MTB Winter riding kit
Discussion
This is my first 'serious' year mountain biking and I am absolutlely loving it! Bought myself a Cannondale SL3 in May and I am out on it at any possible opportunity. Unfortunately due to the long hours I work, riding in the evening is becoming more difficult due to restricted light. I am planning to ride a little more on the road when the dark nights come in properly and so obviously need some lights.
I am looking at what other bits and bobs I may need. Other than longer trousers (currently ride in shorts), what kit do people suggest for the winter season?
I am looking at what other bits and bobs I may need. Other than longer trousers (currently ride in shorts), what kit do people suggest for the winter season?
There's a thread on here for MTB lights, good ones from about 15 quid or so on Ebay
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Waterproof Jacket
Seal Skinz waterproof gloves
Seal Skinz waterproof socks
I tend to wear leg warmers or long cycling trousers under some MT500 3/4 lengths
Neoprene overshoes to keep feet warm
Happy riding
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Waterproof Jacket
Seal Skinz waterproof gloves
Seal Skinz waterproof socks
I tend to wear leg warmers or long cycling trousers under some MT500 3/4 lengths
Neoprene overshoes to keep feet warm
Happy riding
Edited by Silver940 on Monday 9th September 14:36
Edited by Silver940 on Monday 9th September 14:37
8potdave said:
what kit do people suggest for the winter season?
Mr winter stuff is broadly the same as my summer stuff, just muddier and wetter. 
Good advice here already, especailly Sealskinz socks (better than waterproof shoes, if in fact you can get them anyway) and also the waterproof shorts, because it's not nice having a wet arse 5 mins into a 2 - 3hr ride.
One other bit of advice is to get some decent waterproof-specific soap and re-proofing agent (Nikwax or Graingers) because any shell will soon stop "bobbling" surface water away after a few rides and enough mud and then becomes significantly less waterproof. Washing waterproof gear - especially shorts and jackets - greatly improves long term performance and, until I spoke to a guy in the (excellent) George Fisher outdoors in Keswick, I never realised that re-proofing was viable or desirable.
Some sort of trousers (possibly lycra under baggies), not for the warmth, but to dissuade ticks
Long sleeve top for the same reason.
Lights.
Full finger gloves (not seal skinz! rubbish, although the socks are great)
If its a particularly nippy evening, maybe a cycling jacket. I run fairly warm though, your mileage may differ.
Long sleeve top for the same reason.
Lights.
Full finger gloves (not seal skinz! rubbish, although the socks are great)
If its a particularly nippy evening, maybe a cycling jacket. I run fairly warm though, your mileage may differ.
Bizarre as it may sound, the problem with cycling in the winter is not keeping warm, but keeping cool.
It's easy to keep warm by going out in a puffa jacket, sallopettes and the thickest gloves you can find. But as soon as you start pedalling, you'll sweat like a fat lass on the dancefloor.
Layering is important as you can take off or add one layer at a time as you get hotter and colder.
I normally wear:
Lycra cycling shorts.
Windstopper bib tights.
Winter boots.
Sealskins (or just warm, winter socks).
Tight fitting merino wool long-sleeved under shirt
Baggier Freeride-typre wicking shirt.
Windstopper beanie hat for under my helmet as I'm a baldy and my head gets freezing.
I then also take a paclite waterproof jacket and my rainlegs.
It's easy to keep warm by going out in a puffa jacket, sallopettes and the thickest gloves you can find. But as soon as you start pedalling, you'll sweat like a fat lass on the dancefloor.
Layering is important as you can take off or add one layer at a time as you get hotter and colder.
I normally wear:
Lycra cycling shorts.
Windstopper bib tights.
Winter boots.
Sealskins (or just warm, winter socks).
Tight fitting merino wool long-sleeved under shirt
Baggier Freeride-typre wicking shirt.
Windstopper beanie hat for under my helmet as I'm a baldy and my head gets freezing.
I then also take a paclite waterproof jacket and my rainlegs.
Edited by Kell on Monday 9th September 17:39
I got a great DHB headband thingy that goes over your ears last year. Found anything else too hot, and nothing over my ears gave me evil ear/headache!
I have waterproof gloves, but if it REALLY hoofs it down they succombe to the rain. I take a second pair of gloves in my pack now.
