Clothing 101- recommendations

Large bottle small glass

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118414677#Comment_118414677

I'm not too sure it's a fixed thing either and something we can't adapt through training; like anything with humans there will always be a spectrum trained or not.

The problem I see with putting on too many warm layers is that (on a climb/drag) will fire up our cooling system and leave us damp and then cold when we reduce the effort.

Typically unless under 3/4 degrees I won't even consider gloves or overshoes, in fact I haven't put on gloves more than a few times in the last 5 years. Gear is usually the same as summer, except I'll swap a Castelli Alpha(with no base layer) for summer jersey if 5/6 or under or a very light baselayer with a Castelli Prefetto closer to 10, if it's mild winter weather I'll just have the Prefetto. I'd also wear the Alpha if going for a very rare audax length spin in winter even if not very cold.

Leg warmers I may or may not wear once over 5/6 degrees.

I can remember having cold hands twice in that time, both times when I was out in circa 3 degree when I left home (at 50m asl) and I was at around 250-300m and descending.

Once was here

https://www.strava.com/segments/1850899?filter=overall

last February I think.

My hands got cold shortly after I started descent and I started to think this is going to be rough. I got them warm still ungloved before I reached the bottom; the cure is pretty good for the grip strength!

magicbastarder

Typically unless under 3/4 degrees I won't even consider gloves

i wear gloves every single ride - not necessarily to protect my hands from the cold, but to protect them in a potential fall.

beggars_bush

It depends where you live

Big difference between east coast mild mornings and biting cold midlands or wild west coast

Macy0161

fwiw I have poor circulation. My specialist told me (and bourne out by my experience) is that it's core temperature that has the greatest effect on fingers and toes. I can have numb fingers at the start, but once the work starts they improve (and the same after a coffee stop). I've actually down sized my gloves since I started focusing on my core.

I also "run cold" and have never felt the need to go an extra layer on top of my mistral/ mistral pro, albeit I tend to go one up from what they recommend underneath (second base layer or roubaix jersey). I do tend to over do it to keep the core temp up though.

I also wear gloves or mits all year to protect myself in the event of a fall btw

magicbastarder

FWIW, i'm just back from a spin of under an hour, tried out the new top and arm warmers i got in decathlon last night; it's a medium weight top (i didn't want a proper 'winter' top) and the arm warmers are quite light, and i did feel cold for a good half hour, especially on the arms. according to met eireann when i was leaving, it was a 3C 30km/h north westerly though.

event

So picking up the new bike later, havent cycled in a few years. Gonna get some new gear and the Galibier Gear is what I have landed on.

I have plenty of base-layers from running and football so sorted there. Was going to pick up

ROUBAIX LONG SLEEVE JERSEY

IZOARD PRO GILET

VENTULTRA JACKET II

All things being equal, these 3 should be enough to keep the average person warm on their top half while out cycling, yeah?

Im 5'8" and 70Kgs, would a S be ok or need to be M? I usually rather a slim fit.

cletus

I can't comment on how warm or otherwise you'll be, but I'd look carefully at the sizing chart for each of the pieces you want.

Different pieces have different cuts, so you might find yourself buying a combination of sizes

magicbastarder

i'm probably about half an inch shorter, but probably over 5KG heavier and i found M in their equipe shorts and mistral jacket was right for me.

CantGetNoSleep

I know it's an odd time of year but what do people recommend as good value summer jerseys? I'm hoping to pick up one or two in the sales.

Aside from my club gear, a Gabba, a few bits from Rapha sales, and a Goretex rain coat I buy almost everything from Galibier but I'm not a lover of their summer jerseys.

DHB seem both nice design and good value but there is a huge selection there. Rapha's sales are not as great as they used to be. Anything else that people would recommend?

