out on the road in Kent I have on short cycling shorts, fleecy long shorts, neoprene over shoes, long sleeved based and a fleecy windproof over that, neck scarf and wooly hat & gloves. This may seem overkill. But i hate getting cold. I don't venting to cool down but once I'm cold, I'm miserable.
My Sugoi soft shell has just been retired and the 2 replacements i have bought somehow don't quite cut the mustard.
In reply to Tony the Blade:
Close fitting cycling Jersey in merino wool, and gilet to keep core warm. Soft shell jackets don't tend to breath well enough for me when cycling. Keep the wind off, and a nice wool layer in the winter sun works great.
Close fitting cycling Jersey in merino wool, and gilet to keep core warm. Soft shell jackets don't tend to breath well enough for me when cycling. Keep the wind off, and a nice wool layer in the winter sun works great.
Post edited at 17:39
In reply to Tony the Blade:
I'm more paranoid about being really visible in winter when light conditions can be pretty hard for motorists. I often just use a bright orange muddy fox top from Sports Direct over a fleece / baselayer on top and long fleecy cycling bottoms (Altura night vision). Neoprene overboots, good gloves and a thin running hat (Sports Direct again)
I'm more paranoid about being really visible in winter when light conditions can be pretty hard for motorists. I often just use a bright orange muddy fox top from Sports Direct over a fleece / baselayer on top and long fleecy cycling bottoms (Altura night vision). Neoprene overboots, good gloves and a thin running hat (Sports Direct again)
In reply to Tony the Blade:
I wear merino base layer with Rab Vapour rise ( longish tail) and fluo cycling top over that for pockets and visibility. Gilet is another possibility.
Use mountain kit where possible .... I look for the versatility.
I wear merino base layer with Rab Vapour rise ( longish tail) and fluo cycling top over that for pockets and visibility. Gilet is another possibility.
Use mountain kit where possible .... I look for the versatility.
In reply to Lord of Starkness:
Some the stores still have cycling gear in at half price. In the three local to me (Lancaster, Carnforth and Morecambe) the Morecambe store has a job lot. Got a winter jacket the other day for 8 quid, this years design is much improved, longer sleeves, better pockets, more breathable.
My deal with a winter jacket is to get something medium warmth and then layer a micro fleece top under it if it's really cold. Their merino socks at 1.99 and winter lobster gloves are also worth a pop. Worth looking in Aldi as some stores may have stock. I've used much more expensive brands and Aldis own stand up very well on the whole.
> A bit late to be looking now, most of the stock flew off the shelves about a month ago - but the Aldi winter range of clothing never fails to keep me nice and toasty - from top to toe
Some the stores still have cycling gear in at half price. In the three local to me (Lancaster, Carnforth and Morecambe) the Morecambe store has a job lot. Got a winter jacket the other day for 8 quid, this years design is much improved, longer sleeves, better pockets, more breathable.
My deal with a winter jacket is to get something medium warmth and then layer a micro fleece top under it if it's really cold. Their merino socks at 1.99 and winter lobster gloves are also worth a pop. Worth looking in Aldi as some stores may have stock. I've used much more expensive brands and Aldis own stand up very well on the whole.
In reply to GrahamD:
Be careful to ensure you don't wear that when there's a low winter sun day, it doesn't give much contrast and makes you harder to see. So save it for night time or misty days.
> I often just use a bright orange muddy fox top
Be careful to ensure you don't wear that when there's a low winter sun day, it doesn't give much contrast and makes you harder to see. So save it for night time or misty days.
In reply to Tony the Blade:
For the feet I wear a pair of plastic bags over normal socks. Cheap as f--k, waterproof, not breathable, but your feet stay warm and damp.
For the feet I wear a pair of plastic bags over normal socks. Cheap as f--k, waterproof, not breathable, but your feet stay warm and damp.
In reply to Orgsm:
That's where the wind-resistant front and normal back work a treat. the Aldi jackets and trousers I have use soft shell front and a power stretch-like fleece back.
I cycle 4km each way to work and back each day, so not far enough to get really cold. Last winter, I didn't wear anything other than normal shorts, a fairly light zip-neck wind proof front pullover, and gloves. But last year was very mild. In colder winters, I wear the Aldi jacket and trousers, which have kept going for eight years now, I think. Fantastic value.
> Soft shell jackets don't tend to breath well enough for me when cycling.
That's where the wind-resistant front and normal back work a treat. the Aldi jackets and trousers I have use soft shell front and a power stretch-like fleece back.
I cycle 4km each way to work and back each day, so not far enough to get really cold. Last winter, I didn't wear anything other than normal shorts, a fairly light zip-neck wind proof front pullover, and gloves. But last year was very mild. In colder winters, I wear the Aldi jacket and trousers, which have kept going for eight years now, I think. Fantastic value.
Wow, a huge thank you for all contributions to this thread. Apologies for the late reply, manic Friday at work now feels better with a glass of red inside me.
