We were asked to list one item of clothing that we always pick out of the pile for a wintery mountain bike ride. Here's what we picked. Following on f ...
By ben_haworth
Get the full story here:
https://singletrackmag.com/2024/09/these-are-our-go-to-winter-riding-apparel-stuff/
7mesh Thunderpants bought from ebay, a godsend in wet and crappy so from now till about June in the UK 🙂
A Dirtsuit for when it's truly filthy.
Merino buffs from er, Buff. Considerably warmer than the standard issue.
The usual bibs and base layer... Riding outside in the cold and wet? Sod that, when given the choice!
@scotroutes most (not all) of my winter is spent riding in Briskers, ergo they're winter gloves 🙂
Most important piece of winter wear for me - Mudhugger.
I don't wear it, obviously, but it saves my shorts / trousers from being worn through in a single winter.
Sad to see this thread. Currently 24.7C in my (home) office and have the fan running. But all too soon it's going to get grim
Endura Baa Baa merino skull cap, Shimano MW7 boots, Endura full fat waterproof winter gloves as I get really cold hands and slightly thicker mtb trousers (I believe they're Endura MT500).
I swear by my Endura BaaBaa long sleeve base layer. It's served me well both mountain biking and commuting through many a Scottish winter, paired with either a waterproof jacket or windbreaker.
For the legs, I like to go full Postman and wear shorts as long as possible but if not I use either Dare2B hiking trousers or Endura Humvees that could probably do with being replaced.
Shoes, Ride Concepts Accomplice. Only had a them a few months so we'll see how they hold up in winter paired with some water prof socks. Prior to that I just wore Etnies or DCs.
Still need to find some decent gloves that stop the old Raynauds setting in.
Overland Winter Gloves, done me proud for a few seasons now! Are the Brisker gloves w/proof? Thinking of getting the kids some as their regular winter gloves (not just for riding.)
100% briskers down to about 4 C for me.
Race face thermal fire trousers have made winter significantly nicer for me. Too how above 5C but fine for the cold wet crap. They aren't fully waterproof In a deluge but are pretty awesome for any day cold enough.
A Scott insulated jacket with prima loft is also on most days below 5 C. It's not waterproof so I have waterproof over the top if its chucking it down.
I had Shimano waterproof boots for years. They have finally died so I got some fizk boots form crc last year. They are super toasty
So, not a winter glove then.
we don't all live north of the wall.
Mudguard
Buff things and very thin Montane skull beanie with earflaps under helmet.
Knitted wool Altura gloves, multiple pairs to swap out on the ride, with an extra size up windproof softshell glove to go over in really cold conditions.
Good pair of bibs.
Warm but wicking hybrid merino & plastic base layer.
Proper nice merino socks with Shimano MW5 boots, with added reflective insoles layer.
Waterproof Endura shorts / 3/4's of indeterminate age.
Good waterproof, I've various to choose from, but more regularly a lightweight Scott windproof works better and is less sweaty.
I carry a set of single use chemical foot or hand warmers. Rarely used but brilliant hot water bottle when I do need it.
How did I guess the Briskers would be there, despite this “When it’s proper cold you’ll need something beefier”? So, not a winter glove then.
how cold is proper cold? Briskers are fine for me at around freezing.
I forgot to add my best piece!
Rab VR jacket. The lightest one. Layered as needed underneath.
I usually don't wear gloves but use Briskers in winter. If it's too cold for those I'm not going out.
Waterproof socks from Aldi are really good.
Anyone know what the fit/sizing of the Spada trolley are like?
My usual winter stuff is Endura Freezing Point jacket & Trousers with a base layer and jersey.
**** it, I'll own up: I use hand protectors (those EWS wannabee plaggy shields) for commuting & winter xc to keep the wind off.
go to throttle chimp for Spada clothing size guides
Shimano MW7's, so good I have two pairs and some RW5's.
