Ask Pete - Bike & Tech Questions Answered
Hi Pete,
I need to ride my bike through the winter as I’m a student and don’t have any other way of getting around. Problem is, I’m skint and can’t afford expensive winter bike gear. What do you suggest?
Cheers,
Rick, via email.
Hi Rick,
That’s one of the problems with bike kit; it’s nice to have lightweight summer gear and heavily insulated winter clothes but that can be expensive. The important thing to remember is what your bike kit is supposed to do – whether it’s bike specific gear or not. Your riding gear has to keep you warm, dry and protected. Seems obvious but I see many riders whose kit fails on at least one of those points.
Bike jackets can be very cheap, from as little as £50 with built in armour, waterproof and thermal linings. You do get what you pay for to a degree, so buy the best you can afford as it will last for a long time and make a huge difference to your comfort and safety. Then think about layers. Shops like Millets sell base layer vests and trousers very cheaply that are very thin, warm and comfortable. One item that I never ride without is a neck tube, it really helps to keep you warm, especially if your jacket collar is a loose fit, and they are often given away free!
Next, think about keeping dry. Even if you are riding in dry conditions, waterproof layers also keep out the wind which helps keep you warm, so get a cheap pair of waterproof overtrousers to wear over your jeans and a thin waterproof overjacket.
Keep your hands and feet warm and the rest of you will feel toasty. Try not to ride in trainers as they fail on all three of the above points!
Gloves are the biggest problem as your hands are very exposed. They aren’t very fashionable, but think about handlebar muffs as they are brilliant for keeping your hands warm and can easily be removed when not needed. Also try wearing the plastic gloves given away at petrol stations inside your gloves – it makes a difference and they are free!
To sum up; whatever gear you can afford, and it doesn’t have to be expensive, must keep you warm, dry and protected.
Regards
Pete