winter cycling...

RuntasticGirl

Hi Guys,

I am wondering if you could give me some tips on how to keep in routine for cycling over the winter months? I have been thinking of taking up spinning classes but I have heard it is quite different to road cycling.

Thanks

easygoing39

Yeah,buy some warm gear in aldi/lidl and go out and ride youre bike.

dragratchet

yep, get out on the bike in decent quality winter gear when its possible weatherwise, otherwise turbo trainer and netflix indoors.

ILIKEFOOD

warm gear,cant recommend the castelli gabba enough jacket, its not cheap though, €189 from swimcyclerun but got me through a very enjoyable first few months on the bike, have no fear, unless its icy then dont risk it...it will probably be dryer than the summer was too! *knock on wood*

smacl

ILIKEFOOD wrote: »

unless its icy then dont risk it...

Unless you've got a bike that can take wider tyres, and put some spikes on. I did this last winter with my hybrid, and plan to to the same this winter with the cross bike. For me, warmth is about layers. So base layers bottom and top, winter jersey, and jacket keep you toasty. Winter gloves and overshoes are also a must for me, as are decent lights for fog as well as darkness. IMHO, the Aldi jackets are grand on very cold days, but get too warm, sweaty and then clammy at other times, so not the best option. Also worth remembering it gets much colder in the mountains, so plan your routes accordingly, and avoid the more exposed mountain routes like the sally gap in severe weather.

lissard

Once you get into Nov,Dec, Jan there will be a lot of grime on the road. This gets all over your bike. Make sure to regularly clean the bike otherwise the drivetrain might seize up. Last year I got through a few months of commuting always just chucking the bike into the shed after I got home. One day I was coming in to work and the front derailleur stopped shifting completely. Brought it to a bike shop and a few squirts of Muck Off and it was back in action.

thejaguar

Most important of all I would say is lights.
After that, as mentioned already - layer up to keep warm.

Stick a set of mudguards on the bike and regularly wash it down to keep it in good nic.

If all of that sound too much - spinning is not a bad option. I find it hard to get a spinning bike set up comfortably every time, but as long as you don't go nutso you shouldn't do yourself any serious injury.

The Noble Nudge

Lights, lights and more lights.....
Aldi did the LED strip lights last week for €5.99 for 4 of them, both arms and ankles albeit you look like a christmas tree but I find you get a wider berth from cars passing at night.
Reflective material too rather than hi-viz Altura brand do a night vision reflective range.
Frosty weather if you do come across it get off and walk.
You will be surprised how the temp changes between different areas,
As someone said above layers is better,
Let someone know the route you are planning to take.
Phone batteries tend to drain extremely quick in the minus degrees.
I tend to do shorter loops to keep close to home in bad weather its easier to get home if you decide its not happening for you.

Brian?

Spend €400 on winter gear, minimum, you'll absolutely get out on the road over the winter then.

Winter in Ireland is ok for cycling, the odd icy morning aside. It's all about dressing for the weather. The Castelli Mortirolo is the perfect winter jacket for Ireland. You can then buy bib longs or use leg warmers with shorts, long finger gloves and neoprene shoe covers. Optional beanie hat and you're all set.

ford2600

Brian? wrote: »

Spend €400 on winter gear, minimum, you'll absolutely get out on the road over the winter then.

By all means spend €400 on gear if you wish but it is not necessary.

Start with mudguards, no point having a €300 castelli alpha/assos or whatever and streaming dirty water up the back of it when riding on wet roads. Mudguards are the lowest hanging fruit by a distance.

If you are only out for a few hours a few layers, if needed and you should be good to go.

I've done quite a few 200km rides in winter in cold wet weather with kit well under €400. Midelton 200 in February with frost to start and damp 3/4C for last 100km, no problem. Ditto December, Jan, March.

Coldest I was in past 12months was in July, early morning start, wet roads and a cold back; no mudguards.

The value for me with a higher end jacket is it allows breathability and allows me to stop and not get cold from excess sweat. With that in mind I bought a Castelli aplha, fantastic kit but by no means necessary for your typical 3/4 hr ride.

Also I tested well regarded Sealskin gloves on January 200km ride, took them off after 80km. My hands were frozen. Put on 5 year old aldi gloves, toasty.

Brian?

ford2600 wrote: »

By all means spend €400 on gear if you wish but it is not necessary.

