Sod it, you win. Deck me out!
Discussion
Commute took an hr and half this morning leaving at the normal time 0700; temporary lights set up on the M4 J2 approach, then a 20 min Q to get on the motorway. 50 mph limit on the M4 for the new Digital Road works which are in place until 2022 (but it will be late, of course). Arrive at Slough, 20 min Q to get past the schools, never usually that bad until after 8 but the earlier delays pushed me into it.
The homeward journey has deteriorated massively since the Hammersmith bridge closure, it's now consistently 1h15 best case simply because of the approach to Chiswick roundabout and Kew Bridge. The M4 works will extend that further, and next year the closure of Wellesley Rd and Stile Hall Gardens will make the Chiswick mayhem a permanent feature even if the bridge eventually re-opens.
So, I give up. If it's going to be a 90 minute commute by default I might as well get some fitness out of it and save the money.
Cycling from Richmond to Slough is not a new thing for me but it was always a summer novelty. If I'm going to do it through the winter at least when it's not icy or pissing down, I'm going to need some more suitable gear. Can you blokes advise what I need.
It's about 15-20 miles, which will be mix of road and dirt/gravel. The home leg is usually Grand Union canal towpath, at least for another few weeks until it gets dark.
Shopping list is: 1) some sort of leg covering, it should keep me warm but I'm not bothered about rain proofing, preference for not too fitted, I'm not ready to embrace the lycra yet. 2) windproof & showerproof breathable top (Hi-vis). 3) baselayer. I have a heavy kayaking base and HH thin top, may be enough already? 4) feet - will be in old trainers, they will get wet, no idea what to do here.
Anything else you would suggest?
Bike is a hardtail off road bike running dirt ratios which has been fast enough for general use, I'll put some slick(er) 26x1.5 tyres on for this, probably Schwalbe DD or such like.
I'm also looking at 400-500 lumen lamps.
It'll be Monday/Friday both ways and then Wednesday I'll probably ride to Hammersmith for the express bus to give the legs a break, other days I have a different routine.
TLDR / sick of driving and looking kit suggestions for casual winter cycle commuting gear, nothing extreme or MAMIL-spec, just sensible and sensibly priced utility stuff.
The homeward journey has deteriorated massively since the Hammersmith bridge closure, it's now consistently 1h15 best case simply because of the approach to Chiswick roundabout and Kew Bridge. The M4 works will extend that further, and next year the closure of Wellesley Rd and Stile Hall Gardens will make the Chiswick mayhem a permanent feature even if the bridge eventually re-opens.
So, I give up. If it's going to be a 90 minute commute by default I might as well get some fitness out of it and save the money.
Cycling from Richmond to Slough is not a new thing for me but it was always a summer novelty. If I'm going to do it through the winter at least when it's not icy or pissing down, I'm going to need some more suitable gear. Can you blokes advise what I need.
It's about 15-20 miles, which will be mix of road and dirt/gravel. The home leg is usually Grand Union canal towpath, at least for another few weeks until it gets dark.
Shopping list is: 1) some sort of leg covering, it should keep me warm but I'm not bothered about rain proofing, preference for not too fitted, I'm not ready to embrace the lycra yet. 2) windproof & showerproof breathable top (Hi-vis). 3) baselayer. I have a heavy kayaking base and HH thin top, may be enough already? 4) feet - will be in old trainers, they will get wet, no idea what to do here.
Anything else you would suggest?
Bike is a hardtail off road bike running dirt ratios which has been fast enough for general use, I'll put some slick(er) 26x1.5 tyres on for this, probably Schwalbe DD or such like.
I'm also looking at 400-500 lumen lamps.
It'll be Monday/Friday both ways and then Wednesday I'll probably ride to Hammersmith for the express bus to give the legs a break, other days I have a different routine.
TLDR / sick of driving and looking kit suggestions for casual winter cycle commuting gear, nothing extreme or MAMIL-spec, just sensible and sensibly priced utility stuff.
You'll want good gloves, or go on Amazon and get some silk glove liners to wear with other gloves. I get mine from Jasmine, they look a bit girly on their own, but once in other gloves no-one will know. It's a layering process which includes hands as well as torso and legs/feet.
Your torso is ok, I often wear 3 or 4 layers in the middle of winter. It's better to be too warm than too cold, once you're cold there is nothing you can do about it.
