29 replies to this topic

[Matlock]

Especially if, like me, you are folically challenged!

A little short in the roof insualtion department myself

[MarkyMark]

Ah - I'm luck - I have thick locks of jet black hair.

[Matlock]

Ah - I'm luck - I have thick locks of jet black hair.

I have lots of hair too ............ just not on me head

[danceswithmopeds]

Problem solved,,,,,look for a waterproof Gorilla suit.



Sorrry mate I did'nt see you. My arse

[robelst]

In my experience you can get a really usuable suit for not too much money, but there simply isn't something like good-yet-cheap boots or gloves that protect well, are waterproof, comfy, not sweaty and, above all, keeping those qualities for a reasonable period of time.

So if I had 600 quid to spend no more than half of it would go to a basic thermo-suit (some none-Goretex HG combi) and at least £300 or more to boots (BMW Touring or Daytona) plus gloves (I absolutely love my BMW Atlantis-2 ): This is probably the best balance for keeping warm and dry all over in winter.
Non-leather waterproof boots can be cheap and effective, but not very warm and if used every day it is difficult to keep the smell on bearable levels even if you never have any smelly-feet issues. The same goes for leather boots that are not waterproof, only the smell being of a different "spice" .

After 22 years mostly wearing leather and always carrying a rain-overall with me (wearing it was rare, and usually too late putting it on anyway ) I treated myself on a BMW Streetguard II suit (jacket and trousers) last year for almost 900 quid. It's well made, it came with a complete booklet summing up all the magical materials being used, it's pleasant to wear but not as well-breathing in summer as leather and I also already replaced the trousers under warranty in June (of all months ) for not being water-proof anymore. I still like wearing it, but not convinced it's worth all that money when compared to Onkel Hein (Gericke) value outfits

Good luck choosing!

Edited by robelst, 04 September 2007 - 09:16 pm.

[GIBBO]

My rig out consists of Frank Thomas boots £60.00. Guaranteed for two years fully waterproof! (these are a new pair as I had to return them after a few months 'cause they leaked!!!) Spada trousers £90.00. guaranteed waterproof... current pair new as the originals leaked. £60.00 jacket from Aldis, which is great, waterproof breathable and comfy.

What do I wear underneath? When it 's a work day, normal working clothes (I work in an occife). When I am oot and aboot playing at the weekends? It depends on the weather.

[Matlock]

Well, spent an expensive morning in the Liverpool branch of “Hairy Gerkins” as Pict calls them. Helpful and knowledgeable sales staff (free coffee too and it was good coffee). Tried the Tuareg suit, a good suit and a great price in the sale, but the styling was a bit too “Ewan & Charlie” for my tastes. Eventually settled on their Cruise Gortex jacket and kecks. They weren’t in the sale, but I got 10% off with a bit of haggling. Also got a pair of the Maxwell Gortex boots. I’d tried the Sidi Black Rains on earlier in the week and didn’t like the fit. Anyway thanks for the all the advice lads – I just need a bit of rain to try it all out, shouldn’t have to wait long!

[jase32]

So far I’ve been lucky in that I’ve decent local train service that gets me to work in under 40 minutes, so I go on the bike when it suits me and if the weather looks rubbish I catch the train (wimp, I know).
But, my company is about to relocate me from the centre of Liverpool to one of those appalling ‘out of town’ offices with no decent pubs nearby. Public transport will mean a 90 minute journey time, so I’m going to go on the bike every day to keep costs and journey time down. It’s a 25 mile trip each way – half A roads and half motorway. If I decline a car parking space I get an extra chunk of cash for being green. I’m also told I can claim for any extra expenses as a consequence of the move. My winter biking wardrobe really isn’t up to daily commutes in the cold & wet, so I’m going to request some readies to buy decent commuting kit. I know some of you guys are hardened winter riders, so any one got any recommendations for a decent zip together textile jacket & trousers and waterproof boots? Total budget should be about the £600 mark – if I can squeeze it out of the accountant's sweaty palms.
Cheers,
Chris.

i ride all year round and use a jacket made by buffalo, been out in the snow wind and rain and usualy commute 200miles to and from work on a weekend and have never been wet or cold in the two years ive had it

[Mandi]

Any decent gear should do the job. I am approaching my seventh winter and I think it is the little extras that help when it gets really cold.

My recommendations are heated grips and handguards a must, then real silk inner gloves, balaklava that tucks down over the shoulders and M&S thermals under sweatshirt and lined textile waterproof trousers. I only use cheapish trouring style boots and have never had cold or wet feet.

Good luck.

[Galilee]

I just got this:



Haven't tried it in winter, but it's wind- and waterproof without getting clammy, can be pulled over your chin, and is reasonably priced, 150 NOK.
Also, It hasn't got zippers/velcro/buttons that can come loose or get in the way. Just pulls over your head.

See HERE for local dealer
Highly recommended

Edited by Galilee, 10 September 2007 - 07:30 pm.