First winter commuting by bike

[Ergates]

As the days grow shorter and colder, I'm rapidly approaching my first winter of commuting by bike.

I have a couple of questions about clothing:
I have an Altura Nightvision waterproof for wet days - it's the cold ones I'm not sure about.

Am I better off getting a thin (minimally insulated) windproof top, and some extra layers to wear underneath. Or is it better to get something a little warmer itself.
What do others do/recomend? Any specific recomendations would be good - there's just so much choice out there it's quite confusing (especially shopping online).

Also - waterproof shorts/trousers.
Is it really worth the bother? Currently , when it rains I can keep my top half dry(ish) but my legs just get wet. This is fine when it's not warmer, but I can imagine this might be a bit rough when it's also freezing cold. However, waterproof leggings will get horribly sweaty.
Which do people find more unpleasant. Hot sweaty legs from waterprooft trousers, or cold wet legs from rain?


Finally, lights.
Most of my route is on totally unlit country lanes, so I'm guessing that a hefty set of lights would be a wise investment.
2 sets seem to be mentioned a fair bit: Dinotte 400L and Ay-Up. They both do a handlebars +helmet set. The Dinotte seem a little cheaper, but the [claimed] battery life on the AyUps are longer. Does anyone have experiene of these/both?

My commute is 17 miles (each way) and takes me about an hour, if that makes a difference.

 

[fossyant]

I get by with a base layer and a 'windproof' outer top most of the winter. I use 'overtrousers' if it's hammering down - mainly as these stop water running in the top of my waterproof overshoes - hence keeps my feet/shoes dry.

Lights - both those are very good. Also 2 x Hope 1's would be good. Exposure are another good bet. Weigh up the various pros and cons of each - e.g. different battery set ups etc, and find what suits best.

 

[palinurus]

Also - waterproof shorts/trousers.
Is it really worth the bother?

No. I just let my tights get wet. I don't get cold legs, even when doing 100k rides in the rain in December. However if your feet get wet and the wind gets to them then they'll get cold. Overshoes are recommended.

Most of my route is on totally unlit country lanes, so I'm guessing that a hefty set of lights would be a wise investment.
2 sets seem to be mentioned a fair bit: Dinotte 400L and Ay-Up. They both do a handlebars +helmet set. The Dinotte seem a little cheaper, but the [claimed] battery life on the AyUps are longer. Does anyone have experiene of these/both?

My commute is 17 miles (each way) and takes me about an hour, if that makes a difference.

You will need good lights. I have used Dinottes but now use a B&M IQ Cyo/ hub dynamo combination to save on battery charging hassles. AyUps get good reviews, a lot of people on here use them.

 

[palinurus]

There are probably quite a few threads about lighting on here, just search.

 

[Ergates]

There are probably quite a few threads about lighting on here, just search.

I have, and have read a fair few (where I got those 2 from). I was wondering of anyone had any comparitive views/experience.

 

[jonny jeez]

Lots of thin layers, nothing chunky. I ride with shorts most of the winter (oddly I ride a little more in the cooler months than the hot summer, so perhaps I like the cold). In the rain I wear overshoes as I hate having soggy socks when its cold.

That said, a lot of the weather comes into my shoes through the spd holes at the base (especially with big puddles) so sometimes the overshoes are a waste of time (especially in the snow when, as soon as you put your foot down, your socks soak up the wet snow).

I do wear bib tights in the really cold weather but very rarely and have never worn waterproof trousers on the bike, I feel they'll be to steamy and counterproductive.

 

[DrSquirrel]

That said, a lot of the weather comes into my shoes through the spd holes at the base (especially with big puddles) so sometimes the overshoes are a waste of time (especially in the snow when, as soon as you put your foot down, your socks soak up the wet snow).

I had the same problem - what I did was got some eletrical tape and covered up the hole !

Saying that I thought you were talking about the ventilation hole that some have at the front (road shoes). Though from what you are saying it seems you should take your sole out and tape up around the gaps.

As the days grow shorter and colder, I'm rapidly approaching my first winter of commuting by bike.

I have a couple of questions about clothing:
I have an Altura Nightvision waterproof for wet days - it's the cold ones I'm not sure about.

