New Commuter: Equipment Advice

[aces_up1504]

From the end of this month I will be commuting to work, so far my cycling has been leisure based,so other than a pair of 3/4 bib trousers,helmet and come cheapish lights. I do not really have much else.

So given we are moving into later half of the year. What is the essential equipment and clothing wise. I work shifts so will be cycling to and from work in the dark.

any advice on well priced stuff would be great.

thanks

 

[Kies]

A cree T6 front light
Another backup front light
2 rears
Waterproof high vis jacket such as Altura night vision
Waterproof over trousers
Neoprene overshoes
Good winter gloves
Rucksack or rear rack/pannier
1 sold secure rated D lock and cable lock (could be left at work to avoid carrying)
Helmet ( even if you dont like them - stops the OH from complaining)

 

[4F]

What distance are you looking at ?

 

[Beebo]

Where do you live. If you live down south you will be surprised how few times it rains, so full on waterproofs may not be required, although they are nice for the really wet stuff.

I find the item i wear the most for commuting is my gillet. I use it through autumn - spring, over either long or short sleeve tops

 

[BSRU]

Windproof is generally better to buy than waterproof, as it does not really rain that much over winter and waterproof clothing keeps your dry from the rain but you end up soaked in your own sweat.
Smart 1/2 watt or 1 watt rear flashers, cheap but nice and bright.

 

[ianrauk]

Where do you live. If you live down south you will be surprised how few times it rains, so full on waterproofs may not be required, although they are nice for the really wet stuff.

2013 to date
21 rainy commutes out of 273

2012
46 rainy commutes out of 354

 

[potsy]

2013 to date
21 rainy commutes out of 273

2014
46 rainy commutes out of 354

Ooh psychic powers ian?

 

[ianrauk]

Can you let us know the next Grand National winner while you're at it Ian?

Ooh psychic powers ian?

Ooops...changed

 

[aces_up1504]

In Liverpool, 7 miles each way.

I have some decent waterproof stuff from playing golf. The trousers are very good, the top is a pull over type but thinking a dedicated cycling hi vis?, do any of the jackets provide any warmth?

Undergarment: Would just a compression top work?

Any recomendations on panniers, gloves, front light and overshoes?

thanks

 

[wilkotom]

Undergarment: Would just a compression top work?

Any recomendations on panniers, gloves, front light and overshoes?

I have a bunch of cheap "Sondico" compresison tops from Sports Direct that I use, they seem to be fine.

As for panniers, depends on what you're carrying. I have a Vaude Cycle 28 Rucksack/Pannier (it converts between the 2) and I'm pretty happy with it. It goes on my back for the first mile or so until I drop my son and his child seat off at nursery, then clips on the rack for the next 12 miles. Plenty of space, laptop compartment and lots of different pockets for bits and pieces.

 

[aces_up1504]

Just need it to carry clothing & towel. so waterproof but does not need to massive.

 

[Kestevan]

Forget waterproof clothing, If you buy cheap waterproofs they'll either leak or you will be wet from sweating. If you buy expensive waterproofs, you'll still be wet from sweating but you'll have less money.

A base layer, long sleeve top and a wind-proof (i usually use a gillet), decent gloves. Long bib-tights in a "roubaix" fabric and either winter boots (best thing I ever bought) or overshoes. You will get wet on the odd day it rains, but you should still be warm. A buff under the helmet can be pulled over your ears and should keep your head warm.

Mud-guards on the bike will keep the majority of the road crud off you and (more importantly) off the bike drive/gearing systems. Get some lights.... a couple at either end in case one goes out. They dont need to be stupidly bright for on-road commuting, something like the Hope Vision 1 is excellent and pretty much bomb proof. Look at running with rechargeable batteries as this will save a fortune over a couple of years.

Make sure you have a spare tube/repair kit and pump as the winter crap tends to cause more punctures - oh and know how to use it in the dark/wet cos sods law says thats when the fairy will visit.

 

[4F]

IMHO windproof is more important than waterproof. Anything too thick and waterproof and you will heavily sweat so will still be wet. Think layers and you wont go far wrong.

A good merino fleece is worth its weight in gold.

 

[HLaB]

In Liverpool, 7 miles each way.

I have some decent waterproof stuff from playing golf. The trousers are very good, the top is a pull over type but thinking a dedicated cycling hi vis?, do any of the jackets provide any warmth?

Undergarment: Would just a compression top work?

Any recomendations on panniers, gloves, front light and overshoes?

thanks

7 miles in an urban environment, you'll be wanting the generally cheaper lights (lights to be seen) the flashing type; I'd recommend SMART but there's plenty out there.

I commute similar distances some days in work clothes nothing special other than a thin pair of overtrousers to protect the trousers on mucky days but I prefer not to wear them. There's a boil in the bag affect from overtrousers and often you get more wet wearing them (sweat) than you would from the rain.

Again top wise you want to wear something which is breatheable and when it turns colder layering is the key and a compression top would probably be ideal (in winter I commute with a cheap Aldi one). A dedicated cycle jacket will hopefully provide that extra layer and be breathable.

A lot of is is cycling and finding out (sucking it and see) as to what to wear.

I wouldn't think overshoes are needed for an urban 7miles (I wouldn't wear for that anyway).

IHTHs, Good Luck

 

[Schneil]

Leg and arm warmers. Easy to roll up or down, pack nice and small. Paired with a gilet, I find them very useful when the weather can;t decide between being warm or cold (like this week).