Cycling to work - what clothes do I need?
Discussion
I've decided to start cycling to work - gave it a go a couple of times this week and really enjoyed it (about 12 miles each way in London). I'm new to it all and while I've bought a bike, helmet, shorts etc I'm not too sure what I need to buy for the Autumn/winter which I'm sure would become miserable really quickly in the wrong kit.
I went in a t-shirt and shorts yesterday morning and it was certainly crisp is 6.30am - so I think I need to be prepared sooner rather than later, despite the warm days/evenings.
So...
What jacket do people recommend? I assume a waterproof shell type thing so I can layer?
Do people wear long leggings with padded crotch or something else?
Do I need waterproof trousers, or do you just get wet legs?
I'll need a better front light I think too - any recommendations?
Is a pollution mask worthwhile? Cold mornings might give it a double benefit.
Anything else?
Happy to spend a bit to stay safe and keep enjoying it - but I'm obviously no pro about to do the Alps.
I went in a t-shirt and shorts yesterday morning and it was certainly crisp is 6.30am - so I think I need to be prepared sooner rather than later, despite the warm days/evenings.
So...
What jacket do people recommend? I assume a waterproof shell type thing so I can layer?
Do people wear long leggings with padded crotch or something else?
Do I need waterproof trousers, or do you just get wet legs?
I'll need a better front light I think too - any recommendations?
Is a pollution mask worthwhile? Cold mornings might give it a double benefit.
Anything else?
Happy to spend a bit to stay safe and keep enjoying it - but I'm obviously no pro about to do the Alps.
Maxf said:
I've decided to start cycling to work - gave it a go a couple of times this week and really enjoyed it (about 12 miles each way in London). I'm new to it all and while I've bought a bike, helmet, shorts etc I'm not too sure what I need to buy for the Autumn/winter which I'm sure would become miserable really quickly in the wrong kit.
I went in a t-shirt and shorts yesterday morning and it was certainly crisp is 6.30am - so I think I need to be prepared sooner rather than later, despite the warm days/evenings.
So...
What jacket do people recommend? I assume a waterproof shell type thing so I can layer?
Do people wear long leggings with padded crotch or something else?
Do I need waterproof trousers, or do you just get wet legs?
I'll need a better front light I think too - any recommendations?
Is a pollution mask worthwhile? Cold mornings might give it a double benefit.
Anything else?
Happy to spend a bit to stay safe and keep enjoying it - but I'm obviously no pro about to do the Alps.
What I wear:I went in a t-shirt and shorts yesterday morning and it was certainly crisp is 6.30am - so I think I need to be prepared sooner rather than later, despite the warm days/evenings.
So...
What jacket do people recommend? I assume a waterproof shell type thing so I can layer?
Do people wear long leggings with padded crotch or something else?
Do I need waterproof trousers, or do you just get wet legs?
I'll need a better front light I think too - any recommendations?
Is a pollution mask worthwhile? Cold mornings might give it a double benefit.
Anything else?
Happy to spend a bit to stay safe and keep enjoying it - but I'm obviously no pro about to do the Alps.
Autumn - padded bib shorts or tights, base layer/jersey, wind-proof gillet, and arm warmers with mitts/gloves.
Winter - padded bib tights, base layer, Buff, wind-proof jacket, wind-proof gloves and wind-proof overshoes. I think I mentioned wind-proof enough times. Oh and an under-helmet hat.
I found the Gore stuff good for this time of year. I wear these:
Don't bother with waterproof clothing, it doesn't keep you dry. An Ass Saver or similar will keep your gooch a little dryer if you don't want mud guards. My jacket is a soft shell so will keep most of the rain off you for a while but it's not a proper wet weather jacket.
I wouldn't bother with a pollution mask. A Buff is a handy alternative and can be worn in a number of ways.
Lights... To see with, or be seen? I use these http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lezyne-zecto-drive-light-s... and found them very good. USB re-chargeable, handy for charging at work.
I also bought some reflective tape to aid visibility.
Waterproof overshoes are worth every penny.
Beyond that it is personal preference. I find waterproof trousers just make me wet from the inside. I go without. I tend to be warm in cold weather so ride in shorts most of the time. When it's cold I go for arm warmers, fingered gloves and leg warmers. I have some warm tights but they only come out when it is sub zero.
For safety at night, retroreflective is very good. I was surprised how well I could see it until I saw it on a county road.
Beyond that it is personal preference. I find waterproof trousers just make me wet from the inside. I go without. I tend to be warm in cold weather so ride in shorts most of the time. When it's cold I go for arm warmers, fingered gloves and leg warmers. I have some warm tights but they only come out when it is sub zero.