Legs - Sports Direct do some jogging bottoms for about a tenner, I find these great for 5-10 degrees. They aren't properly tight like lycra too, so may suit your look! Just don't wear jeans, they are horrible for riding. Some brands make cycling clothing that looks more casual, but I don't know specific types.
Feet - can't really help here as I wear cycling shoes (and the rest of the lycra outfit!) so you can get specific overshoes for these. Endura winter ones are about the best, but I am lucky to get two winter's wear out of them. They get wet and covered in crap, the zips can't really stand the struggle of getting them on and off, and even the best ones won't keep the water out. You have to be careful with layering your feet too, if you have too many layers or too thick for your shoes, there's no air to circulate so you end up with feet as cold as if you only had one pair of socks.
Also think about your head and neck. I have a skull cap that goes under the helmet, makes a massive difference when it is 5 degrees or less. I sometimes wear a snood or buff on my neck, which is great for the first 5-10 minutes of cold, but once you are warmed up they are too much, and they are hard to get off without stopping and removing helmet and specs.
Lights - do you need them just to be seen, or to see as well? Sounds like the former, almost any will be ok. You can spend a fortune on lights if you aren't careful! I have two sets front and rear; I try to have one battery and one rechargeable. I find it hard to track how much use the rechargeables have had, and there is nothing worse than trying to turn them on and they have no or little charge. Some of them are powered by AAA batteries which are so small it's no hardship to also have a spare battery.
Your torso is ok, I often wear 3 or 4 layers in the middle of winter. It's better to be too warm than too cold, once you're cold there is nothing you can do about it.
Legs - Sports Direct do some jogging bottoms for about a tenner, I find these great for 5-10 degrees. They aren't properly tight like lycra too, so may suit your look! Just don't wear jeans, they are horrible for riding. Some brands make cycling clothing that looks more casual, but I don't know specific types.
Feet - can't really help here as I wear cycling shoes (and the rest of the lycra outfit!) so you can get specific overshoes for these. Endura winter ones are about the best, but I am lucky to get two winter's wear out of them. They get wet and covered in crap, the zips can't really stand the struggle of getting them on and off, and even the best ones won't keep the water out. You have to be careful with layering your feet too, if you have too many layers or too thick for your shoes, there's no air to circulate so you end up with feet as cold as if you only had one pair of socks.
Also think about your head and neck. I have a skull cap that goes under the helmet, makes a massive difference when it is 5 degrees or less. I sometimes wear a snood or buff on my neck, which is great for the first 5-10 minutes of cold, but once you are warmed up they are too much, and they are hard to get off without stopping and removing helmet and specs.
Lights - do you need them just to be seen, or to see as well? Sounds like the former, almost any will be ok. You can spend a fortune on lights if you aren't careful! I have two sets front and rear; I try to have one battery and one rechargeable. I find it hard to track how much use the rechargeables have had, and there is nothing worse than trying to turn them on and they have no or little charge. Some of them are powered by AAA batteries which are so small it's no hardship to also have a spare battery.
Daveyraveygravey said:
You'll want good gloves, or go on Amazon and get some silk glove liners to wear with other gloves. I get mine from Jasmine, they look a bit girly on their own, but once in other gloves no-one will know. It's a layering process which includes hands as well as torso and legs/feet.
Your torso is ok, I often wear 3 or 4 layers in the middle of winter. It's better to be too warm than too cold, once you're cold there is nothing you can do about it.
Legs - Sports Direct do some jogging bottoms for about a tenner, I find these great for 5-10 degrees. They aren't properly tight like lycra too, so may suit your look! Just don't wear jeans, they are horrible for riding. Some brands make cycling clothing that looks more casual, but I don't know specific types.
Feet - can't really help here as I wear cycling shoes (and the rest of the lycra outfit!) so you can get specific overshoes for these. Endura winter ones are about the best, but I am lucky to get two winter's wear out of them. They get wet and covered in crap, the zips can't really stand the struggle of getting them on and off, and even the best ones won't keep the water out. You have to be careful with layering your feet too, if you have too many layers or too thick for your shoes, there's no air to circulate so you end up with feet as cold as if you only had one pair of socks.
Also think about your head and neck. I have a skull cap that goes under the helmet, makes a massive difference when it is 5 degrees or less. I sometimes wear a snood or buff on my neck, which is great for the first 5-10 minutes of cold, but once you are warmed up they are too much, and they are hard to get off without stopping and removing helmet and specs.
