Bike gear

Brian2011

Hi,

I'm new to road bike cycling and am just wondering what type of gear I should have and how many pairs.

I already have a cycling shorts, 3 short sleeve jerseys (Lidl) and 1 Long sleeve top. And I have ordered a long sleeve base layer and leggings (ebay) in for the winter. Am just wondering what gear do you typically use in the winter and summer? Thanks

smacl

In addition to base layers, I use overshoes, winter gloves, skull cap under the helmet, and long sleeved winter cycling jacket. I'd also use a warmer middle layer, i.e. my winter long sleeve boards.ie jersey.

Brian2011

smacl wrote: »

In addition to base layers, I use overshoes, winter gloves, skull cap under the helmet, and long sleeved winter cycling jacket. I'd also use a warmer middle layer, i.e. my winter long sleeve boards.ie jersey.

Shorts or leggings in the winter?

Dades

Brian2011 wrote: »

Shorts or leggings in the winter?

Depends on the rider, I'd have thought! I'm still seeing people in July wearing them along with thick jackets.

You'll probably want them at some point if you cycle through the winter, but what day people choose to put them on is completely subjective.

smacl

Brian2011 wrote: »

Shorts or leggings in the winter?

Depends on the weather and length of spin. If its going to be a long one, I'd have a long base layer under shorts, and leg warmers, so basically 2 layers on the legs. I find if me knees get very cold, they get quite sore after a few hours cycling. Many thin layers work better than fewer thick ones, as I found out trying a long spin in an Aldi winter jacket a couple of years ago; warm starting out, sweating going up the hill, and no decent wicking left me cold for the rest of the journey.

Brian2011

smacl wrote: »

Depends on the weather and length of spin. If its going to be a long one, I'd have a long base layer under shorts, and leg warmers, so basically 2 layers on the legs. I find if me knees get very cold, they get quite sore after a few hours cycling. Many thin layers work better than fewer thick ones, as I found out trying a long spin in an Aldi winter jacket a couple of years ago; warm starting out, sweating going up the hill, and no decent wicking left me cold for the rest of the journey.

Ya I got one of the Aldi winter cycling Jackets too and I have to say it is excellent quality and very comfortable and warm.

endacl

Welcome to cycling, Brian.

Read these, and learn them. There is a code, and there will be a test.
http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/

kerry4sam

Brian2011 wrote: »

Hi,

I'm new to road bike cycling and am just wondering what type of gear I should have and how many pairs.

I already have a cycling shorts, 3 short sleeve jerseys (Lidl) and 1 Long sleeve top. And I have ordered a long sleeve base layer and leggings (ebay) in for the winter. Am just wondering what gear do you typically use in the winter and summer? Thanks

Just know the elements and research the weather conditions before your spins.

I saw people sweating buckets climbing MollsGap the last day with full-length winter pants and jackets on, in the sun! Even taking the jacket off would've helped them.

Know your elements and dress accordingly.

On longer spins I like wearing a base-layer and either a gilet or light jacket that rolls up easy into a pocket.

I have those Winter-full-length pants but don't wear them anymore; prefer 3/4 length padded bib-shorts. I've the over-shoes also for those real skies-opening days that I need a cycle and cannot stay in, just to keep the toes comfy and warm.

I've long-sleeved jersey jacket-type tops; fleece-lined, full-sleeve, warm for those real cold Winter-type days.

I don't know. Trial & Error also. Some people like the arm and leg warmers also but I never took to them.

You could easily spend hundreds and not wear half of what you buy. I'm case & point in that. Trunk of cycling gear here and nope, not all jerseys from varying charity-spins I've taken part in.
^^ That's one thing by me: Each Charity Cycle I participate in I buy something from the event as a souvenir be it a jersey or a water bottle etc.

Socks, sporty cushioned socks a must also. Invest in a good wind-resistant jacket <- pay dearly but you'll get great value for money.
Research your weather before a decent spin and put on appropriate clothing then. Know when to put on or take off clothing also safely.

