[Closed] Roadies - what do you wear at this time of year?

aldi gilet rolled up in a back pocket

Long sleeve top or short sleeve and arm warmers. Bib 3/4s or bib shorts with knee warmers. Gillet for early starts, maybe thin shoe covers.

Thin base layer, LS jersey (or SS and arm warmers), gilet. All about the gilet. I virtually never remove it on a ride, they're not that hot.

what kind of long sleeve top @cheers_drive?

soft shell?

what's a gilet? is it French!?

does nobody wear a windproof softshell type jacket?

3/4 bibs, SS jersey, Morvelo arm warmers and Gilet.
If its raining a LS castelli gabba and ss base layer.
Castelli Gabba is the best piece of waterpoof / windproof breathable kit ive bought for road.

Gilet if you need wind protection. A decent selection of base layers depending on how warm you want to be. Leg, knee and/or arm warmers as required.

The ubiquitous Gabba (alternatives are available) is pretty good for this time of year too for the conditions you describe above as it does give a bit of wind protection and warmth.

[url= http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/clothing/gilets-and-vests/product/review-aldi-crane-sports-cycling-gilet-10529/ ]Gilet[/url]

(I have a poor(er) people's gabba - capo lombardia. It's good too but too warm now for that, darn sarf)

sorry i am a complete newb to road cycling. Why would you choose a gilet over something like a softshell? is it the ability to add arm warmers depending on conditions?

Anywhere between about 6 and 14 degrees I'll have a long sleeved Gabba over a short or long baselayer, 3/4 bibs, shoes. Any colder and it's boots, bib longs and long base layer under a Sportful Fiandre NoRain. Gilet tends to be kept for summer rides over a short Jersey, with arm warmers - easy to pop in back pocket and covers around 15 degrees up

Generally - a base layer, knee warmers, shorts, jersey, arm warmers, gilet, oversocks and possibly a cap too.

Versatility beats anything else this time of year for me.

aldi base layer, Gore jersey, Gilet (gore activeshell reduced on amazon) and arm warmers.

sorry i am a complete newb to road cycling. Why would you choose a gilet over something like a softshell? is it the ability to add arm warmers depending on conditions?

Softshells are too warm / sweaty / not very breathable.
If you are putting in effort it just isnt the right type of garment.
Softshell is probably ok when its below freezing, windy and dry.

Gilet and arm warmers more versatile and can be put in a back pocket if warm.
A decent gilet is an excellent investment..

sorry i am a complete newb to road cycling. Why would you choose a gilet over something like a softshell? is it the ability to add arm warmers depending on conditions?

It's a handy layer that isn't bulky and doesn't do much more than add a bit of wind protection. Easily packable if you get too warm.

As has been said, a decent one is a very good thing to have, though TBH I very rarely wear one these days.

Temps vary a lot this time of year - I usually check the garden thermometer before putting my cycling gear on. Last Sunday, it was 4 degrees so I wore the full winter kit - thermal bibs, overshoes, thermal base layer, arm warmers, gilet, skull cap. Yet a week earlier, I was warm enough in shorts.

Arm warmers, gilet, knee warmers, light gloves and a skull cap are great for this time of year as they're small enough to fit in jersey pockets.

Grab one of the Scott gilets from start cycles. Windproof front, breathable rear. I wear it on probably 70% of my rides over winter/spring/autumn.

Cloudnine, blobby, ransos, thanks for clearing that up.

Oh and gloves... DeFeet Duragloves are most excellent for Spring.

Grab one of the Scott gilets from start cycles. Windproof front, breathable rear. I wear it on probably 70% of my rides over winter/spring/autumn.

Thanks, keep those recommendations coming. I'm on quite a tight budget.

Any recommendations for good value arm warmers/ long sleeve/ short sleeve base layers?

S/S top, gilet, bib shorts and dependant upon how cold it is possibly arm and leg warmers.

I find the Gaaba is too warm once the temp get close to double figures.

Oh and gloves... DeFeet Duragloves are most excellent for Spring.

Thanks again. They don't look very windproof....

Oh and gloves... DeFeet Duragloves are most excellent for Spring.

+1. I tend to wear them over mitts, and take them off once it's warmed up.

They don't look very windproof....

They're not but are surprisingly good over a fair range of temps. I don't much like mitts so go from winter lobsters, to Duragloves, to bare hands.

I mix and match a lot. Start is almost always a ls compression top, irrespective of season (after skin cancer in my dad i like coverage)

I've a ss top to wear over it (Planet-x are decent for not much cash) or a warmer weight ls top if it's colder. The a gilet - always worth having unless it's properly hot, takes no space up if you take it off.

Have been known to add arm warmers over the ls compression top, again what works at 0730 when I set off isn't necessarily right at midday.

