Hi,
I have been put off going out al ot lately because of the cold so I think I should get some propper kit to keep me warm.
I have a question though. Is it better to have : a) A long sleeve base layer (wicking) and a S/S jersey over the top or
B) A S/S base base layer and a L/S jersey over the top?

Also I might get some bibtights. Are 3/4 enough for this time of year or are full ones better? I have seen a pair of Satini fluid twistgel 3/4 lenght ones for £40 that look good.

Thanks for any help.

Andy S

10 Degrees.

Full length Specialized Bib Tights.
Summer socks.
Shoes + Overshoes
Long Sleeve Thermal Baselayer + Gilet + Long Sleeve top (not very thick and you can get them for about £40)
Long Fingered gloves
Cotton Cap or skull cap
Helmet

Easy.

Leg warmers are an option now the weathers a tad better,wore some for 1st time this year yesterday,been in bib tights up to now.Defo layer up on top half then if you get warm,strip.Yesterdays outfit in mild Somerset,
leg warmers
Dave Rayner fund bib shorts
wool socks
shoes and overshoes
long sleeve base layer
roubaix long sleeve top
windtex gilet
roubaix gloves
merino beanie
helmet
vaseline on lips

Poofs.
Yesterday in Derbyshire:

Bib tights
Teeny weeny sox, no overshoes
Long sleeve jersey, no base layer
Waterproof/windproof jaclet
Mitts

and I was too hot!

cold? managed to get out yesterday in just shorts, ss base layer and a ss jersey. bring on the summer

cold? managed to get out yesterday in just shorts, ss base layer and a ss jersey. bring on the summer

Nutter.

Yesterday in central-south Spain:

longsleeve base layer
SS jersey
LS jersey
Gilet
3/4 bibtights
wool socks and lycra overshoes
short gloves

But if weather continues like right now, tomorrow it will be lighter stuff (about 18ºC at midday).

Yesterday in Yorkshire Wolds: S/S base layer, long sleeve jersey, 3/4 bibtights and a centimetre or 2 of nature's natural subcutaneous insulation....

I'm still wearing legwarmers, l/s jersey with gilet and longsleeved baselayer underneath.

You wouldn't catch pro's out in shorts in this weather.

The only time I've been in shorts, or 3/4s this year is on the turbo.

Yesterday in Northern Italy (16 or 18 degrees)

s/s base layer
s/s jersey
thin armwarmers
shorts
legarmers
summer socks

Andy I would suggest getting a good s/s undershirt. With either a l/s or s/s jersey over the top it can still be used.
Arm warmers can be added (and even worn under a l/s jersey as well on cold days, if you want to take a bit of time to build up your cycling wardrobe)
The more versatility you can have in your clothing the better. Having said that, a winter thermal jacket is money well spent.

What's "legarmers"?

;-)

surely you mean what are "legarmers"

does he mean "legWarmers" (a missing W)

or

Le Garmers (a missing space) which would be a very rude swearword to add to your french vocab for your upcoming stint.

Thanks for all the comments guys.

At the moment I have a S/S jersey and L/S and S/S base layers. I think if I get some bibtights and a L/S jersey it will have me more or less covered for all but the really harsh weater. I will have a look in my LBS when I'm in town tomorrow and see when they have.

Are all bibtights fleece lined? Do you not get too hot riding in them at this time of year? Would 3/4 be a better bet?

Though the weather's getting better - I would suggest bibtights as a great investment at this time of year, then again you've got them read for next winter.

I've been in tights now since the beginning of October - that's about 6 months!

I think the most important thing in cold weather is a warm pair of bibtights because otherwise your knees get cold.
Since your knees don't have much muscle surrounding them to keep them warm you can have all sorts of problems if you stress them when cold.
On your top half set off dressed so you're just a little bit chilly - within about 2 or 3 miles you'll be comfy.

I recently bought a couple of merino tops - one long sleeve base layer and one long sleeve jersey and I have to say they are excellent. Yesterday I wore the base layer, a short sleeve top and a softshell jacket and I was nice and warm - even in torrential rain I felt cosy enough and I live in the fairly chilly and windy west coast of Scotland.. Oh also had on merino socks and overshoes.

Still in longs at this time of year and a skull cap (one of the best things I've ever bought) at the start of a ride. Wore shorts on my commute a couple of weeks ago but thats the one and only time this year.

In sub zero temps the 2 merino tops and softshell would be more than warm enough on the top.

Andy,
have a look at dhb 3/4 bibtights about £25ish from wiggle.
Very good quality for the money,they wash well and are great this time of year, not to thick fleece lined but enough to keep your knees warm and a comfortable level of padded insert.

Good call, Simon. Bib knickers are great at this time of year, with knee warmers an excellent alternative. Add a short-sleeved road jersey with undervest, gilet and armwarmers for real versatility.

Blimey.... today did my first commute of the year in normal Endura cycle shorts (not bibbed), summer socks, long sleeve base layer and a short sleeve top. Longfingered summer gloves completed it and didn't bother with anything under the skid lid. Was fine.

Set out at 06:50 and was in Marylebone by 08:00.

It must be bloomin cold to need base layer, jersey, gilet, etc.,!!!

if you ride in the city its a lot warmer than in the open coutryside.