Wet riding essentials

dottigirl wrote:

On a related note, is anyone a silk liner sock/glove convert?

I tried silk liner gloves. They didn't keep my fingers warm but my wrists got too hot (jacket/baselayer overlapping with 2 glove layers). Not what I wanted! Also, the stitching around two fingers unravelled so both are unprotected. Won't bother again.

Might try merino if I can find a pair that fits nicely.

I use them on the motorbike, they do make a difference. I note they help with removing wet gloves - wearing inner gloves prevents the liner of the main glove from coming off with your hands. I can't imagine they're much fun if they get wet but I haven't experienced that wearing waterproof gloves. Never heard of big seam-y silk though....

dottigirl wrote:

On a related note, is anyone a silk liner sock/glove convert?

A friend was raving about them, so I bought a couple of pairs of 100% silk liner socks and a pair of liner gloves.

I find the socks unpleasant to wear, especially when they get damp. I've never used the gloves due to this, plus they are a little big and seam-y.

I much prefer the merino I've mentioned above - it's much nicer next to the skin when wet or dry.

dottigirl wrote:

On a related note, is anyone a silk liner sock/glove convert?

A friend was raving about them, so I bought a couple of pairs of 100% silk liner socks and a pair of liner gloves.

I find the socks unpleasant to wear, especially when they get damp. I've never used the gloves due to this, plus they are a little big and seam-y.

I much prefer the merino I've mentioned above - it's much nicer next to the skin when wet or dry.

I've used silk liners under Altura neoprene outers for the last three winters. As with most of my winter kit they're Decathlon cheapies - £5.99 I think. If temp is over +5 I'll use them under track mitts (not recommended, as the silk won't take the abuse). 

They do the job for me under neoprene and keep the outers less stinky. Easy to wash and very quick to dry. Not had any issues with them getting damp but I shouldn't do as the outers are waterproof.

May give merino a go this time, I need to replace them for the winter. Have a merino mix base layer and shorts which I like.

hughw wrote:

I highly recommend the sportful neoprene gloves until it gets below zero, and which point they don't really cut the mustard any more. I'm currently exploring some seal skinz I borrowed, but I'm waiting for it to get properly cold before I decide.

My top winter tip: EDZ merino liner gloves are essential for giving the outer gloves a boost:

http://amzn.to/2w4wEJy

They're thin enough to fit under and make both my autumn and winter gloves more comfortable too - there's no seams, and if I get soaked, my hands stay warmer. Another benefit is if you need to take clunky outer gloves off, you won't totally freeze your hands. I note Seakskinz do their own version, but I haven't tried them yet:

http://amzn.to/2eSSwg5

Icebreaker and Smartwool have a similar offerings for over twice as much, but I wouldn't spend more than a tenner as even the expensive merino wears through quite quickly (in fact, the higher the %, the better they are but the shorter they last - the EDZ usually last one winter, though I still use some from longer back), plus gloves are the kind of thing I'm afraid of losing.

dottigirl wrote:

My top winter tip: EDZ merino liner gloves are essential for giving the outer gloves a boost:

http://amzn.to/2w4wEJy

Thanks. I have bought a pair (they are also on ebay at the same price).

Talking of base layers, I like merino - howies NBL light (very fine, feels like a thin cotton t-shirt) and Endura baabaa.

A cycling cap is one of the things I value most in the rain. Takes up very little space in a jersey pocket but is great for keeping the rain off one's head and shielding the eyes.

Oh man, that would suck.

Grahamd wrote:

If you're planning a long ride check that your coffee stop is open before setting out. Nothing worse than looking forward to warm cuppa and break from the weather, only to find it closed!

Paul7189 wrote:

Would you all say your normal summer bibshorts are fine for winter riding? Do you just add some leg warmers or change them completely?

I've got bib tights that I'll probably dig out in a few weeks unless we have a shock Indian summer. Then the proper winter/thermal stuff comes out around 5°.

Paul7189 wrote:

Would you all say your normal summer bibshorts are fine for winter riding? Do you just add some leg warmers or change them completely?

I wear the sam bibshorts year round and add knee warmers when cold enough or revert to 3/4 bibs. I have exposed skin on my calves year round, I don't have any full length tights. I think I've got some overshoes somewhere but not 100% sure but do have some toe covers to take the chill away from my toes.

Oh no, not this again

CXR94Di2 wrote:

Smart trainer, laptop, internet and fan

In order of priority: Leg warmers/tights, gloves, waterproof, overshoes, hat.