On the bottom - bib shorts with knee warmers, or in winter roubaix bibtights. Knee warmers rarely come off, needs to be proper hot again. I just like having warm knees, OK?

Feet - usually merino socks for 340/365 days..... thinnies for the really hot ones. Winter boots and overshoes for bad days through to shoes with flandrian booties for spring and mornings. I hate cold toes as much as I hate cold knees.

Ive been wearing the 100% Brisker gloves on the road for the last few months.. getting too warm for me now but they are really great gloves for £20 and more of a mtb glove. They dont have the stupid gel pads that loads of mtb gloves have

Long finger men gloves work fine for spring road rides.
Ive just got a Stolen Goat Orkaan de Muur la jersey, havent had to test the waterproofness yet but its comfortable from the 5 to 15c

3/4 bibs, SS merino jersey, merino arm warmers ( for the morning and after 18:00), Snood and long cuff gloves. Gilet in my pocket unless below 5deg or above 20mph winds.

sorry i am a complete newb to road cycling. Why would you choose a gilet over something like a softshell? is it the ability to add arm warmers depending on conditions?

At the risk of stating the obvious, it depends how cold/hot you think you're going to get!

You'd want a long sleeve windproof in your wardrobe too of course, and it can be tricky to decide what to set out in at this time of year.

A windproof gilet + armwarmers combo is warmer on a chilly morning than you might think once you get going. It's more versatile if you think you're likely to want to take something off, and whatever comes off will take up less space in your jersey pocket.

For today in the Midlands I'd probably have gone SS jersey, shorts, arm + knee warmers, and a gilet. A bit colder and I'd maybe swap the shorts and knee warmers for some thicker 3/4s, and maybe the gilet for a long-sleeved windproof.

Short sleeve vest as base layer.
Bib shorts
either mid-weight long sleeved top or short sleeved cycling top plus arm warmers depending on how windy/cool it is or what it's forecast to do later in the ride.
Gilet
Leg warmers
Overshoes (optional - depends on state of roads really)

Gilet, leg and arm warmers can be stuffed in jersey pockets if things warm up. Flexibility is the key, at this time of year temperatures and conditions can vary widely.

Difficult this time of year, especially if commuting when it's cold in the morning and warm in the afternoon. Currently I'm wearing a merino base, with a normal summer jersey and the aforementioned scott gilet from start cycles (£15 - bargain) on top, with arm warmers and a castelli packable shell that goes in a pocket. lower down normal bibs with thin gore leg warmers (the non-fleecy ones). This does me from about 5 degrees to 15. If it get really warm then the gilet can be unzipped, the arm and leg warmers can go in a jersey pocket and the arms of the merino base rolled up.

3/4 Lycra & Gore windstopper long sleeve jersey (not jacket)

The top is the most money I've ever spent on a bit of cycling gear (was reduced to £80) is very very good though, so far used it from about 2-12 degrees

The Gore Windstopper Jersey I use is very versatile for spring/autumn. Well worth it. I think I got it for the same price. Was it a PSA on here?

Short sleeves and bib shorts, arm and knee warmers with oversocks if it's on the cool side or damp.

Gilet if it's dry or showerproof when there's a possibility of rain, either can be packed away when things warm up /dry out.

Castelli Lightness full finger gloves but starting to favour mitts a bit more now.

Just washed and put away my winter stuff, kit now comprises:

Baselayer
Bibshorts
HRM
Knee warmers
Arm warmers
Socks
Cap
gloves.
Very light gillet.
Helmet.
Shoes
Oversocks
As it gets warmer the knee warmers and gilet may get left behind, I've started to wear arm warmers more due to getting itchy arms which is apparently from repeated sunburn.

Similar part of the world to you OP.

Short sleeved jersey under a thin jacket on cold/damp days.

Long sleeved winter jersey on milder ones.

Whatever I pick it's usually wrong.

Overshoes/oversocks matter more on a roadbike than MTB as you're out in the wind more and riding faster - your toes can get cold much more quickly than you'd expect.

I've recently started commuting almost every day so I've needed some extra kit and I've been very impressed with the quality and fit of Wiggle's DHB. I would kit yourself out with a few different cheaper bits and pieces as suggested above and see how you get on. You'll essentially learn from experience what it is you need - different people run hot or run cold or have different physiologies meaning different kit needs

From the top:
Cap under helmet. Not always but sometimes in the mornings.
Short sleeve base later.
Short sleeved jersey.
Arm warmers.
Gillet.
Gloves of various thicknesses and finger length.
Bib shirts, thicker winter ones if it's cold.
Knee warmers.
Merino socks.
Toe warmers over shoes.

I don't think I've ever worn a softshell on a road bike, far too hot for any real efforts.

It's all about the warmers at this time of year, today going to work I was ss Base Layer, ss jersey, bib shorts, arm and knee warmers and defeet dura gloves (and oversocks) on the way home, gloves and gilet went in the bag and it was spot on. Yesterday I dropped the knee warmers too in the afternoon.

