More help needed please! Shorts/mud guards/trousers

[AlecG]

Hi

After cycling home last night in sleet/snow/hail stones a few things came to light... I need me some waterproof trousers I think, or some shorts (going on the skins waterproof thing) so any recommendations? I'm commuting about 27 miles a day on the road, so mud guards would be good also, and some warm socks perhaps?!

Ta in advance!

[WildCards]

Do you want waterproof trousers or waterproof overtrousers?

I buy mudguards amongst other things from Decathlon, cheap as chips and work aswell as a bit of plastic is ever likely to. Socks are tricky because water tends to drip down your legs into them, but if your wearing trousers that shouldn't happen. Seal Skins or equivalent ought to be fine.

I'm a big fan of eVent material, Endura's Venturi jacket and trousers are brilliant IMO.

[pdV6]

Sealskin socks without waterproof trousers over them will let water in the tops as noted.
However, as the water can't then get out it warms up and works a bit like a wetsuit, so still miles better than "normal" socks.
Oh, and they're windproof too.

[AlecG]

Thanks for that!

I think waterproof trousers would be better than overtrousers no? What are the pro's and con's?

Thanks for your advice on the socks, shall purchase some, and some mud guards!

[Jesus Christ]

I use Gore Bike Wear Alp X waterproof jacket and trousers, both or which are Gore Paclite. Jacket seems largely comparable to Wildcards' eVent in terms of actual waterproofness and breathability. Sometimes you feel like they are soaked with sweat but on investigation are bone dry and the sweat is literally the smallest layer on my skin waiting to evaporate through the coat.

The trousers are really good BUT they are an odd shape. Once on they fit well but there is little stretch for putting them on (buy a larger size than usual and still expect a close fit). They only fit over lycra shorts as the bulk of normal clothes makes them very hard to get on without risking damage. They have calf straps so stay well clear of pedals.

In terms of weather protection they are no better or worse than walking style paclite trousers, which are cut far more generously and easily go on over all manner of clothing. The downside of this is that you have to be careful not to feed them to your chain rings and they can toiten up on your posterior once in the attacking position assumed for traffic dodging.

The other choice is waterproof leggings, which I have no experience of....

I also use sealskins and as long as trousers overlap socks I stay properly dry. Sealskinz gloves on the other hand (don't go there) are pants (IMO).

Finally, got my alp x stuff from Evans with big discount.