The Ultimate Winter Cycling Kit - A Guide For Cold Weather Rides
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- čas přidán 28. 05. 2024
- Winter cycling in the UK can be a miserable affair. Cold… Damp…. Windy …. And Wet. So you need the right kit. But with winter kit costing twice as much as normal kit, mistakes can be expensive. So in this video, I’m going to share with you the kit I reach for when it gets really grim.
Socks:
Merino Wool Ski Socks
amzn.to/3tyWyDP
Tights:
Assos MILLE GT WINTER BIB TIGHTS
www.assos.com/gb/mille-gt-win...
Base Layer:
SPATZWEAR 'BASEZ 2' Black Baselayer
www.spatzwear.com/collections...
Jacket:
Castelli ALPHA RoS 2 JACKET
www.castelli-cycling.com/GB/e...
Gloves:
SPATZ "THRMOZ" Deep Winter Gloves with fold-out wind blocking shell
www.spatzwear.com/collections...
Winter Cycling Boots:
North Wave Cycling Boots
www.northwave.com/en/8-road/s...
Overshoes:
SPATZ 'Roadman 3' Super-Thermo Hi-Viz Reflective Overshoes
www.spatzwear.com/collections...
Rain Cape:
Gore Shakedry Rain Jacket
www.gorewear.com/en-uk/c5-gor...
Previous Reviews
SPATZWEAR 'BASEZ 2' Black Baselayer
• SPATZ BASEZ 2 Winter C...
Castelli ALPHA RoS 2 JACKET
• Castelli Alpha RoS 2 W...
SPATZ "THRMOZ" Deep Winter Gloves with fold-out wind blocking shell
• SPATZ THRMOZ Deep Wint...
SPATZ 'Roadman 3' Super-Thermo Hi-Viz Reflective Overshoes
• SPATZ Roadman 3 Oversh...
Gore Shakedry Jacket
• GORE SHAKEDRY 1985 Cyc...
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:22 - Socks
03:35 - Tights
05:04 - Base Layer
06:35 - Jacket
08:29 - Gloves
10:10 - Winter Cycling Boots
11:30 - Oversoes
13:35 - Rain Cape
About Ribble Valley Cyclist:
I am a regular road cyclist based in the Ribble Valley, in the North West of England. I have been a cyclist my whole life, and try to get out every day. The purpose of my CZcams channel is to share the knowledge I’ve built up in my 40 years as a cyclist.
Follow me on Facebook:
/ ribblevalleycyclist
Email me:
ribblevalleycyclist@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram:
/ ribblevalley_cyclist
See my routes on Komoot:
www.komoot.com/user/184990942... - Sport
English winter weather is like any summer day in Sweden. I need recommendations for real winter conditions 🇸🇪😁
Agree with you. Chicago in U.S. Midwest also gets icy cold.
There will always be somewhere colder, and there will always be somewhere warmer 🤣 😉
LOL 😂 Sweden in the winter is like being in deep space . dark and near absolute zero . 🤣
Thank you for the video. Sweat molecules are smaller then water molecules and they can pass through Gore-Tex fabric. Living in Canada i have half a dozen Gore-Tex jackets, And yes they Don't work 100%.
Thanks for explaining. My two must be broken then, because it ain't getting out 🤣
I don’t think Gore consider the sweat in liquid form, rather the vapour form. I find it doesn’t work so well. The only hope is where you only wear a light base layer beneath. Of course that is not appropriate for winter cycling.
I use GORE windstopper fleece jacket, not perfect, but keeps out light showers and is toasty and very comfortable. Better for me than a goretex shell jacket.
@ribblevalleycyclist there's videos on here that explain the science but the crux of it is this: in the true tradition of corporate American advertising and propaganda, Gore-Tex is marketing over science, it DOES allow sweat vapour to pass through it and it Will prevent rain getting through but it has been scientifically proven that it cannot do both things at the same time,so that when it is coated with rain, sweat will be. blocked from getting out and you will get damp from your own sweat.
There are/were better alternatives on the market but Gore-Tex have achieved a virtual monopoly by clever marketing.
Yes-you are sort of right there. Sweat which is composed mainly of water vapour is a very small molecule-smaller than a nitrogen or oxygen molecule, so it can diffuse through Goretex, but water in its liquid form has an apparent size much larger due to a phenomenon called “hydrogen bonding “ - ( chemistry lesson over!)
Northern Norway here. Hard conditions. Ride my bike 365 days per year, commuting and training, and in my mountain of kit are the items shown in this video. All very good. I’d also suggest a thin but slightly insulated vest, which is easy on/off and a great temp regulator.
Hi Northern Norway 👋. The vest is a great suggestion, thanks for adding
The very best cycling jacket that I have ever seen, is a £20 Aldi special, BRIGHT YELLOW , a long neck to stop water running down your back, and keep you neck warm, water proof, a long back to keep your arse dry, and under arm vents.
Thanks, Joe, I'll keep an eye out for that when I'm in there next. If I see one, I'll grab it...... Love a bit of Aldi Middle Isle 🤣
@@ribblevalleycyclist Sorry, it was about 15 years ago, but they might have similar one pop up.
I think a “Is Aldi kit any good” video would be great though
@@ribblevalleycyclistI think if you're doing the LEL, investing in expensive shorts and gear would be worth it, but for the commuter and weekend cyclist (that's me) , it's perfectly ok.
I suspect you're probably right 👍
Nice video, one small addition regarding the breathability topic: I fear you do have a little misconception about this. Pouring water into the inside of the jacket does not have to do anything with breathability, you have just proven that the jacket is waterproof. It basically doesn't matter from which side...
The way those fabrics work is the following: They have super small pores (holes) in them that are to small for fluids to pass through (this is due to the surface tension of water). However, water vapor will pass through those pores, because the water molecules do not bond together (no surface tension). You could test this with a similar setup using boiling water in your jar and the covering the latter with the jacket. If the jacket is breathable, you should see the vapor coming throught the fabric. That's actually also the way manufacturers test this.
Disclaimer: I do not own a shakedry jacket, so if from personal experience in the fiel you're saying it's not breathable...that's a shame...Your example is just a little misleading :).
Cheers!
Hi,
The idea behind that demonstration was to show that if no water can pass through the fabric from the inside, then it’s highly unlikely that sufficient air or sweat vapour will either. We can both agree, it’s an amazing fabric…… but it’s not 'Breathable’, as Gore claims.
@@ribblevalleycyclist What moritzberger9383 says is right, you've misunderstood how breathable fabrics work
I’m not misunderstood, I know exactly how it works…. Sweat Vapor’s are thinner than…. and all that malarkey. Just because something claims to be breathable, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll breathe enough. And both my years of using this fabric and this simple demonstration prove that.