Start with mudguards, no point having a €300 castelli alpha/assos or whatever and streaming dirty water up the back of it when riding on wet roads. Mudguards are the lowest hanging fruit by a distance.

If you are only out for a few hours a few layers, if needed and you should be good to go.

I've done quite a few 200km rides in winter in cold wet weather with kit well under €400. Midelton 200 in February with frost to start and damp 3/4C for last 100km, no problem. Ditto December, Jan, March.

Coldest I was in past 12months was in July, early morning start, wet roads and a cold back; no mudguards.

The value for me with a higher end jacket is it allows breathability and allows me to stop and not get cold from excess sweat. With that in mind I bought a Castelli aplha, fantastic kit but by no means necessary for your typical 3/4 hr ride.

Also I tested well regarded Sealskin gloves on January 200km ride, took them off after 80km. My hands were frozen. Put on 5 year old aldi gloves, toasty.

The €400 spend is purely psychology. No one needs to spend it. But if you do, it's a kick up the hoop to get out and cycle.

Tongue in cheek post taken seriously.

Last winter I rocked out in my €400 worth of winter gear and my training partner was wearing Aldi/Lidls best. I was slightly warmer. The big difference was in the fit of the jacket and the quality of the chamois in my bib knickers. He was fine though, the didn't need the push of expensive gear to get out because he had me to push him.

NamelessPhil

If you're female, I'd recommend good non-bib tights for winter riding. If you're caught short and there's no loo, the last thing you want is to be stripping off your upper layers just to wee! I have a great pair of Pearl Izumi winter tights with wind proof patches on the thighs. I find wind proofing rather than water proofing to be more necessary.

I wear a quick dry vest top, merino base layer and a winter jacket, winter tights, merino socks, shoes and neoprene over shoes. Toasty warm even on all day 200 km rides.

Mudguards and good lights and the willingness to wash your bike after a mucky winter spin are all that's needed. I've done some of the nicest cycling on winter days, there are no flies and your water bottle is always cold!

zl1whqvjs75cdy

Good gloves are important too. I find I can ignore the toes, and your core should stay warm if you up your rpm a bit, but I always found my fingers to be the main source of discomfort.

ford2600

Brian? wrote: »

The €400 spend is purely psychology. No one needs to spend it. But if you do, it's a kick up the hoop to get out and cycle.

Tongue in cheek post taken seriously.

Last winter I rocked out in my €400 worth of winter gear and my training partner was wearing Aldi/Lidls best. I was slightly warmer. The big difference was in the fit of the jacket and the quality of the chamois in my bib knickers. He was fine though, the didn't need the push of expensive gear to get out because he had me to push him.

Ah I get that but OP is new to cycling and people can turn away from a sport when they see costs escalating.

One thing I would never buy cheaply is shorts/bibs. If you want decent comfort you need to spend here.

mossym

ford2600 wrote: »

Ah I get that but OP is new to cycling and people can turn away from a sport when they see costs escalating.

agreed. first year cycling, over the winter i had an jacket, base layer and merino layer under it, all from aldi/lidl, and a pair of DHB bib tights. total cost was <100 i;d say, or roughly that much. no lights, no mudguards, and i got on fine. was limited to daylight hours for road cycling though (took the mountain bike off road when dark


bit different now, lots of more expensive gear, mostly castelli, mudguards, lights, but i got on perfectly fine that first year and didn't spend a fortune.

smurphy29

Good gloves and decent overshoes are absolutely vital. Freezing hands that you can't feel the brakes with or change gears are horrible and dangerous. And a decent rain-proof jacket. If cold rain gets inside your clothes yuor ride will be thoroughly miserable.

Stay away from very hilly routes with technical descents and train steady.

I would hold on to your idea of a few spin classes; there will be spells where you really don't fancy heading out and an indoor option is always a good back-up. Spin classes are very different to road cycling, but for a 50 minute sweat-out they are hard to beat. You should idealy finish them with a puddle of sewat beneath your machine.

endacl

dragratchet wrote: »

yep, get out on the bike in decent quality winter gear when its possible weatherwise, otherwise turbo trainer and netflix indoors.

Decent 4G package, bluetooth headphones, and a handlebar mount. You can have Netflix outdoors too!

Lumen

endacl wrote: »

Decent 4G package, bluetooth headphones, and a handlebar mount. You can have Netflix outdoors too!

