Bike Bits

[Nix]

Hey guys,

I'm currently in the market for a few things and would like some recommendations/help if you're able to assist.

1. Hydration Pack

- I don't really know what I'm looking for here. Ideally want something of value and with space to store extras such as keys, wallet and phone, etc. whilst riding with or without the reservoir. No budget, but don't really want to be paying silly money (e.g. >£70) for it. Also, are there any brands that I should be focusing on and any I should be avoiding?

2. Cycling tops

- Not necessarily lycra or jerseys here. Basically, I commute daily and I'm finding my bog-standard cotton t-shirts are getting a little sweaty to say the least after 20 minutes hard peddling. I've got a 56 mile ride coming up soon and suffice to say, I'd like to be wearing something that keeps me comfortable. I have a MTB so obviously being completely lycra-clad would look a little odd to say the least.

3. Rain jackets

- Again, don't know what I'm looking for exactly. I've got some triclimate coat/jacket from North Face where the outershell has pit-zips and is made of goretex but I find even walking in it can be very uncomfortable unless it's quite cold as I get very warm in it, so cycling is a no go. I have considered buying an outdoors paclite but I worry I would have the same problem in that I get too hot to cycle comfortably.

Can anyone recommend a good waterproof? Cycling and/or outdoors. I'm basically thinking of those annoying days where it's a little too warm for anything but you need something breathable to keep you from being soaked.

Also, whilst we're on the topic: how do people stop their heads from being soaked if it's a large downpour as most of the cycling jackets I've seen have no hood. Indeed, I imagine a hood whilst riding would be problematic in its own right.

4. Cycling glasses/sunglasses.

- Do you have any personal recommendations and if possible, photos of you or someone wearing them? They all seem more or less the same to me, except the cheaper end I imagine you might look like a tool wearing them. But as I said, I don't really know hence why I'm asking here.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Nix]

Thanks very much guys. Will quite likely be ordering that camelbak and Karrimor jacket - absolute bargains!

I've got some time to kill next week so will likely head to the Decathlon Lakeside store and have a look around for some tops and stuff!

For £12 you really can't complain! How's the breathability?

EDIT:

Ah, bugger. The jacket's only left in the wrong sizes!

 

[Nix]

I've ordered the Camelbak and a pair of Endura Stingrays.

Will look around Decathlon and local Sports Direct when I get a chance. If all else fails, it'll be a trip to GoOutdoors.

As for prescription, I actually do need glasses as I'm slightly short-sighted but I will be sorting new glasses and contacts out this week anyway. Just nice to have options as I can - although it's better not to - get away without wearing any. Indeed, I bought a brand new pair of glasses last November then about a week later decided I hated them so only really wear them in the cinema. Finally got a week off work this week, so finding an 'every day' pair is high-up on the list of things to do.

Jonny, do you have any links to the jacket you're referring to? Ideally I'm after something for warm weather at the moment, so I can ride in how the weather's been the last couple of days with the warm-mugginess and lots of rain.