Winter Cycling Clothes

Pompous

Winter is coming, which means the rain, wind, and freezing temperatures are coming with it. I want to equip myself with adequate cycling clothes to survive the winter.

So far I have no cycling clothes. I have done some research on boards which led me to wiggle. The problem is there's just so much to choose from. I can't even choose an undergarment. It all seems way more complicated than I expected. And expensive.

I just want a cycling outfit that will keep me warm and dry through the wind and rain and sub-zero temperatures of the winter months.

Does anyone here really know their stuff when it comes to winter clothing? Could you maybe list the exact types of garments I need for winter? Is it even possible to get a jacket/leggings(trousers?) that are both waterproof and wind-proof?

I would really appreciate some help from someone who knows what they are talking about.

Thanks very much for reading.

SpaceGerbil

Pompous wrote: »

Winter is coming, which means the rain, wind, and freezing temperatures are coming with it. I want to equip myself with adequate cycling clothes to survive the winter.

So far I have no cycling clothes. I have done some research on boards which led me to wiggle. The problem is there's just so much to choose from. I can't even choose an undergarment. It all seems way more complicated than I expected. And expensive.

I just want a cycling outfit that will keep me warm and dry through the wind and rain and sub-zero temperatures of the winter months.

Does anyone here really know their stuff when it comes to winter clothing? Could you maybe list the exact types of garments I need for winter? Is it even possible to get a jacket/leggings(trousers?) that are both waterproof and wind-proof?

I would really appreciate some help from someone who knows what they are talking about.

Thanks very much for reading.

This will get you started and give you an idea !! http://www.bicycling.com/whattowear

bcmf

Invest in a set of decent Roubaix lined/Thermal 3/4 lenght bib shorts and or tights.
http://www.prendas.co.uk/list.asp?typ=typ&ID=9

The santini in the link above are superb value if they have your size

Decent overshoes:Endura are highly regarded
Decent socks and shoes that arent too tight.

On top the trick is layers.
A decent long sleeve base layer with a jersey long sleeved or short sleeved and a decent windproof jacket.
YOu may not be able to stay dry but keeping warm and keeping the wind out is vital

I am going with neoprene (surfing) gloves and socks this year. Resigned to getting wet but deffo gonna stay warm

Pompous

bcmf wrote: »

Invest in a set of decent Roubaix lined/Thermal 3/4 lenght bib shorts and or tights.
http://www.prendas.co.uk/list.asp?typ=typ&ID=9

The santini in the link above are superb value if they have your size

Decent overshoes:Endura are highly regarded
Decent socks and shoes that arent too tight.

On top the trick is layers.
A decent long sleeve base layer with a jersey long sleeved or short sleeved and a decent windproof jacket.
YOu may not be able to stay dry but keeping warm and keeping the wind out is vital

I am going with neoprene (surfing) gloves and socks this year. Resigned to getting wet but deffo gonna stay warm

So keeping the wind and the rain out with a single outer layer is just not possible?

Pompous

SpaceGerbil wrote: »

This will get you started and give you an idea !! http://www.bicycling.com/whattowear

Wow, what a great resource! Thank you!

bcmf

Pompous wrote: »

So keeping the wind and the rain out with a single outer layer is just not possible?

For a short spin yeah maybe but in reality everything , unless its an oilskin and you really dont wanna wear that on the bike, has a saturation point.

pelevin

Pompous wrote: »

So keeping the wind and the rain out with a single outer layer is just not possible?

Dunno what kind of money you're trying to work with but these are great, bought it myself from same seller:

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/SHIPS-IN-24HRS-2013-GENUINE-CASTELLI-GABBA-CONVERTIBLE-JERSEY-JACKET-CYCLING-/171027090823?pt=US_Cycling_Clothing&var=&hash=item27d2024d87

beauf

What kinda cycling. Because a 2hr training session is going to need different gear than a 30 min commute.

silver campaign

Hi, I'd advise to spend your money now on quality clothes. If you go for the cheaper option you'll be disapointed and end up buying better stuff within a couple of months.
When shopping on wiggle or CRC I usually go for the stuff priced around the middle to top without buying the very expensive stuff.
Another trick is to see what is being discounted heavily. You might find a top of the range product priced around the middle. DHB, (wiggles own brand I think) I find good quality and value.

Reservoir Cogs

You should join Reservoir Cogs, the shower-proof winter jacket (€50) is excellent (and I'm not just saying that).

Otherwise its cycling rain jacket, base layer, gloves, neoprene overshoes, either tights or leg warmers.

Gloves, for me, are the biggest challenge. I use 1mm neoprene kayaking gloves for extreme weather (wet & cold).

MB Lacey

If you have €1,000 going spare for a left sock and a merino thermal here you go:

You obviously dont have to buy Rapha, but the video might give you some ideas for your winter wardrobe.

I got the winter hat (very good) and the winter gloves - they're ok, but not great in the really cold weather (like below 0).

Merino wool base layers good, Cotton baselayers bad.

pelevin

Definitely will want one of these or you'll be laughed off the road.

http://www.rapha.cc/lapelled-jacket/

Craig06

I'll be picking up a Castelli San Remo Thermosuit for winter. Train in the speed suit at the moment and it's the best thing I ever bought.

Brian?

It's nearly time for this:

http://www.amazon.com/Castelli-Mortirolo-Jacket-Ocean-White/dp/B00CMO8MDE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1380284497&sr=8-3&keywords=castelli+jacket

Great jacket

nak

The DHB merino base layers from Wiggle are pretty good if washed carefully (Rapha ones are nicer, but more expensive).

I love the Rapha jackets, have had a few winters out of my softshell and got a rain jacket this year (stayed dry underneath in very heavy rain). Got my stuff in half price sales. The winter collar, hat and socks are also very good.

Castelli tights are the only ones I've tried; warm, fit is great and they have lasted well.

Gloves are a minefield, so many choices, and preferences.