Make sure you don't get taken to Connolly Hospital though, there's no signal in A&E. They don't even have guest wifi!

onmebike

I'd recommend just getting out and cycling. Layer up for the cold mornings and make sure you're visible. IMO, there's no point only training when it's nice. What do you do when your event is on a cold windy summer day? Getting out during the winter will toughen you up a bit and let you appreciate those summer days even more.

Ice is the only thing that really affects me. Ice tyres are great in the ice, but a bit of an overhead when it's not icy. That said, it *might* be shaping up to be a bit more of a mild/stormy winter than a cold/calm one - something to do with El Nino. That said, it will always be a case of checking the weather in advance and deciding accordingly.

Also the mountains look cool in Winter. Those impassible signs are just for cars

triggermortis

I commuted all winter here in Zurich (on a road bike with normal 23mm tyres) and apart from mudguards and lights, the best buy I made was proper winter boots (Northwave Farenheit).
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/reviews/cycling-shoes/northwave-farenheit-winter-boots
I already had decent enough gear for all other areas and used overshoe covers before, but they were far from perfect. The boots are brilliant.
Gloves are also important and I used Craft lobster mittens
http://www.wiggle.com/craft-thermal-split-finger-bike-gloves/

Layers are the way to go, as has been mentioned already. I also have rollers for indoor use, but haven't used them since I moved here full time yet

smacl

triggermortis wrote: »

I commuted all winter here in Zurich (on a road bike with normal 23cm tyres) and apart from mudguards and lights, the best buy I made was proper winter boots (Northwave Farenheit).
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/reviews/cycling-shoes/northwave-farenheit-winter-boots
I already had decent enough gear for all other areas and used overshoe covers before, but they were far from perfect. The boots are brilliant.

Nice. Would they be as warm as shoes with neoprene overshoes? I say that as I only ever get a year out of the overshoes and its replacement time.

Cee-Jay-Cee

smacl wrote: »

Nice. Would they be as warm as shoes with neoprene overshoes? I say that as I only ever get a year out of the overshoes and its replacement time.

I've managed two years from my BBB heavy duty overshoes and hope to get most of this winter out of them too. The toes are a bit tattered but they'll do another while I reckon.

Eamonnator

Rules #5 and#9 apply:

http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/#29

Pinch Flat

built up my gear over the past few years. All done on a pretty tight budget.

From the bottom up:
Gatorskins - a must really anytime of the year. Can be tricky I the wet though.

Mudguards - full length ones like blumels

Decent lights - I use exposure flares. No complaints

Clothing:

Decent bib tights - windstopper if possible. I have dhb roubaix ones which are great

Base layer - either a cheap lidl one for milder days or a merino for the colder days.

Jersey - I use a gore phantom from about now until the end of the winter. Has detachable arms which is handy for milder days. Rarely out with more than a merino base layer on underneath on the coldest days.

A buff can be handy

Windstopper / wind proof gloves. I use a merino under glove. Rarely got cold hands.

I use sidi Diablo Goretex shoes and merino socks - on really cold days I'll use lambs wool socks. Sometimes I'll use an overshoe to deflect cold air on the coldest of days

Under the helmet an endura skull cap.

That's about it. Looking forward to the winter as I always do

smacl

Cee-Jay-Cee wrote: »

I've managed two years from my BBB heavy duty overshoes and hope to get most of this winter out of them too. The toes are a bit tattered but they'll do another while I reckon.

I've big feet. The crank sides wear out. Toes get pretty wrecked too. Tried the BBB and Endura MTB overshoes and same result in both.

Jim Stynes

I find it impossible to get good winter gloves! I have bought expensive castelli ones and numerous other decent brands and I am yet to find a pair that stops my hands getting completely saturated with the wet. And not even the wet from the rain, my hands feel cold and sweaty.

dragratchet

i cant be bothered struggling with overshoes, so i throw on a pair of ankle socks, then wrap tin foil around my toes and a pair of seal skin socks over that and my feet are nice and warm.

arybvtcw0eolkf

I've gotten through a few tough winters with Aldi layers, Aldi gloves and Halfords overshoes.

Outside of that, full mudguards make a massive difference.

And a drying room in work, I'm luck enough to have one.. Without this I don't think I'd have put in so many winters.

I really don't mind winter on the bike.

