Now that the weather is on the turn ...

[rwhitfie]

What gear are folks buying to fend off those muddy cold wintery rides? I ordered a few bits ’n bobs from Aldi as they had a cycle specials ... got a few Merino under garments which look ok, prob on the thin side but cheap as chips. Want to get some decent eMTB trousers/pants ... thinking Spesh or Endura? BTW this in the UK so we’re not going to reach -20C .... famous last words? ?

 

[steve_sordy]

I will be buying nothing new, but I will be cleaning and reproofing my existing kit.

 

[Jeffrey]

I recommend the dirtsuit core with a good merino base layer!
If very cold: heated gloves and eventually heated insoles or socks.

 

[rwhitfie]

I recommend the dirtsuit core with a good merino base layer!
If very cold: heated gloves and eventually heated insoles or socks.

View attachment 40958

Hopefully we won’t have that extreme weather but you never know! ?

 

[rwhitfie]

I will be buying nothing new, but I will be cleaning and reproofing my existing kit.

No kit to speak of so have to buy new that’ll last. ?

 

[Doomanic]

What is your budget?

If you're thrifty, look at Decathlon jackets, but I couldn't see any suitable waterproof trousers.
Fox gear is pretty good if you want to spend a little more.
Dirtlej Dirtsuit is getting spendy and Endura MT500 is rather expensive.

 

[steve_sordy]

No kit to speak of so have to buy new that’ll last. ?

Endura is a great brand. Whatever you buy look to see how breathable it is as well as how waterproof. Bin bags are 100% waterproof, but you wouldn't want to be wearing one on a bike.

 

[CBSTD]

Endura stuff isn't cheap but it is made in Scotland to combat our weather but if you like to use you body as brakes al a zimmer then maybe buy cheap and buy twice

 

[Doomanic]

Endura is made in China.

 

[stiv674]

I've got a pair of Berghaus deluge overtrousers, not exactly elegant or breathable but are great for particularly wet and muddy rides.

I can't find many dedicated waterproof cycling trousers...

 

[Trig]

I wear Rohan trousers that have a waterproof lining. Think its the Dry Frontier type on their site.

I like them, wear them for walking mostly. Pretty waterproof, but do get a bit sweaty sometimes.
Not bike specific though, so may not suit everyone. Do get a little tight when mounting the bike for me, but fine after that.

 

[stiv674]

I'm sort of tempted with THIS

 

[congerball]

Popped up to Stiff cycles today in Summerbridge, N.Yorkshire...picked up a Fox Defend Thermo Hooded Jersey, feels really good, good fit...the main reason I bought it was for the hood ? I’ll also use this when I’m fishing ?

 

[Doomanic]

I really like the look of that. Not so keen on the price though. Or the complete lack of stock anywhere.

 

[R120]

Rugby contact training tops are great relatively cheap bits of kit for using during a winter ride - my son has one of these as part of his club kit, and I thought to myself that might make a great addition to the mtb wardrobe, and it is, not a proper waterproof but will stand up to a shower, pretty breathable, and will survive an off - good half way house between a full on jacket and just a jersey.

Canterbury UK

Shop direct for quality men's fitness and gym clothing by Canterbury. FREE UK DELIVERY & NEXT DAY AVAILABLE!

www.canterbury.com

 

[Gary]

Endura is made in China.

And Livingston...

Have you ever been to Livingston?

Fashion central it is not

 

[Doomanic]

Is that you in the middle?

 

[Gary]

Haha No.

But manufacturing in China and Livingston's dress sense might go some way to explaining Endura's products wildly random cut and sizing

 

[KeithR]

Not trousers (we seem to have drifted off that topic pretty quickly, so...) but I'm a big fan of my Buffalo Mountain Shirt for riding in cold weather, not least because of how well vented it is.

It isn't waterproof, but the beauty of Pertex + fleece is that it keeps you warm when wet; and it dries very quickly with body heat.

Not a choice when you know torrential rain is on the way, but really good otherwise. I've used Buffalo stuff for donkey's years, and see no reason to change.

Very warm when you're working, though - so only for properly cold rides.