So it would appear that I need to dust down the old Helly Hanson (c/w chevron stripes down the arms) and add a couple of extra layers, building up until I feel warm.
Gloves wise I have some Ron Hills running gloves that I'll wear under my fingerless cycling gloves.
I like the idea of a thin head band under my lid, might chuck a buff around my neck as well so I can double up on the head if it gets really cold.
Well, I think I'm ready. The forecast is 1° to 6° with about 7mph breeze and sun all day... sounds like a perfect December cycle day.
Thanks again, Tony
In reply to Lord of Starkness:
The Decathlon overshoes are much more durable than the Aldi ones and cost about £10. Also much easier to put on.
The Decathlon overshoes are much more durable than the Aldi ones and cost about £10. Also much easier to put on.
In reply to wilkesley:
Also check out Planet X for overshoes, leg warmers, arm warmers etc; very cheap and good quality.
Also check out Planet X for overshoes, leg warmers, arm warmers etc; very cheap and good quality.
In reply to wilkesley:
They may be - but there's an Aldi a mile up the road - and Decathlon's about 40 miles away.
They may be - but there's an Aldi a mile up the road - and Decathlon's about 40 miles away.
In reply to Tony the Blade:
Think about gloves. I don't feel the cold too much, reading some of the lists of clothes on this thread is making me melt, but I do get cold hands cycling in winter when I don't use pretty warm and wind proof gloves.
Think about gloves. I don't feel the cold too much, reading some of the lists of clothes on this thread is making me melt, but I do get cold hands cycling in winter when I don't use pretty warm and wind proof gloves.
In reply to Tony the Blade: I just wear normal outdoor clothing when cycling, and in the winter just as I would if I was hillwalking i'd add another layer which would be Jack Wolfskin thermal top & Bottoms.
In reply to Tony the Blade:
I do what Marty does pretty much. One thing I like in changeable winter weather is to go out in my mountain waterproof, I really appreciate it when it's blowing and spells of snow and hail and come and go a few times in a ride. It might only last for half an hour, or it can end up that I'm cycling home through sideways blown hail, which is when I appreciate being able to pull my hood up and hunker down inside my waterproof to protect my face from it. I'll leave my waterproof on and take an extra layer in my pack for in case it gets colder or I have to stop for ages to fix a mechanical. I generally have a base layer and a fleece on under my waterproof, or a fleece and a thin wool jumper if it's very cold.
I had a great ride a few years ago where the wind was so strong I got blown back up the road from Burbage Bridge towards The Norfolk Arms without needing to pedal, and it kept being sunny and then hailing and being sunny again too. I kept having to turn my face away from the wind blown hail on the way home in the dark. I'd manage with 'a lesser waterproof' I guess, and I know it's less efficient to wear clothing which catches the wind more than specialist cycling gear, but it's nice psychologically to be in it. ()
It helps that my Dad has just bought a new waterproof, it means I can use his old one and not worry about the wear on my own mountain waterproof, I know not everybody is that fortunate...
I do what Marty does pretty much. One thing I like in changeable winter weather is to go out in my mountain waterproof, I really appreciate it when it's blowing and spells of snow and hail and come and go a few times in a ride. It might only last for half an hour, or it can end up that I'm cycling home through sideways blown hail, which is when I appreciate being able to pull my hood up and hunker down inside my waterproof to protect my face from it. I'll leave my waterproof on and take an extra layer in my pack for in case it gets colder or I have to stop for ages to fix a mechanical. I generally have a base layer and a fleece on under my waterproof, or a fleece and a thin wool jumper if it's very cold.
I had a great ride a few years ago where the wind was so strong I got blown back up the road from Burbage Bridge towards The Norfolk Arms without needing to pedal, and it kept being sunny and then hailing and being sunny again too. I kept having to turn my face away from the wind blown hail on the way home in the dark. I'd manage with 'a lesser waterproof' I guess, and I know it's less efficient to wear clothing which catches the wind more than specialist cycling gear, but it's nice psychologically to be in it. ()
It helps that my Dad has just bought a new waterproof, it means I can use his old one and not worry about the wear on my own mountain waterproof, I know not everybody is that fortunate...
Post edited at 18:20
In reply to Tony the Blade:
Your gloves terrify me. I'm already in full finger wind proof, waterproof, fleece lined, leather palmed ... and still can't feel my thumbs!
Your gloves terrify me. I'm already in full finger wind proof, waterproof, fleece lined, leather palmed ... and still can't feel my thumbs!
In reply to Lord of Starkness:
Same here, but I had to go to Decathlon to buy a new bike recently. They should do free delivery on the overshoes. Apart from being much better quality than the Aldi ones, because they have a velcro fastening under the shoe, you can put them on your foot first then put your shoe on. I find this so much easier than trying to step through the overshoe while wearing your cycling shoe. For grumpy old gits with stiff backs and joints this is a real plus point.
