Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

merino socks hold much more water than normal socks though?

Merino can stay warm when damp, unlike other fabrics.

Ha i saw quite a few with bags on the KOtD sportive!

Fucking belms.

And Hunterlar, it's going to be 18 degrees tomorrow, I doubt you'll get cold, even if it does rain all day.

I was out on Tuesday morning for 3 hours in light rain with a merino base layer, jersey, gilet, arm warmers and shorts and lived to tell the tale.

If you are unable to dress yourself, perhaps your mum should not be allowing you to ride a bike.

Absolutely agree with James here.

Thin overshoes which are waterproof will shed water better - and will keep the road shit off your shoes. If you ride for 5-6 hours in rain without overshoes you can kiss goodbye to those shiny white disco slippers.

If you are out in pouring rain for hours you are going to be soaking whatever you wear, just make sure you have a thin windproof layer.

I wouldn't bother with knee warmers, but might stick a bit of warm up oil on your legs (if you shave- otherwise dont bother).

If he doesn't shave then he shouldn't be wearing Rapha.

/s

And Hunterlar, it's going to be 18 degrees tomorrow, I doubt you'll get cold, even if it does rain all day.

I was out on Tuesday morning for 3 hours in light rain with a merino base layer, jersey, gilet, arm warmers and shorts and lived to tell the tale.

Sounds epic. Have you submitted to the Rapha blog yet?

They were filming me.

Rapha Kentinental

Now they've lost J-Pow I've stepped up to the plate.

For the top half, long sleeve merino base layer, long sleeve country jersey, pro team jacket with rain jacket for the rain. Debating whether I actually need to wear the country jersey or just go with a base layer underneath the PTJ. I'll probably pop on a winter collar aswell.

You will boil. Even in cold weather, the PTJ and the correct base layer should be adequate.

Do people even read the description for items and what they're made of and designed for, or just see "Pro Team" and think to wear it all?

Take overshoes, wind/rain jacket (or Windstopper gilet), base layer and a normal jersey. Standard bibs will be ok too. Normal fingerless gloves should be fine. 16-19c is really not cold at all. Cap under the helmet is advisable too, to keep the rain out of your eyes.

if u are carrying a bag, just take dry clothes and change if u can...if not just the sealskinz

Haha no I'm not carrying a bag but will have a change of clothes in the car for when I finish :)

Merino can stay warm when damp, unlike other fabrics.

Yes will be using a pair of these with overshoes on just to protect from the wind

You will boil. Even in cold weather, the PTJ and the correct base layer should be adequate.

Do people even read the description for items and what they're made of and designed for, or just see "Pro Team" and think to wear it all?

Take overshoes, wind/rain jacket (or Windstopper gilet), base layer and a normal jersey. Standard bibs will be ok too. Normal fingerless gloves should be fine. 16-19c is really not cold at all. Cap under the helmet is advisable too, to keep the rain out of your eyes.

Thanks all good advice taken onboard

ChrisMGS got it nailed.

I'll be out tomorrow morning in the same sort of crap (only for ~ 2.5hrs though).

I'm going with;

Cap
Fingerless gloves
Merino base
Lightweight jersey
Regular bibs
Merino socks
Oversocks (or toewarmers with oversocks)
Packable rain cape – which I expect to be wearing for most of it

You're ride is longer. Avoiding the chills is a bit more critical so I'd also take;

Defeet gloves (to go over your fingerless gloves if you need them)
Lightweight armwarmers

Don't compromise how much food you carry in order to take loads of Rapha.

Have a good one.

Isn't that what I said previously?

16 degrees means you don't need knee coverage, normal bibs should be fine. I'd be wearing a short sleeve jersey, possibly a baselayer. Take a wind jacket or rain jacket if you have one. Maybe consider arm and knee warmers.

I'll probably pop on a winter collar aswell.

Also, Buff > Rapha collars.

Cycling: Original for warmer weather, Wool for colder weather.

http://www.buffwear.co.uk/buff-headwear/original-buff

http://www.buffwear.co.uk/buff-headwear/wool-buff

Best prices on Amazon and eBay.

Buff Demonstration - YouTube

This is what I am planning on wearing

Christ, what a load of precious bollocks. I don't understand how people can not work out whether they will be overdressed or not. Only you know how hot you get during exercise and how well you can handle the cold.

It really isn't the end of the world if you happen to get a bit damp, or are slightly overdressed.

Good luck on the ride though.

Why even ride? Just stay indoors shopping on your favourite internet site.

it is pricey but to be fair i think it lasts 2 or 3 times more than a cheaper "better value" brand. + it looks great.

^We've got more important things to think about than looks right now, like the quantity of Rapha to wear

I'm off to get a coffee and go to the YMC sample sale.

I was thinking; merino base layer, fingerless gloves for carrying loads of bags but also clutching my flat white. Merino tee and windproof hoody with Hiviz gilet over the top (gotta stand out from the crowd lol )
Merino boxers and rapha jeans with pro team chatereuse socks and redwings.
I think I might need a hat? But which one? Guys?

Overshoes? It is raining after all...

I'm going with...

Just showers in the end so it was gillet+armwarmers (no jacket). Perfect.

Isn't that what I said previously?

Well done James. You too are RaphaApproved™ to a "you can now leave the house" level. :D

I'm off to get a coffee and take the piss...

Very good. It's nice to be nice, plus help a worried person get through a big ride with minimal suffering.