Winter cycle clothing bargains?

Enterprise_1701C

I don't wear specific cycle gear, I have track suit bottoms, the sort that dry out easily when wet, and I wear T shirt and sweatshirt (or fleece depending on weather) and a lined short waterproof jacket, keeps me lovely and warm as it is also windproof.

Johnmcl7

I've been wondering what to wear trouser wise, normally for day to day cycling on my hybrid bike (has a belt instead of a chain so no oil to worry about) I wear lined combat style trousers which work well. However I went on my first night ride on my recently purchased mountain bike and the loose fit of the trousers weren't so good. Most of the other riders looked like they were wearing leggings with shorts over them at the top. This looked practical for off road and I assume it was warm enough in the chilly conditions, anyone else use a combination like this?

John

redboy1

Got all my cycling gear from aldi a few weeks back. Got a top, waterproof jacket and winter cycling bottoms. All of which are great quality for the price.

The bottoms I also wear shorts with (just can't wear skin tight bottoms on the own ) they keep you really warm and the padding keeps things protected.

The top is also warm but not too warm. Has zip pockets on the back and sticky tape around the bottom

The jacket is superb, although not tried in heavy rain yet its kept light rain out and is also a great at keeping the wind out. It's fluorescent yellow and also has rear zip pockets with sticky tape around the bottom.

Would definitely recommend.

olly300

As a rule of thumb winter sports gear, apart from those for snow sports which aren't available, is cheaper in spring and summer. So if you aren't an "average" male size (whatever that is) you can pick up bargins then.

olly300

Johnmcl7 wrote: »

Most of the other riders looked like they were wearing leggings with shorts over them at the top.This looked practical for off road and I assume it was warm enough in the chilly conditions, anyone else use a combination like this?

All the male cyclists and runners where I live where this combination in winter and have being doing so for the last 10 years or so.

Hanky_Panky

I nearly choked (proper mse me)when I saw the prices of 'proper' bike base layers - I bought mine from Kooga rugby for a fraction of the price and seemingly just as good.

custardy

Hanky_Panky wrote: »

I nearly choked (proper mse me)when I saw the prices of 'proper' bike base layers - I bought mine from Kooga rugby for a fraction of the price and seemingly just as good.

just remember a lot of bike clothing will(should!) have a longer back and sleeves
no fun having a big cold bit at the base of your back

mr_fishbulb

custardy wrote: »

no fun having a big cold bit at the base of your back

Or being stuck behind someone and having to stare at their builder's bum

liz545

Wiggle are worth a look - they often have really good discounts. I just got OH a 100% merino baselayer from Howies for under £25 - they normally cost £47, and my Howies merino baselayer is possibly my favourite bit of cycling kit. OH also has full-length bib tights from Aldi that weren't expensive and are much better than shorts/joggers in terms of keeping you warm and covered - no drafty gaps around your kidneys! Perhaps a bit OTT if your journey's short, but he commutes 1hr each way and swears by them.

Uniqlo heattech thermals are also nice - they're very thin and light and great worn as a base layer. Clothes that are designed for sports - either lycra/wicking materials or merino - work better than 'leisure wear' as they take sweat away from the body quickly. A cotton t shirt will quickly get soaked with sweat, keeping you cold and damp, which is not what you need in this kind of weather.

Hanky_Panky

custardy wrote: »

just remember a lot of bike clothing will(should!) have a longer back and sleeves
no fun having a big cold bit at the base of your back

I'm talking about base layers here so your comment does not really apply. Plenty, plenty long enough and I am well over 6 ft.