Anticipating Winter - How to Complete my Wardrobe?

[MacB]

I know, it's very early etc but I've seen some good prices on Winter gear and wouldn't mind taking advantage. I've got some bits sorted, and have a better idea of what I still need, but am uncertain on others.

Headwear - currently have woolly hats - are skullcap/headbands much better and do you need to look for specific materials?

Upper body - have base/mid/outer, wind/waterproof etc - think I'm okay in this area.

shorts - now up to 5 pairs of bib shorts and 1 3/4 slightly fleece lined pair - I could go for Winter bib longs etc but that would be expensive - I was thinking of leg/knee warmers for Autumn, and maybe some leggings(Ron Hills?) to go over the top for the really cold stuff - as current shorts are all padded assume I want unpadded leggings?

socks/overshoes - did suffer from cold feet and thermal socks didn't seem to help much - was thinking of sealskin socks plus overshoes, wind or waterproof or can you get both?

hands - I'm thinking glove liners to be worn under mitts or full fingered gloves depends on how cold, what sort are the best?

All suggestions welcome and links to any bargains spotted....thanks....Al

 

[iLB]

winter?? don;t even go there

we've only just started summer FFS macb

 

[Bigtwin]

Nice pair of 3/4 bibs is good, and some decent leggins too, and you're sorted there. I have some long thick bibs, but find them too warm in all but the coldest weather. I don't worry about too much padding - 2 is fine!

Get some full-on goretex boots for the winter if you can affort the dosh - they really are the best solution.

I like my waterproof gillet - bung it on over top till I warm up, then open/stuff it in back pocket - obviously handy for showers too. Always on ebay for not a lot.

I have an exte-ondo Windstopper jacket for cold days. Cost a lot (£90?), but it's excellent, has lasted years, and is just fab.

I have some windstopper gloves which I find fine for all but the coldest days (washed in some techwax so they are also pretty showerproof), when some Pearl Azumi winter gloves tackle anything, and are usually still too warm.

I have a head cap that goes over the ears, as I wear a helmet. If not that cold, I'll wear a Briko headband to keep ears warm.

 

[ianrauk]

Skull cap or buff under the helmet (ooh err missus).
Vest
Long sleeve jersey
Hi Viz jacket
Ron hill biksters
2 pairs socks
gloves, normal Spesh long finger glovers or
these if very cold, they are the warmest gloves I have found, in fact too warm if temp is anything above 0 http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Altura_Night_Vision_Waterproof_Winter_Gloves/5360036165/

 

[MacB]

winter?? don;t even go there

we've only just started summer FFS macb

I know, it's been such a lovely weekend, working in the garden, that I felt the need to think about cold, dark and nasty, weather. Plus the fact that, being a cheapskate, buying Winter gear, at reduced prices, in Summer makes sense

 

[longers]

Liner gloves are good especially worn under full finger gloves. Evans had some Gore ones at a very reasonable price ages ago, they might not anymore

I used to wear wooly hats but found a Buff on the bonce and another round the neck was just right this last winter, easy to regulate temperature by taking one or the other off.

 

[Aperitif]

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=26695
These are pretty good once you get the hang of putting them on.

Night Vision Gloves
http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDetails.asp?productID=8121

Night Vision Jacket
http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDetails.asp?productID=4617

Cling film to put over your helmet when it rains...

 

[purplepolly]

Night Vision Gloves
http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDetails.asp?productID=8121

mmm toasting, I get cold hands but these were comfortable over Christmas / new year when it was subzero outside for days on end

Head - I've got 2 hats made of thinsulate from walking shops, a windstoppa headband/earwarmer and a buff which I wore in various combinations.

Feet - walking shoes (with toe clips) and hiking socks with thin woolly sock lining socks when it's really cold. I wear the lining socks in the summer as they nice and breathable. Walking boots if it's really wet.

 

[iLB]

try also night vision goggles


on a more serious note, go for layers with something windproof on the top
and long fingered gloves, gore bike wear make some nice ones
and pedal faster, makes you warm

 

[Dayvo]

A merino wool base layer is a good investment for cold, crispy mornings.

As usual, Ground Effect should get a deserved mention:

http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/products-WIN.htm

 

[Aperitif]

A merino wool base layer is a good investment for cold, crispy mornings.

As usual, Ground Effect should get a deserved mention:

http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/products-WIN.htm

He's all kitted out with the fancy stuff Dayvo...'Flash boy' is our MacB!

 

[Olly]

Adding to this subject...

I only have a short (3.5mile) each way commute.
The only thing that really got on my nerves over winter was wet/knakered footwear.
I usally wear a pair of converse ( that I keep on for work) and cycle with toe clips.
By spring the were covered in oil stains and more quickly buggered then normal.
So I was thinking of overshoes
So what's the best????

Cheers
Olly

 

[Oddjob62]

Only extra i have in winter is a buff and a hi-vis vest

 

[4F]

A merino wool base layer is a good investment for cold, crispy mornings.

As usual, Ground Effect should get a deserved mention:

http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/products-WIN.htm

The Ground Effect baked alaska is an excellent addition to the winter wardrobe

 

[Vikeonabike]

Fingers and toes.... I got a pair of Sealskinz winter mountain bikes gloves,rode in them all winter Brilliant!