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Ive started a new job and have an idyllic cycle to work, 9 miles along a disused railway. Straight and flat as you like.
But.
It's rained a lot and I dont like getting hot (migraines). Any recommendations for clothing? I can shower but wouldn't mind not being a hoffic mess when I get there.
Dont really want to be putting wet kit on to ride home.
Other than overshoes? What kit would you recommend?
Proper full mudguards would be top of my list!
The biggest, most encompassing mudguards you can fit, overshoes and possibly some form of gators.
Yeah, another vote for mudguards. Not cool, but way cooler that arriving at work with a large brown stripe up your ar$€.
Yup full mudguards. If your bike won't take proper full ones then swap it.
Keep spare dry kit at work.
If you can’t do full guards a mudhugger rear and crud xl front work surprisingly well.
What bike? Fit cyclo cross tyres and hugely reduce muck flingage.
Nah, trousers hide mud 😆. My very muddy commute a few years back had no showers. Shower before ride, Deodorant and clean the visible mud. Job done.
Arm warmers/legwarmers are brilliant for regulating your temperature when ambient conditions are changing. Especially in spring or autumn when it can be cold in the morning and hot on the way home.
It's a kinesis crosslight from the days of the white pearlescent frames.
Thanks for the suggestions so far
Yep, I had a commute very similar before covid. Very wet canal tow path through the winter. Like riding to work through a muddy river.
Planet X London Road with full mudguards, SKS Chromoplastics. Pretty much meant, unless it was actually raining, I didn't need to wear a jacket. I just got wet from the ground up. Mudguards stopped most but my feet just got soaked, Shimano MW5 and grip grab gaiters sorted that.
Didn't like wearing waterproofs do just went with winter bibs and changed at work. Always left at least shoes and trousers in the office.
I commuted for years along an unsurfaced rail line.
Full-length mudguards with a mudflap at the front.
Stops water being thrown up on your shoes and keeps your feet dry.
Used to fashion mine from washing-up liquid bottles.
Rainlegs are good for if it's raining.
Look ridiculous but work - and can be put on in seconds:
https://www.rainlegs.com/en/home
Other tips:
Carry dry socks. Office shoes left under the desk.
Go for a (Carradice) saddlebag / panniers rather than a rucsac to carry kit.
Proper (Goretex) waterproof jacket
Windstopper gloves (warm when wet for the journey home)
Invest in a hub-gear - the chains last forever over a derailleur system.
Dynamo lights.
As above really, I have full length mudgauards on a fixie for commuting and it seems quite weatherproof. Carradice saddle bag and a galibier rain top stashed in that. Usually use arm and leg warmers with a gilet to regulate temperature.
I also keep a stash of old kit at work for commuting home if it’s been lashing down in the morning, currently got, shorts, a top, some old shoes, screw fix waterproof gloves and a spare bike at work for emergencies. Work clothes get brought in with some spares at work too
I keep my riding kit in the boiler room at work
Doesn't make the office smell
Almost always dry to ride home in again.