Cycling gear for winter-what to buy

Wizardej

Hi everyone was thinking about getting some new cycling gear but have no idea if these are any good for the winter weather or if anyone has tried them before/if its a good price:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/castelli-velocissimo-bib-tights-1/

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/sportful-hot-pack-4-jacket/

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/castelli-diluvio-16-overshoes/

Cheers in advance!

Raam

The Sportful Hotpack is not a winter jacket at all. It's a very light wind vest. I use mine a lot and I like it. Great for descents off the top of super high mountains It does offer some water resistance but it would fail pretty quick.
It is handy to have. Scrunches up small and you can pop it on over whatever you are wearing if you start to get a bit chilly.

The overshoes look good. I never use neoprene overshoes though, too warm for me.

Tights look good and warm.

Mechanic365

I got the aldi jacket today, not waterproof but very warm and that bit warmer on the arms.
It also snugs up around the gloves and is windproof, also the zipps dont get stuck.
It looks good too in black, best 25 I ever spent on winter gear.

As for other stuff, invest in some really good overshoes and head warmer

Smalltom

Check out the bargains thread for the altura winter jackets for sale in Sportsworls. Reduced to €50 from €150approx. I bought two of them and have never come hone from a spin cold. I think I do sweat in it as opposed to water gettin in but the being warm part of it is a lot more important. No overshoes are fully waterproof as your feet will get wet either from water running down your legs or from underneath where overshoes don't fully cover. Warmt when you get wet is most important. I spend approximately 50hrs a month on the bike in all weathers so have a bit of a clue.......I think!!! Hope this helps a bit!

Wizardej

Thanks for the advice everyone. Think I'll go for the bib tights as they look to be good & warm. Still not sure about the overshoes-really need some for this weather but don't want to be too warm either and will have a look round for a jacket (ideally should it be both windproof and waterproof and reflective?) Have a face buff already so will hopefully be all set to brave it

martin.mcevoy

I would definitely recommend splashing out on overshoes (I opted for neoprene). It was taking an age for me to thaw my feet out after club cycles, but since buying overshoes it is a thing of the past.
Good gloves, overshoes and a good jacket are what I would recommend.

pelevin

An umbrella.

ckeego

I'd agree with Raam on the jacket-very lightweight-more a shower jacket than a winter jacket.

Sportful do a very good softshell jacket which along with a warm baselayer (think Icebreaker merino perhaps) will do the trick.

I'd defo go for the Castelli neoprene overshoes-I have a very similiar pair and even if they get wet, they will dry quickly and stay warm throughout.

Bibs wise, I have 2 pairs of Castelli-unless you are similiar in stature to Pantani, be sure to go up one size! Not sure what material they are, but look for Thermo Roubaix if you are using them for colder rides-the Castelli stuff is fairly thin, so is not the warmest

The PBK own brand bibs are fantastic for the price-really brilliant for the cold and a good pad in them too..ONLY BIG SIZES IN STOCK

Here's the softshell...http://www.probikekit.co.uk/sports-clothing/sportful-men-s-alpe-softshell-jacket-blue/black/white/10839793.html

Extra 10% off today if you use SALE10UK

Wizardej

pelevin wrote: »

An umbrella.

Maybe like these!

http://bikereviews.com/2010/01/nubrella-better-hands-free-umbrella-coverage/

07Lapierre

Mudguards!

pelevin

Wizardej wrote: »

Maybe like these!

http://bikereviews.com/2010/01/nubrella-better-hands-free-umbrella-coverage/

And in favourable winds does wonders for speed and maybe even sends you airborne! A big boon navigating city traffic.

djtwigster

Wizardej wrote: »

Thanks for the advice everyone. Think I'll go for the bib tights as they look to be good & warm. Still not sure about the overshoes-really need some for this weather but don't want to be too warm either and will have a look round for a jacket (ideally should it be both windproof and waterproof and reflective?) Have a face buff already so will hopefully be all set to brave it

http://www.sportsworld.ie/Product/Altura-Varium-Cycling-Jacket-Mens/277816/1002030000

Highly recommend this jacket, a snip at 50 notes, check out the wiggle price.

pelevin

In terms of tights I'd recommend unpadded ones so they can be re-worn without having to wash between each ride, eg:



http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-track-bike/bib-tights-castelli-velocissimo-bib-tights-no-pad/castzbbt231

wirelessdude01

07Lapierre wrote: »

Mudguards!

Anyone looking for a set I have a band new set still in the box for sale in the adverts section

billyhead

pelevin wrote: »

In terms of tights I'd recommend unpadded ones so they can be re-worn without having to wash between each ride, eg:



http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-track-bike/bib-tights-castelli-velocissimo-bib-tights-no-pad/castzbbt231

Would they not become uncomfortable on long rides?

conkennedy

I use a Polaris Tornado winter jacket:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006J8DVM6/ref=asc_df_B006J8DVM616783840/?tag=otestcouk-21&creative=22110&creativeASIN=B006J8DVM6&linkCode=asn&ascsubtag=3699_304981_52d2cbf1

I personally think it's great - on really cold days, just a base layer and your sorted. The arms are extra long with a hole for your thumb to go through making a nice seal when you put on your gloves. On mild winter/autumn mornings you wouldn't need the base layer.

The material is a bit strange! Looks a bit and feels a bit like neoprene on the outside, but fleeced on the inside. Toasty and a light shower proof. There are 4 pockets at the back and another zip pouch. Im 5'10 average build, a medium fits perfect - I know sizing can be a bit hard to get right - most of my jerseys are an XL

I got mine in TKMaxx in Blanchardstown a few months ago for the tidy sum of only 40yos

I also use these leg warmers from Zoot rather than the longer bib shorts:
https://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=38013

A good set of winter gloves too!