Try have 2bottle cages on your bike. If you find yourself cycling further than planned, you'll be Thankful. Throw some monies into a pocket on you incase you want to pop into a shop en route. Have a bike-lock and obviously key and lights front & back a must also.

Ease yourself into it. The costs don't be long adding up & you might not use half of what you buy. Plus factor in weight-loss and the change in body-shape and subsequent gear not fitting anymore -> more shopping again!

Hope that helps,
Safe & Happy Peddling,
kerry4sam

arybvtcw0eolkf

Lidl/Adli are your friends, the gear is mostly grand for both winter and summer. However I find their padded shorts/tights a bit hit 'n miss. I think its worth while spending the extra and getting decent shorts.

In winter you're going to get cold hands no matter what you spend on gloves (my experience).. I've been using either Aldi or Lidl (can't remember which) gloves the last few years and they're as good as anything I've spent 3 or 4 times as much for and they've lasted when others fell to bits.

If you're using cycling shoes then overshoes are a must for winter, even when its not raining if you suffer from cold feet (I do).

Aldi/Lidl saddle bags are good too, but I think its worth while buying a decent multi-tool from Halfords, two tubes and self adhesive patches for emergency repairs.

A skull cap under your helmet will be enough to keep the noggin warm and dry.

Glasses, esp in summer ~ keeps the crap, stones and flies out of your eyes and you'll be surprised how much the sun can burn your eyes when its low in the sky in spring and autumn.

I always carry and emergency tenner in my saddlebag.

nak

I use knee and arm warmers most of the summer - bib shorts, short sleeve jerseys and baselayers, gilet, rain jacket.

Spring/Autumn use legwarmers, shorts and long sleeve jerseys, long finger gloves.

Winter - tights over shorts, winter socks, over socks or overshoes or sealskinz if wet, winter jacket, merino baselayers, a buff, winter hat, gloves.

A cycling cap is sometimes enough if cold and comes in handy if raining. Glasses with a choice of lenses are an essential for me.

All socks must have at least 5 inch cuff. The brighter the better.

FISMA.

Brian2011 wrote: »

Am just wondering what gear do you typically use in the winter and summer? Thanks

Depends on the terrain. Is your riding: mostly flat, rolling hills, very hilly?

Bloggsie

Brian2011 wrote: »

Hi,

I'm new to road bike cycling and am just wondering what type of gear I should have and how many pairs.

I already have a cycling shorts, 3 short sleeve jerseys (Lidl) and 1 Long sleeve top. And I have ordered a long sleeve base layer and leggings (ebay) in for the winter. Am just wondering what gear do you typically use in the winter and summer? Thanks

dont forget gloves, nothing worse than freezing numb cant feel your hands with the pain of the cold!

smacl

Enoch Big Raceway wrote: »

Lidl/Adli are your friends, the gear is mostly grand for both winter and summer.

I find the Aldi & Lidl winter jackets too warm for all but the coldest weather, and not breathable so if you sweat, you stay damp. Fine if you're not pushing it (or don't sweat much) and for shorter spins, but a pain outside of that. I picked up a DHB Eq2.5 jacket last winter and reckon it is a very good jacket at a decent price. If you happen to be on the small size, their commuter jacket on sale is a steal at €34.

Qualitymark

Also a good bag to carry the stuff. I've tried front panniers (not a lot of use to me - others may feel different), back panniers, baskets, etc; my favourite is the Reisenthel basket, which holds as much as a normal car shop, but looks a bit girly so the mmmennnnn may not like the challenge to their sexual identity. Old Carradice canvas pannier bags are great for hipsters like us or lightweight panniers with reinforced seams are also good. For carrying a laptop there are great padded clip-on panniers stiffened at the back, which turn into a shoulder bag when you hop off. And those Lidl toolbags that go behind the saddle can be a lifesaver.

Getting back to clothing, in winter a long-tailed rainproof jacket that drivers can see through their rain-smeared windscreen is good, and a pair of 'wets' - rainproof overtrousers. In my experience the overtrousers are more for carrying around than actually using; the days that are seriously wet are few enough.

And good gloves. Sealskinz are great .