Essential winter clothing?

I've got the mw5's. Was thankful for them today and can recommend.

Was pleased to have my endura primaloft gilet thing today. Cost a fair bit but the Zip feels abit shit, wasn't sure if it's just mine but may see if they'll swap it out.

I was looking at getting one of the endura insulated gilets. You’d recommend? And how do they size up (endura sizing always seems a bit random)?

I've found all Enduras zips to be a bit shit, I have shorts and jackets, think quality of Endura stuff has dipped a bit over the past couple of years.

I'd definitely recommend it but just be wary of the zipper. So odd as surely that's the bit that fails first on these things, you'd think they spend the money on that component.

Fit wise I went for a large, probably could have went medium for a closer fit but I don't mind it abit looser. I'm 6'2" 80kg ish.

thanks

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Anyone tried these?

https://www.addnature.co.uk/sealskinz-waterproof-all-weather-ankle-length-knitted-shoes-black-1206025.html

I was looking at getting one of the endura insulated gilets. You’d recommend? And how do they size up (endura sizing always seems a bit random)?

It's a great thing to have & I've started to carry it with me for all winter rides for long stops/emergencies. The two way zip makes it pretty versatile, I'll wear this over a jacket in deep winter (sub-zero) but also over a summer jersey in spring/autumn. Fit wise, I'm Small in most brands and this is no different.

I found it quite cold, even in autumn/spring... : /

https://www.addnature.co.uk/sealskinz-wa­terproof-all-weather-ankle-length-knitte­d-shoes-black-1206025.html

Can't really see how that's a worthwhile investment. The socks alone are worth about half the of the price of £60, that leaves just £30 for the soles so the quality of those can't be that good. Buying a standard pair of sealskinz socks and using them with a pair trainers you've already got lying around would be preferable in my opinion. Just make sure they are the type that dry out relatively quickly.

I think Balenciaga did

Good shout. I actually found the shoes for £30 on sale but unfortunately couldn't find much info or reviews anywhere at all. Did end up finding a few photos of a guy wearing them in a canoe, so they're probably more suited to water sports etc.

Kinky

What the hell are they for?

They look pretty slim so can't imagine there being much warmth in them, they aren't very long so not much use for walking around in water.

Having worn waterproof socks, once the water gets in your foot is just slushing about in water. Can’t see it being any different with these shoes.

I found it quite cold, even in autumn/spring... : /

Think I saw on the F500 thread you are on the west coast of Scotland. Can see why you'd find it cold still..!

Got MW5s a week or two back and a couple of questions/comments:

After each ride; there is always some moisture in the boot (the neoprene sock is damp). So drying them (and removing the liner!) is a must. Would be interested to know what socks/leg coverings you’ve paired them with? (basically, what am I doing wrong?)

The lacing system is weird! Have you worked out where the velcro’d tab goes?

Other than this, happier to be using these than the shoe + overshoe combo. Last overshoes I had were shredded inside a week of commutes.

I usually go belts and braces if I know there is a chance of rain and wear my sealskinz socks. I don't find them completely impermeable which I don't expect them to be. I think they let water in abit under the front flap just at the toe box. They do however keep my feet toasty warm, even more so when worn with woolie boolies.

ah, I wondered if I’d been gulled by other people’s reviews and had unreasonable expectations (yes). Thick wool socks seem to keep things tidier (maybe they wick more?). Cheers!

Kit report.

4 hours yesterday with, on top half:

• merino Rapha LS base layer (c2010)
  
• DIY burner (documented here or Rapha thread)
  
• Rapha thermal LS jersey (c2020)
  
• Wool liner gloves with north face fleece gloves over the top
  
• Buff
  
• Rapha merino winter cap
  
  

Absolutely fine. Very impressed. I was concerned about my arms, feet and hands but I’m convinced the thick burner keeps core warm and prevents circulation slowing down.

Link for the burner: https://www.lfgss.com/comments/15722270/

+1 for (DIY) burner. Made one the other day from some thinsulate wadding I had lying around and it was great this weekend between a baselayer and merino jersey. It's a bit narrow though so going to order some fabric and insulation and make a better one.

I sprung for these this year, and i rate them. They seem very well made and very warm and i much prefer them to my Shimano SL winter boots. I have circulation issues with my right foot toes in particular and they almost always go numb on cold rides regardless of kit. However these seem to be prolonging that.

I'm pro Velotoze because i think their positives outweigh their negatives, and i would hazard a guess that they will be excellent when combined with these boots for thermal retention and waterproofness. Yes Velotoze don't let moisture out, but you will definitely sweat less on wet rides than would be let in without them. Also, when thermal shoes get soaked ride after ride they start to smell, and if you ride in the country a lot of the time you're riding through field run off which is largely animal piss, and that's even worse for the smell. So a fully waterproof layer will see you right in the long run imo. These boots were on offer on Wiggle for £100 when i bought them, not sure if they still are, but i would recommend them.

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What's the consensus on a good winter glove to stop my finger tips from being agonisingly cold. I currently use castelli windstopper gloves, can't mind what model, but from about 2017. I wear them with liners but they are still shite at keeping my fingers warm.
Fair enough it has been below zero here in Scotland recently but even in milder weather my gloves don't seem to help much.

Is there a particular glove that everyone raves about?

Is there a particular glove that everyone raves about?

Specialized Element 2.0 keep my hands warm (around or a bit below freezing), they are a semi-lobster style design. Great if cold and dry, awful if very wet.