What do I need for Winter?
Discussion
Hi all,
Just looking for a bit of advice now that the mornings are getting colder and the evenings are getting darker...
What "kit" do you think is essential for the winter commute? Only, even now in September I'm getting funny looks for just being in shorts and a short sleeved top!
My commute is a little over 6 miles / 25 minutes with traffic and I've no idea where to start. I ride in cycling gear then shower and change at the office upon arrival, so I'm not restricted by what I can wear.
I was thinking something along the following:
- Lights
- Hi Vis cover for my rucksack
- Cycling tights (with my baggy shorts over the top)- although these are an unknown quantity to me?
- Base layers to go underneath my usual short sleeved top
- Or more of an "over layer" approach?
- Full fingered gloves
Am I barking up the wrong tree or can anybody point me in the right direction about what other commuters use?
Any help would be much appreciated!
Cheers,
Alex
Just looking for a bit of advice now that the mornings are getting colder and the evenings are getting darker...
What "kit" do you think is essential for the winter commute? Only, even now in September I'm getting funny looks for just being in shorts and a short sleeved top!
My commute is a little over 6 miles / 25 minutes with traffic and I've no idea where to start. I ride in cycling gear then shower and change at the office upon arrival, so I'm not restricted by what I can wear.
I was thinking something along the following:
- Lights
- Hi Vis cover for my rucksack
- Cycling tights (with my baggy shorts over the top)- although these are an unknown quantity to me?
- Base layers to go underneath my usual short sleeved top
- Or more of an "over layer" approach?
- Full fingered gloves
Am I barking up the wrong tree or can anybody point me in the right direction about what other commuters use?
Any help would be much appreciated!
Cheers,
Alex
lepetitoeuf said:
Lights are well placed at the top of your list, I'd suggest a couple both front and back.
Otherwise, my main winter kit is two levels of waterproof, breathable jackets. One is more of an autumn/spring version which is good for mild winter, the other is thicker and good for really cold weather. I then just wear my normal cycling gear underneath, just a t-shirt or long sleeve jersey.
Thick overshoes are really worth it. When the temperature is sub zero I lose feeling in my toes even with them on, so hate to think what it would be like without.
Lastly, merino lined bib tights for when it's gets really cold.
Thanks for the reply - it is a bit daunting when looking at the range of clothing on offer when coming in to my first winter of commuting!Otherwise, my main winter kit is two levels of waterproof, breathable jackets. One is more of an autumn/spring version which is good for mild winter, the other is thicker and good for really cold weather. I then just wear my normal cycling gear underneath, just a t-shirt or long sleeve jersey.
Thick overshoes are really worth it. When the temperature is sub zero I lose feeling in my toes even with them on, so hate to think what it would be like without.
Lastly, merino lined bib tights for when it's gets really cold.
Sounds like the list will be:
- Lights
- 2 x Jackets (one for mild days another for bloody freezing days!)
- 1 pair of tights (which I can then wear my normal shorts over).
The other things I saw in the shop earlier, were arm / leg warmers. Do these work as an alternative to tights etc?
there are lights to see, and lights to be seen but it depends how well lit your route is but one £100 light is far better than 3 £30 lights.
Providing there is a line seperating the two lanes, go for a big bright rear light so anyone approaching you from behind can see you. logic should dictate that cars approaching you will be on their side of the road but a good front light does help.
if its single lane stuff like b roads, you may well need to spend as much on the rear as the front and rechargeables with clip on battery packs ar eth way forwards.
the hi vis ruckack covers are very good too and some hi vis tape on the seat stays and forks isnt a bad idea either.
arm and leg warmers just mean you can take them off if you get too hot and stuff them in a pocket but its rare that you will get too hot wearing them at commuter times in winter on such a short ride.
Providing there is a line seperating the two lanes, go for a big bright rear light so anyone approaching you from behind can see you. logic should dictate that cars approaching you will be on their side of the road but a good front light does help.
if its single lane stuff like b roads, you may well need to spend as much on the rear as the front and rechargeables with clip on battery packs ar eth way forwards.
the hi vis ruckack covers are very good too and some hi vis tape on the seat stays and forks isnt a bad idea either.
arm and leg warmers just mean you can take them off if you get too hot and stuff them in a pocket but its rare that you will get too hot wearing them at commuter times in winter on such a short ride.
I'm going through the exact same dilema.
Having gotten into road riding over the summer, it's now time to get a bit of cold weather gear.
I'm probably going to go for a base layer and a long sleeved jersey top of some kind and then a pair of thermal bib tights.
Thicker gloves, socks, overshoes and a thermal hat are also considerations.
Having gotten into road riding over the summer, it's now time to get a bit of cold weather gear.
I'm probably going to go for a base layer and a long sleeved jersey top of some kind and then a pair of thermal bib tights.
Thicker gloves, socks, overshoes and a thermal hat are also considerations.
