Cycling beyond summer, what do I need?

[lexloofah]

Only ever been a fair weather cyclist but want to be able to go out on it past the spring and summer months for my 2-3 times a week exercise.

Not for commuting so can pick and choose when I go, so staying at home if looks like rain, just need to think about warmth and I guess visibility even during the day

Or be honest and tell me there's no point getting the clothing in for the half a dozen days over winter that are cycle perfect thnx

Even a nice day in Winter can still be/turn cold, and there's windchill factor.
I want to suggest a nice DWR jacket.
Leggings if you want.
Great gloves.
Neck buff, sleeves, ear muff.

I always wear a hi viz jacket over my cycling gear so traffic can spot me before the are really close to me.

Gloves! Gloves and a lightweight high vis jacket, just a cheapy one to go over your normal top, are the two things I'd recommend as being totally essential.

I cycle commute every day, whatever the weather. I usually wear running leggings, thick socks (I get cold feet!) an assortment of base layers/windproof/waterpoof tops depending on how cold and wet it is, and a high vis on top. Plus gloves thicker than you think you need.

A cover for your backpack is an idea if you'll be out for ages in pouring rain. But if you can avoid doing that, all the better.

Thank you, I did start looking online last night but got overwhelmed as lots seemed directed to serious cyclists and was worried I would need so many items. I currently just go out in leggings and vest so definitely need more layers.

I will start with cheapie base layers and good wind proof gloves
Have a running jacket but I think too lightweight, we will see.

Can see a birthday list coming on

A smart turbo trainer, like a Tacx or a Wagoo Kickr - game changing.

Mudguards!! I know you said clothing BUT even on the rare dry days, the roads can remain wet = wet arse, soggy feet and grubby bike. Urgh. I’d also consider swapping your tyres (unless you already have something robust). You’ll have to contend with all sorts of debris on the road. I used to use Gatorskins but now use Schwalbe Marathon Plus’s. They are both very heavy tyres, but pretty bombproof. Nowt worse than a visit from the puncture pixies in the pissing rain, wind a cold. You’ll also need to (potentially) change the lube you use. You’ll be best off with a specific wet preparation to keep everything running smoothly.

Overshoes are essential too. Thick neoprene. They won’t necessarily keep your feet dry but work like a wetsuit. They are also very effective for keeping the cold out. Although I have Reynauds so have some excellent Northwave winter boots (they make MTB and road versions depending on what peddles you have).

I wouldn’t do without my Castilli Long Sleeve Gabba.

Bib tights are way cozier (and avoid a muffin top) vs waist tights. Wiggles own brand DHB do a decent pair which aren’t too pricey. They zip up over the chest. I normally find bibs, long sleeve base layer and my gabba are fine down to about 2 or 3 degrees. Any colder and I swap to a specific winter jacket. Once it gets colder you’ve got to make sure you are picking routes that are well treated for frost and ice... which is perhaps the point to hop on the rollers or turbo instead.

I love winter cycling, particularly at night. You just get a whole different perspective and it seems so much more peaceful. All the grotty days make that first best bike outing in summer kit seem so special and you’ll have built your fitness too. Winter miles = summer smiles.

PS you can pick some great bargains up off eBay and Facebook Market place, so well worth watching certain decent brands. It really is worth splashing out on a few good quality items (albeit secondhand bargains) as you’ll end up remaining comfortable and dry, so it’ll be more enjoyable so you stick with it. I use sealskinz gloves which are quite thick and also waterproof. I’ve never found anything better. If it’s really cold I pop a windproof shell mitten over the top (picked up in tk maxx for a fiver). Cycling caps are ace too (you can pick them up for buttons) as you get a bit of warmth and the peak keeps the rain off the top half of your face.

I have my rear light on regardless of if it's day or night, the more visible you are the better. Mine is also a camera! I also have a small mirror to keep an eye on what's going on behind me, I can see cars coming way before you can hear them

I cycle all year round, to get to my local train station to commute (well, pre-Covid!). I think you need:

Reflective jacket - just a cheap one from sports direct is fine.

Lights!

Gloves - ideally padded so the wind doesn’t just whip straight through them.

Thin hat which fits under your helmet - again, Sports Direct is your friend. Stops your ears from getting cold.

How long do you go out for? Can’t you just wear normal trousers or decent thickness leggings/jeggings? Unless you are cycling in actual snow, normal clothes are probably fine! If you are able to avoid times when it’s raining, you won’t need waterproof trousers.

Wow thank you. need to digest, lots to think about, most of it is very unfamiliar, it's a whole new world to me, I don't know what half of that stuff is

I go down country lanes so the frost might be limiting factor, haven't paid much attention before, will see how it goes, definitely do not want to come off

I would be out for no more than an hour, have regular fat day leggings/thermals so they should be ok in the dry

Yy to mudguards and lights/reflective things. I hadn't thought about my head getting cold, oh my ears too.

Here are some specific links if that helps!

Reflective jacket - £16 - you can spend loads more but we never have!

Thin beanie style hat - this one is £14.99 but I got one for £9 from Sports Direct - don't think it was specifically marketed as for cycling, it's just a thin beanie that fits under my cycle helmet!

Bike lights - we love the ones which are rechargeable via a USB, really easy to recharge and you never run out of the right sort of battery.

Warm gloves £6.99 - you don't have to get any ultra fancy gloves, just some warm gloves! Tbh I find my normal soft leather ones perfectly warm enough for most of the year; these nice padded type ones are only needed in properly cold / windy weather.

Thanks @Wigeon, very helpful, that beanie looks perfect, just remembered I have some running gloves so they should do

Also looked at the turbo trainer set ups, suggested as a family Christmas present

@lexloofah

Thanks *@Wigeon*, very helpful, that beanie looks perfect, just remembered I have some running gloves so they should do

Also looked at the turbo trainer set ups, suggested as a family Christmas present

You won't regret it! I got mine 6 weeks ago and have done nearly 700km on it - I've joined Zwift and have been having a great time; I do rides either early in the morning or in the evenings and at the weekend.