Following my recent purchase of Seal Skinz gloves (thanks to the advice on this forum), I feel like giving praise to some great products I am using to cope with the not-so-kind-to-cyclists winter weather
Finally, a lot of my water-proof gear is designed to be neatly folded away, so I carry small plastic bags to avoid spilling water everywhere when I arrive at my destination. I sometimes also carry an extra pair of socks+shoes, just in case.
- Waterproof gloves (photos below): Seal Skinz product, warm and solid, nice palm padding, and probably a good hand/skin protection in case of an accident. 17GBP which is great value !! One small reservation: it's multi-layered, and it can be hard to "slide" your fingers in (especially when you have slightly wet hands due to rain fall). Otherwise I love these gloves.
- Waterproof over-trousers: I've got a pair of Polaris-branded ones (20-25GBP) because I like the quality of the sealed polyester seams, the long leg zip doesn't get stuck and the elastic band at the top is still strong. However I am sure there are plenty of good alternatives out there. One minor annoyance: no pockets !
- Waterproof jacket: I use a thin red polyester top that can be squished into a small bag. It's a bog-standard cheap overlay that I use for gardening, walking, etc. It's got a breathable opening at the back, and a hood that I rarely use when cycling.
- Breathable fleece layer: the dark sweater in the middle of the photo is made of thin layer of fleece, with a breathable strip of polyester (very fine net/mesh material) under the arm length, arm-pits, and down to the hips. Fantastic to keep warm under the waterproof ! The brand is "Dare2Be" and it only cost 8GBP. UPDATE: I now use merino wool base layers, I can't recommend this material enough !!
- Waterproof socks: I don't actually mind getting my shoes wet, but I like to keep my feet dry: these 11GBP Seal Skinz socks are genius !
- Waterproof hat (photo below): This is a more expensive treat, a 20GBP Berghaus hat, with flexible visor, ear flaps, neck protection and adjustable head circumference. It's made of a Paclite shell and Gore-Tex lining. It's very very light, can be folded away into a small space and yet keep you dry, warm, and deflects rain water from your cycling shades. One small annoyance: it's not really breathable, as I found my scalp covered in sweat after a 15mn ride. You really need to dry the hat inside-out to make sure it remains clean. Otherwise I love it, what a great accessory !
- Helmet: I wear the 12GBP discounted Stash folding helmet on top of the Berghaus cap. Perfect fit. More about this helmet here: http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/electric-bicycles/5103-grab-bargain-while-lasts-folding-helmet.html#post64585
- Cycling shades (photo below): I've used a number of cheap sports glasses over the years, and I decided it was time for something more decent. I went for a pair of Endura with 4 different removable lenses (clear, orange, dark and polarized) It's still reasonably-priced though, at 30GBP for the whole set including its carrying padded box. It's not the best frames and lenses material, but it's hard to beat on value-for-money. They're so light I easily forget I'm wearing them, and the peripheral vision is awesome !
- High-visibility jacket: well, I used to wear a cheap car-emergency one, but it's flimsy and a pain to use with its velcro fixings. I'm now using a horse-riding one, with a proper zip, small pocket (ideal for keys) and elastic waist band. At 8GBP it was very well priced too.
- High-visibility rain covers: these ones are Brompton-branded (designed for the front luggage), but I actually use them for all sorts of things: on my rear panniers + rack-sack, on my back-pack, and on my handle-bars when the bike is parked, to protect the electrical equipment under heavy rainfall (it's not strictly needed, but I'd like to avoid unnecessary water ingress). At less than 7GBP a pop, it's a good price: it's made of solid material, the elastic band extends wide enough to ensure the cover is versatile.
- High-visibility trouser band: just to keep the trouser flaps getting caught into the chainring. Cheapo stuff from eBay, velcro fastening.
- Buffs: yeah, I keep a couple of these handy. Great neck or head protection when it gets too cold to stay cool. UPDATE: I have now purchased a 20 GBP Merino wool buff....I'm really, really impressed ! It's expensive but worth every penny. It's so light and thin, and yet so warm and strong. Amazing stuff.
Finally, a lot of my water-proof gear is designed to be neatly folded away, so I carry small plastic bags to avoid spilling water everywhere when I arrive at my destination. I sometimes also carry an extra pair of socks+shoes, just in case.
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