Soft shells and the like for me, are far too hot if you're pushing it, my soft shell only comes out if it's below freezing.

Bib shorts or tights; normal socks (and overshoes if extra chilly); compression/baselayer top; soft shell jacket.

[url= http://www.wiggle.co.uk/northwave-arctic-jacket/ ]This is the jacket[/url], and it definitely passes the test.

I'd normally go with a very similar combination of baselayer, warmers and gilet with bibs and jersey like most folk on this thread. However tomorrow may see a lightweight waterproof jacket making an appearance. 6 to 8am looks horrible out there.

Cap under my helmet.
Base layer
Long Sleeve Club jersey.
3/4s
Over socks over shoes.
DeFeet Gloves

Roughly speaking one more layer or length more than on the Mtb. Gilet is useful. And no baggies.

First bare knee ride of the year today. I don't like arm warmers because they fall down my thin weedy arms.

So a long sleeved compression top and short sleeve jersey, or vice versa. Ubiquitous gilet to stave off the cold. Bibshorts and Gore kneewarmers, which have been excellent. I'm also wearing very thin Endura gloves at the moment.

I've found the Castelli Toe Things to be absolutely superb and have used them through most of our (mild) winter. Still wearing them today.

Gilet. Get one, make sure it matches your kit. It will keep you warm, dry(ish) and packs to nothing.

For real driving rain I take a mavic H2O rain coat with taped seams. Four hours on Saturday proved it's worth. I also wear velotoze when wet but they are not the easiest overshoe to put on, and your feet will be wet from the inside - so merino socks are a must.

TiRed, my arms are a bit weedy and I'm fine using the Compressport arm sleeve things, compression fit so very tight and come in a few fits. Not really meant to be for warmth but they do a good job when it's not quite warm enough for short sleeves.

Those Toe Things stay on ok?

Those Toe Things stay on ok?

Last night was:

arm warmers
knee warmers
standard bibs
short sleeved top
windstopper gillet
thin gloves
thin(ish) socks

in the spirit of "you can never get it right at this time of year" I should also have had:

overshoes
warmer gloves

I don't like arm warmers because they fall down my thin weedy arms.

I doubt you'll be any skinnier than me, and I've had no issues with Castelli Nanoflexs

Notice they only do one size, is it really stretchy then? Will they fit my 47's?

They do four sizes: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/castelli-nanoflex-armwarmer-ss16/rp-prod88531

Sorry legend, I was on about the toe thingys, not the arm warmers.

Depends if it's after 6pm. The temperature still drops quickly.
All year round- tee mesh baselayer, cycling cap.
Gloves; the DeFeet duragloves are excellent, and Prendas do them quickly delivered.
Our club kit is made by BioRacer, who also make the Stolen Goat kit and a lot of it looks very similar in construction/pad to Morvelo.
The Tempest jersey, bibs and warmers are just bloody brilliant. Depending on how the weather is looking I may swap the bibs and leg warmers for a pair of Morvelo stormshield 3/4 knickers.
I stick the jerkin in my back pocket just in case. It's a mesh back but wind proof/water-resistant front and shoulders and fits snugly.
Glasses; all year round. There's always wind, dust, flies, rain etc...
I've a pair of Pearl Izumi softshell overshoes that are still being used occasionally if the temperature is low, even if it's dry. Otherwise a pair of the Belgian Bootie oversocks will make a difference.
Again, the DeFeet via Prendas kit is favoured.
The latest round of Rapha ones with the pre-cut cleat holes are nowhere near as good as their older ones.

Useful websites- https://www.athleteshop.co.uk/search/?q=bioracer
http://stolengoat.com/
http://www.prendas.co.uk/

Notice they only do one size, is it really stretchy then? Will they fit my 47's?

I think I might be the only one not wearing a Gillet! Mine is bulkier than my waterproof, so if I think I might end up removing it, I tend not to bother. As others have said, cap under helmet, SS base layer, SS club jersey, Nanoflex arm warmers, knee warmers and bib shorts, maybe overshoes.

I don't like arm warmers because they fall down my thin weedy arms.
I doubt you'll be any skinnier than me, and I've had no issues with Castelli Nanoflexs

Nanoflex shorts are also pretty long and are slightly insulated as well as water proof so do me for most of the year. In fact, this year, I haven't needed proper winter tights, the Nanoflex shorts and either knee or leg warmers have been enough, and I feel the cold.

3/4 length or short bib and long sleeve top. Been plenty warm enough here in Cornwall....

all bought in Planet X sales..... kit seems good for the price.

