Winter Cycling Advice?

liz545

sdavies13 wrote: »

Suppose I could do with another pair of shoes, just they aren't cheap plus suitable cleats...

You could always consider double sided/MTB pedals which you can ride in normal shoes if necessary. Keeping a spare (dry) pair of trainers in the office means you can change shoes if your shoes get soaked on the way in, and trainers are cheaper than cycling shoes.

fred7777

I cycle commute all year round (6 miles each way on and off road)

In winter if the weather is OK and it's not snowing I use:

A breathable waterproof jacket
Breathable waterproof trousers
Water proof shoe covers
Waterproof helmet cover
Waterproof Gloves
Leather shoes with SPD cleats built into the soles
Clear cycling glasses

Combined with mudguards this keeps me dry and clean, I just have to change my shirt when I get to work. Condensation from sweating isn't a problem over this distance and I can unzip the jacket as I get hotter and maybe take the gloves off when I've warmed up.

In the snow or really bad weather I change the shoes for Goretex boots and the pedals can be used with or without cleats.

jaffa30

Try sealskinz products its the closest to waterproof ive found.


.. as said above wrap up well with a good base layer, I use thermal longjohns and a thermal vest ( works well for me ).....

I also use a buff for round my neck it also double as a ear warmer/ hat , I do have a waterproof skull cap which keeps head and ears lovely and toasty

As for the cycling shoes getting wet I use the old fashioned method of newspaper bunged in them it works a treat..

badly_dubbed

funny how opinions vary, as Sealskinz were amongst the worst ive ever used, I cycled the west highland way double and typical weather up here dictated it rained for most of the duration....however...i find merino stuff to be awesome, sure not waterproof in the slightest, but it keeps you warm...half the battle in staying warm at least is to not stop and hang around much

Weird_Nev

I'd second merino wool. It's worth the investment.
I have a couple of long sleeved merino wool tops. It really is remarkable. I use the thin top alone under a waterproof cycling jacket through most of winter, and that does me fine. When I'm hill walking, all I'd need is a merino wool base layer and a fleece to take on and off under my mountaineering jacket and I'd be able to deal with Scottish winter conditions absolutely fine.
It wicks, it's warm, it breathes when you're hot and insulates when it's cold, it's brilliant stuff in the winter.

Guesthouse

Layer up and have waterproofs to hand.

I've got a 3 1/2 mile commute all year round with a choice of main road or side streets depending on start time.

On a dry day, I have: Lycra leggings, long sleeve shirt, long sleeve windproof jacket (Polaris, bough from Halfords many years ago and brilliant), windproof cap, Buff and Altura windproof (and light shower) gloves. I've got longjohns and windproof socks for colder days. Does the trick for me most of the time even in sub-zero temps - once you get going you warm up surprisingly fast.

When it get's really foul, I add Sealskinz gloves, Altura waterproof trousers & overshoes plus a Polaris waterproof jacket.

Hi viz jacket/vest and rucksack cover and mini white & red lights on helmet plus a head torch help with seeing & being seen. Lidl had reflective arm bands with built in red lights around the start of the year, so I've got a couple of pairs too.

Might try out the ProViz rucksack since I'm needing a new one.