What clothes do I buy for my year round daily commute (60 miles a day)

[rich05uk]

Hi,

I’ve recently started to cycle to work 3 days a week (20 miles each way). It’s great fun but became quickly aware of how bad it is in the rain and any conventional rain proof is useless as the fit is obviously different sitting in the riding position, so my walking jacket and trousers are useless.

I want to invest in a Jacket, Trousers and Over Shoes that will work not only during the summer months, but also during the winter months, basically all 4 seasons as I plan to cycle all year round, irrelevant of the weather.

My question is, if money is no object, what do I need to buy? There is so much choice out there with Water Proof and/or Windproof, Softshell, Hardshell etc etc. I guess I might need different kit for the different seasons, but what should I get?

I want to start off with what I need now, which is warm but rather wet weather. For trousers I was thinking something like the Endura Venturi eVent Overtrousers and for the Jacket something like the Vaude Men's Spray eVent Jacket, I have no idea for overshoes, but would like to stick with the eVent theme if that’s the correct fabric to wear during the summer?

You may have guessed I’m a fan of this eVent fabric, I have loads of walking gear made from this stuff and it’s the best, well worth every penny I think.

I will then later in the year invest in some winter clothing, but again, what do I get? Can I just supplement my clothes above or do I need to buy a complete separate set of clothing.

By the way, I prefer Yellow jackets for high visibility, the roads around here are terrible, especially during bad weather in the dark so I want to do everything I can to be seen….

Thanks for you help.

Richard.

 

[HLaB]

20miles there + 20 miles back = 60 ? its a good distance however you add it up
I'd forget about overtrousers for that distance, even the most breathable of waterproof materials is boil in the bag. At this time of year I'd travel light bib shorts, short sleeves with a small foldable jacket. I use the Montane featherlite most days as compacts so small. For days when the rain is heavier I use a more waterproof Endura Superlite (more boil in the bag). In winter I usually wear a good base layer short or long sleeve, bib longs, thicker soft shell perhaps putting one of the waterproofs on top.

Edit: oh and a gilet and arm warmers are good for those days in between

 

[The Jayler]

The best thing i have got in years is a goretex jacket (togg24). Keeps the rain out and is actually pretty breathable so keeps me reasonable cool when it's not raining. Over shoes (altura) are great as well as they can be put in a bag and slipped on if it starts to chuck in down. Keeping your feet amazingly dry.Presuming of cousre you don't want wet socks at work.
Over trousers though will make you very hot what ever the weather. Hate them but when needs must. I paid £100 for my jacket £20 for the over shoes and £50 for my trousers if that helps.

 

[earth]

I've got the Endura eVent jacket and it is a good waterproof but not the kind of thing you can put in a pocket. I still get hot in it but I do rate it.

Are you going to have anywhere to put jackets and trousers like a bag or panniers?

For my short commute I use a rucsac to put my work clothes in and wear a tee-shirt/base layer and normally wear my work trousers or sometimes shorts. I keep waterproof trousers in my bag (essential if I wear work trousers on the way there) along with the jacket. But if were doing your distances I would probably wear shorts/tights again with the waterproofs in the bag.