@@ribblevalleycyclist I agree with you, in practice the whole concept of breathable fabrics is a bit of a con, at least when doing anything other than very light exercise. But all your demonstration shows is that liquid water doesn't pass through. The whole point is that water vapor ie gaseous water, can pass through. Completely different substance.
I’ve inflated that jacket with my compressor. It stayed inflated for a considerable amount of time. I’ll do a short on it.
It seems like the breathability test at the end was really a test of Shakedry's waterproofing, since water was being used in the liquid state. It would have been interesting if steaming water was placed in the bowl, the jacket was placed on top, and the dry towel was placed on top of the jacket.
Good suggestion, Rich. The issue I have with it is that air doesn't get into the jacket, so there is no evaporation. My demo was a half-baked attempt to demonstrate how nothing..... including air can get out.
@@ribblevalleycyclist But how would your test show or measure the movement of air, to demonstrate its movement or lack there of?
If you haven't tried it already, it sounds like you might want to check out a garment made from Polartec's NeoShell material. Is has been described as being 99% waterproof, or "as waterproof as it needs to be" while still being air permeable. This air movement is supposed to make the jacket more breathable and comfortable.
I think it's waterproof rating is 10,000 on the hydrostatic pressure test, whereas GoreTex and others are over 20,000. I think anything over 1,500 is considered waterproof. The idea is that NeoShell doesn't try to be "excessively waterproof" at the expense of breathability, kind of like using a sledgehammer to get a fly when a flyswatter will do just fine. I am recalling those number values from memory, so I will admit up front that I could be wrong and it's probably better not to quote me on them!
I first tried a NeoShell jacket on a winter night, and my initial impression was that I didn't like that air permeability. It seemed like it let some cold air in, which affected my comfort. I will admit, however, that I may have simply been under-dressed for the temperature, and that more riding is necessary to form a more educated opinion; that was just literally my first impression. It might also be quite different in spring and fall vs. winter.
I look forward to your future videos!
I do recall watching something about it when I was researching whether the Rab Kinetic Alpine 2 was a worthwhile purchase. My recollection was the NeoShell technology was superior to what was used in the Rab. It was a purchase I eventually made, because it covered both walking and cycling (Big hood for climbing helmet)..... and was waterproof enough for my needs.
I highly recommend Galibier bib tights and mistral jkt
I must admit, Gareth, I know of both, but haven't tried either. I will consider them next time.
Thanks 👍
Jon
You make really useful videos. Thank you
You are welcome!
Brilliant video, thank you definitely will be looking into some of this kit.
Thanks, Boseybear. Hope to get a winter bike one done soon too. 👍
Well done & entertaining as well. Can’t wait to get those ski soaks! Excellent idea
Used mine after my last video.... Ended up keeping them on all day 🤣
Gloves tip, a pair of latex rubber gloves under your normal gloves provides a great barrier to cold, rain and wind…
Great tip, Anthony! I've done that one a few times, as I carry a pair on the bike. Really helps.
Great video thanks buddy.. also from the north west was out this morning! ❄️ will check them items out thanks again
Wanted to get out, but DIY got the better of me….. Man down!!!! 😂😂
Great video, never heard of Spatz, will check their stuff out for sure. As for the Shakedry jackets: a hardshell jacket will never be as breathable as a softshell. But having owned multiple Goretex jackets in the past in 3-ply, 2 ply, Paclite and Shakedry, i find that Shakedry outperforms all the other versions by far. And the fabric doesn't wet out on the outside as with 3-ply hardshells once the DWR coating wears out on them. Once you go Shakedry-black you never go back... 😄
Hi Marco, Agreed, the Shakedry fabric is a game changer. Spatz.... an amazing brand. I can't stress it enough, if you're cycling in foul weather, you need to look at Spatz.
Dude! Best ever! Thank you.
Thanks 👍
it is sweat as a vapour (due to body heat)that passes through the membrane when sweating not water as in the "experiment". You will still get wet though with moderate to hard efforts as not enough vapour passes the membrane also depends on outside humidity . - on the whole great recommendations and agree shakedry is game changer
Hi Simon,
Glad you enjoyed the video.
The idea behind that demonstration was to show that if no water can pass through the fabric from the inside, then it’s highly unlikely that sufficient air or sweat vapour will either. We can both agree, it’s an amazing fabric…… but it’s not 'Breathable’, as Gore claims.
Perfect for winter: a recumbent bike with full enclosure. Warm,dr, and comfy. Shielded from ice and snow.
Hell no! For me the joy of cycling is being outside. I've cycled as low as three below zero Fahrenheit (19 below zero Celsius) so when I look for winter cycling tips that's what I am looking for lol.
But all the winter cycling tips come from Britain which is almost "warm" compared to upper Michigan here in the US.
I love that baselayer though!
Brilliant mate I’ve been looking for some cheap winter socks 😊
Eyup, Dave! They’re great. As I say though, a bit thicker than the normal stuff. Let me know how you get on with them 👍
Another good one.... Silk ski glove liners... 5 quid off flea bay.. Super thin, super warm.. My go to for winter rides.. Them gloves look great... Gonna check them out too 👍
Good call, Kev. I've actually got a pair, and yes, they work a treat. 👍
Thanks, love the winter kit videos. I have the Spatz Winter gloves as well, I find they’re good down to about 5 celcius. A great hack; put Hot Shot hand warmers in the backside (the wind facing side) of the lobster fingers, it’ll give you another 10-15 degrees and you don’t lose any control.
Fantastic tip, Chris. Thanks for that. I've got some Terratherm shoe warmers under my desk that I was going to review last winter...... Maybe I'll get round to it this winter 🤣
Hello jon, great video as usual. Got spatz over boots and spatz thermoz gloves and just got some lake cyclin boot and a gore shake dry jacket . Thanks for the advice and recomendations .love cycling in winter now . Thanks again
Hi Wayne, That sounds like the perfect setup. You'll be bomb-proof in that lot!!
I have the same jacket, tights also use long socks and shakedry for winter rides. The combination is excellent. I find the shakedry quite breathable but usually unzip the jacket or jersey underneath to avoid overheating. As others have pointed out water does not pass through the membrane but water vapour does.
Ski socks on the way, thanks for the tip! 👍
Enjoy!
Great channel, based on your comments on the Spatz brand in general, I’m giving the 4 season leg warmers a go and aero oversocks.
Bought headed insoles last year. With my Fizik winter boots = game changer. Feet are the one thing that I can't stand cold. Battery is a bit getting used to but I can now ride for hours when its ~30-35 degrees or so out. Agree on the big tights as well. Bought a pair of Assos last year and love them.