Get out on the trails with a decent torch (and a buddy incase of mechanical issues or light failures) - trails are completely different after dark!!
I have waterproof gloves, but if it REALLY hoofs it down they succombe to the rain. I take a second pair of gloves in my pack now.
Get out on the trails with a decent torch (and a buddy incase of mechanical issues or light failures) - trails are completely different after dark!!
Maybe because I don't have any spare cash, but my 'winter' kit isn't much different from my summer kit.
I do have an Exposure Toro front light, and a £25 cheapo (but really bright) Chinese e-bay special which I've monted on my helmet, for night trails-riding.
Other than that...
My daily camleback pack with a few trail-essential tools and spact to stow the waterproof jacket if it stops raining.
Breathable t-shirt under waterproof jacket (an Altura hi-vis commuter one as I can't afford another bike-specific jacket)
Endura baggy shorts (non-waterproof) with padded lycra ones which you can pop-in for the longer rides
Seal Skinz waterproof socks (I can cope with wet legs, but wet and cold feet annoy me)
Gore overshoe things for when it's really wet and cold
Waterproof gloves (but they can fill-up with water dribbling down my arms)
Clear / Yellow lens glasses depending on light available
Knee pads if I remember or am doing a day-visit to a trail-centre
Dry long-sleeve top in the pack to put on if I have to stop pedaling (fix a puncture) to stop me getting too cold. Pedaling hard with a camleback and jacket keeps me toasty even on silly-cold days in the middle of winter.
Just get a cold and runny nose when it is really cold though, but that's what the 'wipe' is for on the cycling goves isn't it?!
Oh, Crud Catcher front and rear guards and a neoprene guard between the fork legs to stop a bit of wheel-spray.
I do have an Exposure Toro front light, and a £25 cheapo (but really bright) Chinese e-bay special which I've monted on my helmet, for night trails-riding.
Other than that...
My daily camleback pack with a few trail-essential tools and spact to stow the waterproof jacket if it stops raining.
Breathable t-shirt under waterproof jacket (an Altura hi-vis commuter one as I can't afford another bike-specific jacket)
Endura baggy shorts (non-waterproof) with padded lycra ones which you can pop-in for the longer rides
Seal Skinz waterproof socks (I can cope with wet legs, but wet and cold feet annoy me)
Gore overshoe things for when it's really wet and cold
Waterproof gloves (but they can fill-up with water dribbling down my arms)
Clear / Yellow lens glasses depending on light available
Knee pads if I remember or am doing a day-visit to a trail-centre
Dry long-sleeve top in the pack to put on if I have to stop pedaling (fix a puncture) to stop me getting too cold. Pedaling hard with a camleback and jacket keeps me toasty even on silly-cold days in the middle of winter.
Just get a cold and runny nose when it is really cold though, but that's what the 'wipe' is for on the cycling goves isn't it?!
Oh, Crud Catcher front and rear guards and a neoprene guard between the fork legs to stop a bit of wheel-spray.
Vladimir said:
Why the triple post?!! It only submitted once!
Yep, I have a few Howies base layers too.
My jacket of choice is an Endura Stealth; soft shell but waterproof and breathable. Excellent bit of kit!
I don't bother with waterproof shoes as my feet stay bone dry with "sealed" Sealskinz.
Mine does it sometimes when I post from my phone.Yep, I have a few Howies base layers too.
My jacket of choice is an Endura Stealth; soft shell but waterproof and breathable. Excellent bit of kit!
I don't bother with waterproof shoes as my feet stay bone dry with "sealed" Sealskinz.
As for clothing. Layer up in the winter and a top tip from a mate of mine dress for the 2nd mile. It could be bloody freezing when you start but when you start moving youll warm up and then have to stop to take a layer off.
Gren said:
Merino baselayer + softshell or other windproof jacket (Gore Phantom here)
Winter gloves (Gore Alp X)
Merino socks
Buff and skullcap
Long trousers (Singletracks)or lycra under baggies
Same here. Shell is an old Endura one but is still water and windproof and have just treated myself to Enduro thick waterproof gloves. I also have the sealskinz socks and they are excellent.Winter gloves (Gore Alp X)
Merino socks
Buff and skullcap
Long trousers (Singletracks)or lycra under baggies
My theory is a few thin layers for the top of the body so you can add/remove during the day, keep the feet and hands warm and dry, take the cap and buff in case you have to stop for a while and repair a broken chain as I did on sunday.