The rest of the time I'm in my Buffalo Windshirt - with a warm mid layer if it's cool-to-cold, and a light wicking tee for anything warmer than that.

They're really versatile too: I wear them (in olive both times) for my wildlife/bird photography; and when I'm fishing.

Oh - and incredibly hardwearing. I've still got my first "gold logo" Mountain Shirt (in Royal Blue, which I've just realised will work with my bike, because - you know - colour-matching clothes and bike really matters..! ) and apart from one little tear (which was easily fixed with some Tenacious Tape, applied from the inside by cutting and then restitching a little hole in the fleece) it's faultless.

It's about thirty years old!

Not cheap, but brilliant bits of kit - I'd be lost without them.

 

[congerball]

I really like the look of that. Not so keen on the price though. Or the complete lack of stock anywhere.

I asked for some discount and they gave me 10% off...better than nowt? I just checked their stock and they’ve got S,M and large available (in black)...but not many!

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Popped up to Stiff cycles today in Summerbridge, N.Yorkshire...picked up a Fox Defend Thermo Hooded Jersey, feels really good, good fit...the main reason I bought it was for the hood ? I’ll also use this when I’m fishing ?
View attachment 40972

This top is excellent but about £40 over priced. Perfect for chilly days

 

[rwhitfie]

@Rob what do you recommend ... as it'll probably be sold out

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

@Rob what do you recommend ... as it'll probably be sold out

Ultimate cold weather combo is that Fox thermo hoodie and this

FOX Racing Defend Fire Alpha Vest - Cycling Vest Men's | Buy online | Alpinetrek.co.uk

FOX Racing - Defend Fire Alpha Vest - Cycling vest ➽ Free delivery to UK from £75 - Buy online now! ✓ 100 Day Return Policy ✓ Dispatch within 24h ✓ Expert advice

www.alpinetrek.co.uk

But it’s super expensive. As a cheaper alternative I’d definitely look at the Decathlon softshell hoodies.

 

[Doomanic]

I've just bought one of these to wear as a mid layer under a windproof.

dhb MTB Long Sleeve Trail Thermal Zip Jersey | Chain Reaction

dhb MTB Long Sleeve Trail Thermal Zip Jersey - Lowest Prices and FREE shipping available from The World's largest online bike store - Chain Reaction Cycles

www.chainreactioncycles.com

 

[R120]

Decathlon have some great first/2nd layers Soloutions ranging form cheap and cheerful to as good as big brand stuff all reasonably priced.

 

[Doomanic]

I've bought a few things from Decathlon, all mid-upper range and been dissatisfied with every single one. As a consequence they're off my list for mail order and as the nearest is an hour away I doubt I'll ever buy from then again.

 

[JoeBlow]

Some years ago, before Decathlon came to the UK, visiting a Decathlon store in the French alps was a must on any climbing trip. There was a huge one between Chamonix and Geneva Airport so very convenient. Their soft shell clothing was particularly good value. I had owned some very expensive Mammut trousers, they were over £200 even back then but they were very good and withstood many years of abuse. Some time later I replaced them with some similar Decathlon ones that have proved to be just as good in every respect and cost me £39.

It's tempting to think of Decathlon as the equivalent of "down market" brands in the UK like Mountain Warehouse and Regatta but it's not. I can't speak for all their products but the soft shell is superb.

Al

 

[rwhitfie]

I bought a few items from Aldi when they had their cycling promotion. Most of the stuff has gone back but I did keep a few items like the Merino base layer (top and bottom) and some excellent merino socks. The problem I have with the bottom half is the knee pads tend to slip down when wearing a base layer so although I invested in an excellent Endura MT500 Pants I might need to get something that's thinsulated for the legs to allow the pads to have skin contact. I'm considering Endura for a hooded jacket as i liked the quality and feel of the pants.
I think the acid test will be as we head into winter when things get a whole lot colder.

 

[maynard]

Man im glad my ancestors stole shit . So now I can ride an ebike in lovely weather . Well sometimes it's freezing . Yet that's like a summers day for you English people.

 

[Doomanic]

My grandparents turned down the chance to become Ten Pound Poms in the early '50's.