Wet n cold cycling clothes for chunkies

[PennyFarthing]

Oh dear. Haven't been on the bike for a couple of months since the weather changed. So not only have I turned into a fair weather cyclist but now a chunky one, coz I'm piling the pounds back on.

So, to encourage me to continue cycling when the weather is not so beautiful, what items of clothing do I need to cycle in to keep warm/dry etc and where do chunkies like me look for such items? ;oP

I hasten to add I do not own a cycling rain coat or gloves - only summer stuff. (clears throat....shuffles off shame faced.....)

 

[funkylyn]

Oh dear. Haven't been on the bike for a couple of months since the weather changed. So not only have I turned into a fair weather cyclist but now a chunky one, coz I'm piling the pounds back on.

So, to encourage me to continue cycling when the weather is not so beautiful, what items of clothing do I need to cycle in to keep warm/dry etc and where do chunkies like me look for such items? ;oP

I hasten to add I do not own a cycling rain coat or gloves - only summer stuff. (clears throat....shuffles off shame faced.....)

Hi Penny,

I find that a pair of jeans with footless tights underneath, a lightweight lined rain jacket , gloves and a nice snuggly neck warmer does the trick for me.
( not that I need all that gear at the moment in sunny Portugal ! )

Lynda

 

[mrpscott]

I must confess to not being a wet weather rider but am happy to cycle in freezing conditions - if dry! I use the Gore Wear Wind Stopper jacket and bib tights with proper base layers and whilst the kit is expensive it just works!

 

[yselmike]

The biggest pain is putting it all on,up to 4 layers of Icebreaker merino, top layer with hood topped with a gore-tex soft shell.
jeans and gore over trousers, waterproof gloves and shoes works great .

 

[PennyFarthing]

Thanks for your replies.

I tend to ride to work and back - not too far, around 7 miles round trip (if I don't detour to the shops after work) but of course the weather can change for the return journey, so need to cover wet and cold.

What are bib tights???

Footless tights a good idea.

Will check out Gore wear weind stopper jacket.

I tell you what I do need - I need something to stop cold air whistling into my lungs. When younger I used to use a cycling mask (to keep exhaust fumes out) but could use a snood or something. Wondering what there is out there these days...

Gloves - not used any yet. Particular types?

Thanks - I need encouraging to cycle the entire year round.

 

[Scottyf]

I'm still riding all weathers but it's taking it's toll on my bike and it's ruining it a little more every day.

My commuting clothing

Helmet with peak to stop rain in eyes
Thinsulate fleece gloves
Altura night vision jacket
Normal t shirt
Full length lycra
Altura waterproof over trousers
(don't want to scare people in my Lycra)
Riding shoes
Water proof gortex over shoes which are great

Ride in the rain all the time and still haven't fitted the mudguards

 

[funkylyn]

I tell you what I do need - I need something to stop cold air whistling into my lungs. When younger I used to use a cycling mask (to keep exhaust fumes out) but could use a snood or something. Wondering what there is out there these days...
.

The snuggly neck warmer...or snood will do that for you Penny.....works a treat......so no need to frighten people wearing a surgical type mask LOL

Oh..... and wear lots of layers, then you can strip off at will

Lynda

 

[yselmike]

The snowboarders have some balaclavas will get some when it gets cold, i wear snoods but my problem is my eyes watering.
a baseball cap works to keep the hood of my softshell in place and out of my vield of vision.
I really want to ride in all weathers only real storms and ice and snow will stop me.
though the bike gets filthy have to wheel it into the shower once a week and give it a good wash.

 

[tillson]

I can also recommend the Altura Night Vision jacket mentioned above. It has plenty of ventilation, but also keeps you dry. Its so well ventilated that I wear it all the time.

Sealskinz are excellent for both gloves and socks. Just put the socks over your regular socks and your feet will be warm and dry in any weather. The gloves keep the cold and wet out too and aren't too bulky.

I tend to wear any old rubbish to cover my legs. I find that my legs don't overheat, so don't need to spend a lot of money. The rest of my cycling gear is either from Aldi or Lidl, good quality at a realistic price.

I wear a neoprene cap under my cycling safety bonnet and if it is really cold, a tubular fleece thing around my neck which I can pull up to cover half of my face.

 

[funkylyn]

Oh...and Penny.....one more very important thing......good layer on your face of Clarins Beauty Flash Balm.....
cant imagine why all these men have left out something so important

Lynda

 

[indalo]

I can also recommend the Altura Night Vision jacket mentioned above. It has plenty of ventilation, but also keeps you dry. Its so well ventilated that I wear it all the time.

Sealskinz are excellent for both gloves and socks. Just put the socks over your regular socks and your feet will be warm and dry in any weather.

I bought a new cycling jacket in November by mail order. It was very good but just a little on the small side for me. As luck would have it, my partner finds it a great fit so she wears it every time we go out on the bikes now. For myself, I looked at the Altura Night Vision range and found their extra-large size was a great fit on me. I splashed out the little extra and bought the Evo model and find it a treat to wear. There's enough room for me to wear a fleece underneath and with a pair of waterproof, hi-vis gloves and a beanie-type hat, I'm never cold and don't get sweaty.

Some water-repellent, lined trousers keep my lower half cosy and it's only my toes that feel cold at times in this weather. I'll pick up some of those Sealskinz socks you mention Tillson and if that does the trick, I'll be happy as a sandboy.

Indalo

 

[aseb]

I've just got a snood and a cape.

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[donnoirf]

lidl footless tights are good normally £2.99 also available at home bargains. The bigger the size the better whether you are chunky or not.

try a skirt over the leggings,

I also wear a tight peeked cap under my helmet work extra warmth

This also a gr8 coat for cycling in, its a bit pricey but good

Unisex Flannel-Lined Rain Parka | Shop American Apparel

I also wear a pair on fleece gloves with a pair of extra long fingerless gloves over the top, to keep my forearm warm & to stop wind blowing up my sleeves

good luck with getting back on your wheels

 

[steveindenmark]

With regards to a face mask I use one of these and they are great.

Neoprene Snowboard Ski Cycling Face Mask Neck Warmer Bike Bicycle | eBay

I had to add a bit of velcro at the back to make it a bit tighter but it is lovely and warm and the neck piece tucks right inside your jacket and the side piece covers your ears and fits under you hat.

I have had mine for 2 years and would not ride without it in winter as it gets into the -20s here.

Steve

 

[PennyFarthing]

Thanks for all replies and helpful tips and advice what and where to buy. Much appreciated.

In the end I found a great jacket in the sales (online), bought a snoody thing just to cover my mouth (cold air affects one of my lungs), some wooly wrist no finger gloves (intend to purchase some cycling gloves soon).

Just need the footless tights. Might well pop to Lidl then.

Thanks again lovely go-fast wheely people.

 

[PennyFarthing]

Oh...and Penny.....one more very important thing......good layer on your face of Clarins Beauty Flash Balm.....
cant imagine why all these men have left out something so important

Lynda

ha ha ha - of course - those silly men!