Sometimes you get too warm and need to remove layers but that better than being too cold
Endura kit is superb value for money. This winter in oz I've got through this winter with the following
Endura Baabaa merino beanie for under the lid (Urge Enduro)
Endura merino base layer
Endura Convert II jacket
Endura Mt500 full leggings
Endura MT500 3/4 shorts
Endura windstop gloves
DeFeet Woolie Boolie merino socks
Northwave Celcius GTX boots
Never been more toaster and comfortable in my life!
I ditched the Sealskinz for the boots and they are a revelation in comfort and dryness.
Endura Baabaa merino beanie for under the lid (Urge Enduro)
Endura merino base layer
Endura Convert II jacket
Endura Mt500 full leggings
Endura MT500 3/4 shorts
Endura windstop gloves
DeFeet Woolie Boolie merino socks
Northwave Celcius GTX boots
Never been more toaster and comfortable in my life!
I ditched the Sealskinz for the boots and they are a revelation in comfort and dryness.
OK so I've seen a lot of people mentioning merino, would anyone mind a quick "why" for me and what its good for?
Also judging by my damp feet, which seal skin socks? Amazon shows a wide variety?
Got some very impressive gloves for a fiver from planet x, they withstood the tap test for about a minute before any damp leaked through the seams so definitely rainproof.... and theres just enough space for a thermal liner.
Also judging by my damp feet, which seal skin socks? Amazon shows a wide variety?
Got some very impressive gloves for a fiver from planet x, they withstood the tap test for about a minute before any damp leaked through the seams so definitely rainproof.... and theres just enough space for a thermal liner.
TheLemming said:
OK so I've seen a lot of people mentioning merino, would anyone mind a quick "why" for me and what its good for?
Also judging by my damp feet, which seal skin socks? Amazon shows a wide variety?
Got some very impressive gloves for a fiver from planet x, they withstood the tap test for about a minute before any damp leaked through the seams so definitely rainproof.... and theres just enough space for a thermal liner.
Short answer is that Merino is one of those natural 'super' materials. It keeps you warm even if it's wet and you can wear it alot without it stinking to high hell - very, very handy if you're on a hiking/biking/skiing trip where you need to pack light. Long answer here: http://eu2.icebreaker.com/Why-Icebreaker-Merino/wh...Also judging by my damp feet, which seal skin socks? Amazon shows a wide variety?
Got some very impressive gloves for a fiver from planet x, they withstood the tap test for about a minute before any damp leaked through the seams so definitely rainproof.... and theres just enough space for a thermal liner.
TheLemming said:
Also judging by my damp feet, which seal skin socks? Amazon shows a wide variety?
No idea - have a look at which ones Wiggle or oter bike-specific sites suggest.After the final very, very steep, rooty, techy descent last night in filthy, wet conditions, I am remeinded of another 'winter' item; sintered brake pads. If you are anywhere gritty or sandy, organic pads can wear away in one wet ride. Then you get that hot emtal smell. Sintered seem best, but some of the carbon kevlar ones also last better IME.
I have to be honest, I don't really rate Seal Skins.
I've had gloves and socks and both leak.
However, if you get the thicker ones, they do, at least, keep your feet warm when they're wet which is probably why I continue to try them.
Last winter I switched over to thick hiking socks and didn't see any real difference either way (i.e. better or worse) except that they were cheaper.
For the record, I run full mudguards and wear Shimano winter boots and still get wet feet.
I'm thinking of trying to extend the flap on the bottom of my front mudguard with some old inner tube.
I've had gloves and socks and both leak.
However, if you get the thicker ones, they do, at least, keep your feet warm when they're wet which is probably why I continue to try them.
Last winter I switched over to thick hiking socks and didn't see any real difference either way (i.e. better or worse) except that they were cheaper.
For the record, I run full mudguards and wear Shimano winter boots and still get wet feet.
I'm thinking of trying to extend the flap on the bottom of my front mudguard with some old inner tube.
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff