View Full Version : What do you wear during the "winter months" ?
SpankyHam
06-10-04, 09:55 AM
I was thinking of wearing my snowboard gear and the leathers underneath. :lol: :roll:
My old winter cordura jacket was falling apart so I binned it, i'll be looking for a new one at the nec...
sometimes used to wear thermal stuff under clothes but usually just put up with it
... As much as possible...
had some really bad bad bad times on the bike last winter!
On thing I learnt was don't open your visor, ever! There's only on thing worse than freezing fog on the outside of your visor, and that's freezing fog on the inside!
My normal leathers, a thermal scarf (wrapped around my chest, not neck), windproof neck thingy, kidney belt, winter gloves and bloody long wolly socks. And if it rains my waterproofs over the leather (keeps you warmer as well).
And have many coffees when I get to where I'm going to get the heat back into me...
Stu
The secret to keeping warm is several layers of loose thin clothing. In summer, looking cool wearing your tight leathers, you don't notice the cold but in winter you need to do the opposite and wear gear that is waterproof and loose-fitting.
I always wear at least one pair of 150 denier ladies woolly tights :oops: which really makes a difference though loose track-suit bottoms would probably be even better.
You certainly don't need to spend silly money on the so called "thermal" undergarments, they're no better (if at all) than thermal underwear from M&S, Matalan etc which is a lot cheaper.
As for gloves, again the reason most people nearly get frostbite is because they're too tight. Buy a set of waterproof winter gloves at least one size too big. The extra air circulating round your fingers will insulate them and I guarantee you'll be nice and snug.
The other very useful thing is a balaclava under your helmet as this keeps your neck and head warm and stops heat escaping out of the collar of your jacket.
So in winter, let common sense prevail and function win over form.
.
.
Balky001
06-10-04, 11:44 AM
I have been wondering the same thing. Last year I had thick Spidi leathers which I wore 2 t-shirts and thermal underwear (long-john's too) under. This with a wind-proof neck warmer. I still wore summer Sidi boots though and the more socks I put on the colder my feet got as the boots got too tight and stopped circulation.
This year I'm going for waterproof thermal two piece (those trousers that go all the way up the back designed with Simon Cowell in mind). But not sure what boots to go for. I see lots of people recommend Sidi Balck Rain/Evo boots but are they warm as well as waterproof? Definately going to try and pick up a bargain at NEC, if I can hold out!
Layers
Layers
Layers
Thats the secret.
Shorts and a t-shirt... i'm hard me ;)
For the most part, jonboy talks sense on this occasion - but there's no way I'm turning up at work wearing his wife's tights - they don't fit :wink: :lol:
A few thin layers are better thermally than one thick layer for sure, and the Damart/M&S/Matalan thermals make a big difference.
The main thing to remember is not to do yourself up like the Michelin Man so that you have trouble moving - this will restrict your blood circulation and do the opposite of what you want.
The other thing to remember is that if you get wet you will get cold - time of year is irrelevant :wink:
If you're buying new kit for the winter the get waterproof cordura/polyamide gear with a removable thermal lining. Gore Tex/Shelltex z-liners are best. Ditto waterproof gloves.
If you're going to be travelling at reasonable speeds keep the cuffs of the gloves outside the jacket to keep the wind out (or in if you had a curry the night before :lol: ). If your commuting in stop/start traffic, put the gloves inside the jacket's cuff. This will stop the rain running off the jacket and into the gloves thereby making your hands/fingers cold.
I wear, work shirt, Cordura jacket that can be heated, but isnt, Richa cordura trousers, and my new Richa gloves that i have worn ooo, 3 times. Thick socks, and sidi black rains. Oh, and a fleece neck gator.
I cant stand being really hot when riding, erring on the side of cool. I have tried all the options for gloves, including JB's, but still get cold finger tips.
simon-temple
06-10-04, 02:36 PM
I always wear at least one pair of 150 denier ladies woolly tights :oops: which really makes a difference though loose track-suit bottoms would probably be even better.
You just prefer the tights eh? :) at least it's not fishnets...yet :!:
I always wear at least one pair of 150 denier ladies woolly tights :oops: which really makes a difference though loose track-suit bottoms would probably be even better.
You just prefer the tights eh? :)
Yup. Oh and they're mine not the wife's. :lol:
...at least it's not fishnets...yet :!:
Yet being the operative word! :shock:
.
simon-temple
06-10-04, 03:18 PM
I always wear at least one pair of 150 denier ladies woolly tights :oops: which really makes a difference though loose track-suit bottoms would probably be even better.
You just prefer the tights eh? :)
Yup. Oh and they're mine not the wife's. :lol:
...at least it's not fishnets...yet :!:
Yet being the operative word! :shock:
.
just avoid the hold up up stockings, the tops reduce circualtion...so I'm told :shock:
Balky001
06-10-04, 03:23 PM
Jonboy
I believe they do a full body suit, neck to toe. Mind you, the one I saw was sheer rather than woolly
Jonboy
I believe they do a full body suit, neck to toe. Mind you, the one I saw was sheer rather than woolly
Yeah and it was in the Ann Summers' catalogue too wasn't it. :lol:
.
1 - stop draughts, especially waist, neck, cuffs.
2 - genuine wool is excellent, better than most man made fibres, that's why you see so many sheep riding bikes in winter (flaw in the logic there somewhere :-k ) A thin pure wool jumper is ideal.
3 - keep your body warm, that will help warm the extremities.
4 - Breathable oversuit, breathable is essential otherwise you get condensation which conducts the cold in (or heat out if you like). How about a 1-piece HI-vis flexothane oversuit from here
http://www.psf.co.uk/products.php?sec=2&cat=25
The Sioen Flexothane really is brilliant stuff, thin, very flexible (doesn't get cumbersome), totally waterproof, slightly stretchy so doesn't pull too tight, and fairly easily cleaned. I have a jacket and trousers version (over leathers), and it works, doesn't get too hot and stuffy, but helps stop the cold penetrating. :thumbsup:
How about a 1-piece HI-vis flexothane oversuit
One of these?:
http://www.psf.co.uk/images/product_images/CJFC_s.jpg
Talk about Hi-Vis.............. :lol:
That's the kiddy! :shock:
I wear my normal jacket and trousers but layer up underneath. I have a thermal shirt that I wear over a t-shirt,then a jumper. Does the trick.If it's really cold i wear the trousers from my theatre blues under my leathers and that makes a huge difference.
The Mass
06-10-04, 05:54 PM
on a serious note dudes,
one of the boys in work is bringing in some Foot warmers or summat, that he uses when he goes skiing.
I think he sai they're about 6 quid, and keep your toes nice n cosy.
I'll let yers know when he brings em in?
Don't hold ye breath though!
Cheers,
Mass
mysteryjimbo
06-10-04, 08:31 PM
Quite a helpful thread! Thanks for the advice guys.
This will be my 4th winter commuting and also my furthest distance ive had to travel to work. Should be interesting on the bike for 45 - 60 minutes, twice daily!
northwind
06-10-04, 08:56 PM
Heated grips, heated grips, heated grips. Brilliant invention...
I wear Belstaff armoured cordura trousers, don't know what the model name is... An unremarkable cordura jacket from a company nobody's heard of called Lookwell, which has knox armour all over- a good sign. It has a big quilted liner. i just wear my normal clothes- kjeans and t-shirt, or work clothes- under. And my normal Sidi Vertebra II boots, Arai Condor and Knox stowaway back protector. Don't usually wear a neck warmer, but if I do it's an Oxford Snood, and on really bad days I've got knitted T.W.O. giveaway undergloves which work better than the Coldkillers.
Basically, as long as it keeps the drafts and the water out, the job's pretty much done. In the same gear, but with rubbish gloves and ordinary Cat boots, I did something like 3 hours constant on a bloody freezing day with sporadic rain last year, and I was cold but not dying. That was all in-city work, so I could warm my hands at every set of lights on the engine :)
There's a feature in Ride this month about winter gloves, Texport Defenders got the Best Buy but they're £80, RS Trojan Sports were second at £40 (but not very warm) , RS Panthers at £30 were third, RS Apex Plus were less warm... A* Tech Road Gore were next, then the HG Master IV (10/10 for warmth, but bulky) and HG Pathans- which is what i've got, I thought they'd do really badly on crash protection but they did OK.
Pathans (Ninja Turtle)are fantastic, by the way... Love mine to bits. And my ****-poor old Frank Thomas Aqua Roos got a panning, worst in test and 39/80... Below average for absolutely everything, a 1/10 for wrist restraint (deserved). Just basically don't make my mistake, these are **** gloves. And they fall apart after a thousand miles Comfy for winter gloves, but really not warm either.
Wicking tee from Milletts (£15) or long sleevey if v cold (£25), wicking runing tights (varies depending on brand, no need for the expensive Nike ones, prolly £30 would do) and then layers.
Once cold weather comes, still ride weekend sport rides, but it is inconvenient for me to commute. I ride all day in temperatures down to 20°F as it gets colder than that I cut my rides shorter.
here's what I wear.
Footgear.. Canadian Sorel Superior boots.I have several sets of liners, the best ones are south pole quality. My feet have never got cold. only drawback.... you will have to modify youre shifter by making it 2" longer to accomodate the big boots
Pants... lined JoeRocket Ballistic. over military surplus extreme artic long jons.
Jacket.... lined JoeRocket Ballistic .... tee shirt first to keep my electric vest from being directly on my skin. electric vest, with a surplus extreme artic sweatshirt over then the Jacket.
gloves... I have a bunch o pairs of various gloves, I keep spare pair stuffed inside my electric vest and swap gloves occasionally. I also have KLR handguards mounted to my handlebars, and heated grips.
stay away from snowmobile gloves, they are designed for thumb throttle, extra insulation in palm keeps warmth from grips gettting to your hands. also makes your hands cramp quickly.
Helmet... is the weakness for staying out longer a balaclave helps some, but you cant fit a warm one on without getting a bigger helmet.
just cant seem to tuck my head low enuf to avoid a 75mph windblast... @ -12°F, thats a wind chill colder than -50°F
I am thinkin of a snowmobile helmet, possibly with heated visor.
just as important..
I run Pirelli MTR60 motard tires. they don't turn into hockey pucks quite as quick
http://www.sportriders.com/2001_rides/0128101/KANC.JPG
The Mass
08-10-04, 07:55 AM
Hello all,
Me again, said I'd follow up on those Toe warmers.
Well, the lad in work brought in the mag with em in.
The weblink is: http://www.snowandrock.co.uk
I can't see em on the site though, they look like socks but are some sort of neoprene, they look as if they'd stay on well.
They're in the mag here for £7 a pair
I've asked him to get me a pair, when he goes to pick up his new Ski's
If you can find em on the site, let me know
Cheers
Mass
Anonymous
08-10-04, 10:53 PM
pringle thermals from matalan about £10 for long johns (not attractive) and long sleeved t shirt, with another jumper on top, cordura jacket and trousers unless dry then leather trousers, thermal socks from matalan again £3. panthan gloves from hein gericke, heated grips, buff neck warmer and newspaper down t he front of the jacket to stop the nipples freezing and falling off :lol: -1 tonight and going to glen coe tomorrow will let you know how i get on :lol:
Cloggsy
08-10-04, 11:07 PM
newspaper down t he front of the jacket to stop the nipples freezing and falling off :lol:
:shock: Too much detail Hazel :lol: :lol: :lol:
Anonymous
08-10-04, 11:10 PM
newspaper down t he front of the jacket to stop the nipples freezing and falling off :lol:
:shock: Too much detail Hazel :lol: :lol: :lol:
whooops did I say that or think it, oh yeah I said it, not like me :lol:
simon-temple
11-10-04, 11:51 AM
that's why you should always tuck your t-shirt into your trousers incase this does happen. Then you won't need to retrace your tracks looking for them :D
Logie bear
17-10-04, 07:54 PM
I wear a 97' Ford Escort with the heater on.
Toastie :lol:
The secret to keeping warm is several layers of loose thin clothing. In summer, looking cool wearing your tight leathers, you don't notice the cold but in winter you need to do the opposite and wear gear that is waterproof and loose-fitting.
I always wear at least one pair of 150 denier ladies woolly tights :oops: which really makes a difference though loose track-suit bottoms would probably be even better.
You certainly don't need to spend silly money on the so called "thermal" undergarments, they're no better (if at all) than thermal underwear from M&S, Matalan etc which is a lot cheaper.
As for gloves, again the reason most people nearly get frostbite is because they're too tight. Buy a set of waterproof winter gloves at least one size too big. The extra air circulating round your fingers will insulate them and I guarantee you'll be nice and snug.
The other very useful thing is a balaclava under your helmet as this keeps your neck and head warm and stops heat escaping out of the collar of your jacket.
So in winter, let common sense prevail and function win over form.
Excellent advice there. You're not ex-army by chance?
No, just listened to my old dad who used to fly at 16000 feet in Lancasters without heating during WW2. ;)
.
northwind
17-10-04, 08:45 PM
Would that not have been a relatively water-free environment? Very cold, of course, but one of the big problems we face is keeping dry on the bike. It's pretty easy to keep warm in the dry on a bike, IMHO...
Nah, it's wet up there. :)
Yes that was purely about warmth. As for keeping dry my solution has been to buy Alpine Stars waterproofs that I pull over and pull on when it starts raining. That way I do'nt have to worry about so-called waterproof membranes (oo-er!) and I can wear leather, should I wish to, any time of year. They also look reasonably cool ;)
.
As my Mum used to work for a local clothing company we've got stack of silk lying about, any gear we buy to use on bikes she lines with silk as it stops the wind getting through, ofcourse failing that a cheap silk shirt and gloves will do.
It doesn't make much difference in full leathers apart from the gloves but if you wear Draging Jeans or a woven jacket it makes a world of difference.
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