Winter Kit

[Mr Scruff]

Let's not pretend, Autumn is on its way and with it comes some more unpleasant riding weather. So what are your essential bits of Autumn/Winter kit? Sealskinz? Winter gloves? Overshoes? I need to restock my Winter clobber for commuting and weekend mountain biking!

Cheers

[Chris71]

I just supplement my usual low-rent kit (tracksuit bottoms over DHBs, trainers, t-shirt and gloves) with thicker gloves and a long-sleeved top.

I'm still debating the pros and cons of attaching what is effectively a giant target to my back, but last year I wore a flourescent tabbard for night time commuting. I tend to ride quite hard (relative to my heavy bike and horrendous fitness!) so keeping warm is rarely an issue, barring my extremities.

[NitroNick]

The best bit of winter kit I've ever bought is a tacx fortius. Tacx Fortius
However I wouldn't recommend them for commuting.

[Chris71]

NitroNick said:

The best bit of winter kit I've ever bought is a tacx fortius. Tacx Fortius
However I wouldn't recommend them for commuting.

During deepest-winter commuting I find a nice patch of ice has much the same effect!

[anonymous-user]

The wifes black velvet alice bands for keeping the frost bite of the ears.

[mrandy]

mudgaurds unfortunately

[sjg]

Defeet Woolie Boolies - sealskinz inevitably let in water via the great big hole in the top so just get something that keeps your feet warm.
Overshoes for road
3/4 bibs - I have some lycra ones and fleecy roubaix types for colder days. Wear under baggies for MTB.
Endura Strike gloves unless it gets really cold.
Altura headband or buff to cover ears. Skullcap if it gets really cold.
Have some long-sleeve jerseys but have picked up some armwarmers too for the marginal days between now and winter.

[M3 HUG]

Lights??

I just got some Cateye RL3`s, trying them tonight for first time

[CVP]

It's my hands and feet that are the weak point for winter riding so some old neoprene booties plus and older pair of shoes one size too large so I can get an extra pair of socks on sorts out the feet. For gloves I have tried many over the years and last year plumped for a discounted Assos winter set. It's a set of three, fine liner, main glove and then windproof / waterproof lobster claw outer. Combining these my hands are nice and toasty now.

[BliarOut]

A pair of thermal buffs and some Sealskinz gloves and waterproof socks! Might have to invest in some overshoes this winter....

[Fume troll]

Last year:
Sealskin socks
A pair of pretty thick altura winter gloves
Tights with cheapo ron hills over them
Goretex jacket, usually just with a long sleeved T under it.

New for this year: I've just ordered a set of chromoplastic mud guards, and will probably put on studded tyres when it gets icy (it's for Bergen).

Cheers,

FT.

[Pablo16v]

Two of my favourite pieces of winter kit are my merino lined knee warmers and Shimano MW80 Goretex boots. The boots are toasty warm with a normal pair of summer socks underneath but for the really really cold well below zero days I also wear Sealskinz merino socks.

[robpearson]

can I sidetrack this thread for a moment, and ask what sort of tyres people are using on road bikes in the wet? I've got Michelin race3's on at the moment, and the thought of using them through the winter doesn't appeal...

[Chris71]

Forgot to add I also wear a ski/snowboard style thermal top underneath if it's really cold outside. That is negotiating the wilds of North London, mind you, not Snowdonia or somewhere.

[anonymous-user]

robpearson said:

can I sidetrack this thread for a moment, and ask what sort of tyres people are using on road bikes in the wet? I've got Michelin race3's on at the moment, and the thought of using them through the winter doesn't appeal...

I didn't change tires, I changed bikes went from a road bike with 700x23 bontrager hardcases, on to a MTB shod with Conti gatorskin slicks 26x1.2 I think. (It's only a commute). Always max psi to cut through wet roads.

Bigger cross section tyres, full length mud guards, proper light setup and better riding position for seeing as well as reacting to slippery conditions (diesel & ice). Changed over when the clocks went back and then back on the road bike when they went forward.

Edited by anonymous-user on Friday 3rd September 10:25

[louiebaby]

By commute is only about 20 mins, so I have thin full gloves, thin overshoes, old rowing leggings and a winter jersey with thumb holes someone gave me a few years ago. I have a coupple of fleece ear band things to keep my lugs warm too, and it stops the wind noise, which is great.

For a winter ride out on commuting I'm thinking about some better gloves and over shoes, as it's those that get cold really.

[CVP]

robpearson said:

can I sidetrack this thread for a moment, and ask what sort of tyres people are using on road bikes in the wet? I've got Michelin race3's on at the moment, and the thought of using them through the winter doesn't appeal...

Road bike lives on Continental 4000's, commuter bike on Continental Gatorskins, no change during the the seasons

[r-kid]

I bought my winter stuff from aldi & it more than sufficed through the worst of last winter.

Usually wear: leggings, gloves, long sleave comression top, a buff on my ears & a waterproof jacket

Sealskin socks will be an addition this year as I've changed from goretex lined trainers & flats to cleats so need something to keep the feet dry.

[anonymous-user]

IMO the best stuff Sealskinz makes for cycling are

i) Liner gloves and liner socks - merino wool, lovely
ii) the windproof (not waterproof) skull cap hat thing
iii) the waterproof beanie hat (only when its v.cold)
iv) the road cycling gloves

most of the other stuff is better suited to uses off a bike I reckon

I just stocked up from amazon

[Pupp]

Well, just added an Endura Baabaa skull cap to the wardrobe. Might actually get some use in the car too! :hehe;