What's are YOU wearing for your commute?
Discussion
Woke up and there was frost all over the field, winter is officially here!
Looked at weather forecast and it was saying -1'c!
I normally sweat quite a lot so I stuck with wearing a base layer alone, a pair of trackie bottoms and some thin alutra gloves, as that's what I usually wear.
I have to say...I just about got away with it today, had to push hard to keep myself warm though. Any colder I would probably have struggled.
What's everyone wearing for their commute?
Looked at weather forecast and it was saying -1'c!
I normally sweat quite a lot so I stuck with wearing a base layer alone, a pair of trackie bottoms and some thin alutra gloves, as that's what I usually wear.
I have to say...I just about got away with it today, had to push hard to keep myself warm though. Any colder I would probably have struggled.
What's everyone wearing for their commute?

helly hansen lifa base layer trousers and bib shorts or fleece lined bib shorts. base layer top, thin polartec 100 fleece top and hi-vis jacket. normally wear a pair of outdoor designs gloves probably better suited for running or walking.
its only five miles so not really an epic and if it was longer i would be better wrapped up.
its only five miles so not really an epic and if it was longer i would be better wrapped up.
Nike cargo shorts, nike skate shoes, any old cotton t-shirt, altura commuter windproof/waterproof jacket, specialized full finger gloves, specialized reactive glasses and a specialized mtb helmet.
Daresay as winter really sets in I'll need to wear something to cover my lower legs from the intial bite of the wind but I run hot so can't see myself adding much more. My commute is only just over 4 miles though.
Daresay as winter really sets in I'll need to wear something to cover my lower legs from the intial bite of the wind but I run hot so can't see myself adding much more. My commute is only just over 4 miles though.
this is exactly what inspired me to write the 'it's a rip off thread'... was looking for commuting gear and it's all a scam. i have calmed down now as i have found some really good clothes in my wardrobe...
base layer - a ski top that was purchased from m&s several years ago but i think cost about £20. it's 100% good old polyester
top layer - a berghaus wind / rain coat (admittedly i think i spent £150 on it but that was about 8 or 9 years ago and it's still going strong. it's breathable
a high viz sleevless top - thin thing that just goes over the berghaus. £2.97 from ebay.
normal pair of gloves, although will use ski gloves when it is really cold.
have a pair of tracksuit bottoms that are soft and warm on the inside. if it get really cold might get a pair of longjohns as well from m&s
for the rain i have a pair of waterproof overtrousers - £5 from ebay
salamon walking shoes
my commute is 8 miles on road, bridle way, paths and fields.
don't get sucked in by all the hype and spend a fortune on 'tech' clothing.
base layer - a ski top that was purchased from m&s several years ago but i think cost about £20. it's 100% good old polyester
top layer - a berghaus wind / rain coat (admittedly i think i spent £150 on it but that was about 8 or 9 years ago and it's still going strong. it's breathable
a high viz sleevless top - thin thing that just goes over the berghaus. £2.97 from ebay.
normal pair of gloves, although will use ski gloves when it is really cold.
have a pair of tracksuit bottoms that are soft and warm on the inside. if it get really cold might get a pair of longjohns as well from m&s
for the rain i have a pair of waterproof overtrousers - £5 from ebay
salamon walking shoes
my commute is 8 miles on road, bridle way, paths and fields.
don't get sucked in by all the hype and spend a fortune on 'tech' clothing.
Rob_T said:
stuff
I know what you are getting at but pretty much everything being mentioned (generic base layers, fleeces) can be used for other sports bar the shorts? the problem is that some people like to ride a little longer than their commute at the weekends and as such need some quality, comfortable winter cycling gear...
Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 7th November 15:36
pablo said:
I know what you are getting at but pretty much everything being mentioned (generic base layers, fleeces) can be used for other sports bar the shorts?
the problem is that some people like to ride a little longer than their commute at the weekends and as such need some quality, comfortable winter cycling gear...
Agreed and at the weekend when I go for my 30-50 miles I'll wear my ski top and on top I'll wear my Lycra top. Altura shorts and tracky bottoms. May not look the part but I'm warm and a dam site quicker than most on the road... Labels don't make you ride quicker!the problem is that some people like to ride a little longer than their commute at the weekends and as such need some quality, comfortable winter cycling gear...