I’ve got some Madison gloves that are like thin neoprene with on the back and thin palms. Bought them by mistake in a rush one summer day and it turns out they’re great all winter long (although a bit sweaty in summer). Cost under £20 and still going strong. No idea if they still make them. Prior to that I had a pair of thin neoprene kayaking gloves for winter.
Rapha trail windblock jersey, often reduced, they had them in the sale for 40 last month, sadly no longer. Light merino body with windproof front panel.
And their thermal base layers. Sadly seldom reduced. Stupid money for a base layer but they are amazing.
Madison DTE hybrid insulated jacket for frozen/snowy days.
Lovely and warm but surprisingly un-sweaty thanks to the softshell back and pits.
Could do with some reasonably priced waterproof trews this year. Any reccos?
I've got some sealskins gloves like these:
https://www.sealskinz.com/products/waterproof-all-weather-lightweight-glove?variant=36106112925845
But wouldn't recommend them, not that warm and the inner pulls away from the outer when you take them off so they're a faff to get back on.
In winter, my 8yr old rides in waterproof dungarees from Aldi, we were at glentress earlier this year where it didn't stop raining for the three days we were there and several people asked where we got them and "what a great idea!" (It's not rocket science!) I've got sick of getting wet through and filthy so decided to plump for the Madison dungarees. I'm kinda looking forward to trying them, but would be happy if I didn't really have to!
I’ve got some sealskins gloves like these:
Griston
But wouldn’t recommend them, not that warm and the inner pulls away from the outer when you take them off so they’re a faff to get back on
Correction, I have the MTB version:
https://www.sealskinz.com/products/waterproof-all-weather-mtb-glove?variant=35913914777749
Sub-zero gloves = Aldi lobster mitts. Otherwise I chuck some oversize Buffalo mitts in the bumbag if I'm hoping to get away with thinner gloves and need a get-you-home option if they get soaked or it's colder than expected.
The gloves I wear most through the winter are my Defeet dura gloves, not bulky so easy to carry a spare pair and you can double up on colder days. But I understand these won't be enough for some people. There are only one or two rides a year when I need to go full sealskinz. My one item I wear every ride is a Ground Effect baked Alaska, it can be used on its own, as an outer layer or as a mid layer. If I'm not wearing one I'll always have a gilet with me for the next 6 months, my preferred one just now is an Altura job with a light fleece on the inside of the front but a very breathable back, packs really small but is a bit more than just a windproof.
As someone else has put, rapha windstopper jersey is amazing in winter. You freeze when you stop, but when moving it is perfect down to about 5 degrees.
I got one of the rivelo softshell jackets from sportpursuit a couple of years back and that is great when it gets properly cold (below 5 degrees).
Use long bib shorts and either waterproof or softshell shorts for nearly all winter. I tend to cook in trousers.
For a truly shitty wet day my alpkit buffalo rip off top is fabulous. Great for dog walking as well. Contrary to instructions I wear a summer bike top underneath just for the rear pockets.
For hands I bought some px gortex over mitts. No lining, but keep the lighter under gloves toasty and dry.
Still need to find some decent gloves that stop the old Raynauds setting in.
Tell me about it. Even worse when you get put on blood thinners for life.
One good bit of winter kit I'm glad I have on winter commutes is a Belgian style cap from Decathlon. Keeps my ears warm. Looks like it's discontinued, but this type: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/merino-wool-road-cycling-cap-black/_/R-p-334458
As above, although opinions are very split, me and my daughter wear briskers most of the winter. When it’s wet and down to low single digits, our hands go through a period of feeling cold (and obviously wet), but as long as we are cracking on they warm up. Amber also has some nemos that I take but she very rarely wears. For more leisurely rides or when it’s very cold, I wear 100% hydromatic gloves.
I go for Endura trousers mainly, Singletrack if not utterly minging, MT500 waterproof if very very cold / wet. Both several years in and doing bizarrely well. Amber tried waterproof trousers but runs too hot so she wears whatever.