Am I better off getting a thin (minimally insulated) windproof top, and some extra layers to wear underneath. Or is it better to get something a little warmer itself.
What do others do/recomend? Any specific recomendations would be good - there's just so much choice out there it's quite confusing (especially shopping online).

Get some thermal baselayers for the cold - layers are good - don't need anything super expensive, any trekking shop cheapies will suffice.

Also - waterproof shorts/trousers.
Is it really worth the bother? Currently , when it rains I can keep my top half dry(ish) but my legs just get wet. This is fine when it's not warmer, but I can imagine this might be a bit rough when it's also freezing cold. However, waterproof leggings will get horribly sweaty.
Which do people find more unpleasant. Hot sweaty legs from waterprooft trousers, or cold wet legs from rain?

I to just cycle in shorts as wet legs are easy to dry - although sometimes road dirt/grime is hard so have started usual regular cycling tights (under your shorts too if you want) - still get wet but stay a little warmer and cleaner.
The tops of your legs will get wet pretty bad - I have some full water proof overtrousers and they suck and I hate them for cycling. You can get these things called "rainlegs" just to cover the top - advantage of waterproofing just where you will get the wettest rather than baking your whole body in the same layer thickness etc.

What about feet? You have a choice between overshoes and waterproof socks - though I find my feet get sweaty inside instead.

Finally, lights.
Most of my route is on totally unlit country lanes, so I'm guessing that a hefty set of lights would be a wise investment.
2 sets seem to be mentioned a fair bit: Dinotte 400L and Ay-Up. They both do a handlebars +helmet set. The Dinotte seem a little cheaper, but the [claimed] battery life on the AyUps are longer. Does anyone have experiene of these/both?

400L bit overkill imo, they have a smaller one (140L?) and magicshine has a nice 3W cheapy which can share the same pack as their headlamp.

Always run a backup, so one main one and a slightly cheaper one - then set your smaller one to flash. Do the same for the rear too. Also worth mounting some little button cell lights on your helmet. A good option for a front "backup" light is a torch, Cree/SSC etc based. This and this etc.

My commute is 17 miles (each way) and takes me about an hour, if that makes a difference.

That's a pretty good distance - you will in the dark need to allow a bit more time because no matter what light you have you will slow down a bit. You don't say if this is pitch black rural or under town lights etc - town lights you will want a unit to flash.

 

[swee'pea99]

+1 for layers. My standard kit for winter = t-shirt, collarless denim shirt, thin silk jumper, long-sleeve jersey, with longs on the bottom half. I also switch to heavier spd shoes with less gauze & more leather, and wear good gloves. The gloves are especially important if you're going any distance: the hard work will keep most of you warm, but your fingers can really cop it. 

 

[RedBike]

Am I better off getting a thin (minimally insulated) windproof top, and some extra layers to wear underneath. Or is it better to get something a little warmer itself.
What do others do/recomend? Any specific recomendations would be good - there's just so much choice out there it's quite confusing (especially shopping online).

The trouble with one thick layer is you often seem to get very sweaty and you can't take off / add any clothes as you go. Lots of thin layers seem to work better.

Also - waterproof shorts/trousers.
Is it really worth the bother? Currently , when it rains I can keep my top half dry(ish) but my legs just get wet. This is fine when it's not warmer, but I can imagine this might be a bit rough when it's also freezing cold. However, waterproof leggings will get horribly sweaty.
Which do people find more unpleasant. Hot sweaty legs from waterprooft trousers, or cold wet legs from rain?

I only wear waterproof legging when it's raining heavily in winter. They're not so much to keep my legs dry, more my feet! Even with full length mud-guards water seems to get thrown up and it runs down your leggings and into your shoes. The waterproof trousers go over your overshoes so the water doesn't run down your legs and into your shoes, it runs down the trousers and over the overshes, thus your feet stray dry and warm that little bit longer.

Finally, lights.
Most of my route is on totally unlit country lanes, so I'm guessing that a hefty set of lights would be a wise investment.
2 sets seem to be mentioned a fair bit: Dinotte 400L and Ay-Up. They both do a handlebars +helmet set. The Dinotte seem a little cheaper, but the [claimed] battery life on the AyUps are longer. Does anyone have experiene of these/both?