Now it's cold, I'm always in my Assos tights and Spatz kit. Have you watched my video on heated insoles? Here you go:
czcams.com/video/ZKBwFSmiGJQ/video.html
Your previous videos on winter kit got me through my first winter on tje bike. I always stopped riding nearly all winter (south Louisiana).. but the boredom of trainers was too much for me. Last year I was able to ride 4 times a week in the coldest of weather for the first time ever. And I was warm- and dry.
My secret weapon- The same Castelli jacket you like coupled with the Castelli Polare bibtights. These bibtights are absolutely spectacular.. I rode a few times in temps well below freezing and also at times very windy.. it was perfection.
I will try the tip on the ski socks and Spats baselayer this winter .. if available in US.
Hi dsonyay,
Glad to hear the videos have been useful for you.
If you have trouble getting hold of the Spatz kit, it may be worth dropping them an email, I'm sure they'll be able to help.
Thanks for watching,
Jon
Some good suggestions there and as someone who also cycles and commutes throughtout the UK winter I have or have used a few of those products. You mention early on with the socks and later with the gloves, the importance of keeping these extremities warm. I would turn this on its head and say keeping your core warm is more important. In my 'bitter' 🥶 experience, it doesn't matter how warm, thick or expensive your gloves are, if you dont keep your core warm, your body just wont send blood out to the extremities and all the little blood vessels at the surface. As a result you will just get colder and colder hands and feet! I personally that I almost have to get my core too warm, to the point of overheating almost, to ensure my hands stay warm. Its a fine balance though as you also dont want to be dripping in sweat!
My go-to winter setup has been a DHB short sleeve seamless base layer under a Castelli Perfetto softshell jacket which I think is cheaper than the Alpha (no Goretex) but keeps the wind off, keeps light rain out and has ('have' - I bought a few when there was a pricing war on them!) simply been an amazing piece of kit. When its really cold I might wear a long sleeve or thicker base layer or maybe a mid layer, e.g. merino. When its really wet I might pick a more waterproof jacket but I usually regret it and end up getting wetter on the inside than the outside 😂
Yes it's right what you say about keeping your core warm,I used to suffer quite badly with cold hands. since I am wearing more layers and keeping as you say almost to warm the cold hands have all but gone, it can be a bit of a balancing act some days though.
just found your chanell Brilliant info on gear thanks a million cant afford half of thembut good to know the best gear to buy.cheers.
Hi, Anthony. Welcome onboard!
Yeah, winter cycling kit is very expensive. Ski socks and gloves can be a cheap hack though 👍
I’ve just bought the bib tights (new version) same price as you suggested on your recommendation 😊 looking forward to using them…. It’s getting cold out there🥶
Super cold 🥶. Let us know how you get on with them 👍
Thanks I use most of these products. All great brands. On the shake-dry point though, I do find mine very breathable. I did 30km this morning in Lancs in the pouring rain. I understood that the way sweat is released through the fabric is through diffusion. So the process would work using ordinary water inside. I love the Spatz overshoes, as you say they keep your lower legs and feet so warm and dry (and clean). I also have that Castelli top and those bib shorts. Thanks for another good insight.
Thanks for explaining, Graham. As a man of logic, I'm struggling to see how sweat can pass through something that water can't. Would love someone to explain that to me.
Agreed, the Spatz overshoes are amazing, the best bit of winter kit I own.
@@ribblevalleycyclist Your sweat is absorbed by your base layer and then evaporates outwards, driven by your body heat. The GoreTex pores are sized to allow the evaporated sweat (gas) through, but not anything liquid. So sweat can escape, but liquid cannot.
@@OriginalRoadWarrior yeah, that is the idea how it is supposed to work - the vapour molecules are far smaller and should pass through the membrane but the water droplets, due to surface tension, are much larger and do not get through the pores in the membrane. But once I sweat really hard, it just does not evaporate fast enough and I do get and stay wet, just like the "pig in the sausage factory".
you are right. ASSOS are the best. Worth every penny
Great kit 👍
The Spatz base layer is amazing. I’ve had mine a few weeks and can go out in Yorkshire -5 with an alpha light
Agreed, it's such a good bit of kit. I even wear mine when I'm not on the bike 🤣
You proved the jacket is waterproof……water vapour can pass through pores in the fabric but in my experience of it heavy sweat can defeat it.
It works best when it is cold outside so the temperature gradient draws out the vapour.
Also surface water can block the pores so a water repellent treatment helps 😅
Hi Chris,
If water can’t pass through the fabric from the inside, then it’s highly unlikely that sufficient air or water vapour can either, and that was my point.
Thanks,
Jon
The Northwave shoes are fabulous. You can even wear them with normal socks, they do the job and you won't be cold. For all the rest you can do with another layer, and so you can manage with cheaper products, but for the shoes you just cannot add a layer. The Assos ultraz winter gloves are also great. You are warm and they are breathable. Not much but enough for the job.
Agreed, your extremities need good kit, the rest you can just bung more clothes on 🤣. The Assos gloves look very good.
I tried Endura Pro S Primaloft jacket. It’s a proper insulated jacket, very light and cheaper than the more fashionable Italian brands and Rapha.
Thanks, will look it up 👍
Bought 4 pairs of those socks worn 1pair and they are better than my woolie bullies.thanks 4 sharin
Better than Woolie Bullies, that is credit indeed. Thanks, Wayne 👍
Winter rain proof bibs another UK brand Lusso and well priced. Most of dry winter i have been using for last 4 yrs are sportful winter long bibs, they are great. Prior to that i used Gordana silverline which last years but i couldnt get hold of them so bought a pair of sportful which are equal 😁
Agreed, Gary, Lusso is a good product too. I see a lot of club riders wearing their kit. If I'm honest, I never personally tried Sportful. I don't get on with Castelli shorts/tights, so assumed I'd have the same problem with Sportful. However, I have some close friends that wear nothing else. 👍
Thank you. I bought the spatz overshoes based on your recommendation and I have to say they work remarkably well. Only, small, problem is getting the buggers on, compounded by the fact that I have size 14 shoes, but the largest size does work. I've never been cold wearing them.
For numbingly cold weather rides I wear 2.5mm neoprene gloves, only problem with these is that they aren't breathable so you will be warm and wet, but they work remarkable well nevertheless.
For normal UK winter days an inner liner glove plus good outer is sufficient and if raining I will use the neoprenes.
Winter bib tights, I have a sportful winter set but never really tried them out in the rain but will do so and report back.
As for jackets my Rivelo and FWE are waterproof also but suffer from the same problem as you describe for the Gore Shake Dry, you end up being a boil in the bag cod swimming in sweat. But generally I don't need to wear them all day, other bad points they don't pack down either. Rivelo have updated their range and prices are very keen.
Surprised you didn't talk much about headwear?
