Road cycling in the winter

[AlmostUseful]

I haven’t been on my road bike since September, it’s too damp and wet and crap outside but I’m missing it.
I only have a Lycra jersey and a single pair of cycling shorts, so feel the need to increase my wardrobe and get out in the next few weeks.

I’m trying to keep this to a budget, so rapha recommendations probably aren’t for me, and I think I need:
Leggings/tights
New helmet (one of those visible/reflecting ones by on/one)
Either a long sleeve jersey, a base layer or a tight fitting jacket.
I’ve got waterproof gloves for my mtb so can wear those.

Any recommendations?

[frisbee]

This year has been pretty mild and we are also approaching the time when it usually starts getting warmer. Overheating is as horrible as being cold. And depending if you run hot or cold...

Arm and leg warmers and a gilet work well if its 10-12 degrees and you are going to be pushing on. Overshoes or toe covers.

If its colder I'll go for a winter softshell and Rubaix tights. I usually stick to a short sleeve base layer unless its crazy cold.

My DHB winter kit has lasted really well.

[Tabs]

Get on the PlanetX site. £50 will buy you everything you need.

[anonymous-user]

Decathlon has decent enough gear for not a lot of money

[Scabutz]

As the others have said. Planet X, Decathlon, DHB stuff all cheap and good.

Mud guards are well worth it.

Wouldn't bother with a waterproof jacket. Unless you go uber they are generally sweaty. Layer up to keep warm. Hands and feet bear the brunt went it's cold and wet. Thick socks and over shoes.

[lufbramatt]

Aldi had some decent merino base layers for cheap recently, you might still find them in the aisle of dreams.

Have a look at Prendas Ciclismo for bib tights, they do good value stuff.

[Harpoon]

Have a look at https://galibier.cc/

I've got their Mistral 2 bib tights and they are ace. Sign up for their mailing list as they often do launch offers on new items.

[AlmostUseful]

Thanks all, you’ve mentioned the sort of places I was thinking about so it’s good to know I’m not too out of touch! hadn't thought about mudguards though son will investigate, I have a carbon Vitus Zenium and I don’t think it has mounts.

[DE1975]

Don't worry about lack of mudguard mounts on your bike. Some SKS raceblade pros will universally mount to road bike frames and do the trick nicely.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/raceblade-pro-xl-set-i...

[AlmostUseful]

DE1975 said:

Don't worry about lack of mudguard mounts on your bike. Some SKS raceblade pros will universally mount to road bike frames and do the trick nicely.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/raceblade-pro-xl-set-i...

They looks brilliant!

[GOATever]

Avoid the close fitting type mudguards wherever possible. They really are a complete menace. Use ass savers, they keep your backside / back dry, without risking being brought down by or tyre wrecking damage from debris getting caught between a close fitting guard and your tyre.

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/ass-saver-regular/

Decathlon do a mudguard that attaches to a seat post, and stands well clear of your tyre, those are quite handy too.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/mountain-bike-mudguard...

Decathlon also have a lot of very reasonably priced winter cycling kit.

Edited by GOATever on Sunday 2nd February 13:49

Edited by GOATever on Sunday 2nd February 13:49

[Jasper3.0]

Go on then, I’ll say it.....

Zwift?

[SomersetWestie]

AlmostUseful said:

They looks brilliant!

A huge fan of these, they've been on my winter snotter for three years now, not a jot of trouble. Easy to swap if you're changing between bikes, and work really well........... Definitely worth the money IMHO !

[frisbee]

GOATever said:

Avoid the close fitting type mudguards wherever possible. They really are a complete menace. Use ass savers, they keep your backside / back dry, without risking being brought down by or tyre wrecking damage from debris getting caught between a close fitting guard and your tyre.

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/ass-saver-regular/

Decathlon do a mudguard that attaches to a seat post, and stands well clear of your tyre, those are quite handy too.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/mountain-bike-mudguard...

Decathlon also have a lot of very reasonably priced winter cycling kit.

Edited by GOATever on Sunday 2nd February 13:49

Edited by GOATever on Sunday 2nd February 13:49

Close fitting mudguards are absolutely fine. In 10k of riding with mudguards I've had something get caught in them once, and the mudguard stay simply broke free as it was designed to do.

Proper mudguards also protect your bike and anyone you are riding with.

[anonymous-user]

AlmostUseful said:

I haven’t been on my road bike since September, it’s too damp and wet and crap outside but I’m missing it.
I only have a Lycra jersey and a single pair of cycling shorts, so feel the need to increase my wardrobe and get out in the next few weeks.

I’m trying to keep this to a budget, so rapha recommendations probably aren’t for me, and I think I need:
Leggings/tights
New helmet (one of those visible/reflecting ones by on/one)
Either a long sleeve jersey, a base layer or a tight fitting jacket.
I’ve got waterproof gloves for my mtb so can wear those.

Any recommendations?

Try the internet?

[AlmostUseful]

Jimboka said:

AlmostUseful said:

I haven’t been on my road bike since September, it’s too damp and wet and crap outside but I’m missing it.
I only have a Lycra jersey and a single pair of cycling shorts, so feel the need to increase my wardrobe and get out in the next few weeks.

I’m trying to keep this to a budget, so rapha recommendations probably aren’t for me, and I think I need:
Leggings/tights
New helmet (one of those visible/reflecting ones by on/one)
Either a long sleeve jersey, a base layer or a tight fitting jacket.
I’ve got waterproof gloves for my mtb so can wear those.

Any recommendations?

Try the internet?

Oh st, why didn’t I think of that? Oh hang on, I looked at stuff, saw prices and sales pitches but wasn’t sure which to choose, hence asking a community on THE INTERNET for their opinion.

What a joy you are to behold.

[Barchettaman]

Jimboka said:

Try the internet?

Not your finest moment, Jim.

[MockingJay]

The Aldi stuff is decent for the price, also check Decathlon (you can try these on for size in store too which is a bonus)

[Steve vRS]

Another DHB wiggle vote here. I tend to buy their more expensive lines as I ride and run a lot and find them brilliant.

[Azzurrinick]

An alternative will be www.startfitness.co.uk lots of end of line discounted gear