Matt_N said:
I'm going through the exact same dilema.
Having gotten into road riding over the summer, it's now time to get a bit of cold weather gear.
I'm probably going to go for a base layer and a long sleeved jersey top of some kind and then a pair of thermal bib tights.
Thicker gloves, socks, overshoes and a thermal hat are also considerations.
I am stuck in the space between going for base layer and existing jersey over the top OR jersey with an additional top over this.....(it is only 25 minutes each way, so I would have thought a variety of base layers of different thicknesses would do the trick?)Having gotten into road riding over the summer, it's now time to get a bit of cold weather gear.
I'm probably going to go for a base layer and a long sleeved jersey top of some kind and then a pair of thermal bib tights.
Thicker gloves, socks, overshoes and a thermal hat are also considerations.
I think the thermal tights are a winner though, just need to find some with padding in ideally
Gloves are on the list
miln0039 said:
What "kit" do you think is essential for the winter commute?
To be fair this is also relevant for Autumn, Spring and some of Summer. Absolutley essential:
Lights.
Waterproof trousers and (hiviz) jacket.
Long fingered waterproof gloves.
Shoes that keep you warm if that's an issue.
Another good move is making sure that your luggage is either waterproof or you've got some sort of solution to waterproof the contents.
For things like clothing I'm torn between buying once and getting some really nice decent clothing for the various different temperatures or sticking to my tried and tested method of just using various different old tshirts, jumpers, rugby kit until I get to the right temparature. Thus far I've not been able to spare the funds on a decent set of base layers etc and have mainly been fine.
The other thing I find is I need to lay a bit more time aside each week/fortnight for maintenance.
donfisher said:
To be fair this is also relevant for Autumn, Spring and some of Summer.
Absolutley essential:
Lights.
Waterproof trousers and (hiviz) jacket.
Long fingered waterproof gloves.
Shoes that keep you warm if that's an issue.
Another good move is making sure that your luggage is either waterproof or you've got some sort of solution to waterproof the contents.
For things like clothing I'm torn between buying once and getting some really nice decent clothing for the various different temperatures or sticking to my tried and tested method of just using various different old tshirts, jumpers, rugby kit until I get to the right temparature. Thus far I've not been able to spare the funds on a decent set of base layers etc and have mainly been fine.
The other thing I find is I need to lay a bit more time aside each week/fortnight for maintenance.
Thanks for the reply. Absolutley essential:
Lights.
Waterproof trousers and (hiviz) jacket.
Long fingered waterproof gloves.
Shoes that keep you warm if that's an issue.
Another good move is making sure that your luggage is either waterproof or you've got some sort of solution to waterproof the contents.
For things like clothing I'm torn between buying once and getting some really nice decent clothing for the various different temperatures or sticking to my tried and tested method of just using various different old tshirts, jumpers, rugby kit until I get to the right temparature. Thus far I've not been able to spare the funds on a decent set of base layers etc and have mainly been fine.
The other thing I find is I need to lay a bit more time aside each week/fortnight for maintenance.
I think I have the luggage issue covered as I have a full hiviz waterproof cover being delivered to go over my rucksack.
It's an interesting point about maintenance, as this is where I really should spend a bit more time (i.e. not just pumping up my tyres!!)
I do have some old skiing base layers which might work as an interim, I suppose your method of trial and error has merit though as it means I don't end up spending a small fortune on bits and pieces I never need! The coldest morning I had so far was around 7-8 degrees, and to be honest, I was cold for the first half mile but once I'd been moving for that long and working a bit harder I barely noticed the temperature. So perhaps my needs are not hugely drastic..
I bought some NorthWave winter water proof boots, they were stunning combined with a very good pair of Lusso Super Roubaix tights, I always found if you get your limbs toasty, the blood stayed warm enough to then keep your extremities warm as well. The other thing I found good was the Lobster style of clothes, felt a little odd to begin with, but having warm hands on long dark wintry rides was very nice.
Lights, lights, lights as already mentioned. I always use a reflective bag cover so that stays. I wear an altura red reflective jacket which was expensive but well worth it IMO. I didn't get down to full trousers last year, 3 quarters were sufficient. I might treat myself to a base layer this year for dry cold days but the above should get you through all but the very worst.
AyBee said:
Lights, lights, lights as already mentioned. I always use a reflective bag cover so that stays. I wear an altura red reflective jacket which was expensive but well worth it IMO. I didn't get down to full trousers last year, 3 quarters were sufficient. I might treat myself to a base layer this year for dry cold days but the above should get you through all but the very worst.
Thanks for the reply!Do you have any recommendations on lights?
I've never bothered with tights, just continued with shorts. You don't wear tights plying football in the middle of winter, don't see cycling as much different - for a short commute anyway. My biggest issue has always been cold feet and hands. Got some very nice thermal waterproof gloves last year and have just ordered some waterproof overshoes for this year.
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