Edited by pablo on Monday 7th November 15:36
Rob_T said:
pablo said:
I know what you are getting at but pretty much everything being mentioned (generic base layers, fleeces) can be used for other sports bar the shorts?
the problem is that some people like to ride a little longer than their commute at the weekends and as such need some quality, comfortable winter cycling gear...
Agreed and at the weekend when I go for my 30-50 miles I'll wear my ski top and on top I'll wear my Lycra top. Altura shorts and tracky bottoms. May not look the part but I'm warm and a dam site quicker than most on the road... Labels don't make you ride quicker!the problem is that some people like to ride a little longer than their commute at the weekends and as such need some quality, comfortable winter cycling gear...
Edited by pablo on Monday 7th November 15:36
For my 8 mile commute today I wore:
Cheap Campri thermal long johns
Cheap Campri thermal top
Cheap karrimor hi viz top
Some gloves I bought for £2.99 in a petrol station in the 1990's
Cheap socks from sports direct
For my 155 mile ride on Saturday around the Kent countryside I wore:
Cheap Campri thermal long johns
Cheap Campri thermal top
Cheap karrimor hi viz top
Some gloves I bought for £2.99 in a petrol station in the 1990's
Cheap socks from sports direct
What am I missing?
for me it's
muddy fox padded shorts,
aldi winter cycling trousers,
aldi baselayer,
aldi winter cycling top,
some flecey type gloves from halfords possibly altura,
trainers,
next smiley face socks
although i should add i have gone down to about 2 degrees so far so may have to add longjohns, another top layer and a balaclava at some point as I hate getting a cold face I have waterproofs which i think i might take out of my bag as every single time without fail i choose going 1-2 mph faster with less layer over arriving dry so it's unnecesary weight really
muddy fox padded shorts,
aldi winter cycling trousers,
aldi baselayer,
aldi winter cycling top,
some flecey type gloves from halfords possibly altura,
trainers,
next smiley face socks

although i should add i have gone down to about 2 degrees so far so may have to add longjohns, another top layer and a balaclava at some point as I hate getting a cold face I have waterproofs which i think i might take out of my bag as every single time without fail i choose going 1-2 mph faster with less layer over arriving dry so it's unnecesary weight really
It's not cold in London yet;
Baggy Goretex shorts (Evans)
Fluoro short sleeved shirt (Evans)
Fluoro track suit top (Evans)
Yellow Goretex shell (Evans)
All that lot has survived 30 months of constant commuting and is all in great condition
When it gets golder I've got;
Cheapo long sleeved base layers from one of those generic outdoors shops
Cycling gloves
Head warmer layer that sits under my helmet.
Never bother about the legs - they are fine in the coldest weather.
Baggy Goretex shorts (Evans)
Fluoro short sleeved shirt (Evans)
Fluoro track suit top (Evans)
Yellow Goretex shell (Evans)
All that lot has survived 30 months of constant commuting and is all in great condition
When it gets golder I've got;
Cheapo long sleeved base layers from one of those generic outdoors shops
Cycling gloves
Head warmer layer that sits under my helmet.
Never bother about the legs - they are fine in the coldest weather.
I'm down in Kent and it was 9 degrees this morning, so shorts with padded under shorts (I'm not walking through the office showing everyone little Tony!) and a short sleeve cycling top, with a hi-vix Pearl Izumi gillet which seems to keep the body heat in quite well.
Needed the ear warmers this morning though, but I think long sleeves aren't far away!
Needed the ear warmers this morning though, but I think long sleeves aren't far away!
I only have a 20 min (10 there and 10 back) ride to work so just wear basic waterproofs. However, one question I want to ask the winter riders is how often do you give your gears an overhaul in the crap weather?
I tend to go over chain with a rag once a week with chain and cassette off every fortnight. Trying to avoid the expensive mistake I made a few winters back of replacing everything in spring.
I tend to go over chain with a rag once a week with chain and cassette off every fortnight. Trying to avoid the expensive mistake I made a few winters back of replacing everything in spring.
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