Most of you reading this will have noticed how much snow we have at present in the UK, and while some will hide their bike away in the garage wrap it up warm until the first signs of springs, there are still those who go out riding. The key to winter riding is being in the right clothing and understanding layering.

First layer, base layers.

A good wicking base layer will make all the difference between feeling sweaty and miserable and cold on the hill, or enjoying yourself. £28 will buy you a very decent bas layer these days, specifically designed for outdoor sport use

http://www.alpinebikes.com/shop/clothing/bike-clothing/craft/

The great thing about Craft is it has an antimicrobial treatment so that the base layer won’t smell your house out.

Second layer, something warm.

This layers all about managing your temperature and is probably the most crucial layer as so many people get it wrong. What you need here is something that will keep you warm while your riding, nothing more. There is a tendency to overdo this layer and wear too much causing you to sweat excessively so think before you put on that jumper you wear in the pub and huddle against the fire – it’s possibly a bit excessive. For this layer I reckon the go to range is Gore Bike Wear

http://www.alpinebikes.com/shop/clothing/bike-clothing/gore-bike-wear/

Jerseys like

http://www.alpinebikes.com/shop/clothing/bike-clothing/gore-bike-wear/cross-country/path-long-jersey/

Are specifically designed for this type of thing, and by having the ¼ zip at the front allows a bit of thermal management if you get too hot.

Third Layer, waterproof / windproof.

Much the same as above, possibly the best manufacturer for this type of gear is Gore. I ride with an Alp x II

http://www.alpinebikes.com/shop/clothing/bike-clothing/gore-bike-wear/cross-country/alp-x-ii/

This Jacket is fantastic; it packs up small enough into my bag yet is possibly one of the most durable jackets I own. I’ve crashed in it heavily enough to break my collarbone and not done any damage to it, and have followed the care instructions and it’s remained utterly waterproof.

I know some people argue that Gore bike Wear is expensive, but it does the job so well you don’t mind paying that wee bit more for it. The best bit, Alpine Bikes currently have certain Gore Bike Wear items on sale with up to 35% off some of it, so it’s actually not that expensive at all.

If you still can’t bear the thought of going out on you bike in this much snow then I can recommend the following gloves for snowball fights, cleaning the car and holding metal objects (like bikes)

http://www.alpinebikes.com/shop/clothing/bike-clothing/gloves/gore-bike-wear/cross-ii-gtx-glove/

And with 25% off they’re a bargain.

Full Gore Sale list at Alpine can be found at:

http://www.alpinebikes.com/shop/sale/gore-bike-wear/

Labels: Alpine Bikes, Gore Bike Wear

posted by glenmore @ 11:36 am