Winter Kit Tips

[pally83]

I know this has been asked before so I apologise in advance.
I’m not a commuting newbie but due to a change in circumstances, I need some tips.

Last year I changed jobs and now work 24 cycling miles from home. I’ve been doing the ride a couple of times a week over the past few months and aim to keep it up once or twice a week over Winter in all but the worst weather. It’s a simple question: what clothing type kit do I need that I don’t already have (if anything)?

I already have:
3 x Bibshorts
1 x Bibtights (roubaix lining)
1 pair Arm warmers (roubaix)
1 pair Leg warmers (thinnish ones)
4 s/s jerseys
2 l/s jerseys
1 merino wool l/s jersey
1 thick jersey / thin jacket
1 x boil-in-the-bag waterproof
2 s/s base layers
2 l/s base layers
1 cycling cap
1 skullcap
1 buff
Overshoes
Summer mitts
Gloves that could do with replacing (suggestions please).

I’m used to commuting in all weathers (bar ice and snow) but for distances up to 7 miles. Will my current wardrobe do me for longer rides with a backpack when comfort is more of an issue?

Cheers m’dears.

 

[Beebo]

you might want to invest in a better breathable waterproof jacket. 24 miles is a long way in the pouring rain.

 

[pally83]

I was thinking that when I set off this morning but it ended up not being too bad. It also dries super-quickly so I might see how I get on over the next few weeks before deciding on that.

 

[Maz]

Gloves suggestion - Sealskinz Lobster gloves for depths of winter.

 

[Leaway2]

I find that I very rarely wear short sleeves. I do occasionally wear short sleeves with arm warmers in the morning (6:45) if I think its going to warm on the way home.
Still on long sleeves, shorts, fingerless gloves at the moment, but the temp is dropping now.

 

[Drago]

Gloves suggestion - Sealskinz Lobster gloves for depths of winter.

They good?

 

[jonny jeez]

your kit list sounds fine

I'd invest on a waterproof cover for your luggage though. I am personally always surprised at how little it rains on my way to and from the office. It occasionally comes in days of rain and then nothing for a good while.

 

[Boris Bajic]

You seem to have it all worked out.

My commute was 22 miles, but I never used a waterproof. I got just as wet as without it and it was tough to dry nicely.

You might want a woolly hat that covers the tops of your ears for very cold days. I also have one of those elaticcie-woolly headband things for the cold.

Overshoes (galoshes) are worth their weight in gold. Cold, wet feet can ruin any ride.

The thickest gloves I use are normal full-finger MTB gloves.

Eye protection for all the spray is useful.

Mudguards are for losers. Anyone who disagrees is a loser.

 

[AndyPeace]

You seem to have it all worked out.

My commute was 22 miles, but I never used a waterproof. I got just as wet as without it and it was tough to dry nicely.

You might want a woolly hat that covers the tops of your ears for very cold days. I also have one of those elaticcie-woolly headband things for the cold.

Overshoes (galoshes) are worth their weight in gold. Cold, wet feet can ruin any ride.

The thickest gloves I use are normal full-finger MTB gloves.

Eye protection for all the spray is useful.

Mudguards are for losers. Anyone who disagrees is a loser.

Nooo! I am a loser! I justify it by pointing out I wash my arse before I set out so do not need the spray from the back wheel

 

[Tynan]

socks? decent pair of winter socks, feets gets cold over time in winter

gillet dead handy as a light thing to carry that makes a lot of difference if it's colder than expected, all I wear in rain to keep the wind off me if it's cold

 

[Maz]

They good?

I wear them with inner gloves and they make the pain in my hands on the coldest days just about bearable.
Others will find them nice n toasty, but I have poor circulation in my cold fingers.

 

[gaz]

I know what you are missing. A winter bike!

 

[pally83]

I know what you are missing. A winter bike!

Not sure I'll get away with that but it's worth a try.

 

[pally83]

socks? decent pair of winter socks, feets gets cold over time in winter

gillet dead handy as a light thing to carry that makes a lot of difference if it's colder than expected, all I wear in rain to keep the wind off me if it's cold

Yes! Socks! Forgot all about socks. Used to double up but found that makes my feet sore over 10 miles.

 

[defy-one]

Backpack for 24 miles???
Depends on whats in it,but consider a rack/panniers