What to wear in the winter...help (please)

[Paulq]

This is gonna be my first 'proper' winter on the bike having been a fair weather cyclist for many years so I'm keen to get the right stuff that I dont die of hypothermia but also that I don't layer up so much that I melt either .

Normally, during decent weather, I'd wear a jersey and/or nylon base layer (if a bit chilly) with a waterproof jacket only if needed. Southern region normally gets padded bibs or padded under shorts and a pair of Ron Hill Bikesters.

Can any of you wise folk tell me what is good to keep warm in over the winter? I have considered Merino wool base layers but they are expensive and am not sure whether the kit outlined here os really sufficient for winter (aside for gloves/overshoes etc which I guess are a given).

As I am a bit stupid any links to specific items would be appreciated as I get a bit lost in all the different terminlogy.

Ta v. much in advance.

 

[snorri]

As I am a bit stupid any links to specific items would be appreciated as I get a bit lost in all the different terminlogy.

I'm sure you are not stupid but merely confused by these marketing types who come up with new names for products which they would have you believe you cannot live without.
Just wear more layers as it gets colder, you may have to remove some layers if you cause your body temperature to rise by applying too much effort to the pedals.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Actually you don't want to keep your body too warm - the key is not to sweat otherwise you get colder. you need to set out cold and aim to be cold for around the first 10-15 mins (I hate this bit) and then you will find your core temp is actually OK. What I am wearing at the moment (-5C to 5C range) is 1 long sleeved top (sometimes merino wool, sometimes a cycling jersey) and some form of wind stopper - currenlty known as a waterproof top becuase it has not stopped raining! OK I wear winter leggings, merino wool socks and and shoes and add some gloves, but that is it.

What you need to keep warmer are the extremities. Hands, fingers, lower arms, similar with the legs, (toes, feet, calves) and if you really feel the cold, then neck and head need to be warmer - think scull cap or buff or both.

Merino wool - it works and it works very well. I am currently finding it too warm, it is not cold enough yet for that. yes it is expensive, but looked after and washed with the correct washing wool friendly liquid, lasts. I have 3 merino wool tops that are now on their last legs after 15 years.

What I really like is my think merino wool glove liners which fit under my winter cycling gloves when it is colder and under my ski gloves (used for cycling) when it is very cold - think -15C cold... not including windchill and I have cycled in lower temps that than, recently.

 

[Paulq]

Thanks guys that's really helpful from both. From the sounds of it it would appear I have the lion's share of what I need but also that a couple of decent insulating layers may be a good investment. Any pointers to where these may be obtained as reasonably as poss?

You also mention washing it properly which I'd be keen to do to protect the investment - do you use any particular liquid or will bog standard washing liquid do (bloke question alert....)

Thanks again

Paul

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

You also mention washing it properly which I'd be keen to do to protect the investment - do you use any particular liquid or will bog standard washing liquid do (bloke question alert....)

Thanks again

Paul

If it is wool, merino wool (and to be honest our cycling kit as well) we use Ecover delicates wool wash. Its much gentler on the wool than standard washing powder which will work, but it not good in the long run - we have the been there, done that badge. The Ecover wool wash really is not expensive - around £1.95 for 11 washes (that's full loads so usually we get 22 washes from it with cycling kit & wool tops).

As for where to look - depends on your budget and what you want for Christmas. But try the classifieds here first. lots of cycling jerseys go there (but we tend to buy our merino wool stuff new so £££ but Christmas is coming up!). We use mountaineering shops and just pick what we are after and hunt for the cheapest - bearing in mind places like Cotswold outdoors offer 10-15% discount for CTC membership cards, YHA cards and the likes.

 

[Paulq]

Great. Done a bit of rooting about on the net today and managed to pick up a couple of merino wool base layers, inner gloves and socks at pretty reasonable prices so am happy with that. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[lejogger]

We are all different too and have different tolerances. The length of the ride will also dictate what you wear... I've turned up for club runs in long finger summer mitts, while others already have their full winter assos systems on. My hands get pretty warm (uncomfortably so) fairly quickly on my commute, yet at a slower pace/less effort (due to group riding benefits) on a club run I'll be unable to maintain the same sort of temperatures over the day and perhaps need an additional layer for similar temperatures. Getting back on the move after a cafe stop is also one of the coldest moments as a cyclist!

This time of year is tricky too. We're still about 6 or 7 degrees in commuting hours, and today I've got winter tights, a merino wool base layer and a dhb roubaix long sleeve jersey, medium warmth gloves, a buff on the neck and a hat. If I'm honest it's too much. I walked out the house this morning and felt comfortable. As SatNavSaysStraightOn correctly says, you should be getting on the bike feeling a little chilly, because 3 miles in your core temp will have rapidly increased. Fortunately I've only a 9 mile each way commute so I don't have to sweat for long.

Layers is the best advice, as you can just remove as required providing your pockets are big enough. Unfortunately you're just going to have to see what's best for you - you might get it wrong a couple of times, but if you're too cold just ride harder!