Soggy Cyclist..!

[FunkyDuck]

Hi all,

Newbie to the forum, and newbie commuter. Can't believe it took me so long, and takes me 5 minutes less to get to work than it did on the train!
I bought a used Marin Muirwoods hybrid bike to see how I got on, if I stuck to cycling, and now a few months on, and a stone lighter (bonus!) I am wondering if I should keep it or get something else, work has a cycle scheme and will buy a bike for up to £1k. Have to say though, the Marin seems to do very well, not a problem with it as yet.

Anyway a couple of questions, the main one being, I am avoiding the rain at the moment as I don't really have the kit to ride in the rain. Can anyone recommend what I might need? (found this one on fleabay but not sure of the quality) http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/More-Mile...ycling_Clothing&var=&hash=item68c7114fa6acket

Also, I find my size 9s come off the pedals sometimes, I am going to be doing a London to Paris ride next spring and was looking at cleats. What are the pros and cons? I am guessing they are a bit pointless for an 8 mile commute?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Philip

 

[rowan 46]

First thing you need is some mudguards full length ones are better than those clip on things. As to what to wear . that depends on your facilities if you have shower and changing something that dries quickly is the order of the day. if not then maybe some waterproof trousers over the top of your clothes and a breathable jacket and cycle a little slower so as not to work up a sweat. I find a rack and pannier is better for carrying spare clothes etc than a rucksack as it gets you less sweaty

 

[FunkyDuck]

Hi Rowan,

Thanks, I have a panier and rack so don't carry a rucksack. I generally leave my trousers and shoes at work and just take a clean shirt in with me every day. I think I will do as you saw with regards to mudguards.

 

[SavageHoutkop]

Anyway a couple of questions, the main one being, I am avoiding the rain at the moment as I don't really have the kit to ride in the rain. Can anyone recommend what I might need?

That ebay link looks very much like a rip-off of an Altura Nightvision jacket. Might not be, but looks like it!

Waterproofs are great; but it depends how hot you get when you cycle and probably how far you cycle.
In the height of summer, you're probably best just getting wet so long as what you do wear dries out pretty fast.

In spring/autumn and the depths of winter, a set of waterproofs (jacket and overtrousers) is great; as it's waterproof and also windproof, and keeps you a bit warmer.

I've had 2 years good service out of an Altura Nightvision jacket which got worn almost every day except the height of summer. On its recent outing in the rain this week it wasn't so waterproof anymore; but I've just re-Nikwaxed it and haven't tested it out yet I've also got some Altura overtrousers (mine aren't nightvision, but Mr SHK's are) which are also good, aside from that they all seem short in the leg (perfect for funnelling water into your waterproof shoes). I've got round this by cycling in Gabor snow-boots; men might need to find other alternates.... (overshoes?)

You'll also want to consider gloves later on (in the middle of winter for warmth, as well as waterproof-ness). I don't get on with the Neoprene type gloves for some reason, so bought some ski-gloves (leather) which are good for all but the depths of winter (when they need under-layers too...)

 

[cyberknight]

I just use a windproof , if i go for a waterproof i just boil in the bag and i may as well not wear a coat as i just get wet from sweat .