Personally, Im not into mudgards on my road bike, so I use one of these: http://ass-savers.com/

I also have a Craft light rain jacket and a gilet: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/craft-performance-bike-featherlight-jacket/ Again, bargain in TKMaxx at 20yos

pelevin

billyhead wrote: »

Would they not become uncomfortable on long rides?

You wear your padded shorts underneath. Have Castelli Ergo ones myself & they're excellent.

Wizardej

Cheers everyone for all the advice. Finally went for the castelli overshoes and they arrived today (got them off chain reaction for £30 - image below). Seem decent enough and will try them during the week -looks like the rain is back now just in time pac: Ordered the castelli bibs (with insert) as well from wiggle (got £5 discount code) though they should arrive during the week (hopefully got right size as I went for small though I'm 5'6~62kg)
Still hunting on the bargain thread for jerseys/jackets & will get mudguards this week. Also wondering does anybody use the muc off cleaner from halfords and if its any good as bike is really starting to need a wash!

wirelessdude01

Wizardej wrote: »

Cheers everyone for all the advice. Finally went for the castelli overshoes and they arrived today (got them off chain reaction for £30 - image below). Seem decent enough and will try them during the week -looks like the rain is back now just in time pac: Ordered the castelli bibs (with insert) as well from wiggle (got £5 discount code) though they should arrive during the week (hopefully got right size as I went for small though I'm 5'6~62kg)
Still hunting on the bargain thread for jerseys/jackets & will get mudguards this week. Also wondering does anybody use the muc off cleaner from halfords and if its any good as bike is really starting to need a wash!

The Altura jacket that was in Sportworld is excellent. See if you can find one.

MojoMaker

Wizardej wrote: »

Cheers everyone for all the advice. Finally went for the castelli overshoes and they arrived today (got them off chain reaction for £30 - image below). Seem decent enough and will try them during the week -looks like the rain is back now just in time pac: Ordered the castelli bibs (with insert) as well from wiggle (got £5 discount code) though they should arrive during the week (hopefully got right size as I went for small though I'm 5'6~62kg)
Still hunting on the bargain thread for jerseys/jackets & will get mudguards this week. Also wondering does anybody use the muc off cleaner from halfords and if its any good as bike is really starting to need a wash!

Nice! Are the Diluvios completely waterproof? I've been trying to decide between then and the dhb Extreme Weather overshoe. I don't want to spend a few €€ only to discover the overshoe might only be 90% wateroroof like the Castelli Nanos for example (such a shame - great looking overshoe).

Wizardej

MojoMaker wrote: »

Nice! Are the Diluvios completely waterproof? I've been trying to decide between then and the dhb Extreme Weather overshoe. I don't want to spend a few €€ only to discover the overshoe might only be 90% wateroroof like the Castelli Nanos for example (such a shame - great looking overshoe).

I think they are (it said on the website and on the actual label of them). The neoprene seems to be fairly thick plus the zips seem to have a type of waterproof glue seal on them and a seperate seal at the top of the zip. Got a good price on them on chain reaction but that was for size small/medium but think wiggle still have bigger sizes.
Will test them out during the week and post how they're fairing!

Brian?

Wizardej wrote: »

Hi everyone was thinking about getting some new cycling gear but have no idea if these are any good for the winter weather or if anyone has tried them before/if its a good price:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/castelli-velocissimo-bib-tights-1/

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/sportful-hot-pack-4-jacket/

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/castelli-diluvio-16-overshoes/

Cheers in advance!

I have the overshoes and bib tights. As with everything Castelli make they're great.

Wouldn't go near the jacket.

Brian?

I have this jacket, love it.

http://www.amazon.com/Castelli-Mortirolo-Due-Jacket-Mens/dp/B0093QAXG8

Rain cape in the pocket and you're sorted.

Wizardej

Wizardej wrote: »

I think they are (it said on the website and on the actual label of them). The neoprene seems to be fairly thick plus the zips seem to have a type of waterproof glue seal on them and a seperate seal at the top of the zip. Got a good price on them on chain reaction but that was for size small/medium but think wiggle still have bigger sizes.
Will test them out during the week and post how they're fairing!

Hey everyone-quick update on the overshoes. So far so good! These were my first so a bit different to get used to them but have been great in terms of warmth and keeping water out (no leakage/no water in so far). Castelli bibs arrived today but will have to send them back for exchange to next size up as there were too small (couldn't get them passed my thighs!) I think another poster had said the castelli sizes were running on the small side but I went with the wiggle size chart and they just didn't fit-(looks like I don't have the cyclists body shape just yet!:o). Contacted wiggle and they will exchange for next size up- thats my lesson learned!

Wizardej

Cheers everyone for all the advice-think I'm sorted for the weather now! Re-sized castelli bibs arrived at wkend and are fantastic. Tried them out yesterday and couldn't feel the cold at all. Size is perfect and the fleece lining is just what's needed for this weather. Overshoes are still going good if others are interested in getting them- no leakage even after all last week's rain

shaydy

I got these overshoes last week and find them very good so far

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/bbb-hardwear-shoe-covers/

lismore7

Smalltom wrote: »

Check out the bargains thread for the altura winter jackets for sale in Sportsworls. Reduced to €50 from €150approx. I bought two of them and have never come hone from a spin cold. I think I do sweat in it as opposed to water gettin in but the being warm part of it is a lot more important. No overshoes are fully waterproof as your feet will get wet either from water running down your legs or from underneath where overshoes don't fully cover. Warmt when you get wet is most important. I spend approximately 50hrs a month on the bike in all weathers so have a bit of a clue.......I think!!! Hope this helps a bit!

Where did you say you got your altura winter jackets? Cant find Sportsworl? Looked in Sportsworld.ie ...nothing there