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What to wear... What to wear...

  • 04-10-2009 9:08pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,440 ✭✭✭


    So, it's come around to that time of year again. I wore shoes and socks instead of sandals on the commute for the first time since April and I'll have to consider a second layer on top soon too. Now, I'm trying to figure out whether to continue in shorts with knee warmers (I wear a knee brace for support on one leg anyhow) or to invest in something long-legged. Last year I was in ordinary trousers but they're getting translucent in that certain spot so I'm thinking I should invest in something dedicated.

    I use a Gore-tex jacket for the rain but only plastic trousers and, if the shoes get wet, they'll dry on a radiator won't they...

    So, what do y'all use to keep the legs warm / dry? I'm pretty well insulated so I generally don't need thermals at all...


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,995 ✭✭✭✭blorg


    I have been in 3/4 length tights since I came back from the Pyrenees in mid-September. It was a real shock to the system, going from 30 degrees+ back to whatever it was here... Will move to thicker full length tights as the temperature drops. It is important to cover your knees when it is cold to avoid injury.

    Was straight out of the sandals on my return too, brr...

    Regarding rain and the shoes waterproof overshoes work very well indeed. Had a real wake-up call yesterday when I was absolutely soaked and didn't have a jacket, just a gilet. Brr.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,440 ✭✭✭cdaly_


    Oh yeah, forgot to ask, what's the benefit of bib shorts/tights? Do they come in waterproof / fast-dry materials or what?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,615 ✭✭✭NewDubliner


    cdaly_ wrote: »
    Oh yeah, forgot to ask, what's the benefit of bib shorts/tights? Do they come in waterproof / fast-dry materials or what?
    Not waterproof. But they don't hold water as long as say, jeans. They don't restrict movement. They don't get caught in the chain. Usually have a padded seat inside.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,056 ✭✭✭✭BostonB


    Altura leggings. Water resistant and warm. But so warm that its going to have to get colder & wetter before I wear them. ATM 3/4 length shorts work fine for me.

    I think its still warm on the bike these days. Even with the wind.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 20,297 ✭✭✭✭Jawgap


    cdaly_ wrote: »
    Oh yeah, forgot to ask, what's the benefit of bib shorts/tights? Do they come in waterproof / fast-dry materials or what?

    I've water repellent ones - they're not waterproof and a good downpopunr will saturate them but they are showerproof. They also seem to function a bit like a wet suit in that they can still keep you warm even when they get wet (up to a point).

    As it gets colder I was planning to add a base layer.

    On top, I've a short sleeve jersey with arm warmers and a training jacket in the morning because of the time I set off at - again I'll go with a base layer and maybe a full sleeve jersey as the weather gets cooler.

    As Blorg pointed out, keeping the knees warm is very important and from a comfort point of view I find as long as my toes and feet are warm I can put up with just about anywhere else being cold and wet so I've been using neoprene over-shoes on all cylces for about a week now.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,831 ✭✭✭ROK ON


    In general this is a great time of year for cycling. Crisp dry cold windless mornings.
    But you need to wrap up to enjoy.

    I am on 3/4 length bib shorts at the moment (was for most of what passed for summer also). Either them or shorts with light leg warmers. It is not cold enough for tights just yet.
    Wore thick merino socks yday for 1st time since sprin and did not regret it.
    Buy overshoes. Essential. Like surfin gear really in that they may not always keep you dry, but will keep you warm if wet, which is more important IMO.

    No loner wearin short sleeve and armwarmers. Now on thicker long sleeve jerseys and merino base layer. Too early for winter jackets.
    I supplement with gilet, lightweight cycling jacket or breathable rain jacket.
    During winter I wear a buff and beanie hat.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,604 ✭✭✭petethedrummer


    cdaly_ wrote: »
    if the shoes get wet, they'll dry on a radiator won't they...
    If you have a long commute get some sealskinz water proof socks, they should keep the rain out for up to an hour in constant rain. Eventually it seeps in through the top. They dry out quicker than shoes. Also you can put on wet shoes and it doesn't matter. They work far better than over shoes in my opinion.

    I presume you leave a dry pair of office shoes in work?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,220 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    If you have a long commute get some sealskinz water proof socks, they should keep the rain out for up to an hour in constant rain. Eventually it seeps in through the top.

    I used these on Saturday, underneath thin overshoes, road shoes, and full winter tights. My feet got soaked.

    They've been fine for commuting in very light rain.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,831 ✭✭✭ROK ON


    I have to concur with sealskinz. Fine for commuting. I would not wear on lon spins in the rain.
    I have wasted too much money on that conjob.
    They are pretty uncomfortable and do not really facilitate breathing.

    Wear tight fitting warm socks, warm shoes and good quality overshoes.

    I would prefer wet warm feet to the uncomfortable soggy feeling that I find sealskinz provide.

    Does any one have a good rec for a reasonably warm waterproof winter shoe (not the bootsa mentioned in recent thread).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,604 ✭✭✭petethedrummer


    yous must be doing it wrong.


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  • Administrators, Social & Fun Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 78,393 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭Beasty


    Throughout last winter I wore Sealskinz with Assos thermic socks underneath whenever it was wet. They seemed to stop water seepage from the sole (I was wearing MTB shoes/boots, which are probably more susceptible to water penetration from below).

    They did not keep my feet completely dry, as there was often some seepage from above, but this sock combination always kept my feet warm, unlike before I used this combination, and I never felt the shoes were waterlogged.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,013 ✭✭✭kincsem


    Overshoes like these - a bit expensive but probably worth it.

    http://www.prendas.co.uk/details.asp?typ=typ&fkid=17&ID=2192


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,995 ✭✭✭✭blorg


    I've had good experiences with Sealskinz on long rides. I use overshoes as well, the combination keeps just about anything out.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,220 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    I wonder whether there's any merit in putting tights on last, i.e. over the overshoes?

    That way, the rain would run down your legs and over your foot, rather than down your leg and into your shoes.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,440 ✭✭✭cdaly_


    a dry pair of office shoes

    Office sandals...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,830 ✭✭✭✭Taltos


    Just picked up a jacket from CRC for the cold mornings.
    As to leggings - enough hair there to keep me warm on the bitterest days.


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