Five Ten goretex boots on my feet, this will be their third year and brilliant so far, I pair with waterproof socks when it’s really cold. Amber wears showers pass waterproof socks and summer five tens.
I’ve never had a really good waterproof jacket before, but I’ve just bought a gore endure so looking forward to trying that. Ambers go to jacket has just moved from a Madison to a Fox, which she appears to love and keeps her dry. 🙂
I've just bought some Madison Zenith DWR 4 season trousers for £49. They have proper waterproof material on the backside and back of the legs. Haven't tried yet, but great reviews and they look bombproof.
As someone else has put, rapha windstopper jersey is amazing in winter. You freeze when you stop, but when moving it is perfect down to about 5 degrees.
I have Endura Jetstream which is similar I think - almost windproof front and arm panels, really breathable warm jersey material on the back. They are a great compromise on colder days and keep you drier from sweat than a fully windproof jersey. Baselayers make the warmth I find.
https://www.cyclist.co.uk/reviews/endura-fs260-pro-jetstream-jersey-ii-review
MrSparkleFull Member
Still need to find some decent gloves that stop the old Raynauds setting in.
Tell me about it. Even worse when you get put on blood thinners for life.
If you feel the cold (I do) and struggle to keep your hands warm then https://www.hotpog.co.uk/ classic Pogies are the only thing that has worked when the temps drop below about 3 deg C.
Some people dont got on with them when riding really tech stuff but they allow me to wear thin gloves even when it's sub zero. Dont forget to take warm gloves for any stops though!
Cold feet too, last year wasn't too cold when I got out and the Addidas GTX boots worked ok with woolie boolies or waterproof socks. not sure how I'll faire in really cold conditions.
Other things - long trousers over bib longs really help keep the cold at bay.
Buffs - head, kneck, face.
Spare gloves.
Ride solo or with people that ride at a similar speed to you - keeping going is far better than frequent stops to regroup.
As someone who lives near the south coast, is often in the woods, and runs pretty hot, my winter riding apparel is much the same as the rest of the year! Socks get a bit longer/thicker, second base layer gets added, buff to keep my neck warm, warmer gloves (Briskers!) I've got some of those insulated Five-Tens but it's usually not cold enough for them. If it's really cold or chucking it down then the MT500 waterproof comes out but not often. And I stop turning up for group rides in sleeveless T-shirts or vests!
Brynje thermo t-shirt. Humiliating to be seen in, but it works a charm.
citizenlee
Free MemberStill need to find some decent gloves that stop the old Raynauds setting in.
I have low circulation- been diabetic for 40 years- so it's not exactly like raynauds in terms of mechanics but probably quite similiar in terms of effect...
Anway, first answer is pogies, they are phenomenal, but do have downsides. I've never been happy with them for more full on riding, they tend to shift and bump around and irritate and just generally feel like trouble. But I have them on the fatbike for any less extreme riding and I love 'em. Like, literally any gloves I've worn are about keeping me functional, the very best keep me more or less comfortable but cold, but the pogies + thin normal gloves keep me <warm>
I keep messing with them to try and find a #enduropogie approach but I'm not convinced it's possible.
So for that reason, Glacier Gloves Perfect Curves. These are drysuit neoprene, made for windowcleaners. They're precurved, and that's the end of the good new. They're sqidgy- you're way less connected to the bike, it's like wearing foam grips on your fingers, they don't just squidge, they sort of shear- so it's like having a flexstem for hands, you are not as connected. I can barely feel the brake levers. Also they are utterly unbreathable so you just can't wear them if it's not cold enough, they fill completely with sweat like a water bomb. And on that note, no matter what you do, they're hard to dry out and they end up smelling like something's died in them. Oh and if you get them muddy they can be pretty slippy on grips.
