Winter Commutes

[PBancroft]

I've got a new job! W00t me!

Ahem.

Anyway, I started a new job yesterday. The problem I have is that there isn't any subsidised parking. Normally I am a fair weather cyclist and when the wind and rain comes I would drive in.

It's looking more and more like this won't be possible.

So... I need to start cycling in over winter. 12 mile commute, about an hour or so each way.

What do I need to survive over winter? My budget is about £100 but can stretch for absolute necessities... I would rather keep it as low as possible to negate parking costs if I can.

What do winter commuters recommend?

 

[Origamist]

My top two: neoprene overshoes and thermal gloves.

 

[goo_mason]

My top two: neoprene overshoes and thermal gloves.

I'd add: good lights, lots of reflective gear, bib longs and a Buff beneath your helmet (and that's not slang for anything that Fnaar might think it is ).

 

[4F]

overshoes
good pair gloves waterproof / thermal gloves (seal skinz)
hat
windproof / showerproof jacket
cycling tights or close fitting trousers (I use ronhill bikesters)

 

[Aperitif]

A 'track poncho' seems like a good idea - I used one for the first time today and arrived dry underneath - but not sweaty! Neoprene overshoes are a top pick also. Waterproof rucksack / pannier to stop the foie gras sandwiches dissolving en route...

 

[Baggy]

Lights and a Buf are good suggestions, as are overshoes.

As mentioned in another thread my waterproof doesn't stop my chamois getting wet and as I hate putting on damp kit at the end of a day's work (we don't have a drying room and our heating is hopeless), I'm trying a pair of these:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Rainlegs_Leg_Protectors/5360021879/

 

[domtyler]

Neoprene overshoes
Arm warmers
Knee warmers

 

[chetty]

And for the bike itself???

Mudguard (especially rear), decent lights, brakes that are effective in the rain, ...

 

[spindrift]

I feel safer cycling in winter with me lights set up.

 

[iacula]

and balaclaver for the really cold days....

 

[nilling]

+1 drying room

There is nowt more depressing than putting on wet kit at the end of the day. If you don't have one then try stuffing newspaper into shoes and wrapping your shorts in a towel.

+1 neoprene overshoes

 

[Morrisette]

+1 for a buff - it's my best bit of kit. And I like a fleece hat as well (I'm always cold, I've been know to wear it in the office)

Warm gloves that fit properly.

I actually think it rains more in the summer. Winter for me is more about not being too cold.

 

[Tynan]

I carry a buff all year round, it gets me out of trouble on the odd time I get caught out by a late return or bad weather

arm warmers and leg warmers? not me, yes to bib longs, otherwise a cheap base layer with either an ss or ls top over

carry a lightweight shower proof for emergencies

for bitter cold the night vision top is all I ever needed

gloves and overshoes essential, some good winter socks if your feet feel the cold like mine, perhaps even some winter boots

 

[biking_fox]

Change of shoes is probably the best bet - leave a dry pair at work, and have a cycling pair. You'll get wet feet sometimes no matter how good yoru gear is.

Cold isn't normally an issue - first mile might be a bit parky but you do soon warm up.

Windproof (and rain) gloves are essential though - sealskinz work for me.
leggings and a windproof bighviz jacket should otherwise be enough.

Decent lights are vital, pay as much as you can afford for long lasting bright lights. (and have a spare set on the bike) Come Dec, you'll be using lights for 1 hr in and 1 hr home again! can be a lot of batteries.

 

[hackbike 6]

can be a lot of batteries.

Not for me it isn't.