Minimum winter kit

[marting]

Fairly new into the world of road cycling, started enjoying it a lot this summer and want to continue through the winter when possible.

I went for a 40 mile blast on Sunday morning and felt pretty terrible most of the way. It wasn't particularly cold (must have been ~4 degrees), but the wind and drizzle killed me. I was wearing a base layer (full length), short sleeve jersey, cycling shorts, gloves, snood (on head) and took a really crap packamac. Surprisingly my hands were fine (sealskinz, ace), but my toes were numb and my arms and legs were cold with just a base layer on. The thin jacket was way too hot when it started to drizzle...

What bits of kit are vital to your winter rides? I think over shoes will be a must, and probably a soft-shell jacket too. Whats the best budget conscious option?

[HOGEPH]

Check out some of the ALDI stuff when they do bike specials.

[budgie smuggler]

For your feet, make sure your shoes aren't too tight (restricting bloodflow) and get some overshoes. I've got the kind that just cover your toes and laces rather than the full on ones and they still keep me warm enough down to about 2-3 degrees. Any colder than that and they won't be enough on their own.


edit: these ones -
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-toe-cover-overshoe/

Edited by budgie smuggler on Monday 25th November 15:59

[Kell]

I'm not sure about the whole overshoe business. I prefer proper winter boots.

Mine are (the previous version of) these:



http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-mw81-go...

[richardxjr]

Winter vitals for me (I would class myself as a mid brand shopper).

Selection of thermals, vests, short sleeve, full sleeve.
Bib tights, non pad for over your padded shorts, eg DHB
DeFeet Woolie Boolie socks and some overshoes, one or 2 pairs of gloves.
Skull Cap. One of the few items of Gore I've got
Windproof outer - showerproof light jacket eg Pearl Isumi Elite Barrier
or a softshell (I've got one on order but not had one to date)

I start off toasty warm having layered right up and remove stuff if I get too warm.

[budgie smuggler]

Kell said:

I'm not sure about the whole overshoe business. I prefer proper winter boots.

Mine are (the previous version of) these:



http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-mw81-go...

Yes, proper winter shoes are (probably much) better, but £120+ compared to £20 for full winter overshoes.

[944fan]

budgie smuggler said:

Yes, proper winter shoes are (probably much) better, but £120+ compared to £20 for full winter overshoes.

Aldi had winter overshoes couple of months back, £5.

[marting]

What about arm/leg warmers? Can they be used with a Gilet in winter or is it more of a autumn thing?

[Gizmoish]

Autumn/spring. Only wear them if you'll be taking them off at some point, eg leaving home early morning and out all day.

[Daveyraveygravey]

Feet - Woolie Boolie socks & Aldi cycling socks, plastic bags (cut down Tesco ones!) and oversees. Fine for an hour but my toes get cold after that.
Two pairs of gloves, looking at some fluoro ones on Amazon that are wind and waterproof.
Two long sleeve baselayers short sleeve jersey and an Altura fluoro jacket - too hot after about ten mins.
Skull cap thing under helmet toasty warm.

[Jimbo.]

As said before, you need to keep the wind out above everything else. Once you do that it's surprising how little you need to stay warm. F'instance, in temperatures of 2-4ºC before windchill, I can happily use a Gore Windstopper hardshell (or "active shell" as they call it - think thnk and faintly "plastic" rather than thick 'n' fleecy) jacket and a LS merino base layer.

re. going out warm: not the best. You'll soon be sweating ( = wet = cold = bad!) and/or having to remove layers (faff). "Cold for 10 minutes" is a rule of thumb I work to. As soon as you get working, you'll generate enough heat to keep warm.

[Viperzs]

Around this time of year I settle for a windproof jersey (Altura Ergofit at the moment) and leg warmers. My feet haven't been an issue yet, although I haven't been out in anything under 5deg yet.

I've just gone upmarket with an Etxeondo windproof jacket and bibtights though so hopefully that gives a great experience.

I've started taking an Altura 'Teabag' race cape out with me as well now in case I get caught out in the rain. I haven't had to use it yet so not sure what it's like on but I don't notice it in a back pocket.

[marting]

Viperzs said:

Around this time of year I settle for a windproof jersey (Altura Ergofit at the moment) and leg warmers. My feet haven't been an issue yet, although I haven't been out in anything under 5deg yet.

I've just gone upmarket with an Etxeondo windproof jacket and bibtights though so hopefully that gives a great experience.

I've started taking an Altura 'Teabag' race cape out with me as well now in case I get caught out in the rain. I haven't had to use it yet so not sure what it's like on but I don't notice it in a back pocket.

That Etxendo looks nice! I'm thinking about a slightly more budget jacket, this looks like it might do the trick - http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/endura-windchil...

[il sole]

I bought some DHB Roubaix tights and they are really nice and toasty...Also I'll vouch for overshoes. I splashed out on some northwave neoprene waterproof ones and they are excellent. On Sunday I had a Long sleeve compression top, the roubaix tights, Rohan winter socks, northwave overshoes, short sleeve summer jersey, a Merino wool skull cap and seperate snood and a DHB hi vis windproof jacket, was never cold and never got too sweaty. It was only +2 in salisbury at 8am...

[TheLemming]

Still cycling daily and warm and comfy.

Current kit
Endura Thermal biblongs
On-one merino neck tube
Merino hat
Planet x merino socks (cheap and toastie)
Planet x winter bundle gloves and overshoes
Liner gloves when it drops below about 2or 3 degrees
Aldi compression base layers (short sleeved top and boxers from their summer range)
Another base layer on top (aldi again)
Aldi winter cycling jersey
Endura stealth or endura luminite jacket on top (if I'm wearing the stealth I drop the extra base layer)

Needs a little fine tuning when it gets warmer but I can shed layers, open vents, lose the hat etc at over five degrees and ill dress a little lighter if im going to hammer it, but between 5 and zero that lot is about spot on for me.

Deals well with rain, I suspect I may need some warmer gloves when it gets cold AND wet.

I've got spares of everything bar overshoes, gloves and jackets so I can rotate kit for washing... (Useful consideration if youre trying to be out most days)

[frag68]

Aldi winter jacket is a must. At £16 it's a bargain. I use altura night vision bib tights. Usually a base layer under the jacket and if it's a frosty night I will use a running top as well. I also use base layer leggings but haven't done so yet. I have knee and arm warmers but don't use them that often. Sealskin gloves and endura overshoes keep the hands and toes warm and this is in Scotland

Just back in from the usual tuesday jolly and the only cold part is my backside as it was wet and no mudguards fitted to the winter hack yet.

I agree that too many layers make you sweat and over a period you will cool down.