Hi,
Glad you're enjoying the Spatz. They are without doubt my best bit of winter kit
Getting Spatz on - I have a technique that makes it a bit easier. If you haven't already, you may want to watch this: czcams.com/video/X9VMpv2FRAo/video.html
Inner liner gloves - Agreed, the silk ski liners work very well
I've never tried Rivelo kit, seen it in the shops though. I'll go look it up.
Headwear. Good point. I dodged this point on purpose. The problem I have is that as I fine-tune and improve the kit in my winter wardrobe, the more Spatz kit I end up with...... which is absolutely fine, but when I then talk about what I use on CZcams, viewers just think I'm a Spatz advert, which then has a negative impact on the channel. In the coldest of conditions, I use the Spatz HEATR Head Warmer, it's both clever and versatile, and that would be my recommendation for the coldest of conditions. The problem I've found with other balaclavas is that you steam up your glasses, the Spatz overcomes this. However, for general cold riding, the plain old non-cycling snood does an okay job, and is an affective solution for the price.
That was a great demonstration of the lack of breathability of the Shakedry jacket
It's a great jacket for keeping you dry. Trouble is, if it's not raining, you need to take it off...... which isn't always convenient.
I have a Castelli ShakeDry and quite like it@@ribblevalleycyclist
The old fashioned rain cape is the single best thing in my opinion. A bit sweaty, but keeps you warm with all that stuff you wear underneath it. The zipper is the ventilation system. But I'm not the type to overthink it.
Agreed, the zipper can help. Especially with the Gore jacket, as it also undoes from the bottom of the zip too.
You can lower your kit temps 10 deg F by layering in a Gore Windstopper base layer. Its got a tight weave in front and on the arms and vented in back. I also like zip-off sleeves because afternoon temps can soar where i ride, with a 50 deg F variation during the day. In winter I also ride with an aero helmet and use a helmet cover on really cold days.
Pro tip from norway…Pearl Izumi amfib bibtights are way warmer than the assos winter tights. Way better in sun zero or in pissing rain just above freezing. Yeah they’re bulkier but when it’s rain 24/7 and 2-6C for a month at a time and you’re riding hours in end fun e times a week…it’s worth it. Wish they had a better pad though.
Also, I have the Castelli RoS jacket now. My old Assos bonka6 jacket is way better but after 2.5years off the bike it doesn’t fit at the moment 😅
Thanks for the tips, JDAdventure. Funny you should say that, my previous go-to tights were Pearl Izumi. The trouble is, the pad has gone, and now they're only good for short rides...... Still keep them though, because the'y're great tights
Personally, I like clothes that come with easy on/off features to make getting to the loo easier. No doubt, less of a problem for those with 'different equipment'.
I must admit, kit with additional waterproofing can be hard to get off. Jackets are the worst, with their tight cuffs.
Best winter kit? Mudguards. Enjoyable video and glad you are a fellow Spatz. Albeit for the overshoes it needs to be around 4 for me to use them otherwise my feet sweat too much!
Agreed, Martin. Hoping to get another video done, but about the bike, and mudguards will be up there..... Obviously! I'm a lightweight, the Spatz are already out 🤣
Every place on earth has its definition of winter. The English version is called Late Fall in the North Central region of the States where I winter bike. The clothing shown will not keep a rider safe on an all-day ride at minis 20 C with a stiff wind. We need head and face protection wearing a Balaclava under a buff under the helmet, as well as a wool hat inside the front bottoms covering the genital area. Instead of sheep wool I recommend Alpaca sweater and socks. The socks come in different weights and lengths. Alpaca is much warmer per equal weight. I wear my old English wool Knicker socks over my poly pro bottoms when the temperature drops. The secret for removing water vapor is to wear a wind tight outer layer that covers the butt and allows the vapor to leave out the bottom. The secret to warm feet is keeping the core warm enough to allow access heat to reach the feet and hands. For had protection I wear wool mittens with a leather over mitten. Not better or worse, just a different kind of winter.
Fast road cycling isn’t a thing at all in below zero conditions in the Uk, the risk of ice is far too great.
Between 1-5°C rain/sleet is arguably colder than snow
The sofa’s my best winter kit
I currently have that exact kit on….. with a glass of Baileys and a roaring fire 👍
@@ribblevalleycyclist 🤣🤣🤣👍👍👍
I discovered kayaking 0.50 neoprene socks. Use alone as wind proofs or socks under booties. Also, I learned long ago from mountaineering, spray your feet with aerosol antiperspirant to keep the moisture down inside! Also, full fingered gloves BUT carry thin-light Gore-Tex over mitts to either keep dry or as a wind proof cover.
Excellent video mate. Thank you so much. I’m always on a budget and cycling gear is so expensive and of course there’s the snobbery that a lot of cyclists acquire and if it’s not a £400 jacket then you’re not a cyclist 😂 sadly a lot of us are on strict budgets so this video was amazing. I’m off to order the socks and a few other things now. You’re a start. Cheers pal 😊
Hi M J,
Glad you found it useful. Agreed, winter cycling kit costs a small fortune.
Here is another great tip for you, if you're after a great pair of winter gloves, but are on a budget, check these out. Before I got my Spatz gloves, these were the warmest ones I had!!
amzn.to/3tyWyDP
Let us know what you think of the socks.
Jon
@@ribblevalleycyclist thanks very much Jon. Really appreciated mate. Ordered the socks, they’ll be here tomorrow 👌 And it’s as though you’ve read my mind, I was going to ask about gloves 😂 Cheers again mate, I’ll have a look at those too.
@mj-cd9lk Good luck with it all….. and stay warm 👍
@@ribblevalleycyclist thanks very much mate. I’ll let you know anyway. 😊
@@ribblevalleycyclist Hi mate, as promised thought I’d just drop in to say the socks are awesome 👌👌 had two pairs, used them the last few mornings and they’ve been proper warm. No cold toes 👏🏻👏🏻 ordered the gloves too but they e only arrived this afternoon so haven’t used them yet. Anyhow. Thanks again buddy. Appreciate the heads up about them 😊
A good thing to do is put socks gloves and shoes on a radiator before putting on. Also make sure feet are warm meaning avoid walking on a cold floor. My experience with Shakedry is better. I can wear in summer and not sweat. The design is waterproof but the material transport to water vapour. I think there's a lot CZcams posts about it.
Heating your stuff before you go out is a great idea. Heavy winter boots left on the radiator overnight are a lovely thing on a cold day. Heat eventually goes though, obviously. That's why I'm currently testing different types of heated insoles....... watch this space.
The idea behind that demonstration was to show that if no water can pass through the fabric from the inside, then it’s highly unlikely that sufficient air or sweat vapour will either. I have two Shakedry's, and they both have the same issue. I have other waterproof jackets, that, agreed, aren't as waterproof, however, they don't have the issue.
Hmmm my defeet winter woolie socks are best my have lasted over 5 years still going great!