Koobcam

There's no doubt that getting outside on your bike in the winter is a challenge and I think the op asked whether spinning was a viable option. I'd definitely recommend spinning classes, but in combination with cycling outdoors, maybe on weekends. Ireland can be very wet, cold and miserable in the winter and sometimes, you are just better off doing your cycling indoors, especially if the roads are icy. The gym that I am a member of is great for cyclists because the spin bikes can be set up in a fairly road-like position and have spd pedals. This makes a big difference to how they feel. They also have power meters and will work with a paired bluetooth hr strap (no Ant+ though). One thing I'm not so sure about is the classes themselves-I'm just not sure how effective they are, but on the other hand I do find them great fun. If you can get your hands on a good structured programme, you can always do the spin classes for fun and then do your own programme if you are aiming towards something. I don't know why, but I much prefer going to my local gym and using the spin bikes there to using a turbo trainer, which I hate with a passion.

Cee-Jay-Cee

Pinch Flat wrote: »

From the bottom up:
Gatorskins - a must really anytime of the year. Can be tricky I the wet though

I don't get this, they're a truely horrible tyre, heavy and sluggish and sh*te in the wet which is the predominant weather type in winter. Why would you compromise your safety with such a poor tyre? I wouldn't put them on a bike even if paid to by Continental themselves. There are considerably better all round tyres out there. Gatorskins couldn't be considered an all round tyre as they have only one positive and that's puncture resistance. They have nothing else going for them.

rollingscone

Cee-Jay-Cee wrote: »

I don't get this, they're a truely horrible tyre, heavy and sluggish and sh*te in the wet which is the predominant weather type in winter. Why would you compromise your safety with such a poor tyre? I wouldn't put them on a bike even if paid to by Continental themselves. There are considerably better all round tyres out there. Gatorskins couldn't be considered an all round tyre as they have only one positive and that's puncture resistance. They have nothing else going for them.

This.

Light is often the biggest problem in Winter so if you're not 9-5 this is a huge advantage.

Pinch Flat

Cee-Jay-Cee wrote: »

I don't get this, they're a truely horrible tyre, heavy and sluggish and sh*te in the wet which is the predominant weather type in winter. Why would you compromise your safety with such a poor tyre? I wouldn't put them on a bike even if paid to by Continental themselves. There are considerably better all round tyres out there. Gatorskins couldn't be considered an all round tyre as they have only one positive and that's puncture resistance. They have nothing else going for them.

Ah yeah some don't like them. I find them ok in the wet tbh. Grand for the commuter / winter bike. Yeah they won't win any prizes, but I've been out on winter days where other tyres have punctured and tbh I found those situations much more unpleasant and potentially dangerous - one incident stuck in a blizzard up the sally gap springs to mind - my hands were so numb I could barely get the tube changed. And getting to work without increased risk of punctures. If u can help that not happening again they're worth it in my book

Get In There

What does everyone do for tyres in near icy conditions? I've 25mm gp4000s, should I swap them in such instances?

Lumen

Get In There wrote: »

What does everyone do for tyres in near icy conditions? I've 25mm gp4000s, should I swap them in such instances?

I've done the last couple of winters on 23mm GP4000S. They were fine although I live <15km from Dublin city centre so it's hardly Oymyakon.

Dave_White

Get proper gloves, though. Not the ones everybody advertise as winter gear (because they are sh*te) , but the ones with enclosed pairs of fingers,wind-stopper shell and that can withstand sub -10 Celsius. Last winter I used to commute 10km out from city center to Blanchardstown around 5am. It doesn't help that I have sensitive fingers to boot but temperatures would go pretty low and 5 minutes into the ride my hands would be numb as block of wood. I've tried maybe 6 pairs of gloves including sealskinz,castelli,altura,bbb which were advertised as perfect for winter, but I guess what they meant were sunny fall days because the effect were close to my cheap 5euro glove liners I usually use for colder spring/fall mornings.

Leroy42

smacl wrote: »

Nice. Would they be as warm as shoes with neoprene overshoes? I say that as I only ever get a year out of the overshoes and its replacement time.

Jebus, what are you doing with them that they only last a year!

Koobcam

Get In There wrote: »

What does everyone do for tyres in near icy conditions? I've 25mm gp4000s, should I swap them in such instances?

Indoor cycling

smacl

Get In There wrote: »

What does everyone do for tyres in near icy conditions? I've 25mm gp4000s, should I swap them in such instances?

For anything other than ice, 25mm Durano plus over the last couple of years have served me well. For ice and snow, 37c Shwalbe spikes on the hybrid were great last year, and are going on the CX bike this year. Only downside is they're not the easiest to get on.