For safety at night, retroreflective is very good. I was surprised how well I could see it until I saw it on a county road.
Edited by SteveSteveson on Friday 2nd September 08:08
Edited by SteveSteveson on Friday 2nd September 08:09
I used to use an Altura Night Vision Evo jacket. Did "exactly what it said on the tin", so to speak.
Decent mudguards more effective than waterproof clothing IMO.
Rear lights are probably equally or more important than front lights, get 2 or 3, one on constant, one on flashing, and maybe a third on top of your rucksack or helmet to help motorists judge how far away you are. Make sure your jacket or racksack doesn't hang lower than your lights. I stopped a lady on a bike a while back whose rear light, due to the shape of the women's frame she had, was completely obscured by the top of the back wheel.
The little 3m reflective tubes that go on your spokes are good too for increasing visibility from the side, something that is often ignored by cyclists.
Decent mudguards more effective than waterproof clothing IMO.
Rear lights are probably equally or more important than front lights, get 2 or 3, one on constant, one on flashing, and maybe a third on top of your rucksack or helmet to help motorists judge how far away you are. Make sure your jacket or racksack doesn't hang lower than your lights. I stopped a lady on a bike a while back whose rear light, due to the shape of the women's frame she had, was completely obscured by the top of the back wheel.
The little 3m reflective tubes that go on your spokes are good too for increasing visibility from the side, something that is often ignored by cyclists.
Edited by lufbramatt on Friday 2nd September 09:42
lufbramatt said:
The little 3m reflective tubes that go on your spokes are good too for increasing visibility from the side, something that is often ignored by cyclists.
Those little clip-on 3M spoke reflectors are great. I wish I'd bought more of them last time they were included in the Aldi (Lidl?) cycling gear deal. I was on a MTB night ride t'other day when a rider from a group I'd bumped into on the trails was admiring them.Side visibility can be additionally enhanced by summat like this... http://www.ebay.com/sch/Lights-Reflectors/22689/i....
...not recommending a particular seller as mine were a daft gift from my wife, but they're weirdly entertaining as you ride along, and I reckon you'd be hard pushed to not see them on a bike. None of them seem to fit a Presta valve, but wee brass adapters are cheap to allow the Schrader threaded lights to fit to your Presta valves. Some might say I'm sad, lame, or simply childish for using them. Others might question the legal status of them regarding colour and position. But hey? Whatever makes you easier to see, right? (So long as it's not silly-bright and shone into a driver's eyes...) I use both the clip-on reflectors (4 per wheel, in pairs) and the valve cap lights together for 'belt and braces' purposes.
I've got a couple of pairs of Endura Humvee shorts which I alternate. If it's going to be particularly wet I might take the spare pair in so I've got something dry for the way home. Always the padded lined away as (i) I don't see the point and (ii) if the padded bit get soaked it's awful.
On top I have a couple of short sleeved fluoro shirts, again which I alternate.
If it's getting a bit colder/wetter I have a fluoro Gore shell to go on top.
As the temp drops I switch to long sleeved shirts under the shell and when it's really cold a base layer under that.
For my mead a merinio skull cap for when it's very chilly and gloves of course (two pairs - light weight and heavy weight).
For my feet I also have a pair of lightweight over boots and some heavier duty neoprene ones.
Never wear long trousers or tights as my lower legs never get cold and if it rains they just get soaked.
Crud catcher guards front and rear and a Hump to keep my rucksack dry.
On top I have a couple of short sleeved fluoro shirts, again which I alternate.
If it's getting a bit colder/wetter I have a fluoro Gore shell to go on top.
As the temp drops I switch to long sleeved shirts under the shell and when it's really cold a base layer under that.
For my mead a merinio skull cap for when it's very chilly and gloves of course (two pairs - light weight and heavy weight).
For my feet I also have a pair of lightweight over boots and some heavier duty neoprene ones.
Never wear long trousers or tights as my lower legs never get cold and if it rains they just get soaked.
Crud catcher guards front and rear and a Hump to keep my rucksack dry.
All good stuff above, I'd just add 'plenty of spares' which for most people means fairly cheap stuff.
Spend decent money on the jacket, you'll only need one of them, but stuff like bibs/jerseys can be looked at as consumables. Far better to have clean, dry spares at home and work and not have to worry about pulling soggy socks/shorts on at the end of the day.
I don't see the need to spend £60+ on each pair of shorts or top though. The Tenn stuff is decent enough and items are often available for under a tenner.
