Cycling Equipment · Public discussion

Winter clothing selection help

Started by pypy · · Last activity · 4 posts · 1,241 views

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Cycling Equipment
Published
27 October 2012
Last activity
31 October 2012
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pypy
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Cycling clothingWinter riding

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  1. Original post
    pypy
    Archived post
    #1

    So I just purchased a brand new hybrid bike with the intention of using it for commute. Problem is I live in Vancouver and this time of season is when things get wet and cloth. I have zero experience with winter riding, and cycling in general. Help me figure out the clothes I need! The commute is from somewhere close to PNE to downtown during weekdays, around 30min one way.

    So far, I purchased
    shoe cover,
    glove,
    helmet,
    rain cover http://www.amazon.com/Bellwether-Screamin-Meemie-Cycling-Jacket/dp/B001PNUFUG

    I was talking to a cyclist friend today and he mentioned rain pants, tights, cycling short, base layer, wind jacket, turtle neck, etc. I kind of got lost in the conversation cause I don't have any of those. He shown me some of the prices and they all seem quite expensive.

    I guess my previous idea of wearing my formal office work attire with that rain jacket isn't going to work...

    I do have a base layer from snowboarding, would this one work for cycling?
    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Adidas-Black-ClimaCool-Baselayer-Top/dp/B004VMLS2M

    So what do I really need for my commute in the city of rain? Which shop has good deal on clothing (I am willing to drive to the States if deals are better over there)?

    Thanks

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  2. CAMPYBOB
    Archived post
    #2

    IMO you are better off cycling to work in cycling-specific clothing if you wear a suit or expensive formal clothing at the office, but you'll get at least seven different options for cycle-commuting to work if you ask six guys how they do it.

    Shorts/tights are more comfortable, but for 1/2-hour you could get by with your street wear (covered with rain gear, but I still would not recommend doing so). Stash some dress clothes at work and change out of your wet and dirty cycling clothing there, assuming that is possible.

    Your Adidas base layer will work perfectly.

    Your rain jacket should work fine...you will probably need more thermal insulation beneath it, depending on your winter temperature.

    Gore and Showers Pass both manufacture quality rainwear for cycling. It is not inexpensive, but given your location I would find it to be a mandatory commuting wardrobe item to have rain pants/tights in addition to a quality rain jacket. I used to tour on my motorcycles in low quality 'throw away' rain gear. Buying the high quality rain gear made riding in the rain much less of a drag. Drier = Warmer and don't overlook the venting options for those warmer days when it's raining.

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  3. pypy
    Archived post
    #3

    Yes, I think if I do take on cycling during winter time, then I will will bring a week worth of shirts with me on Mon to the office, and take them all back on Friday.

    How should one keep the cycling clothes clean for the return trip though? I would imagine they get pretty dirty after 30min of riding in the rain. Also, it looks like I would need multiple cycling clothing of the same function to last through a week?

    But yeah I think eventually I will have to suck it up and get some quality stuff. Just don't have any clue where I can find good deals at the moment. Took a quick look at Showers Pass stuff and REI and everything is in the 100-200 range.

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  4. vspa
    Archived post
    #4

    install fenders front and back, they will reduce your exposure to dirt and water by a 3rd or a 4th, SKS in germany have fender models for every possibly bike, there are other brands of course,

    Report

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