Don't try and save a few pennies on the lights.
Make sure you buy at least two GOOD rear lights (a third secrured to your helmet/ bag is also a very good idea.)
The trouble is if your rear light fails or is obscured for any reason then you wont notice and you'll effectively be riding without any lights on. Which is why having two lights (so one is a backup) is highly recommended.

 

[nightoff]

Layers are way to go.

When it turns cold I like to wear a base layer under a long sleeve jersey and a hi viz vest. If still too cold I have an eVent cycle jacket in by saddle bag.
Bib tights sort out the legs. If it rains they get wet. I carry a change of clothes for work.
I have Aldi winter gloves which are great when it gets really cold or wet.
Feet are taken care off with thick woollen socks inside converse trainers. If too cold I wear overshoes. Mine aren't very waterproof so if it rains I put my shoe in a carrier bag and cover it with the overshoe.
A Buff under the helmet keeps my head and ears warm.

For rear lights, the Smart Lunar Superflash is superb. I have 2 of these, One on each seat stay. I have a cheap 9 LED jobbie hanging off a cable tie on my helmet and another on my Carradice saddlebag.
Front lights are a Magicshine 900 lumen bar mount (top half of optic covered to avoid dazzling on coming traffic) and a RSP LAA883 on strobe. The Magicshine is great for lighting my way on a 6 mile unlit stretch of my commute, even at full speed. The RSP is ok a back up to ride by at a slower speed. I also carry spare batteries.

 

[jimboalee]

I thought you was going to tell us a story about last January.

 

[SavageHoutkop]

You don't say if you're one of those 'warm' people (exothermic) or not, or if you normally sweat a lot.

I'm a 'cold' person and I got through last winter (although my commute is shorter than yours) with my altura nighvision on top of two thin-ish Merino tops, with my merino buff covering my neck / mouth (breathing through the buff helps avoid stinging sensation in noses etc - and keeps noses warm!), and a merino scullcap over the ears. On cold days this was supplemented by a thicker scarf around the neck and a thicker beanie.
I usually wore my altura overtrousers as well, even if not raining, to keep warm. My legs don't normally sweat at all though, and in winter overheating is not much of a problem for me. (if it is a bit warm, opening the jacket helps).

I wouldn't shop online for anything requiring a good fit, as the cuts of all these clothes (esp jackets/overtrousers) are all slightly different and can make a big difference to comfort.

I have one 'Ayup' (they're actually two lights though...) which I think would be sufficient for the dark country lane. Two might be overkill, but my commute isn't solely on dark country lanes. Before you shell out for two, I suggest you find someone with a pair close to you who's willing to show you how bright they are one night. Mine are helmet mounted and I like the option to move the beam where my head is angled to see things better. My AyUp lasts a week commuting (so 5 days) at over 30mins each way on the 3hour battery ('half epic' IIRC) - probably on half beam as they really are bright lights!

My problem last winter was really cold fingers and toes. I eventually settled on leather ski gloves with silk liners and double-socks inside my leather boots (one pair merino-possum). That helped but still felt like I was on the way to frostbite some mornings, particularly the morning that my front brake froze as I stepped out the door.

 

[RedBike]

I got frost nip on my ears last year. For the next month I couldn't go outside without wearing a hat, never again!

I've now learnt that if your hands / ears feel cold, this isn't a problem. When they stop feeling cold then you're in trouble!

 

[jonny jeez]

I had the same problem - what I did was got some eletrical tape and covered up the hole !

ooo good tip, I'll try that

 

[upsidedown]

I always make sure i carry a spare set of gloves and socks, if you get caught out with a mechanical or puncture you can get cold very quickly, nice to be able to put a dry pair on. An emergency foil blanket goes in the puncture kit when it turns very cold, but my commute is very rural so the chances of getting stuck alone are quite high.
Ron Hill Bikesters with thermal bib under for the very coldest days.
Buff for the face. i have originals but TK Maxx are doing 3-packs of Oxford ones for about a fiver.
Decathlon do dirt cheap 100% merino long sleeve tops if you have one near you.
Ay-Ups with Knog Frog backup.
2 x Smart 1/2 watt at the back.

Avoid anything by Sealskinz, the socks have the interesting effect of letting water in, but not out. The gloves are just not waterproof.