Same here, but I had to go to Decathlon to buy a new bike recently. They should do free delivery on the overshoes. Apart from being much better quality than the Aldi ones, because they have a velcro fastening under the shoe, you can put them on your foot first then put your shoe on. I find this so much easier than trying to step through the overshoe while wearing your cycling shoe. For grumpy old gits with stiff backs and joints this is a real plus point.
In reply to Lord of Starkness:
There is a Decathlon in Bolton, I've not been as Stockport is more convenient for me, but I suspect it is similar.
> They may be - but there's an Aldi a mile up the road - and Decathlon's about 40 miles away.
There is a Decathlon in Bolton, I've not been as Stockport is more convenient for me, but I suspect it is similar.
In reply to Orgsm:
Harder to see than what ? as a driver I find its easier to see cyclists in bright orange in any conditions rather than predominantly black - even if its not the optimum. Maybe fluro green would have been a better choice
> Be careful to ensure you don't wear that when there's a low winter sun day, it doesn't give much contrast and makes you harder to see. So save it for night time or misty days.
Harder to see than what ? as a driver I find its easier to see cyclists in bright orange in any conditions rather than predominantly black - even if its not the optimum. Maybe fluro green would have been a better choice
In reply to Tony the Blade:
Careful with the hands. I used to wear very light gloves early in the morning knowing it would warm up later in the day (really early starts cycling in California) and now I have nerve damage in my hands and I can't deal with heat OR cold in my fingers. If my hands get too cold they will ache and be almost unusable for 3-4 days.
Moral of the story, keep those fingers warm!
Careful with the hands. I used to wear very light gloves early in the morning knowing it would warm up later in the day (really early starts cycling in California) and now I have nerve damage in my hands and I can't deal with heat OR cold in my fingers. If my hands get too cold they will ache and be almost unusable for 3-4 days.
Moral of the story, keep those fingers warm!
In reply to GrahamD:
Contrast is what is important in most light conditions. Lights and reflective materials as the light fades.
Contrast is what is important in most light conditions. Lights and reflective materials as the light fades.
In reply to The New NickB:
I'd agree. Which is why it amazes me how often you see winter cycling gear that is dull and non reflective. Maybe bright orange isn't the optimum (along with 'night vision' altura bottoms and reflective shoe covers) but I know its a dam sight better visibility wise than a lot of more expensive options !
And lights, obviously
> Contrast is what is important in most light conditions. Lights and reflective materials as the light fades.
I'd agree. Which is why it amazes me how often you see winter cycling gear that is dull and non reflective. Maybe bright orange isn't the optimum (along with 'night vision' altura bottoms and reflective shoe covers) but I know its a dam sight better visibility wise than a lot of more expensive options !
And lights, obviously
In reply to GrahamD:
Drives me slightly nuts that winter tights all seem to be black. Although I suspect if I saw pairs in lime green or orange or red or blue I might just recoil from them as not being of suitable sartorial beauty. A bit like the brightly coloured climbing trousers an ex once told me I could not possess unless I was leading E3.
Drives me slightly nuts that winter tights all seem to be black. Although I suspect if I saw pairs in lime green or orange or red or blue I might just recoil from them as not being of suitable sartorial beauty. A bit like the brightly coloured climbing trousers an ex once told me I could not possess unless I was leading E3.
In reply to AlisonSmiles:
Have to say I'm really impressed by the Altura nightvision. As a car driver, they really do seem to stand out well.
Have to say I'm really impressed by the Altura nightvision. As a car driver, they really do seem to stand out well.
In reply to GrahamD:
I think us women have an AnaNichoola option with stars on too - wonder if they're reflective. <bimbles off to google>
I think us women have an AnaNichoola option with stars on too - wonder if they're reflective. <bimbles off to google>
In reply to Tony the Blade:
Cycled to work this morning (11 miles) in winter bib tights, single base layer top, Aldi soft shell jacket, windproof shoe covers, winter gloves and a lycra cap under my helmet and I was fine - rucksack with laptop also helping keep me warm.
Would have worn my ear warmer instead of a hat, but couldn't find it. Didn't bother with a buff round my neck - I will do if it gets colder or on longer rides.
Other essentials I find are a good moisuriser and good lip cream - Nivea and E45 do blokey ones.
One thing I really struggle with is finding good fitting winter bib tights - I might have to stick with bib shorts and leg warmers.
Cycled to work this morning (11 miles) in winter bib tights, single base layer top, Aldi soft shell jacket, windproof shoe covers, winter gloves and a lycra cap under my helmet and I was fine - rucksack with laptop also helping keep me warm.
Would have worn my ear warmer instead of a hat, but couldn't find it. Didn't bother with a buff round my neck - I will do if it gets colder or on longer rides.
Other essentials I find are a good moisuriser and good lip cream - Nivea and E45 do blokey ones.
One thing I really struggle with is finding good fitting winter bib tights - I might have to stick with bib shorts and leg warmers.
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