Cheers, Steve

The Tempest jersey, bibs and warmers are just bloody brilliant

Understatement of the year 😀
Bioracer Tempest and DeFeet Duragloves comprise most of my road wear for about seven months of the year.

mrblobby - Member

Sorry legend, I was on about the toe thingys, not the arm warmers.

Well now you know something about arm warmers that you might not've earlier anyway 🙂

Base layer
Gabba
Arm warmers
3/4 bib shorts
Full finger gloves
NW boots
Gilet and Cape in pockets for 'just in case'moments.

[i]It has been freakin cold up here though,and at times it's felt too early for the 3/4s [/i]

Leg warmers are useful for cool mornings/warm evenings. And a base layer under a short sleeved jersey. Make sure you wear mitts though, as I always feel like a bit of a gimp when I end up with short sleeves and warm gloves on.

Currently I'm still in my winter gear here though (Glasgow), although this is unusual.

3/4 thin roubaix bibs

Endura Jetsream jersey

TBH I never got on with arm/leg warmers unless it was a really early start in summer when 10C+ temp changes were expected. And even then, as long as you didn't atop before 9 it was usually warm enough.

Bioracer Tempest

Got a few Bioracer bits from when our club used them for kit. Disappointingly changed suppliers now. Any UK shops selling Bioracer kit or do you buy from the EU?

We've not had much *really* cold weather this year, so 90% of my riding has been in ss base/jersey and gilet with shorts worn with Castelli Nanoflex full-leg and arm warmers.

My team supplier is Champion Systems so I use their Intermediate Wind Vest for most of the time - it's a brilliant bit of kit - but I'm moving on to their single-thickness Windguard Vest now temps are in double figures.

I wear Lake winter boots and use Defeet Belgian Booties or Neoprene overshoes if it's really cold/wet.

As long as my hands are warm, I don't tend to worry about the rest - I can usually generate enough heat to warm up, and I'm rarely out for more than 3 hours, so it's not like it's gonna kill me!!

The only time cold bothers me is when doing Zone 2 or reco rides as I just don't generate enough heat to keep warm.

Any UK shops selling Bioracer kit or do you buy from the EU?

My team kit is made by them so we get Tempest fully printed up, and we also get access to the 'plain' unbranded stuff too. Not sure there's many stockists here to be honest so the Euro shops may be the way forwards.

My team kit is made by them so we get Tempest fully printed up, and we also get access to the 'plain' unbranded stuff too.

Mm yes, quite annoying that mine has decided to drop them as I really liked their kit.

I tend to pick a few bits and pieces up whenever I'm in Belgium watching CX - there's always a stall selling Bioracer cheaply. Not much help really but it adds to the reasons for going 😀 The waterproof racing caps are worth their weight in gold.

Doh, wrong thread!

Toethings stay on fine and have been the [s]winter[/s] soft southern mild wet long autumn clothing revelation. They hook over the cleat and, for my Look cleats, are unnoticeable on engagement. They have worn through slightly underneath where I walk on them, but not to any significant extent. I would replace them in an instant.

I do have club kit arm warmers (Champion Systems), they aren't that bad, but I wear long sleeves almost all year for warmth then sun protection, so find a compression top (ZXU) in white or black is fine. I do like my Castelli wifebeater string vest under long jerseys and particularly roubaix at this time of year.

Castelli wifebeater string vest

The best base layer. Have a few of these.

The best base layer.

I did some 35mph breakdancing on a wet road last year and my Castelli base layer welded itself into the skin of my 'love handle'.

I now have a distinctive mesh pattern scarred into me!

Last couple of months commuting i've been surgically attached to my Endura MT500 light-softshell-jacket-y thing with a varying amount of base layers under it & a lightweight windstopper gillet if the wind becomes an issue, it's discreet enough that it doesn't look like a mtb top and has a light shell on the arms & shoulders with a much lighter fabric under the arms for ventilation - probably the most versatile bit of kit I own, it's great. Wish the same could be said for the FS260 3/4 bibs i've started wearing again in the last week or so, if much more of the stitching on these spontaneously unravels, they'll explode off me one day in a shower of fabric leaving me in the scud from the waist down 😕

Gilet, leg and arm warmers can be stuffed in jersey pockets if things warm up. Flexibility is the key, at this time of year temperatures and conditions can vary widely.

For leg and armwarmers my favourites are the DeFeet armskins and kneekers. I've had Roubaix stuff before but find the Defeets stay up better and work well. The Merino are warmer than the non-merino (I've got both).

Gilets - it's just a wind barrier so you don't need anything fancy. I've got 3 or 4 I've accumulated over the years. Endura Laser I used to wear communting. Tough and has lasted well with a lot of use. I've got an ancient Pace with a lovely fleecy collar but it's bulky.

On the road bike the Endura Pak-a-Gilet wins on packing the smallest. Fabric feels delicate (I'd not trust it through the woods off road) but that doesn't matter on a road bike.