Wildly Boaring

I keep an eye out for sales from Sigr

Free shipping usually

https://sigr.cc/collections/cycling-jerseys

beggars_bush

beggars_bush

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118417615#Comment_118417615

Victory chimp

Luxman

Just a comment about a piece of kit I got cheap and tried it out today, a balaclava (merino). I had always thought these would be uncomfortable whilst cycling and maybe hinder breathing /drinking. But tried it today (nice and cold) and although I do provide a good amount of nasal output (ahem), it didn't really hinder me that much, I found I would pull it down over my nose and wasn't really conscious I was doing it, so that was a plus. However more effort was needed when taking on fluids. Took the chill away very well and never once felt overheated. Did provide comic laughing from the kids when I came back in though.

event

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118416999#Comment_118416999

Cheers. Went for S in the Jersey and M in jacket and gilet looking at sizing

dinneenp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118417747#Comment_118417747

Got a jersey from them and love it. Their postage is expensive but you can normally get a discount code somewhere (DM me for more info)

CantGetNoSleep

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118426236#Comment_118426236

They look nice but over 90 eur + postage for a jersey is a bit on the steep side for me.

dinneenp

Rapha have a decent sale atm, from €49- https://www.rapha.cc/eu/en/sale/category/sale?q=gender:Mens:categoryfacet:jerseys

CantGetNoSleep

I went for Le Col in the end - had a Strava code for 50 off 100GBP so got two jerseys and a pair of mitts for 75 delivery. Limited sizes / selection though, and no way I would pay their rrp's. If anyone wants to try the code just PM me.

event

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118423520#Comment_118423520

Got these today. Perfect sizing on them all.

Macy0161

Anyone with the Zoncolan Gillet confirm whether it's packable (or not)? Seems to be split on the reviews on the site! I have one of the original mistral lites - which is short sleeve rather than gillet - and have a castelli perfecto gillet already, so can only really justify if packable!

Wildly Boaring

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118456439#Comment_118456439

I'll hopefully have one in the next day or two.

In the post.....

beggars_bush

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118456439#Comment_118456439

I would say not packable. It is quite bulky.

gn3dr

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118456439#Comment_118456439

I have one and wouldn't call it packable. It's not hugely bulky but if you needed to put it in a pocket it would have to be sticking out the top a lot.

MangleBadger

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118456439#Comment_118456439

I have it. And no I wouldn't think it would be packable, unless you have very big pockets.

Tombo2001

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118415157#Comment_118415157

But thats fingerless gloves presumably? As opposed to thermal gloves. I also always wear gloves on a road or gravel bike, never on a hybrid bike.

Tombo2001

B4 Baselayer (torm.cc)

I recommend this base layer, and the Torm stuff in general. Its as good as the Rapha stuff I've bought, and reasonably priced.

Caveat being that their stock seems low at the moment.

brownian

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118460400#Comment_118460400

Agreed. Torm stuff is pretty nice, and comparable to Rapha...as well as being a small company. They could do with a lighter summer jersey range (I have 3 Torm Jerseys, all good, but all quite warm in summer).

More generally, I think that layers are almost always the answer to any clothing question. We get warmer as we exercise, but we don't want to freeze for the first half an hour, or doing a long descent. So several thin layers, that can be removed and stuffed (uglily, at times) into jersey pockets or newly-trendy handlebar bags, are much to be preferred over a single heavier option. Arm and Leg warmers (Castelli nanoflex for preference) are the business. Many winter rides this year have been a summer jersey plus a base layer plus a gilet plus arm covers, rather than a big jacket.

magicbastarder

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118460378#Comment_118460378

i have three pairs of gloves - heavyish pair for maybe 3 or 4C and below, a light pair for maybe 10C or below, and fingerless for anything warmer.

ARX

I've been using this Decathlon windproof jacket recently and it's great. It's well cut - no flapping or noise at 55 km/h - and the sleeves are just the right length. The mesh panel on the back stops sweat from building up. I've been wearing a thin merino long-sleeved top and a long-sleeved jersey underneath it. Very comfortable down to about 5 degrees and possibly below (I haven't been out in colder weather than that).

https://www.decathlon.ie/cycling-windbreaker-rain-jacket/304050-13308-road-cycling-ultra-light-long-sleeved-windproof-jacket-navy-blue.html#/demodelsize-200xl/demodelcolor-8517064

As for sizing: I'm 184 cm and 82 kg and size L fits me perfectly.

It's fairly delicate though so you'd want to be careful in handling and washing it.

Wildly Boaring

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118524710#Comment_118524710

I actually got this before christmas.

Great for running, very breathable. Whole back is mesh/vent and front pretty wind proof.

Packs down tiny. I reckon it'll be with me on the bike next summer for evening spins.