None of this stops you getting wet though, but if you're prepared for it it certainly makes the process a lot easier.
Spend decent money on the jacket, you'll only need one of them, but stuff like bibs/jerseys can be looked at as consumables. Far better to have clean, dry spares at home and work and not have to worry about pulling soggy socks/shorts on at the end of the day.
I don't see the need to spend £60+ on each pair of shorts or top though. The Tenn stuff is decent enough and items are often available for under a tenner.
None of this stops you getting wet though, but if you're prepared for it it certainly makes the process a lot easier.
If you are planning to ride in rain, then fair play - you are more hardcore than me! I'll drive on those days.
Cold doesnt put me off though, and i find Aldi gear is good. Their ~£16 softshell jacket is crazy warm, and even when at 0c or below i just need a merino base layer underneath. Under my lid i have a very thin lycra/satin skull cap - it offers no warmth per se, but its main benefit is protecting my ears of the cold wind.
I do suffer from cold hands and feet though, so spend the money there - in particular Northwave Arctic boots. I bought them in summer, when predictably they were on discount. They arent cheap usually though!
Cold doesnt put me off though, and i find Aldi gear is good. Their ~£16 softshell jacket is crazy warm, and even when at 0c or below i just need a merino base layer underneath. Under my lid i have a very thin lycra/satin skull cap - it offers no warmth per se, but its main benefit is protecting my ears of the cold wind.
I do suffer from cold hands and feet though, so spend the money there - in particular Northwave Arctic boots. I bought them in summer, when predictably they were on discount. They arent cheap usually though!
daddy cool said:
If you are planning to ride in rain, then fair play - you are more hardcore than me! I'll drive on those days.
Cold doesnt put me off though, and i find Aldi gear is good. Their ~£16 softshell jacket is crazy warm, and even when at 0c or below i just need a merino base layer underneath. Under my lid i have a very thin lycra/satin skull cap - it offers no warmth per se, but its main benefit is protecting my ears of the cold wind.
I do suffer from cold hands and feet though, so spend the money there - in particular Northwave Arctic boots. I bought them in summer, when predictably they were on discount. They arent cheap usually though!
What did you pay?Cold doesnt put me off though, and i find Aldi gear is good. Their ~£16 softshell jacket is crazy warm, and even when at 0c or below i just need a merino base layer underneath. Under my lid i have a very thin lycra/satin skull cap - it offers no warmth per se, but its main benefit is protecting my ears of the cold wind.
I do suffer from cold hands and feet though, so spend the money there - in particular Northwave Arctic boots. I bought them in summer, when predictably they were on discount. They arent cheap usually though!
I see them for around £160 on amazon, plus delivery
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Northwave-Fahrenheit-Arct...
I really want warm feet in the cold!
Skull cap and neck warmer thing is pretty essential when its very cold.
What gloves do you use? I have never found a pair good enough.
daddy cool said:
Aldi gear is good. Their ~£16 softshell jacket is crazy warm
I've got one of those which I'll pull out for the very coldest of cold days - but it needs to be seriously sub-zero for me that as other wise i find that it just fills up with sweat.Good call, though, and for price worth having on hand.
lufbramatt said:
The little 3m reflective tubes that go on your spokes are good too for increasing visibility from the side, something that is often ignored by cyclists.[/footnote]
Yes, these are great. I've had many positive comments from drivers and other cyclists on their visibility.My advice would be to buy a big box of 36 or 48 proper 3M ones from Amazon etc., no more expensive than waiting for Lidl/Aldi but better quality (I have both) and they do sometimes come off so you'll need some spares.
johnwilliams77 said:
What did you pay?
I see them for around £160 on amazon, plus delivery
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Northwave-Fahrenheit-Arct...
I really want warm feet in the cold!
Skull cap and neck warmer thing is pretty essential when its very cold.
What gloves do you use? I have never found a pair good enough.
I actually have two pairs - the road versions i got from Evans actually - just checked my old emails and it was May 2015 and i paid £76.49!I see them for around £160 on amazon, plus delivery
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Northwave-Fahrenheit-Arct...
I really want warm feet in the cold!
Skull cap and neck warmer thing is pretty essential when its very cold.
What gloves do you use? I have never found a pair good enough.
They are £103 there at the moment https://www.evanscycles.com/northwave-fahrenheit-a...
I also have the MTB version (that uses SPD) and paid £116.
Gloves, nothing special - a thin pair of merino wool gloves, and a bigger pair of cheapo Aldi padded gloves on top.
lufbramatt said:
I used to use an Altura Night Vision Evo jacket. Did "exactly what it said on the tin", so to speak.