The best winter bib tights were the Alexa Ultratherm, sold in vast quantities in a certain Preston bike shop back in the day. Like something you would wear to do a Luge run in but boy were they snug. Rip Alexa Ultratherm. 😂
Your right about Ski socks. A couple of years ago I noticed ski socks were cheaper than winter cycling socks. I think it says more about the marketing of "cycling" more than anything.
Alexa Ultratherm.... I'll look them up.
Yeah, I suspect cycling socks are expensive, because they're cycling socks....... If you get my drift!
Useful information. Thanks for sharing. Once again I'm puzzled by the widespread preference for all black gear. Particularly in the winter, wouldn't you want to be wearing clothing that is a bit more visible?
I suppose it depends on when and where you ride. I only ride in full daylight, and on quiet country 'B' lanes. Also, I choose bright lights over hi-viz. However, if commuting through the metropolis is your thing, then go bright.
Another good video! Do you use the Spatzwear Overshoes on top of the winter boots?
Hi Gary,
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
Yes, I do from time to time. However, I'm what they call in the north of England as 'Nesh', and the winter kit is out by the end of September!! Joking aside, I don't have the best circulation, so suffer with the cold a bit. Most Spatz overshoe owners use their summer shoes with them.
Thanks,
Jon
Great video and amazing selection. Would you mind sharing what is the jacket that you are wearing in your video?
Glad you enjoyed it. If you mean the one at the beginning, thats a Castelli Gabba, short sleeve jersey, with a long sleeve base layer. Oh, and it has Wilier branding.
Thank you for your reply. I was actually referring to the black/charcoal one that you were wearing indoors, in your shop with blue Ribble branding.
@eldar68 Oh, that one, sorry!!! That is a Ribble staff issue jacket, I worked for them for a brief period during lockdown. Not a jacket you can actually buy, unfortunately.
My defeet woolie socks mean most winter no need for over shoes or winter specific shoes 😁 even cheaper. I have some northwave winter shoes but after an hour the arch support isn't good enough. I have some Shimano winter boots that are great but a bit heavy LOL😂
11:07 Lake MXZ 120 look interesting. I see they can be used as flats and clipless, and they are wider than most shoes. I see some shops list them as Wide, but Lake does not on their website, but Regular instead. Not seen them in Norwegian shops. But a gaiter would be nice. So probably not ultimate shoes for deep snow.
It‘s amazing how different feelings about products are. The Assos bib is light and doesn‘t work for me when it comes to rougher weather. Expecially when it‘s raining, too. Bought a Castelli Flanders baselayer which was a complete disappointment in a way it was supposed to be designed for. No warmness even at 8 degrees. So I don‘t think that the recommended jacket would work for me. Also the winter flatpedal boots from NW I bought was a bad idea. Couldn‘t last a bit of rain for 20 minutes which is a bad joke for winter boots. It‘s really hard to find good gear for cycling. 80 percent of the products seem to suck no matter how much ones spend for winter clothes. Still searching on. Thanks for your insights.
Now then, Chris, here is a comment I like!!! I'm not one for rubbishing brands on my channel, there are plenty out there already doing that. Don't tell me what's crap, that doesn't help me..... tell me what's good. However, saying that, I'm about to do just that! In the main, Castelli is an overpriced mediocre product that I ignore..... Gloves and overshoes, they're a waste of time, and their bib tights/shorts are the same quality as brands half the price. It's an 'Italian designer' brand surfing the wave once created by its cycling heritage, bought by people that don't know any better "It's Castelli, so it must be the best". However, saying that, they do make two things that are amazing, the Gabba, and the Alpha RoS jacket. Cycling shoes, they're all disappointing in the winter, but winter boots do help, albeit overpriced. If you want to keep your feet warm and dry, Spatz is the only way. The same rule applies for gloves, base layers, and head warmers...... Saying that though, Amazon gloves at £10 are almost as good! Oh, and summer kit...... Shutt Velo.
Great video Jon very informative. I'm really interested in the Northwave GTX winter boots. Could you give me info regarding sizing. Are they true to size, or should I be sizing up or down? I'm usually a size 42 in "standard" cycling shoe. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
Hi Geoff,
Thanks, glad you liked it. I wear a size 43 (UK 9) in normal human shoes, but take a size 44 (UK 10) in my Northwave winter boots. Just as an FYI, the exact boot in this video is the Northwave Flash GTX Winter Boot. It's not actually make any more, but there are similar ones out there. It looks like they were superseded by the Celcius R GTX.
Hope that helps.
Have you tried the Endura Transloft (Primaloft) base layer? I bought the Spatz base layer but the Endura stays drier and warmer for me. 🤓Also I like polartec Neoshell waterproof jackets because it is not a membrane fabric but I have not tried a shakedry jacket....yet 😁 great cycling tips so please keep em coming. Thanks
Hi Matt. I've not tried the Endura one personally, but the reviews I've read claim its pretty good.
I've always cycled through winter but because I've always used sub-optimal gear it's no fun at all. This year I'm going to for an indoor set up for the first time proper - this video but it has made me think twice! Outdoors over indoors any day of the week for me!
Overshoes is the key one, and then some good gloves. Also, you don't always need cycling specific gloves, that can save you a penny or two.
Cheers for the reply. I've got some cycling specific gloves for winter - it's my shoes and overshoes that probably need some investment. And yes, I've tried foil / carrier bags etc - I had a rye smile when you mentioned it on your vid! Been there, done that haha.
@@cyclingmod I remember trying tin foil on a long Ribble Valley ride with the club. It didn't work, and when I took my shoes off at the end of the day, it'd all disintegrated into tiny bits 😬
Gloves Castelli infinity had 3yrs great but in continuous rain buy some waterproof gloves for Polaris uk brand £25-30. Yes they stop water getting in but they can get damp from your sweat 😵💫
Some good suggestions, Gary. Thanks 👍
Hmmm winter jacket castelli RADDOPPIA cheaper that alpha ros in sales most years but just as good 😁
Super hero outfit
Do you wear the Spatz overshoes over your Northwaves? I have most of the same kit you have (Spatz overshoes and gloves, shake dry cape etc). All are amazing!! I live in wet PA and ride outside all winter as well. The only addition is the Lazer helmet with a snap on shield. That is huge! BTW my buddy works at Gore and worked on the shake dry jacket. They have about 4 years worth of material left before it will all be gone. They aren’t making more due to how much it harms the environment during processing.
Hi Stewart,
Yeah, when it gets really cold. Still using normal shoes and Spatz at the moment, but it'll be the North Wave and Spatz pretty soon!
Thanks for the inside knowledge on the Gore stock...... Interesting. I'd also heard the environment thing too. It's nice to know that is their stance on it..... rare nowadays.
