What do I need?

[Deleted member 20519]

Going to start commuting in a few weeks, just in time for Winter and I need to know what I need. This is what I'm planning to get so far.

• Lights

Cree T6 Front Light - http://bit.ly/RVJbUH
BikeHut Ultra Bright Front Light (already own it) - http://bit.ly/QemOVS
Cateye Rapid 5 Rear Light - http://bit.ly/QROCC2

• Clothing

Imsport Cycling Gloves (already own these ones) - http://bit.ly/UbT3sG
Aldi Under Layers and Cycling Trousers and Cycling Jacket - http://bit.ly/QXirmQ
Cycling Buff - http://bit.ly/S1XYvY
Skull Cap - http://bit.ly/U1uctb
Thermal Socks - http://bit.ly/PI3e7j
Overshoes - http://bit.ly/PxpcXj

• Bike Gear

Frame Mounted Pump - http://bit.ly/QiNyaw
Puncture Repair Kit - http://bit.ly/SS3X9i
Pannier Rack - http://bit.ly/OREBlC
Pannier Bag (for carrying tools) - http://amzn.to/QiNJ5U
Mudguards - http://bit.ly/U1BQno

Is there anything else that you wouldn't leave without? My commute's only 6 miles each way but 5.5 miles of it is on cycle paths so I'm not worried about getting too warm as I can slow it down and go slowly if I find I've worn too much.

 

[potsy]

Buff, skullcap, thick socks with overshoes?

 

[Deleted member 20519]

Buff, skullcap, thick socks with overshoes?

All great suggestions, I will add them to the list. Thank you!

 

[Octet]

Mini-pump and a puncture repair kit?

 

[vickster]

A Hi-Viz jacket as linked to (at least one with hi viz bits if yellow / orange not your thing) and a bell if on paths especially in the dark
Thick socks and/or overshoes

A pannier and rack

Do you wear a helmet - might want a skullcap or a buff to keep head / ears / chin warm (also if no helmet)

The usual inner tubes and tools
Decent tyres

 

[vickster]

Buff, skullcap, thick socks with overshoes?

Snap!

 

[smokeysmoo]

Bigger overdraft

 

[vickster]

To spend time reading identical threads

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/winter-essentials-for-long-commute.111213/

 

[HovR]

My commute is fairly short like yours (only 5 miles each way), so I just wear regular clothes. In the winter when it hits the negative figures I find the most important thing is just to have lots of warm layers.

Waterproofs for those times when it's cold and wet. (Although if this winter is anything like last, it won't rain at all 'till summer! )

Thick winter gloves - These are essential. Waterproof and windproof is the best. Without them the freezing rain/hail really hurts!

 

[Deleted member 20519]

Added some things to the list. I'm not too keen on the full pannier set so I think a top bag would be good, can anyone recommend me a pannier rack?

 

[Deleted member 20519]

To spend time reading identical threads

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/winter-essentials-for-long-commute.111213/

I did actually read that thread but I thought that a 27 mile commute would be a lot different than a 12 mile commute and there would be different things needed.

 

[vickster]

Not really - maybe better padding on your bum - if it's cold and wet, you'll be cold and wet within 10 minutes either way. If I recall you are in Scotland, so you'll probably need more than the 'ard London commuters who wear short sleeves in January

Important to keep the knees warm especially, so get some thermal longs - you can do the altura winter cruisers and padded undershorts or get some padded tights.

Topeak make good racks and bags, Allterraincycles and CRC have decent prices on these

 

[Deleted member 20519]

Not really - maybe better padding on your bum - if it's cold and wet, you'll be cold and wet within 10 minutes either way. If I recall you are in Scotland, so you'll probably need more than the 'ard London commuters who wear short sleeves in January

Important to keep the knees warm especially, so get some thermal longs - you can do the altura winter cruisers and padded undershorts or get some padded tights.

Topeak make good racks and bags, Allterraincycles and CRC have decent prices on these

Thanks, I've added some more stuff to the list including mudguards for those gritty/rainy days.

 

[vickster]

You'll want those all winter

You realise you'll end up spending about twice as much on kit as you did on the bike

 

[Deleted member 20519]

You'll want those all winter

You realise you'll end up spending about twice as much on kit as you did on the bike

Just realised that I might have to go to the wanted forum and beg for some free stuff