But they are the warmest gloves i've ever worn. Warmer than the winter motorbike gloves I used to wear, warmer by far than any of the bike specific efforts that bike tests keep saying are "incredibly warm", that are probably fine for normal people but useless for us. Literally nothing except heated gloves or pogies has ever come close for me. And so all those downsides? Sod em, trivial, below your notice when it's properly cold and you want to get out in the snow and do proper rides up mountains for hours. These keep my hands warm, they keep me riding properly, they mean my fingers work and I'm in control and safe for as long as I want . I love 'em. They're also 100%, perfectly waterproof so you can do stuff like dunk your hands in ice-melt river to clean them, or make snowballs.
They're only for if you need them, for anything else they're utterly terrible, but when you do they're the best bike kit in the world. Every cold fingered person should try pogies and they should try these and they should probably think about heated gloves too but to this day I've not found a heated glove I want to ride a pushbike in (oh but my gerbings on the motorbike, joy...)
Very old Regatta waterproof jacket that cost about £50 from Go Outdoors years ago, ok the taped seams are coming apart and it’s not as breathable as a £200+ goretex but I don’t care if it gets trashed if I take a tumble.
Scott insulated jacket with prima loft is also on most days below 5 C.
Yeah I picked up a gilet and a hoodie in the Austrian sales end of last ski season. It's so good!
Lululemon big chief shorts - the best thing they ever did
Rapha Roubaix Bib 3/4's to wear on the road or under shorts off road.
Base layer underneath?
I'm with Northwind. I do have Reynauds and I use Glacier gloves. I've got others which are better for riding in in every respect other than warmth but as soon as I have to contend with wet as well as cold my hands just stop bending, the Glacier Gloves are the only ones which keep me warm when it's cold and raining.
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Same problem with my feet. Northwave Celcius have been good, I've got two pairs. I've just bought a pair of 45Nrth Ragnarok Tall boots for the Puffer, although not tried them yet. That's seven pairs of winter boots now, the Shimano ones aren't as good. The key thing me at stuff like the Puffer is regular changes to dry ones. Obviously not possible on long point to point rides but when there's an option to pit every lap new boots every three or four hours is a godsend.
I love my briskers in winter, it's all I wear even down to below freezing. I find that if my hands are cold after the first climb I just shove them in my coat pockets until they warm up, then they're warm for the rest of the ride.
andrewh
I’ve just bought a pair of 45Nrth Ragnarok Tall boots
I really wanted to get some of those but there weren't many option for actually buying them.
Charlie the Bike Monger said they would be able to order them in but I had no idea on sizing or fit. It was an expensive gamble.
How do they fit compared to other stuff? Don't suppose your collection of boots includes any Lakes does it? That would be a good comparison.
Paramo smock, best water/windproof jacket, so good I have two!
@boco - which one are you using - Fuera? I'm fed up of getting cold from sweating under membrane fabrics so up for giving the Paramo system a try. Really like the Bentu windproof I bought recently but it's probably a bit flappy for on the bike..
7 Mesh thunder pants are FANTASTIC! This is my 3rd winter in them. Totally waterproof, breathable and utterly comfortable. In the wet I wear neoprene gaters with fizik boots. You can wade through a river and still not get wet feet. In winter I also wear foot warmers that are brilliant. Essential your feet are dry though as they won't work when wet. Endura wproof gloves and a spare pair of gloves and a spare long sleeve top just in case. There's nothing nicer than putting dry gloves/top on if you've been wet and cold. Also a spare pair of waterproof socks in case water gets in. Then I put them on to keep my feet dry in wet shoes.
I was given a 7mesh Chilco jacket and it's fast becoming my favourite winter riding clothing item.
Been worn on and off the bike in up to 10 degrees and yesterday below freezing with a strong wind drifting the snow.
Short sleeve merino on underneath when above 5 long sleeve merino when below 5.
It really is remarkable how it manages to be warm but regulate temperature so i'm not sweating to death.
I generally don't wear conventional shell jacket because I just sweat in them and end up cold from being so wet from the inside out.
Off the back of the Chilco I've ordered a 7Mesh Spruce hoodie which is made of the same material but a lighter weight for slightly warmer conditions.