Thanks,
Jon
I’m looking up these products as I watch and they cost a fortune in Canada, that Gore jacket is $450 Canadian. Yikes. Same with Spatz base layer, double yikes. To have an unlimited budget😂
The price of cycling kit is crazy!
Shakedry is breathable just not as much compared to actual vented. I've got a Shakedry 7mesh oro and it is far less sticky compared to the cheap rain jacket it replaced which was like boil in the bag. A few things, your mixing bowl test is flawed, filling the jacket with a jug of water only proves it is waterproof, breathability is the ability to deal with evaporation. Second, my Shakedry is more a summer jacket, so wearing it with light clothes the breathability is a definite upgrade compared to cheap rain capes. I also have the castelli alpha ros and that can certainly get sweaty if my effort is high or the temperature goes up, sticking another layer on top Shakedry or not will exacerbate this.
Thanks for your thoughts, @MrBunglor. All I was trying to prove with the jug test was that if water can't pass through it from the inside out, then it's hardly going to be breathable. I'm not saying it's not good, I'm just saying that advertising it as 'Breathable' is a bit of a tall claim.
@@ribblevalleycyclist that's, the flaw because that's not how breathability works. Shakedry will be waterproof and hold liquid from the inside out and the outside in. Only when the liquid evaporates like sweat will it be a test of breathability. I doubt any jacket on the market will be particularly breathable unless it has vents. A less waterproof jacket with the jug test would saturate and start dripping pretty quick but that does not mean it is more breathable either. Cheers for the reply, I liked your recommendations!
I have less sophisticated clothes but I have a road bike for rainy weather mudguards hub Dynamo and port luagguage
Mundguards make a huge difference if the front one is long enough
Agreed, Daniel. Hoping to get another video done, but about the bike, and mudguards will be up there..... Obviously!
Think you need to read about Gore Tex. It's the mixture vapour that goes through the porse. Water droplets are too big. 9billion pores per square inch if I remember rightly.
Defo breathes.
I've read more on the subject than I care to discuss. The idea behind that demonstration was to show that if no water at all can pass through the fabric from the inside, then it’s highly unlikely that sufficient air or sweat vapour can either.
I have two Shakedry jackets. When I wear them, sweat gets trapped. If I wear something else, it doesn't.
@ribblevalleycyclist the sweat vapour is smaller than the water droplets, meaning it passes through the pores.
It's not as breathable as some other materials however, nothing is as waterproof and breathable.
Lovely video! Thanks for this.
Just wanted to chime in and say I swear by everything spatz, I have almost everything spatz but their latest winter releases. I just can't seem to get my hands warm enough. Have tried a merino glove liner with both the glovz and the thermoz but still got cold hands. My search for gloves still goes on :(
It’s fantastic kit. Cold hands….. have you considered heating gloves?
Great video, thx for sharing this. What about spatz bibs and winter jacket? I saw they habe also a new base layer extreme. i dont know which jacket to buy, castelli alpha double ros or spatz or assos?😅.
Hi Alexander, The bibs and winter jacket are a good question. I will only ever use full bib tights in the winter, not shorts and leg warmers. Spatz don't offer full tights, surprisingly! The Castelli Alpha RoS is a very good jacket, and the Spatz Shield jacket doesn't look as 'Heavy Duty' in the photos. However, saying that, I know how good their other kit is, and it may well surprise me.
Base Layer. Yes, the Extreme looks even more impressive...... but it's twice the price! My advice on that is that the BASEZ 2 is very good, and I only need to wear that and the Alpha in the coldest of UK conditions. So it would need to be VERY cold to justify using the Extreme base layer.
I hope this has helped.
Hi Jon, thankyou for the fast response. I saw the winter bibs from spatz with gilet. This is because I asked for 😊. I think Youre right about the extreme conditions of the base layer. I will give it a try. Alternative i come back with the base2 layer.
I will give you a feedback after my first rides. I think i will have a look for the castelli alpha in a store near my locations. Thanks for sharing your knowledge 🤙🏻
@@ribblevalleycyclistHi Jon, i did my first rides with Castelli Alpha doppio Ros, Spatz extreme base layer, Assos mille Gt winter bib tight c2 and spatz roadmen3+ thermal gloves in condition near 0C‘. The baselayer is absolute fantastic. Gloves also. The bib feels like premium quality. The jacket with alpha polartec gilet is a nice idea. But if I go for the descent, knee gets very cold and renal area also.
If I take a look at the design of the jacket there is no warm protection in this section.
Do you have any suggestions to avoid this problem? Do I have to take a gilet for descents? Do I need a bib with better protection? Any advice is welcome.
Hi @@alexanderstangl768, This is a normal problem that most cyclists face in the winter, boiling on the climbs, and freezing on the descents. Personally, I overcome the issue by using an old thin packable jacket that is far too big for me. If I'm really cold, I just put it on over my Alpha jacket. Its big size means that warm air gets trapped inside, and because it's too big, it flaps in the wind and stays drier than a race fit jacket. Agreed, it's not a tight aero fit, but its because of that that it keeps me warm. Also, because its thin and baggy, its easy to take on and off whilst still on the bike. Whip it off, stuff it in your back pocket! You don't need a fancy technical waterproof product like a Shakedry for this, just a very thin packable jacket. I think mine is Endura, and i picked it up for £25 in the sales! Obviously, it's no use in really heavy rain
@@ribblevalleycyclist Thankyou Jon for this tip. I will try it next time. In front the baselayer and jacket are warm enough. Only on back and side where the polartec is not present, are the „cold zones“. Perhaps other jackets have better insulation/protection against cold. What about the knee protection? On descents the mille gt does not keep warm enough. Any recomandations on better bib tights?
thankyou
Some great suggestions. Unfortunately the Assos tights are in their past season section and sizes M, L, XL are sold out, as shame given the price. They now have two Mille GT versions, the Ultraz look similar to what you recommend but the price is now up to 250. Still worth it?
Shame that, Thomas. I seem to recall my ones were closer to the price you stated. The Assos is the best bib tight I've ever owned for riding in the coldest of conditions. If I needed another pair of winter tights, I'd go with Assos again......but try and find them discounted 😉
12:05 Mudguards make a big difference to keeping you warm and dry.
Oh, completely agree. I did that on purpose to show what your legs and overshoes have to potentially put up with.
Neoprene slip on toe covers and when its really cold neoprene booties work pretty good with various combinations of socks (try thin layers including silk) down to freezing or so... east coast (mid atlantic area). Any other solution would really have to be a ... step up from there.
The Spatz cover me for all eventualities. Not sure if you can get them in the US though.
part of the problem with winter riding is all the layers of clothing you end up with. a couple of years ago a craft (sweden) bib pant got good reviews in the states and I managed to find a pair at shop nearish me -- and so these are probably my best find over the years for something that seems to work, less layers and warm enough for me at least.@@ribblevalleycyclist
Would these items keep me warm riding in 25 degree farinheit weather?
