I did a dry run this morning 14 miles round trip down the A246. All very comfortable, took half an hour one way which is fine. Next I think is to sort out the panniers. Stupid question I wore trainers which are fine but think somehing a bit lighter and more flexible would be nicer - any views. Also apart from a light waterproof what is the best gear to have on through aumtumn/winter - shorts/trousers? I am tall, middle aged (oh god how awful) bordering on overweight (hence the exercise) so I don't think lycra is going to be very flattering!
Trial Commute
- Thread starter Willow
- Start date
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Keith Oates
Janner
- Location
- Penarth, Wales
Well done Willow, now you've done the 'dry run' the real thing will be much easier. Don't worry about how you look or think you look, the lycra shorts are the best thing to wear when riding and with the internal padding will make the trip more comfortable and enjoyable. When the weather gets colder then cycling tights would also be my recommendation, they are great and keep your legs warm. A waterproof top cycling jacket is good for the winter and you see many good ones advertised in the mags or make a visit to your LBS. If you see something you like but are not sure about ask on here. (That will confuse you
) Let us know how you get on and remember you are joining an ever growing section of the cycling, and this forum, fraternity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
) Let us know how you get on and remember you are joining an ever growing section of the cycling, and this forum, fraternity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Good stuff!
I would definitely recommend going clipless, especially as you have a reasonable distance to cycle. You can get the pedals and shoes for a reasonable price. I've got shimano PD-M520 SPD pedals and sonoma shoes. I can't remember what the cost was, but it was less than a reasonable pair of trainers.
I would definitely recommend going clipless, especially as you have a reasonable distance to cycle. You can get the pedals and shoes for a reasonable price. I've got shimano PD-M520 SPD pedals and sonoma shoes. I can't remember what the cost was, but it was less than a reasonable pair of trainers.
The other thing about cycling shoes is they can last a long time, since you don't walk (much) in them. I've still got my first cheap pair of Shimano shoes- I use them for commuting and touring. Still going after six years.
Cycling shoes are less flexible than trainers- a stiff sole allows you to transfer the energy from yr' legs to the cranks better.
Autumn/ winter: I use shorts with leg-warmers when it gets a bit chilly and tights (over the shorts) once it gets proper cold. Doesn't matter how you do it, the main thing is in autumn and all through winter you'll need something to cover your legs.
Cycling shoes are less flexible than trainers- a stiff sole allows you to transfer the energy from yr' legs to the cranks better.
Autumn/ winter: I use shorts with leg-warmers when it gets a bit chilly and tights (over the shorts) once it gets proper cold. Doesn't matter how you do it, the main thing is in autumn and all through winter you'll need something to cover your legs.
Absinthe Minded
Guest
Willow,
Good for you, glad to hear it went well for you.
Re the wet weather gear - you might find you can just do without it, I never wear waterproofs, just legwarmers or bibtights under my cycling kit, to keep warm. You've got a firly long commute and you might find that you get too hot and sweaty in waterproofs. Overshoes are a good idea as wet feet can be uncomfortable but you probaby won't get too bothered about the rest of you getting damp.
Also, cycling clothes usually dry out fairly quickly so if you can hang them up somewhere at work, they should be pretty dry for the way home.
Good for you, glad to hear it went well for you.
Re the wet weather gear - you might find you can just do without it, I never wear waterproofs, just legwarmers or bibtights under my cycling kit, to keep warm. You've got a firly long commute and you might find that you get too hot and sweaty in waterproofs. Overshoes are a good idea as wet feet can be uncomfortable but you probaby won't get too bothered about the rest of you getting damp.
Also, cycling clothes usually dry out fairly quickly so if you can hang them up somewhere at work, they should be pretty dry for the way home.
Definately agree on clipless, probably the best cycling accesory you can get. Rather than a full waterproof have a look at gillets, they will protect you torso from most rain, from wind chill, can get them in yellow and so high viz and arms able to "breath" mean you don't overheat.
I started off wearing trainers, tracksuit bottoms, t-shirt, jumper and hi-viz jacket (well it was October). I had practically melted by the end of my commute.
I now wear a cycling specific short sleeved top or a long sleeved running top depending how chilly it is (you soon warm up, the first mile or so in short sleeves is quite cold but after that it's fine). I now much prefer wearing shorts. I have a cycling specific pair (Endura Humvee 3/4), a few pairs of running shorts and some Regatta shorts from Millets. I find the shorts from Millets the best with padded underwear (I really like the Endura CoolMax boxers). I like the Millets shorts so much I've just gone and bought two more pairs (£9.99 in the sale). I also have a few pairs of Ronhill Bikesters which are really comfy and warm in the colder months.
When it rains, I used to wear full waterproofs, but now I tend to just wear the jacket at this time of year as it's still warm. In proper winter weather I'll probably wear the whole hog - waterproof trousers, jacket, skull cap, gloves and overshoes. You do get hot but I much rather warm sweat than icey rain any day (and hail stones really hurt when they hit your poor uncovered little legsies).
I am also an advocate of going clipless, so much better. In fact I went out for a quick once round the block on my hybrid last night (to test out my camera on the helmet) and just stuck my trainers on (I have dual sided pedals on the hybrid), and even though it wasn't wet, my feet did slip a few times trying to pedal up the hill.
I now wear a cycling specific short sleeved top or a long sleeved running top depending how chilly it is (you soon warm up, the first mile or so in short sleeves is quite cold but after that it's fine). I now much prefer wearing shorts. I have a cycling specific pair (Endura Humvee 3/4), a few pairs of running shorts and some Regatta shorts from Millets. I find the shorts from Millets the best with padded underwear (I really like the Endura CoolMax boxers). I like the Millets shorts so much I've just gone and bought two more pairs (£9.99 in the sale). I also have a few pairs of Ronhill Bikesters which are really comfy and warm in the colder months.
When it rains, I used to wear full waterproofs, but now I tend to just wear the jacket at this time of year as it's still warm. In proper winter weather I'll probably wear the whole hog - waterproof trousers, jacket, skull cap, gloves and overshoes. You do get hot but I much rather warm sweat than icey rain any day (and hail stones really hurt when they hit your poor uncovered little legsies).
I am also an advocate of going clipless, so much better. In fact I went out for a quick once round the block on my hybrid last night (to test out my camera on the helmet) and just stuck my trainers on (I have dual sided pedals on the hybrid), and even though it wasn't wet, my feet did slip a few times trying to pedal up the hill.
