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My first winter of riding and suddenly the mornings are not 11 -13 degrees but 3-4!
Any advice on what to wear out for the weekly 6am rides (in the dry)?
I have a bunch of layers and usually ride with MTB shorts over bib shorts and my Fox pads, then sealskinz socks.
Am I going to over the top with DHB winter bib tights and shorts (much of the stuff I do is tame) so I could forgo the pads, or try and fit them over / under?
Or do I just lose shorts and wear my GoreTex C5 cycling trousers?
I don't fancy getting 15 miles in and being too hot or cold...
Trial and error I know, but any advice is welcome.
never... winter, summer, shorts...
I have a pair of endura trousers for colder rides where i need to wear pads, or some thermal base layer leggings that go under shorts if i dont need to wear pads.
Always pays to be comfortable on the bike. If it gets really cold the thermal leggings go under the trousers to keep things proper toasty.
"below 10 degrees, cover your knees"
So either, knee warmers under baggies, 3/4 bib tights or full length tights.
Nice!
Bib tights tomorrow with baggies. Don’t really need to wear pads to be honest. Just need to accept that the tights will get muddy.
Persil are really coining it in from me now the mud is out!
Persil are really coining it in from me now the mud is out!
benefit of trousers - only one lower body layer than needs washing.
(well, the underwear and socks too, but they are just mildly sweaty, rather than muddy.)
I'll sometimes let them dry, brush them down, and wear them again if they arent too bad.
True and the goretex are waterproof, so I could just hose them...
I did get some full trousers last year. Still never worn them though. Long socks, kneepads and shorts are near as damnit full coverage anyway
Last winter I made the switch from shorts over tights to full length trousers. As above, once it's below about 10 degrees, that's when I wear them.
I've got a pair of Decathlon Fast hiking trousers which I wear over running tights, and I've just bought a pair of Endura Urban Stretch trousers, which I'll also wear over running tights. Both are a bit polyesterish, and I seem to generate a fair but of static, so the tights stop them clinging to my legs!
I really like being a little more cosy, and a little less crap on the legs is nice too.
Water proof shorts knee pads.
Socks I use neoprene sailing socks
Always shorts. Even when my legs look a bit purply blue...
I've just switched to winter mode,it's fairly wet and muddy where I am already so comfy base layer and lightweight over trousers work well for me-mainly to cut out wind chill,keep the me drier and keep the stuff that regualrly goes into the washing machine mud free and clean.My winter MTB rides are usually only 2 to 4hrs so don't need anything too heavy duty.
Ice on the trails. Then it's 3/4 length for me
winter bib tights 100% for the winter if you still want to wear shorts. I often do a morning gravel ride so its winter bibs and baggies. However for mountain bike rides its not just normal bibs, base layer and some trousers and I stay plenty warm enough.
Chaps are to the legs what a Gilet is to the torso. The perfect transitional garment.
Trousers all year. I'm not in a sum 41 tribute band, so don't feel the need to wear baggy cargo shorts.
Report:
Bib shorts (as usual), GoreTex trousers, sealszkinz socks and 5/10 DLX. Fantastic.
Got in covered, after an encounter with a bog, and just hosed myself off.
Short compression top, merino, mtb jersey and hard shell top - too hot. No need for the hard shell layer, even at 5 degrees.
Depends on duration of the ride and waht I have clean. The main benefit of tights for me is you can get out of them outside and it prevents all the mud going into the house.... which prevents me getting an earful 🙂
If it's wet or has been wet in the last week, my Fox Water Trousers over usual bib shorts. Keeps most of the wet outside my waterproof socks.
I got a pair of regatta questra lightweight softshell trousers, £15 off start fitness, took in the lower leg to make it narrower so more bike friendly They work well for trail rides below 10 degrees for me.
Ignore all the hard men comments your knees will thank you in later years.
Totally recommend the Race Face Sub Zero knee pads. Come down longer over your shins, perfect with some thicker shorts through the winter. Cheap, too!
^^^^ I have a pair of them in large, wore once but too big, £15 posted if anyone wants them !
has anybody said “ron hill tricksters”?
This is the season is knee warmers and winter bib shorts. Perfect for those in between conditions.
Wear a pair of baggies over the top if you must.
My shorts stop at the knees, after that they are longs or even trousers.