There is no way I will buy that Goretex shakedry jacket if it is not breathable - bought everything else you recommended though 😉
Hi Blaze. The ShakeDry fabric is amazing. If you're caught in a shower, is serves you very well. However, the claim that it's 'breathable', would suggest you can keep it on after the shower, which from my experience, is a bad idea.
The alpha ros 2 jacket is too warm for most people, even on the coldest days.
The alpha ros 2 light is a lot more versatile and can work in a wider range of temps including the coldest, just playing with layers underneath...
I think the temperatures you ride, the amount of time you spend in it, and your susceptibility to cold all play a part. Personally, as a 53 year old with poor circulation, this is the jacket that works best for me.
@@ribblevalleycyclist Yeah that's why i said for almost all.
But even for someone like you, the light one can work with one more thin layer if needed for the coldest days.
It also can work well over 10c where the "normal" one would be too hot by itself.
@@nadsim154I've just bought a light it's really good but I did get cold arms the lack of even a thin second layer in the arms was noticeable if they'd have carried the vest material through the arm that would have been perfect.
@@zedddddfulWhen it's cold, you have to use a long sleeve thermal baselayer.
I’m surprised by the Mille winter tight recommendation.
Fantastic down to around 6c but when it gets colder or wetter, my thighs burn cold!
Fair point, Mike. I’ve used mine down to roughly-2° and found them to be okay, but everyone’s experience will be different. What have you found to be the best?
@@ribblevalleycyclist weirdly, I found my Mille c2 summer bibs with assos leg warmers a better option, I guess because you end up with a double layer at the thigh.
I’ve just picked up with Rapha Pro Team winter bib for this winter, not had a chance to test it yet.
Assos recommended their GTO bib tights but I couldn’t stomach the £400
@mikehhhhhhh Best I’ve ever owned were a pair of PEARL iZUMi…… what happened to that brand, you just don’t hear from them anymore. Wore them til they fell apart 😂
Your a great presenter you held my interest! Thanks for this video great sock tip! Spatz fan boy ha dam need a lottery win.
Thanks, Helen, appreciate it. The one bit of kit that I love from Spatz is my overshoes...... They're the best! Yeah, not cheap though. Just checked your Insta...... Anyone that loves Eggs Benny is okay in my books 🤣
Rockbros .. that is all .!.
Is there not a Gore Shakedry 1985 race fit as well as the other two?
I think it’s the black armed that has the’Race Fit’, and the one with the high vis arms is classed as a comfortable cut….. But I may have that wrong. Worth double checking
@@ribblevalleycyclist thank you. I've actually a shakedry 1985 on route from Sigma Sports as we speak. But I have as cycling with a guy yesterday and he said the one I've ordered (all black, including the arms) is just the 1985 🤔 I went on to Gore own site and they are indeed selling a Shakedry 1985 race fit. Lol but im still not sure what the difference is other than the race fit looks more fitted on arms. I'll let you know when mines comes what the difference actually is 😊👍👍
@TheKieran65 This is the one I have, and the arms are a little snug. Fine under summer kit, but won’t go over a winter jacket:
www.gorewear.com/en-uk/c5-gore-tex-shakedry-1985-jacket-100093
@@ribblevalleycyclist thank you for replying. I'm thinking that looks like the race fit one. Good man 👍I'll let you know 😊👍
i just don't have the funds to try out different outfits in hopes that one works for me . usually anything that goes next to your
skin cannot be returned .
however that's not the biggest issue for me , it is being a cold weather 🐈
that is deterring me from venturing out in the dead of winter .
I think the most economical way to keep warm on the bike is Marino wool, with a few layers on top. The Marino socks in this video are great value for money. Also, the dhb Marino base layer is great
Black kit in winter?? or any time on a bike?? Good for a funeral?? Yes!!
Well, that depends on where you ride.
My Dad was a lorry driver, I'm a cyclist of 35 years. Dad has almost killed a poorly dressed cyclist in a rain storm and I seen a lorry kill a cyclist on a TT. Off road, fair enough, wear a clown suit if you want. On road, you can't take risks, also not fair on other road users to put that on them and say to car drivers, "it's your fault for not seeing me", when you're hardly visible. Too late when you're in a box. @@ribblevalleycyclist
I thought my Proviz Reflect360 was the most boil-in-the-bag jacket out there 😂
Had one of those too, look cool at night, but as you say, a boil in the bag jacket. Also, the fit is poor due to it being reversible. Mine ended up on eBay 😂
Please tell me about emptying your bladder with bib tights, especially if you’re 75.
Hi David,
Good to hear from you.
First off, this issue is more common than many realise. And as the years creep up, it gets a little trickier to deal with. The main issue, for others that may read this, is one of access. To offer the support required, Lycra bib tights have a close and tight fit around that area. Combine that with tight-fitting shoulder straps, and it makes for difficult access. I'm sure, like me, you've had to remove your jersey to release straps in order to get to where you need.
If I'm honesty, the only way I've personally got around this issue is by finding bib tights that have enough give in the front to allow you to force them down for access. In fact, the ones in this video pull down enough to do what is needed.
The only thing I can recommend is trying out different tights to find the ones that give enough flexibility.
I have yet to find bib shorts that do!
Let us know how you get on, David.
All the best,
Jon
@@ribblevalleycyclist Thank you Jon. It looks as though bib tights are not for your average geriatric.
You're welcome, David. I cycle with a lot of guys in the club that are over 80. Most just tend to go with kit that has a more relaxed fit, or is a bit bigger. That way, you can get to things that little bit easier.
Good luck with the search 👍
Merino, ya but I will wear Merino in summer. Why? Because it wicks and keeps you cool and they will not stink. I got totally hocked when I did my first cycle tour in New Zealand.
Never thought if it like that, good call.
Anybody tried any of those USB heated insoles? There are some out there now that have the battery built in to the sole.
Funny you should say that. I hope to be doing a video on this subject. The trouble is, there are many 'Cheap' products out there on both Amazon and eBay that I've had mixed reports on, so wouldn't want to stand by something like that. There is however a small company in Yorkshire that do a high quality one, that I've contacted. Watch this space!!
👏👏👏
What I would mention is if cycling at night .wear hi viz and have good lights.
Be seen !
Good advice.
How often do you wash your cycling kit ?
Good question, Homib. My first rule is, if it touches my skin, it gets washed after every ride (Excludes gloves). Jackets, I try not to wash them too often, as it can affect the waterproofing. Overshoes and gloves, only when they're dirty. Top tip, use non-bio.
i like to take a base layer in my back pocket wrapepd up in a little waterproof bag , when i stop for a tea nip in the loo and hey presto a nice dry base layer
Fantastic idea 👍
i love cycling in winter but my toes freeze....i mean purple numb .....limitimg me to one hour....below 35 degrees and none of the neoprene booties help..i think my shoes are tight as well....otherwise i am completely comfortable down to 20 degrees
Hi Bill,
Space in your shoes will help with warmth. A close fitting shoes means no warm air can get trapped inside the shoe, and your feet get cold.