If you aren't going for a super expensive fully breathable jacket then I can't recommend this one enough.Best £45-ish I have ever spent on cycling equipment.
I think I wore my yellow for a decade or so and it is still going.
The zip is broken but I love it so much I just pull it on like a jumper.
daddy cool said:
I actually have two pairs - the road versions i got from Evans actually - just checked my old emails and it was May 2015 and i paid £76.49!
They are £103 there at the moment https://www.evanscycles.com/northwave-fahrenheit-a...
I also have the MTB version (that uses SPD) and paid £116.
Gloves, nothing special - a thin pair of merino wool gloves, and a bigger pair of cheapo Aldi padded gloves on top.
Thanks for linkThey are £103 there at the moment https://www.evanscycles.com/northwave-fahrenheit-a...
I also have the MTB version (that uses SPD) and paid £116.
Gloves, nothing special - a thin pair of merino wool gloves, and a bigger pair of cheapo Aldi padded gloves on top.
First review puts me off a little:
Warmish but not waterproof
2 / 52 / 5
18 March 2016
Having worn these shoes through the Scottish winter I am left somewhat disappointed. Firstly, I have had to tape over the vents on the soles to maintain a level of warmth in sub-zero temperatures and secondly, these are not waterproof, the rain seeps in leaving my feet soaking wet. I've tried everything bar sealing with tape but am still left with wet feet. Glad I didn't pay the full £172 for them but still forked out £124 and am left disappointed.
Everyone else says theyre great!
johnwilliams77 said:
Thanks for link
First review puts me off a little:
Warmish but not waterproof
2 / 52 / 5
18 March 2016
Having worn these shoes through the Scottish winter I am left somewhat disappointed. Firstly, I have had to tape over the vents on the soles to maintain a level of warmth in sub-zero temperatures and secondly, these are not waterproof, the rain seeps in leaving my feet soaking wet. I've tried everything bar sealing with tape but am still left with wet feet. Glad I didn't pay the full £172 for them but still forked out £124 and am left disappointed.
Everyone else says theyre great!
Have you tried overshoes?First review puts me off a little:
Warmish but not waterproof
2 / 52 / 5
18 March 2016
Having worn these shoes through the Scottish winter I am left somewhat disappointed. Firstly, I have had to tape over the vents on the soles to maintain a level of warmth in sub-zero temperatures and secondly, these are not waterproof, the rain seeps in leaving my feet soaking wet. I've tried everything bar sealing with tape but am still left with wet feet. Glad I didn't pay the full £172 for them but still forked out £124 and am left disappointed.
Everyone else says theyre great!
I got some £10 neoprene ones from Planet-X for MTBing and they are a marvel.
Only thing I have found that actually keeps feet warm.
Still wet mind but warm.
walm said:
Have you tried overshoes?
I got some £10 neoprene ones from Planet-X for MTBing and they are a marvel.
Only thing I have found that actually keeps feet warm.
Still wet mind but warm.
I did actually and they're a bit of a pain and didn't do the job completely. (also planet x winter kit)I got some £10 neoprene ones from Planet-X for MTBing and they are a marvel.
Only thing I have found that actually keeps feet warm.
Still wet mind but warm.
johnwilliams77 said:
Thanks for link
First review puts me off a little:
Warmish but not waterproof
2 / 52 / 5
18 March 2016
Having worn these shoes through the Scottish winter I am left somewhat disappointed. Firstly, I have had to tape over the vents on the soles to maintain a level of warmth in sub-zero temperatures and secondly, these are not waterproof, the rain seeps in leaving my feet soaking wet. I've tried everything bar sealing with tape but am still left with wet feet. Glad I didn't pay the full £172 for them but still forked out £124 and am left disappointed.
Everyone else says theyre great!
I think the problem is that some numpties dont understand that if water runs down your leg and into the boot, it doesnt matter how waterproof the exterior is.First review puts me off a little:
Warmish but not waterproof
2 / 52 / 5
18 March 2016
Having worn these shoes through the Scottish winter I am left somewhat disappointed. Firstly, I have had to tape over the vents on the soles to maintain a level of warmth in sub-zero temperatures and secondly, these are not waterproof, the rain seeps in leaving my feet soaking wet. I've tried everything bar sealing with tape but am still left with wet feet. Glad I didn't pay the full £172 for them but still forked out £124 and am left disappointed.
Everyone else says theyre great!
I mean, my wellies are 100% waterproof. Until the water level is higher than the top of the welly.
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