Tired already of dressing up like Michelin Man !!!

I know what your meaning this is my second winter on the SV winter commute. Last year was a total ball ache. This year isnt brilliant either but I've found it better by still wearing my leathers and hi-viz the only difference is I also put on a textile jacket (with all padding removed) and a pair of burghouse walking trousers which act as perfect wind breakers tbh, I havnt really needed the trousers yet it hasnt been too bad. But the 2 extra items compeared to summer at least dont make getting sorted as much a ball ache as last year was.

EDIT: I wear a suit to work also, I wear the shirt and the trousers under the leathers and then leave the jacket and ties at the office.

My 2nd winter too .... but don't remember it being this much agro ....

Originally Posted by LK-SV

Well ... you're not far from me ... if you wouldn't mind !!!

Photo first though please !!!

Seriously though, you'll get the routine nailed after not too long. If raining I tend to put on everything except for gloves before going outside. And always put your right glove on last (if right handed) as that hand tends to be more competent at wriggling into a glove.

Oh and get some decent winter kit so that you don't have to faff around with overboots/gloves/one piece rain suits, as they are truly a pain in the butt!

Basic kit (waterproof & thermal jacket & trousers) should be fine to keep you warm & dry for 12 mile ride.

you'll have had more enthusiasm for the riding a year ago lol. Wait until late Jan/Feb thats when winter riding really hits. What are the roads like around you? do they get very icy or is your route too heavily traffic'd?

Originally Posted by leedsmatt7

you'll have had more enthusiasm for the riding a year ago lol. Wait until late Jan/Feb thats when winter riding really hits. What are the roads like around you? do they get very icy or is your route too heavily traffic'd?

Might be that .... and also last year I was on a GN125, so didn't bother with a cover, nor earplugs, and arguably it was easier to ride when fully Michelin'd up !!! lol.

Roads get icy in places .... but generally its filtering past stationary, or slow moving traffic ........ its a real 'keep your eyes peeled' kind of ride .....

Next purchase is some more waterproof boots ... ideally not ones with laces again !!!

[carelesschucca]

If I'm right Jet-Road Overpants by Alpinestars are what your looking for!!! work trousers on and then put em on over the top.

To be honest though i've never seen them in the flesh only in magazines, if I remember rightly they're about £140 notes!!!

I wear a rainsuit over my work clothes, which is dress trousers and a shirt, but granted my commute is 1.5 miles, and all 30's.

For boots, which I wear on ym way to work also, if budget is not a problem, I would reccomend the Sidi's Rain I think theyre called.

Sturdy, waterproof, and got plently space for textiles, leathers, jeans to be tucked in, as they have an adjustable calf bit..

I tend to use my car!

................................

(I feel the cold a lot ok!!!)

[Viney]

Originally Posted by LK-SV

Have to wear a suit at work ....

Tend to leave the suits at work ... So get dressed 2/3 times each morning and evening .....

i Have to do all that. Things that need to be asked.

Why would you have wet hands to start with - Buy better waterproof gloves

Buy a set of textile clothing. Makes life a lot easier than the leathers/waterproof combo.

Yes its a faff, but once in the routine i dont think anything of it. i was off the bike for 8 weeks and it w2as alien to me when i started riding back to work. Put all my gear on in the worng order (Waterpoof jacket, then remembering my leahter jacket after wards etc.

Originally Posted by Viney

i Have to do all that. Things that need to be asked.

Why would you have wet hands to start with - Buy better waterproof gloves

Buy a set of textile clothing. Makes life a lot easier than the leathers/waterproof combo.

Yes its a faff, but once in the routine i dont think anything of it. i was off the bike for 8 weeks and it w2as alien to me when i started riding back to work. Put all my gear on in the worng order (Waterpoof jacket, then remembering my leahter jacket after wards etc.

OK, this is the deal ...

Hand get wet after removing the bike cover ...... can remove the cover with the gloves on ... but gloves get wet ....

I wear a pair of jeans, textile trousers and a wooly cardigan over my shirt (Stop laughing) and my textile (3 layer) jacket ...all gets a bit bulky !!!

Obviously boots, gloves, neck sleeve, etc ....

When I get to work, I get in to the suit ...