Also, this video on heated shoes may interest you:
czcams.com/video/ZKBwFSmiGJQ/video.html
thanks jon....ive tried "wide " shoes but switched to flat pedals and ll bean boots...slow but good for 68 year old ...i like to go 100 miles / week...during morning hours....first road bike 1974
1974….. I was 4 👍
i really enjoy your videos....my mom gave me those books about herriot in yorkshire...i
dream about the countryside over there.as a teen ..probably like ohio haha without the snow
@@billbrandon1697 James Herriot.... They've started re-filming them here. A lot of it is filmed in a small village in the Yorkshire Dales called Grassington. I've cycled through it many times.
Here you go:
maps.app.goo.gl/fiswngmTAAWGFe2j6
Oh man I just wanna get out for a spin don’t want to look like I’m going to a fancy dress party as Bat man....and Spider-Man.
2:19 Way too long for me. I'm not sure why I would need so long socks.
I use DeFeet Woolie Boolie, but got them on sale, plus an deal, bought them directly from the distributor. But never had issues.
The quality is great. But good cheap socks exist.
If it's -10C I wear a Swix RaceX Marino wool base layer, and a thicker tighter knit jersey, I use Mavic Crossmax. they are advertised for summer use, but actually they are not ideal for it, but nice for chilly rides.
I had the Swix RaceX Marino wool base layer for years, great stuff, got it on sale in my local sports store. Thin or muscular it sohuld fit, long enough sleeves too.
I've not tried others as I did not have to. Currently I use Endura MT500II jacket, but fit is weird. XL torso fits me perfectly, but even XXL has too tight armpit, bicep area, too small hole wrist. So had to get XXXL but the hood was so big it covered my face. But sleeves fit perfectly. stomach was baggy. The front zipper is not a coil zipper, so it's durable.
But things I like with it the jacket has side vents that go from waist and past armpit. and it has big pockets, fits a goggle, phone, battery bank, and Gopro batteries, and even room for more. Comes with a lens wipe in one of the pockets. I bought it on sale, but it was already not too bad price, so was a good buy.
Had to go for L trousers as they have 82cm inseam, but waist was massive So had to use a belt. I'm not sure what's the ultimate waterproof riding kit.
Gore has stock piled as much shake dry as they could before discontinuing it
I've heard this said too. I hear they stopped supplying other manufacturers, so they could keep it all for their Shakedry production.
Ha ha im that nutter only based on west coast of ireland ..... we get everywhere
I just can't sit there on the turbo grinding away.... I get nothing from it. The coast of Ireland is a beautiful place..... so I'm with you 👍
Best winter kit is Zwift! 🤷♂
Just not my scene. Got the Wahoo KICKR & CLIMB, and they’re both sat on a shelf gathering dust 😂
Spatz and Goretex 💸 - Do you have any suggestions to those of us who are financially challenged?
This is the problem, Jonathon! Gore seem to charge a lot for what is basically a thin waterproof fabric..... i suppose there is a lot of R&D and copyright to contend with though!! The Spatzwear stuff on the other hand has a lot going on, so I can get why it costs so much.
However, if I didn't have Spatz gloves, I would wear these. For the money, they're great:
amzn.eu/d/4YQM2Qv
Overshoes, I have yet to find anything that gets near.
Waterproof jackets. There are some good ones out there that do get good feedback. I always hear good things about Altura waterproof jackets:
www.altura.co.uk/collections/mens-jackets?page=1
Thanks for the quick response@@ribblevalleycyclist The spatz gloves do have a lot of good features. I'm currently wearing 2 pairs of cheap gloves but bike handling is suffering. I hope they last a good 5 years. My sealskinz lost all waterproofing after 2 years. I think their baselayer is aimed at the high-end. I think the thermal properties aren't anything special but the fit looks high performance.
Endura "Pak-A-Jak" is about £40 and seems identical to that Gore at £300!
Those bib tights are 450 usd bro.
Sorry to hear that, chivacetana. In the UK, they're showing as £132. Not sure why there is such a large price difference.
And do not go out when the roads are just ice
The best advice ☝️
Nice gear but it all costs more than my bike 😢
I know, it's crazy, isn't it. Frustrating how much winter kit costs. I think exactly that when I do a kit wash........"How much would it cost me if this washing machine failed and wrecked all this kit" 🤣
A woman whom I know well says that there is much less cycling kit available for the larger women size. Summer and winter.
She uses Sealskin water proof/windproof socks under her non SPD cycling shoes but is looking to buy winter shoes. The sizes options on winter shoes are often from size 7 up.
She is size 5.5. Size 6 is ok for the extra sock thickness, but 7 is too big.
Winter bin tights for women ...she needs a drop seat version as doesn't want to completely undress top half to go for a pee.
Women just don't have enough kit available. You only mention your kit, bought for a male. Why no comment on what is on the market for women ?
Hi Jimmy,
My advice on the shoe front would be not to go down the women specific path. This will always be my advice to women on kit..... obviously, excluding tights/shorts, that is.
Shoes - By 'Non SPD', I assume you mean a flat-bottomed shoe to use on a platform style pedal. If so, she may want to consider the Five Ten Trailcross GORE-TEX shoes, as they start from size 3.5:
www.adidas.co.uk/five-ten-trailcross-gore-tex-mountain-bike-shoes/IF4941.html
Winter bib tights for women - These two would be my advice:
Lucco Comfort Break Bib Tights
www.lusso.bike/products/comfort-break-bibtights
Universal Colours Mono Women's Bib Knicker
www.universalcolours.com/product/mono-womens-bib-knicker
The reason I didn't comment on women's kit, is because I was talking about my kit experiences.
Hope these help.
Jon
@@ribblevalleycyclist Thanks but 1. Most shoes start at size 7
and 2. Women's feet are often a different shape, especially heel cup, to fit female form.
Thanks for replying.
Most shoes start at a size 7, because most cyclists are men. I don't like saying that, and I don't want it to be the case, but that is a fact. Look at my cycling channels statistics, according to CZcams, 97% of my audience is male. You then look at the demographic within the cycling retail industry, and 28.4% of purchases are women and 71.6% are men.
Each shoe line is made around a last, and each one costs thousands of pounds to manufacture. You need a last for each size. Before they sell a single pair, they're on a loss. These are commercial organisations that are in this for one reason only, to make money. They're not going to invest in a last, if there is a low percentage of sales.
Because of these statistics, women get a rough deal on cycling apparel, as do children. It's a shame.