Winter Clothing Essentials Recommendations - Please
Discussion
Dear knowledgeable types....
In December we're relocating from Singapore to the Netherlands. My cycling kit here is about managing 30 degree plus heat and 80% humidity.
So from shoes up to my head I don't have kit that will keep me dry and warm (I'm also realistic on this) during the winter.
I'll be trying to commit to the commute by bike as well, but lots of travel in Europe and other demands will make that difficult versus Singapore.
I ride both MTB XC and road and would prefer recommendations of kit that can be used across both disciplines.
Recommendations regarding good quality softshells, rain jackets, shorts, bib tights, socks, baselayers, shoes and headwear (under helmet) would be appreciated.
Budget isn't an issue, I prefer to buy good quality kit that lasts and is transferable between disciplines and works when I need it than less well manufactured kit.
Currently I think a good softshell, rain jacket, with base layers would be preferred for the top half, with leg warmers potentially for the bottom half. Current Fizik shoes are great here, will be impossible in European winter even I think with overshoes.
What's worked best for you all through winter for rides upto 4-5hrs? I've got to keep going as I've got the Amstel Gold to do in April!
In December we're relocating from Singapore to the Netherlands. My cycling kit here is about managing 30 degree plus heat and 80% humidity.
So from shoes up to my head I don't have kit that will keep me dry and warm (I'm also realistic on this) during the winter.
I'll be trying to commit to the commute by bike as well, but lots of travel in Europe and other demands will make that difficult versus Singapore.
I ride both MTB XC and road and would prefer recommendations of kit that can be used across both disciplines.
Recommendations regarding good quality softshells, rain jackets, shorts, bib tights, socks, baselayers, shoes and headwear (under helmet) would be appreciated.
Budget isn't an issue, I prefer to buy good quality kit that lasts and is transferable between disciplines and works when I need it than less well manufactured kit.
Currently I think a good softshell, rain jacket, with base layers would be preferred for the top half, with leg warmers potentially for the bottom half. Current Fizik shoes are great here, will be impossible in European winter even I think with overshoes.
What's worked best for you all through winter for rides upto 4-5hrs? I've got to keep going as I've got the Amstel Gold to do in April!
Thanks to all who have contributed. I do tend to suffer in the cold, especially my feet, but haven't enough experience riding in the cold for long periods to know what will give out first. Plenty of suggestions here of kit that works I can follow up on.
My plan of attack is to buy from different manufacturers, sadly not Rapha for those who adore them, I simply find it a bit too pretentious, not that they're the only ones who do the tattooed, coffee supping hipster advertising. I recognise the kit is great quality, but so is my Assos, Morvelo and Gore kit without the associated image. I like Morvelo kit a lot and have already got some 3/4 bib knickers in Roubaix material which are waterproof/resistant. Definitely need overshoes, will probably go with a base layer and windstopper softshell, some decent gloves and then build up from there.
Socks, skull cap and maybe even a snood. Key will be their flexibility in being able to do road and XC.
My plan of attack is to buy from different manufacturers, sadly not Rapha for those who adore them, I simply find it a bit too pretentious, not that they're the only ones who do the tattooed, coffee supping hipster advertising. I recognise the kit is great quality, but so is my Assos, Morvelo and Gore kit without the associated image. I like Morvelo kit a lot and have already got some 3/4 bib knickers in Roubaix material which are waterproof/resistant. Definitely need overshoes, will probably go with a base layer and windstopper softshell, some decent gloves and then build up from there.
Socks, skull cap and maybe even a snood. Key will be their flexibility in being able to do road and XC.
Thought I'd update this with findings and expense to date ... won't list the costs, but its been a bit painful. Having a full kit set up for 30 degree+ heat/85% humidity coming to Netherlands in December was Always going to require a reinvestment in kit.
- Sportful overshoes, been excellent, but my feet still suffer after a couple of hours (I've Always suffered with cold feet)
- Northwave SPD's boots ordered, so will change road bike pedals and can use on MTB and road bike - Not for the purist in terms of road bike looks, but practical, I can walk in them at the end of the commute and only need one pair for both bikes.
- 2 long sleeve base layers from Craft, one windstopper and one normal have been excellent. Craft kit is as good as described & recommended here.
- Morvelo Thermoactiv jersey is fine from 8 degrees with windstopper baselayer
- Gore Bike Wear Oxygen Windstopper softshell most used since arriving, excellent for commute, longer rides ets
- Gore bike wear Oxygen Gore Tex jacket on order for when it's wetter
- Morvelo stormshield bib tights - like the pads, like their quality, been awesome at keeping my legs warm and dry
- Morvelo 3/4 Bib knickers, great for when it's slightly warmer, same as above
- Morvelo short sleeve base layers x 2, great for under long sleeve if really cold
- Gore bike wear gore text cap - I know, but cloth gets wet and this means my very un-aero but cool in hot temps helmet is still practical enough and it keeps my head dry, so cheaper than an Aero, or less vented helpmet.
- Ass saver, lost the first one, second one is doing good job of keeping worst of muck off the back of me
- Craft gloves, excellent so far, haven't needed them Always and have managed to keep with fingerless mitts for longer than I expected
- Nalini winter socks on order, they were on offer so I'll give them a go and see if it continues to help my feet
All of the above have about 300kms on them pretty much and they've been ecellent at keeping me warm enough, but the shock for the system is still there on some rides.
- Sportful overshoes, been excellent, but my feet still suffer after a couple of hours (I've Always suffered with cold feet)
- Northwave SPD's boots ordered, so will change road bike pedals and can use on MTB and road bike - Not for the purist in terms of road bike looks, but practical, I can walk in them at the end of the commute and only need one pair for both bikes.
- 2 long sleeve base layers from Craft, one windstopper and one normal have been excellent. Craft kit is as good as described & recommended here.
- Morvelo Thermoactiv jersey is fine from 8 degrees with windstopper baselayer
- Gore Bike Wear Oxygen Windstopper softshell most used since arriving, excellent for commute, longer rides ets
- Gore bike wear Oxygen Gore Tex jacket on order for when it's wetter
- Morvelo stormshield bib tights - like the pads, like their quality, been awesome at keeping my legs warm and dry
- Morvelo 3/4 Bib knickers, great for when it's slightly warmer, same as above
- Morvelo short sleeve base layers x 2, great for under long sleeve if really cold
- Gore bike wear gore text cap - I know, but cloth gets wet and this means my very un-aero but cool in hot temps helmet is still practical enough and it keeps my head dry, so cheaper than an Aero, or less vented helpmet.
- Ass saver, lost the first one, second one is doing good job of keeping worst of muck off the back of me
- Craft gloves, excellent so far, haven't needed them Always and have managed to keep with fingerless mitts for longer than I expected
- Nalini winter socks on order, they were on offer so I'll give them a go and see if it continues to help my feet
All of the above have about 300kms on them pretty much and they've been ecellent at keeping me warm enough, but the shock for the system is still there on some rides.
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