Made for running so cut be bit low on front and no pockets etc

https://www.decathlon.ie/walking-top-textile/301541-57953-kiprun-light-men-s-running-jacket-sleeveless-black.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAubmPBhCyARIsAJWNpiPbEYnWDOj3FmtiVkot88rKciFqs0GEURty-M5HmtOpwBpoXDOrM3caAiiNEALw_wcB#/demodelsize-200xl/demodelcolor-8556690?search=&display=&KW=&position=&device_model=

dinneenp

Hi all,

Any recommendations for a gilet that could double up as clothing for when off the bike?

Galibier (surprise, surprise) have this one https://www.galibier.cc/product/izoard-insulated-gilet/

I could be better off buying a non-cycling one as the cycling gilet would probably tend to be a tighter fit.

Cheers,

Pa.

Macy0161

Obviously I'm a fan of Galibier, but I don't find their fit that great for off the bike. Could be just my shape (long body for my height), but I find their jackets short at the front off the bike. I have their bedoin track jacket though! 😁

Squidgy Black

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119373181#Comment_119373181

I'd say look more towards golf gilets, they're a slightly more relaxed cut, but still not baggy enough to flap all over the place in strong winds. The likes of McGuirks etc should have a fair few options

lissard

That insulated gillet looks nice but fails the first rule of gillets for me - it's too big to fit in a jersey pocket. I have a few heavier gillets that I got when entering the An Post Series events and I've probably worn them twice.

CantGetNoSleep

I have a nice Endura gilet (Brompton branded) that I wear riding around town but it's far too warm for anything faster and doesn't fold up

dinneenp

Hi,

Gloves for Irish winter, mainly wet weather. (I have a pair of cheap ones, want ones for winter). Castelli Mortirolo Gloves got a very good review here, any ones to beat them please?

https://road.cc/content/review/castelli-mortirolo-gloves-282111

cletus

Could I go left of field and suggest a product from a company called Galibier?

https://www.galibier.cc/product/ardennes-light-winter-cycling-gloves/

dinneenp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119672669#Comment_119672669

Ordered. Thanks. The fact that they're not any way waterproof put me off before but people say that there's a reason most winter gloves aren't- they make you very sweaty.

Seth Brundle

I have those Galibier Ardennes gloves. For winter, they're fine for all but the coldest weather.

dinneenp

Added to my Galibier base layer, long sleeve jersey, winter jacket, socks, toe covers, over shoe, gloves, baseball cap & cycling mitts.

Might add a pair of their sunglasses in spring....

Weepsie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119672989#Comment_119672989

I use sealskinz gloves. Cant fault them really. Cant remember when or where I got them or even which model they are.

cletus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119673409#Comment_119673409

Went out Sunday morning for a spin, and realised when I was on the bike that I was like a full kit wanker for Galibier. Jacket, baselayer, bib shorts and gloves.

And to top it off, when I came home I got into my Galibier casual wear hoodie 😁

Seth Brundle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119673672#Comment_119673672

You need the socks!

cletus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119673763#Comment_119673763

I keep waiting for them to send me a free pair with one of my packages

I have the trucker/baseball cap and a couple of tshirts too. You get the knowing nods like the McDonalds peely peely ad they are rerunning now from guys when out and about.

dinneenp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119673779#Comment_119673779

I asked them for a free something after I had multiple orders and never got a freebie. They included socks in that order.

cletus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119674701#Comment_119674701

I've had two freebies, a buff/snood thing, and a day-glo green ear warmer/headband thing. I gave the latter to my wife. I dont think she's ever worn it 😀

lissard

Has anyone on this thread ever suggested anything other than Galibier ;-). Good luck to them they certainly have plenty of contented customers on this forum.

Going back to the original question about winter gloves. I find here in Ireland, winters are pretty mild and for me there is not much of a requirement for very heavy gloves. Castelli Lightness has been my go-to glove for many years now - they seem to have hit on the perfect balance between being thin enough to have feeling through the glove while being warm enough to protect your hands.

https://www.cycletribe.ie/castelli-lightness-2-gloves.html

Macy0161

For the most part Galibier hit the value for money - e.g. I've been looking at Gabba's/ Fiandre foul weather jerseys, the galibier option is a good bit cheaper (assuming the same quality).

dinneenp

LOL, Galibier do get recommended most of the time.

Very good value, good gear, free postage, free returns, excellent customer service (they posted me a different size gilet before they received the original one (too big) back from me)- what's not to love?