Lights - do you need them just to be seen, or to see as well? Sounds like the former, almost any will be ok. You can spend a fortune on lights if you aren't careful! I have two sets front and rear; I try to have one battery and one rechargeable. I find it hard to track how much use the rechargeables have had, and there is nothing worse than trying to turn them on and they have no or little charge. Some of them are powered by AAA batteries which are so small it's no hardship to also have a spare battery.
Thanks, good catch on the gloves.Your torso is ok, I often wear 3 or 4 layers in the middle of winter. It's better to be too warm than too cold, once you're cold there is nothing you can do about it.
Legs - Sports Direct do some jogging bottoms for about a tenner, I find these great for 5-10 degrees. They aren't properly tight like lycra too, so may suit your look! Just don't wear jeans, they are horrible for riding. Some brands make cycling clothing that looks more casual, but I don't know specific types.
Feet - can't really help here as I wear cycling shoes (and the rest of the lycra outfit!) so you can get specific overshoes for these. Endura winter ones are about the best, but I am lucky to get two winter's wear out of them. They get wet and covered in crap, the zips can't really stand the struggle of getting them on and off, and even the best ones won't keep the water out. You have to be careful with layering your feet too, if you have too many layers or too thick for your shoes, there's no air to circulate so you end up with feet as cold as if you only had one pair of socks.
Also think about your head and neck. I have a skull cap that goes under the helmet, makes a massive difference when it is 5 degrees or less. I sometimes wear a snood or buff on my neck, which is great for the first 5-10 minutes of cold, but once you are warmed up they are too much, and they are hard to get off without stopping and removing helmet and specs.
Lights - do you need them just to be seen, or to see as well? Sounds like the former, almost any will be ok. You can spend a fortune on lights if you aren't careful! I have two sets front and rear; I try to have one battery and one rechargeable. I find it hard to track how much use the rechargeables have had, and there is nothing worse than trying to turn them on and they have no or little charge. Some of them are powered by AAA batteries which are so small it's no hardship to also have a spare battery.
I'm in two minds about lights. First thought was more about picking out the path and hazards because it isn't well lit in places. I have a 900lm caving lamp that is like daylight underground, but probably too much. It'll also eat AA's at full beam. I think 450 will give me enough forward vision at 10-15 mph while not totally whiting-out everything else outside the beam. But tbh when I'm leaving here at 1800 and it's dark, I'll be on the roads. The other side of it is needing a good 2hr run time and USB charge plus a proper mount that won't rotate/slip down with the vibration.
I like the ability to crank up the light output, if you get caught in the rain on a canal path you'll be glad of it. I haven't used these but others here like them: -
https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-lights/bike-...
la-331467725198|crid:203186067012|nw:g|rnd:13978798968217024037|dvc:c|adp:1o1|mt:|loc:1006524&gclid=CjwKCAjwq4fsBRBnEiwANTahcKd2MHXSuLGOjcWB_zjzDUFiUgXIiPKISyuap04N7JoAvoysKRsBdBoCd6AQAvD_BwE
Here's a link for discount lights: - https://bikesy.co.uk/tag/lights/
I use that website as a first look for all bike related purchases.
I'd spend money on your hands and feet, if I keep them comfortable the rest is easier to look after. The best deals on these may have passed as we're getting into the season but if your still cycling come next spring you're probably going to stick at it so start looking then for good deals.
https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-lights/bike-...
la-331467725198|crid:203186067012|nw:g|rnd:13978798968217024037|dvc:c|adp:1o1|mt:|loc:1006524&gclid=CjwKCAjwq4fsBRBnEiwANTahcKd2MHXSuLGOjcWB_zjzDUFiUgXIiPKISyuap04N7JoAvoysKRsBdBoCd6AQAvD_BwEHere's a link for discount lights: - https://bikesy.co.uk/tag/lights/
I use that website as a first look for all bike related purchases.
I'd spend money on your hands and feet, if I keep them comfortable the rest is easier to look after. The best deals on these may have passed as we're getting into the season but if your still cycling come next spring you're probably going to stick at it so start looking then for good deals.
These are the boots I use: - https://www.merlincycles.com/northwave-raptor-arti...
And this is a great rear light on offer: - https://www.tweekscycles.com/moon-nebula-rear-cycl...
And this is a great rear light on offer: - https://www.tweekscycles.com/moon-nebula-rear-cycl...
