Winter jacket

[vickster]

£50, loads of reflectivity, choice of colours

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Altura-Night-Vision-Evo-3-Waterproof-Jacket-AW17_112119.htm

 

[petrea]

So I bought the Altura thunderstorm from Evans Wimbledon... Also, got a pair of endura gloves. Then I crossed the street to mountain warehouse, as they got great stuff on sale now. Bought a merino base l/s in order to test my theory on my way home. WHAT A FANTASTIC RIDE I HAD! Thank you all for helping me to make the right decision!
The only issue now is the footwear. 2hrs back and forth in my casual Nike trainers and I ended up with frozen smelly toes. It couldn't shadow my overall pleasure but still, it needs to be addressed urgently.

 

[Truth]

I am an Endura man myself but in fairness never tried Altura....

 

[vickster]

So I bought the Altura thunderstorm from Evans Wimbledon... Also, got a pair of endura gloves. Then I crossed the street to mountain warehouse, as they got great stuff on sale now. Bought a merino base l/s in order to test my theory on my way home. WHAT A FANTASTIC RIDE I HAD! Thank you all for helping me to make the right decision!
The only issue now is the footwear. 2hrs back and forth in my casual Nike trainers and I ended up with frozen smelly toes. It couldn't shadow my overall pleasure but still, it needs to be addressed urgently.

Get some goretex type walking shoes. Mountain warehouse, Blacks, even sports direct should have something. And good socks

 

[mjr]

I don't see the point of a hood on a bike jacket myself, you can't see behind you which you need to do constantly in traffic!

I can. The hood needs to have a tight fit around the face, probably drawstring or velcro, not one where you can turn your head without the hood turning.

 

[mjr]

The only issue now is the footwear. 2hrs back and forth in my casual Nike trainers and I ended up with frozen smelly toes. It couldn't shadow my overall pleasure but still, it needs to be addressed urgently.

Solid-top sports shoes (something that you polish or waterproof the uppers, so probably leather or vegetan or similar) or waterproof overshoes (the macho name for bootees - tuck the tops inside your trousers else the water just runs down your legs into the ankle holes).

 

[mjr]

Polyester hums. Merino is warm when wet but it wicks sweat too. Try and get ethical mulesing friendly merino. Mulesing is an abhorrent practice.

Other than a few premium brands that mention it in marketing, how can you tell?

 

[Heltor Chasca]

Other than a few premium brands that mention it in marketing, how can you tell?

100% correct. You can’t. If it’s ethical they say so. If not they don’t. I rung Edz once and they ‘could not confirm the source’ so I took that as ) ‘we don’t care’ and don’t buy their stuff. Alpkit was when I bought from them.

 

[Fab Foodie]

I'm riding a Norco Search A Tiagra 2018 in pretty much any weather. The temperature is between -2 and +18 (roughly). And I sweat a lot if I put a cotton t-shirt on + a cotton hoodie. It's not the best experience to work 8 - 10 am on building site having your back wet and cold.

Paramo.
A bit above budget (but some deals around especially go outdoors). I use the Velez lite smock for walking, touring, camping, long distance and foul-weather riding. It’s only downside is that it’s bulkier than most.
BUT, breathes better and keeps warmer than anything else. Important if you have to stop in the cold or rain to keep warm. Because of the ventilation it can be worn over a very large temp range without constantly removing layers. There was a cycling specific version called the Quito from memory.
Worth every penny.

 

[mjr]

100% correct. You can’t. If it’s ethical they say so. If not they don’t. I rung Edz once and they ‘could not confirm the source’ so I took that as ) ‘we don’t care’ and don’t buy their stuff. Alpkit was when I bought from them.

Apparently New Zealand has made mulesing illegal and even Australia may soon ban it. https://www.sheepcentral.com/new-zealand-to-ban-mulesing-as-alternative-enters-commercialisation/ - sorry if that's a TMN to anyone.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

proviz are pretty good ime…

https://www.provizsports.com/en-gb/cycling/mens?p=1

 

[le_al_khemista]

Sorry for hijacking you thread @petrea but thought was better than starting a new one.

I'm looking to buy an autumn/winter jersey for commuting (7 miles) and general winter riding (1-2 hours) and was looking at these two from dhb:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-merino-long-sleeve-jersey/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-long-sleeve-thermal-jersey-1/

Does anyone have any experience with any of them?

I would then get a packable reflective-hi-viz-type waterproof to wear on top should heavy rain make an appearance.

 

[SuperHans123]

Madison DTE.
Waterproof up to 20000mm.
Walks over over Altura I have ever had.
https://www.sprocketscycles.com/mad...MI5_jyzqDX3gIV7b_tCh2yqgx5EAQYASABEgKF6_D_BwE

 

[BalkanExpress]

So I bought the Altura thunderstorm from Evans Wimbledon... Also, got a pair of endura gloves. Then I crossed the street to mountain warehouse, as they got great stuff on sale now. Bought a merino base l/s in order to test my theory on my way home. WHAT A FANTASTIC RIDE I HAD! Thank you all for helping me to make the right decision!
The only issue now is the footwear. 2hrs back and forth in my casual Nike trainers and I ended up with frozen smelly toes. It couldn't shadow my overall pleasure but still, it needs to be addressed urgently.

For the socks go merino as well. Woolie Boolies are great, and if you shop around are often on sale somewhere and you may get evans to price match.