Gear needed for winter riding

[Stax1970]

I need to prepare for off road MTB riding this winter. Looking for recommendations for .....

Front & back lights (under £60 for both)

Waterproof bike jacket (under £50)

Trouser, do MTBers wear long trousers in the winter?

Any links? Recommendations ?

[louiebaby]

Aldi have their bike event starting on Sunday. You could do a lot worse than get their lights, and maybe a jacket if they have one.

[johnpsanderson]

I wouldn’t bother trying for a waterproof jacket. If it’s properly waterproof it won’t breathe and you’ll soak from the inside out. I have always worn a good winter base layer (both a cheap Peter Storm and some slightly more expensive Odlo ones) under my usual cycling kit. With a good base layer it keeps you warm when wet, and that’s all that matters.

A wind proof gilet can be a good addition. I got one from Decathlon that is a little on the plastic-y side but really helps you stay warm.

Edit: also wore base layer thermal leggings under bib shorts for winter - same principle as the tops.

[lauda]

johnpsanderson said:

I wouldn’t bother trying for a waterproof jacket. If it’s properly waterproof it won’t breathe and you’ll soak from the inside out. I have always worn a good winter base layer (both a cheap Peter Storm and some slightly more expensive Odlo ones) under my usual cycling kit. With a good base layer it keeps you warm when wet, and that’s all that matters.

The only exception I've found to this rule is the Gore Shakedry stuff. But it's really expensive and my Rapha one is very much 'race fit' so probably not great for mountain biking.

[PushedDover]

Sealskinz Socks (waterproof) and Gloves bought in the SportsPursuit sales helping, but looking for a reasonable showerproof / drizzleproof softshell jacket myself for MTB stuff....

[Bill]

johnpsanderson said:

I wouldn’t bother trying for a waterproof jacket. If it’s properly waterproof it won’t breathe and you’ll soak from the inside out. I have always worn a good winter base layer (both a cheap Peter Storm and some slightly more expensive Odlo ones) under my usual cycling kit. With a good base layer it keeps you warm when wet, and that’s all that matters.

A wind proof gilet can be a good addition. I got one from Decathlon that is a little on the plastic-y side but really helps you stay warm.

Edit: also wore base layer thermal leggings under bib shorts for winter - same principle as the tops.

+1 mostly - don't do bib shorts.

Endura do short with a waterproof arse that are great. And I carry a lightweight packable waterproof in case if puncture/breakdown/injury as you get cold PDQ when you stop moving. A foil blanket would work but isn't as versatile and is likely to get unwanted attention.

[horsemeatscandal]

If you want some decent base layers, try a company called Sundried. I get all my gym/running/etc. stuff from them. All sustainably sourced and produced and good quality. But the main thing is you get 50% off your first order, so I just borrow friends/family members emails addresses every time I need something.

[Stax1970]

Thanks all.

Any recommendations on a set of rechargeable lights for no more than £60 ?

[cml24]

Regarding lights, what sort of terrain are you on? Lit roads, completely dark off road, or unlit country lanes (tarmac) etc?

I'm happy with my cateye 800. Usb rechargeable, decent (solid - not rubber band) mount. £40 I think. Not the biggest battery life, but that's limited by what you can mount in a single handlebar unit.

[DelicaL400]

Stax1970 said:

Thanks all.

Any recommendations on a set of rechargeable lights for no more than £60 ?

The set that are in Aldi on Sunday for around £15. They're also selling merino base layers.

Also see the thread about night riding from a few days ago. a few recommendations in there.

[Stax1970]

Terrain will be a mixture of woods, tow paths and a few roads so will need something fairly bright. I have a helmet light already on order.

I looked at the Aldi lights and in the details it said for dusk riding so I guessed they are not that bright.

[horsemeatscandal]

Stax1970 said:

Terrain will be a mixture of woods, tow paths and a few roads so will need something fairly bright. I have a helmet light already on order.

I looked at the Aldi lights and in the details it said for dusk riding so I guessed they are not that bright.

I think that might just be for some strange regulatory technicality. I've just bought some and they're pretty bright.