Road Cycling Essentials

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Depends on your budget, and how much importance you place on size/weight. For example, I have a dhb Southsea jacket that will keep heavy downpours out all day long, but it's so heavy and breathes so poorly that I can only wear it in the winter. It was pretty cheap, though, at £45. I also have a Montane Velocity DT 2.0 which cost £70, but it's a hell of a lot lighter and breathes much better than the Southsea. I keep it in the size pocket of my bag at all times in case I need it. The Southsea doesn't fold down very well at all, in comparison.
 
Jonny69 said:
In winter I ride in:
Long leggings, shorts over the top
Long sleeved running or cycling top (just thin cheapies)
Windproof featherlight smock (fluoro yellow Montane featherlight smock)
Windproof gloves (Gore Windstoppers)

I can't cycle in any more than that or I overheat, even when it's down near freezing. The most important part of that line-up is the windproof smock. Keeping the wind out is what stops you getting cold.
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Well I just ordered:
Bib tights
Altura wind breaker
Windproof long fingered gloves

I think my present jersey will be enough underneath wind breaker. Plenty of err... natural insulation!

Thanks for advice.
 
Russinating said:
Link? Or was it instore?
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Presumably it was in-store, as the closest thing they have to it on their site is this at £62. I can't say I really see the point of a softshell for cycling/running, to be honest, but if it works for you then I guess that's the important thing. The only time I find myself wanting more insulation is when I'm standing at a traffic light when it's <5C, and that soon goes away once I start moving again!
 
Been happy with my Altura Night Vision. Good bit of kit, not 100% breathable ( what jacket is? ) but does a great job keeping the wind and rain out.
 
I took the plunge and bought a Gore Path II jacket a while back. Very happy with it- lightweight, packs up fairly small, and so far 100% waterproof. Used it during some warm summer downpours and it breathed really well, I didn't seem to sweat significantly more than usual. Not the warmest thing in the world, but then I figure it's better to be colder and add more base layers than too warm without being able to do anything about it. I've ended up using it as an out-and-about stowaway jacket off the bike too. Only disadvantage is price (I paid £125 from wiggle), and you need to get used to the plasticky feeling of the inner layer- it feels like it will get sticky but never does.
 
Anyone else riding to Wells tomorrow to catch the Tour Of Britian. 2 of us are leaving Trowbridge at 9.30 for a 70mile round trip. :eek:
 
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Saundie said:
Presumably it was in-store, as the closest thing they have to it on their site is this at £62. I can't say I really see the point of a softshell for cycling/running, to be honest, but if it works for you then I guess that's the important thing. The only time I find myself wanting more insulation is when I'm standing at a traffic light when it's <5C, and that soon goes away once I start moving again!
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That's the one, in green! Must have been an in-store special then. It's that sort of crossover point for me, between a full windproof when it's really cold and a long sleeve top. Also handy to chuck on when I get to the station, because there's lots of standing around on platforms on my commute :(
 
:) thats an awesome top.

I want a jellybelly top, but their official shop also sells jellybeans. I cant be trusted to buy a cycling top from there without adding industrial sized boxes of jellybeans to my basket :(
 
You LOOK really chuffed :D

So a quick summary of my forays into off-road riding. First: everything so damn heavy. Second: it's like riding in syrup. Knobbly tyres have SO much drag on the road! Third: god almighty the bearings in these hubs are rough - oh wait, it's the knobbly tyres vibrating through the frame, bearings are fine. Fourth: I HATE V brakes. Every time you make any kind of adjustment to the wheel or slacken it off and re-tighten it, or change the length of the cable or ANYTHING, you have to adjust the brakes. Either move the blocks or fiddle with the spring pressures, you have to do something. AAARGH!!!! Fifth: Mmmm, steering geometry must be different for up in the valleys. Either that or I've been spoiled with very effective self-centring geo. Sixth: WHY do off-road cranks have such a bend in them? I don't want to ride it like John Wayne. The hell it is. Oh wait, and seventh: 50psiinthetyreslolthat'swaytoolowsurely?

Anyways. finished the bike at 12:40am last night ready to throw it on the back of the car at 6am this morning. Decided to repack the bearings etc and crashed out at 3am. Nowt like the last minute eh? :D
 
Agree with all that, except about v-brakes?
I'm still a fan of v-brakes and would choose them over all but the very best disc brakes. The only time i'v ever had problems with the alignment of them is when the wheel isnt completely true.
 
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