Winter clothing and bike query

[tim0409]

Hi there

First post in the pedal forum so please be gentle.

I enjoy cycling in the summer as it's the one form exercise that doesn't feel like a chore. As I am putting on the pounds at the moment so I really want to get out there to get fit again (and it also helps with my periodic depression). My current bike is a 12 year old Edinburgh Bike hybrid (cost new £300) which is basically worn out and would require significant money spent on it which would be uneconomical). The vast majority of my cycling is done on the road and whilst I am tempted by a racer, the hybrid seems to suit my needs (although my current bike is only 8 speed). I have a budget of around £400-500 and would welcome some advice.

The other question relates to clothing - I am sorted for winter cycling from the waist up but need some "longs" - not sure what to buy so again any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

Tim

[anonymous-user]

Everyone I know who started with a hybrid ended up either with a road bike or a mountain bike. Make of that what you will, but my advice would be to buy once, not twice.

Kit from the waist down for winter: some fleece lined (roubaix in the trade) long leggings. I prefer ones with stirrups tat go over my shoulders (bib tights). Leggings that come to the waist look less dorky when you first buy but ride down and can end up exposing the small of your back.

Merino socks (De Feet make good ones) and some neoprene overshoes (Planet X ditto) to keep your feet warm.

If I feel cold for the first ten to fifteen minutes of a winter ride, then generally I've chosen the right kit and hit a nice temp after that initial chill period. For me, fingers and toes get coldest and are the things I have to keep warm to keep the ride enjoyable.

[ecsrobin]

Roubaix bib tights are £30 at planetx for the next 28 hours

[thepawbroon]

Hello and Welcome,

Re: bike advice - I have a Revolution Cross from Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op, it might be worth a look. I think it's still in your budget.


It's marketed as a cyclocross bike, but it's really a relaxed tough road bike with a wide gear range, plenty room for chunky tyres and mudguards. I've done over 3000 km on mine in 3 years, almost all on the road. With road tyres.

I've used it for a 3 day / 400km charity ride, for 100 km sportives, commuting 20 km each way in London, even put the CX tyres back on and did an off road ride last week.

Worth a look?

Cheers

[tim0409]

Many thanks for the helpful replies. I ordered the bib from planetx which is a bargain - I didn't realise that they have a shop in Edinburgh which is a bonus.

I terms of the bike I wasn't even aware of cyclocross and it seems to be the ideal solution - I now need to reappraise my budget as there is some great looking bikes for circa £650. I had considered the cycle to work scheme as I am technically employed by my local council (elected councillor) and they run the scheme but were a bit vague about what happens when it comes to purchasing the bike at the end of the term - will have to investigate further...