Edited by snobetter on Wednesday 18th September 13:39
2gins said:
It's about 15-20 miles, which will be mix of road and dirt/gravel. The home leg is usually Grand Union canal towpath, at least for another few weeks until it gets dark.
I commute all year, distance is pretty similar. I know you mentioned no Lycra type products, although (imho) need to rethink it. Going from summer novelty to full time is a big shift - things chafe on daily use!The main issue when it closes in is cold and wind chill. Weather is changeable. Waterproofing works to a point, although windproof will stop you getting cold (bit like a wetsuit), leg warmers/arm warmers are ideal to 5c. This morning chilly, this afternoon still v. warm. I'm a fan of Castelli Gabba, always on sale somewhere. Comes in full closed jacket, removal arms and short sleeve. I team the latter with arm warmers/base layer/gilet to around 4c. Pretty waterproof, and highly windproof. After that, full winter jacket.
Feet - Mountain bike shoes and clips, cheap, waterproof, can add further covers over the top.
Gloves - Already covered above - do not underestimate how uncomfortable and disorientating cold extremities can be.
Flat/drop bars, either way you can use bar mitts. I do, personally I think they're great, I can ride sub zero with no gloves.
Lights - Two sets. My main (commuter spec lenses) is 1200 lumen on full power. I do have have a few miles of unlit roads on my commute.
Tyres - I'd stay with something knobbly. Slushy leaf weather is a month away, I use panaracer sk.
Mudguards - Help a lot. Repair kit, two spare tubes etc.
Good luck
You don't need a massive amount of kit.
Planet X sometimes do bundles.
If you are on flat pedals, then some trainers/skate shoes will do. Overshoes are handy to keep the rain off and cold out.
Padded shorts or leggings are going to be vastly better than Sports Direct jog pants. You can wear something over them if necessary.
Waterproof bike jackets can be found on Ebay.
Softshell or Fleeces/jumpers will provide warmth for cheap.
Army surplus goretex type waterproof trousers are good.
2x rear LED lights from Planet X or similar.
Cree LED light for the front.
I use a cheap LED torch pointing at 45degrees to the left to aid drivers pulling out of side roads to avoid me.
Reflectors on the spokes are a superb idea.
Planet X sometimes do bundles.
If you are on flat pedals, then some trainers/skate shoes will do. Overshoes are handy to keep the rain off and cold out.
Padded shorts or leggings are going to be vastly better than Sports Direct jog pants. You can wear something over them if necessary.
Waterproof bike jackets can be found on Ebay.
Softshell or Fleeces/jumpers will provide warmth for cheap.
Army surplus goretex type waterproof trousers are good.
2x rear LED lights from Planet X or similar.
Cree LED light for the front.
I use a cheap LED torch pointing at 45degrees to the left to aid drivers pulling out of side roads to avoid me.
Reflectors on the spokes are a superb idea.
I used to do a similar length commute daily, all be it on the road.
Arm/leg warmers are great as you can always have them in your kit so always on you if its a bit chilly. and if its a little warmer in the evening you don't have to wear them. They take up no room.
Your HH base layer is probably ok for starters. I picked up a few Merino wool base layers (short and long sleeve). These are great for keeping you warm and tend not to stink as much as synthetic fabrics in my experience. I bagged some HH merino base layers in a sale and some short sleeve ones from TK Max.
I know you don't like lycra but it is so much better in the wet than flappy trousers that will soak up the wet and feel terrible. True waterproofs will be too sweaty/uncomfortable. Maybe look for some loose shorts to wear over lycra shorts + lycra leg warmers if needed?
I wore a cycling cap under my helmet. In cold weather or early mornings I also had a running headband thing I could put on to keep my ears toastie!
Good winter gloves are a must.
Mudguards (fixed not clip ons) are a must.
Most important of all is to develop a steely mindset so you look forward to getting out on the bike on a cold/wet/dark february morning/night and getting some miles in the legs.
Enjoy it!
Arm/leg warmers are great as you can always have them in your kit so always on you if its a bit chilly. and if its a little warmer in the evening you don't have to wear them. They take up no room.
Your HH base layer is probably ok for starters. I picked up a few Merino wool base layers (short and long sleeve). These are great for keeping you warm and tend not to stink as much as synthetic fabrics in my experience. I bagged some HH merino base layers in a sale and some short sleeve ones from TK Max.
I know you don't like lycra but it is so much better in the wet than flappy trousers that will soak up the wet and feel terrible. True waterproofs will be too sweaty/uncomfortable. Maybe look for some loose shorts to wear over lycra shorts + lycra leg warmers if needed?