Dave_White

Personally I think spikes and studs are overkill for Irish winter, especially if you commute in city. Usually there are way more salt on road than ice. But being on a safe side, and budget allowing I would change to wider tires with more "protector". One winter, for the lack of funds and general ignorance I used Kenda Kaliente I had from before and it was fine, just have to be careful I guess.

rollingscone

Leroy42 wrote: »

Jebus, what are you doing with them that they only last a year!

Haven't you heard? His brakes don't work ;p

@Smacl have you seen those Endura mtb overshoes with a thick Rubber sole? Thinkbike have them.

Blackgrape

I also wear a pair of safety glasses over my spectacles on cold frosty commutes. It stops tears streaming down my face from biting wind.

Im looking forward to the winter commute. The cold chilly mornings, if you're well wrapped are a joy to ride

darka78

Dave_White wrote: »

Get proper gloves, though. Not the ones everybody advertise as winter gear (because they are sh*te) , but the ones with enclosed pairs of fingers,wind-stopper shell and that can withstand sub -10 Celsius. Last winter I used to commute 10km out from city center to Blanchardstown around 5am. It doesn't help that I have sensitive fingers to boot but temperatures would go pretty low and 5 minutes into the ride my hands would be numb as block of wood. I've tried maybe 6 pairs of gloves including sealskinz,castelli,altura,bbb which were advertised as perfect for winter, but I guess what they meant were sunny fall days because the effect were close to my cheap 5euro glove liners I usually use for colder spring/fall mornings.

which winter gloves you recommend from your personal experience?

Dave_White

Currently I have Specialized Element 2.0. They are ok. I've got a bit bigger size for me, so I could wear some liner beneath them if need be. "Lobster claw" style glove might be solution if you have temperature sensitive fingers.

triggermortis

smacl wrote: »

Nice. Would they be as warm as shoes with neoprene overshoes? I say that as I only ever get a year out of the overshoes and its replacement time.

I find these much warmer than any shoe/overshoe combination I have tried - including shoes with a light neoprene overshoe and then a BBB heavier overshoe on top. In the rain it's better with tights that go over the outside of the boot to keep water out a little better, but even when my feet have got wet, they have stayed warm, even in minus temperatures here

smacl

Blackgrape wrote: »

I also wear a pair of safety glasses over my spectacles on cold frosty commutes. It stops tears streaming down my face from biting wind.

Im looking forward to the winter commute. The cold chilly mornings, if you're well wrapped are a joy to ride

I picked up a set of prescription cycling sunglasses from specsavers last time I got new glasses for this reason, along with low winter sun. They work well, and I'm thinking of getting a second pair with nearly clear lenses.

ford2600

triggermortis wrote: »

I find these much warmer than any shoe/overshoe combination I have tried - including shoes with a light neoprene overshoe and then a BBB heavier overshoe on top. In the rain it's better with tights that go over the outside of the boot to keep water out a little better, but even when my feet have got wet, they have stayed warm, even in minus temperatures here

I got these at end of last season, and in heavy rain you have to watch for water ingress, once you overlap you should be fine. Decent front mudguard would help a lot to.

They cut down on time to, no messing with overshoes.

Not cheap, German sites Rose, bike discount etc are usually best. Got mine for 109 but they usually are north of 170ish.

Celcius are mtb/spd while farenheit are road/spd/sl I think from memory

Wishbone Ash

ford2600 wrote: »

...Coldest I was in past 12months was in July, early morning start, wet roads and a cold back; no mudguards.....

Was that the 3 provinces 300k?

That was one long miserable day on the bike. 15 hours in the rain. Never so glad to see a finish. I've done 300k rides in January that were a lot easier.

ford2600

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Was that the 3 provinces 300k?

That was one long miserable day on the bike. 15 hours in the rain. Never so glad to see a finish. I've done 300k rides in January that were a lot easier.

No I didn't get a drop that day, 85km wheel failure followed by 85km limp home. I just missed the rain or else I smelt it and sabotaged wheel!

OleRodrigo

By all accounts, the Penance or Perish/ Road to salvation 400 is the one to beat. 24 hours ( longer for some ) of rain and cold.

Hasmunch

I got a giant defy 1 this year and i am loving cycling to work at the moment.
I need to pick up a few more bits for the winter so this thread had been great.

Can anyone recommend mudguards? Thanks