Winter Clothing

Have they replaced the Lake winter boots which we've all talked about each Autumn, and no one (apart from Scott?) has ever purchased?

A few things that made Winter last year a bit more bearable:

Clingfilm over the toe of shoes under oversocks/overshoes. Surprisingly effective.

Used by gardeners to keep warm feet in wellies. Wrap socked feet in tin foil to preserve heat, then add cling film to waterproof. Layer with extra socks as desired. Crunchy but warm.

Trying to replace my super-bad-weather jacket. I've been using a Vans ski coat for the past 6-7 years, which has lasted pretty well and kept me very dry in pretty much every situation it's been in.

These DHB jackets look pretty good and extremely well priced considering everyone else seems to be aiming at £500 for their top level waterproof; anyone got any experience? http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-sync-waterproof-jacket/

Any other recommendations for a black full weather protection jacket?

I'm also thinking about have this in my bag 'just incase' all the time - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/castelli-squadra-long-waterproof-jacket-2012/ - maybe not cold protection, but for shower I think it'll do.

Got some DHB Roubaix leg and arm warmers. Kept me very warm on my way home. Comfortably warm, unlike wearing a jacket which makes me all clammy.

^^ DHB looks very good especially for the price although I would question how 'breathable' it is. Most jackets claim to be breathable by whacking a couple of vents on that don't do much.
Squadra is good packs up well but definitely only shower/drizzle proof

^^^I have similar Castelli jacket - it is my must have item on long rides. It's ideal for when you're caught out in a storm etc. I've always been impressed with the DHB stuff, had a jacket a while back, perfect for the money.
I have this one, as with all Castelli stuff, the sizes are tiny, think racing cut and then make it smaller.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/castelli-leggero-windproof-jacket/

Anything that is a self confessed 'storm jacket' isn't going to be breathable at all. As DJ loves to point out, there is no such thing as a really breathable waterproof.

I'm going to try those chemical warmers this year.

It wasn't cold enough last winter to bother but I've used these effectively. Awesome for longer rides. They cost about £2 for 4 from Wilkinsons. :)

Don't use them in vented shoes though. The blasting air quickens the reaction and you'll actually risk burning your feet. I use them in Sidi Dominators with no problems.

Got some DHB Roubaix leg and arm warmers. Kept me very warm on my way home. Comfortably warm, unlike wearing a jacket which makes me all clammy.

Welcome to cycling 'beyond the jacket'. Jackets mostly suck if you're creating any heat.

^^^^ Is that proper waterproof though? For your wet needs it's all about the Gabba

^The Castelli? No you're right, it isn't a proper waterproof, but on an hourish ride in the rain I stay toasty and dry.
It's so small I leave it in my bag all year round.

Welcome to cycling 'beyond the jacket'. Jackets mostly suck if you're creating any heat.

IMO it depends on the type of jacket. Rain coats on the other hand - always suck.

Have they replaced the Lake winter boots which we've all talked about each Autumn, and no one (apart from Scott?) has ever purchased?

They have the same vibram spd sole. But they have more insulation, and vitally, the aerogel insole to insulate against the heat sink which is the cleat.

I may go homebrew though.

I have a barrel of aerogel sitting in the lab. Its in flakes though, and has resisted attempts to be molded together with some expandable polystyrene for structure. I'm now thinking I could simply open up a sole from inside, around the cleat area, fill with aerogel, and reseal.

If some other winter boots come up that'll be my plan.

I also wondered if i could sew my own poggies with aerogel fill. I'm shite at sewing though.

Anything that is a self confessed 'storm jacket' isn't going to be breathable at all. As DJ loves to point out, there is no such thing as a really breathable waterproof.

Whilst I realise other people are going to have an issue with it, breathability is low on my list of concerns. I don't sweat a vast amount on the bike, and if it's raining hard enough I'll probably strip down after a ride anyway.

I'm looking for a jacket that will let me spit in the face of Poseidon and come out unscathed. I'd wear a wetsuit if it had more pockets. I really don't like getting wet.

I've been wearing cheapo army surplus waterproof trousers when it's really caining it down recently, but I stacked it going over Vauxhall bridge and ripped the knee up - anyone got any better recommendations for bottom-half waterproofing that is slightly more snug than the bin-liner tent I've been using. Gotta fit over jeans, rather than riding gear.

I don't wear my endura over trouser because they dont breath. Bloody waterproof though.
Have you tried them?

^^ DHB looks very good especially for the price although I would question how 'breathable' it is. Most jackets claim to be breathable by whacking a couple of vents on that don't do much.

I use a north face "venture" jacket with massive pit zips - from ribs to elbow. Special fabric doesn't get clammy, two pockets, extra long sleeves, proper waterproof. Open the vents in Autumn to expel vapour, close them in Winter, layer with a l/s jersey and it's good down to freezing point. It lives in my commuting backpack year round.

I like Altura night vision trousers, mainly because the length is adjustable so they fit my stubby legs without tailoring.

Whilst I realise other people are going to have an issue with it, breathability is low on my list of concerns. I don't sweat a vast amount on the bike, and if it's raining hard enough I'll probably strip down after a ride anyway.

I'm looking for a jacket that will let me spit in the face of Poseidon and come out unscathed. I'd wear a wetsuit if it had more pockets. I really don't like getting wet.

I've been wearing cheapo army surplus waterproof trousers when it's really caining it down recently, but I stacked it going over Vauxhall bridge and ripped the knee up - anyone got any better recommendations for bottom-half waterproofing that is slightly more snug than the bin-liner tent I've been using. Gotta fit over jeans, rather than riding gear.

Rainlegs and roll your jeans up. Add knee warmers when it gets cold.

Love my Mavic Neptune Jacket. Plenty waterproof, and well vented (mainly adding the two under your forearms, which help massively.

Equivalent seems to be this:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/mavic/hydro-h2o-jacket-ec038238
although they don't do black anymore it seems, and you might be better trying them on - I am 6ft, 70kg (and like a snug fit) and went for an XS

if you live in london condor have loads of mavic stuff.

If you live in London, you don't need winter gear. MTFU and pedal faster if you feel a wee chill.

I use a north face "venture" jacket with massive pit zips - from ribs to elbow. Special fabric doesn't get clammy, two pockets, extra long sleeves, proper waterproof. Open the vents in Autumn to expel vapour, close them in Winter, layer with a l/s jersey and it's good down to freezing point. It lives in my commuting backpack year round.

I like Altura night vision trousers, mainly because the length is adjustable so they fit my stubby legs without tailoring.

May I ask if you have worn this jacket in a prolonged heavy down pour ? and if so how did it hold up ?

Sure, several times last winter. Of course I get wet anyway when it's very heavy since the hood doesn't go over my helmet, allowing rain water in at the neck.

Doesn't the hood fit under the helmet?

Torn between the North Face Venture and the DHB sync, erríng towards the DHB simply because it doesn't shout 'rambler'

Sync seems pretty good. Looks heavier than the north face so probably a bit warmer too.