I wore a cycling cap under my helmet. In cold weather or early mornings I also had a running headband thing I could put on to keep my ears toastie!
Good winter gloves are a must.
Mudguards (fixed not clip ons) are a must.
Most important of all is to develop a steely mindset so you look forward to getting out on the bike on a cold/wet/dark february morning/night and getting some miles in the legs.
Enjoy it!
If you're just going to ride flat pedals (as opposed to clips)
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/five-ten-freer...
Will be your friend in the cold / wet
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/five-ten-freer...
Will be your friend in the cold / wet
Cheers for all the helpful comments.
I like a ride, it's just the practicalities of the time (which has now become a non-issue, or at least looks like reaching a natural break even point). I need to shift a few lbs and I like a beer after work so it looks like a good plan
Decathlon kit any good? I'm going to have a shufti after work this evening and there's an Aldi run tomorrow.
I'm not sure I'm up for £100 on footwear at this stage tbh but we'll see where it goes. Probably stick it out with trainers and covers for now.
I like a ride, it's just the practicalities of the time (which has now become a non-issue, or at least looks like reaching a natural break even point). I need to shift a few lbs and I like a beer after work so it looks like a good plan
Decathlon kit any good? I'm going to have a shufti after work this evening and there's an Aldi run tomorrow.
I'm not sure I'm up for £100 on footwear at this stage tbh but we'll see where it goes. Probably stick it out with trainers and covers for now.
2gins said:
Cheers for all the helpful comments.
I like a ride, it's just the practicalities of the time (which has now become a non-issue, or at least looks like reaching a natural break even point). I need to shift a few lbs and I like a beer after work so it looks like a good plan
Decathlon kit any good? I'm going to have a shufti after work this evening and there's an Aldi run tomorrow.
I'm not sure I'm up for £100 on footwear at this stage tbh but we'll see where it goes. Probably stick it out with trainers and covers for now.
I use SPD cycling shoes with overshoes, I've never bothered with waterproof shoes.I like a ride, it's just the practicalities of the time (which has now become a non-issue, or at least looks like reaching a natural break even point). I need to shift a few lbs and I like a beer after work so it looks like a good plan
Decathlon kit any good? I'm going to have a shufti after work this evening and there's an Aldi run tomorrow.
I'm not sure I'm up for £100 on footwear at this stage tbh but we'll see where it goes. Probably stick it out with trainers and covers for now.
Decathlon bib shorts are good. Their winter leggings are OK, but not windproof. Aldi stuff is superb when they have it in.
I appreciate youve got lots of input, but can I forth the option of mudguards they look naff but anythings better than a wet arse. Also if you are carry anything with you try to carry it on the bike in preference of a backpack.
Finally something ive learnt from years of commuting and more recently running as long as your warm it doesn't matter how wet you get, it is always preferable to wear as little as possible. With the length of your commute your not going to be wearing your work clothes, so stuff like waterproof trousers etc unless your spending mega bucks are just going to make you sweat.
FYI it looks as if Sunday 29th is the next aldi cycling special buy event, so you might find some useful.
Finally something ive learnt from years of commuting and more recently running as long as your warm it doesn't matter how wet you get, it is always preferable to wear as little as possible. With the length of your commute your not going to be wearing your work clothes, so stuff like waterproof trousers etc unless your spending mega bucks are just going to make you sweat.
FYI it looks as if Sunday 29th is the next aldi cycling special buy event, so you might find some useful.
If your'e going to wear trainers (you may well decide something with a stiffer sole will help reduce fatigue) then Seal Skinz socks will keep your feet from getting wet.
Something worth considering with kit is - if it rains on the way to work, will it be dry by the time you leave? Trainers will certainly suffer from getting wet and being artificaully dried.
For front lights, I'd always go with a combination of steady (for seeing) and a flashing one (to be seen).
Some of the exposure lights have a 'flare' function which is excellent (I have a Diablo and a Toro - both superb lights. Expensive but worth their cost).
Something worth considering with kit is - if it rains on the way to work, will it be dry by the time you leave? Trainers will certainly suffer from getting wet and being artificaully dried.
For front lights, I'd always go with a combination of steady (for seeing) and a flashing one (to be seen).
Some of the exposure lights have a 'flare' function which is excellent (I have a Diablo and a Toro - both superb lights. Expensive but worth their cost).
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