cold weather clothing

[Johnno260]

Hi can people recommend some decent cold weather gear please?

I have an ok top, AW16, but my tights could be better, they're warm and dry but I need some padding as my rear end is sore after this weekend.

I don't want to spend massive amounts, but I am also aware you pay for what you get so I don't want bargin bucket stuff I will regret.

Bib-tights look like what I want? and another decent top I suppose.

Also any recommendations for what I can wear under my helmet, it felt as if I had extreme brain freeze this weekend, I had a pretty bad headache after.

 

[vickster]

Altura winter cruisers over padded shorts or 3/4 lengths for me (Sportful or Gore my preferred brand)

Skull cap under helmet or running headband if only ears need keeping warm (I have lots of thick hair too which helps)

Altura night vision evo jacket over a jersey (and base layer if colder)

 

[Johnno260]

[QUOTE 4585189, member: 43827"]No advice on the tights, but I use a merino wool hat under the helmet that keeps the worst of the cold out but doesn't get damp with sweat like the fleece ones do.[/QUOTE]

Cheers I would've gone with fleece no doubt, then been in a worse state once it got wet and froze up! lol

 

[biking_fox]

Buff or skullcap for the head makes a huge difference.
Proviz jackets doesn't breathe so keeps you plenty warm and visible. All the leggings I've used have done an ok job at keeping warm, doesn't need to do much other than to cover exposed skin once you've started spinning a bit.

 

[Johnno260]

Altura winter cruisers over padded shorts or 3/4 lengths for me (Sportful or Gore my preferred brand)

Skull cap under helmet or running headband if only ears need keeping warm (I have lots of thick hair too which helps)

Altura night vision evo jacket over a jersey (and base layer if colder)

ok cheers Vickster.

 

[Kajjal]

If it is really cold i wear bib shorts under my bib tights. This keeps me alot warmer.

Also in the cold on the top half a windproof jacket, a gore windproof base layer and more thin layers if needed. I don't normally feel the cold that much but cycling when your body gets too cold is hard work.

 

[Ajax Bay]

Bib tights without pad (mine are inexpensive 'windproof' AGU (from PX) and favourite (but rather worn, for which read: can no longer be used on their own ) shorts underneath. Double layer where you need it; only one pad, only one bib. Cap under helmet - mine is a BBB and covers ears. Small 'buff' round neck.

 

[Apollonius]

It does depend what kind of riding you do, but I would say beware of putting too much on. Bib tights are great for warmth and comfort - but you get what you pay for. The Decathlon ones are good value. On top the right answer is layers. Over everything goes a windproof layer - breathable if you can afford it, but not too thick. Under that you need a base-layer, preferably wicking and not cotton, followed by a warm layer which could be fleece or lycra. Two layers if really cold, but don't overdo it or you end up sweating as you ride which means you end up wet and wet means cold.
It is good to be a little bit cold when you set out, as you soon warm up. Adjust layers in the light of experience.
I often start off a ride with a skull cap under my helmet and swap it for a headband when I warm up. A cap can be a useful helmet-liner when the sun is low - if you choose to wear a helmet, that is. Layers, layers, layers, and artificial fabrics for preference would sum up my advice.

 

[NorthernDave]

I've got some 700 series membrane bib tights from Decathlon that I got for £20 in their sale which were an absolute bargain and are very good, but my warmest winter bib tights are a pair of Lidls finest, which cost all of £15.

 

[rivers]

For bib tights, I went with Evans own brand. I've been using their bib shorts all summer, so thought I would give the tights a try. I like them. Layering is key as others have said. I scuba dive as well, so depending on temperature, I layer up with my various drysuit base layers and my "the water is how cold?!?!?" layer for the really cold days. On top of the that I have a waterproof jacket I bought from Mountain Warehouse. It's not 100% breathable, so it holds some heat in. I use merino wool socks for my feet, and my snowboarding balaclava for my head and face. I've been okay so far this year, although the coldest day was only -1 so....

 

[Johnno260]

Does anyone have a Endura Luminite II jacket? if so can they tell me their opinions on it please.

I am torn between the Luminite and Altura Night Vision.

I have my base layers and Bib-tights all sorted now, Endura Xtract base layer, Endura Thermolite Pro biblong (padded) really nice and good pad.

My main things with the jacket high vis, waterproof and breathable as possible.

 

[JD42]

Feet and hands... these are the first thing to get cold, especially the feet. Double up on socks and a good pair of overshoes.

 

[Bazzer]

If you want a cheapo feet option, aluminium foil around the toes and a pair of overshoes. A buff under the helmet does me. but everyone is different/ Keeps my ears warm and if the cold demands it, you can pull it quite high up your face.

 

[Johnno260]

Hands and feet I have sorted, overshoes and decent Merino socks, lovely toasty toes and dry.

Hands I found some really nice seal skin gloves in a Halfords bargin bin.

 

[JD42]

Hands and feet I have sorted, overshoes and decent Merino socks, lovely toasty toes and dry.

Hands I found some really nice seal skin gloves in a Halfords bargin bin.

Brill.. everything else is much of a muchness. Just depends on your budget for jackets etc. Enjoy!!