Thursday 19 November 2009

staying dry on the commute


i think ive got my commuting clothing dialled now and looking forward to what nature throws down on me this winter!,
i always used to have to change at work or wear a damp cotton polo shirt which had to be changed daily,i discovered howies merino wool tops 2 years ago but there £50 and too good for work then endura brought out a lighter weight merino long sleeve top and only £33...

you can wear it all week to work and it dosnt smell,i can vouch 2 weeks smell free with the howies tops on holiday!, no really there amazing,
i wear altura trousers-not sure what ones they are,there 3 years old,not waterproof but i just wear them at work all day now so dont have to change...

most of the year i ride into work wearing hogs (non steel toe cap) derbi boots,£39, very waterproof once done with nikwax a few times...

now the roads are pretty filthy im wearing my viking `dryboots, £42, they are awesome...

i wear these alot on the pugsley as i ride with flats on it,there a lined rubber boot with ankle hieght sealed tongue-so warm unlike wellingtons,soles are a little bit soft for cycling but there great for water,mud,slush conditions,
my altura nevis jacket is 3 years old and was only £30 in a sale and waterproof for about half an hour so fine for my commute...

for the winter half of the year i have my BBB £20 gloves,again water proof for about an hour so ideal...

my crumpler courier bag has never leaked yet,its a tough bag and i think it will last for years...

in my pannier is a pair of endura waterproofs £40 for if raining...

there 100% waterproof but a little sweaty at the knees,in my courier bag is a pair of paclite montaine trousers for warmer wet weather or below zero weather...

so now i ride to work with just the wool top under the jacket which below zero degrees is warm enough with all vents closed,i add a fleece headband that covers the top of my ears and im comfy,warm and dry and dont have a load of changing to do once at work, just hang my jacket to air put on a sweatshirt and swap to steel toecap hogs boots and im ready to go-after a brew of course...

6 comments:

  1. Sounds like you have it sorted.

    I have discovered waterproof trousers this year, they are great!

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  2. just order Endura trousers and gloves. Mmm Maybe I need also the waterproof and long sleeve top to ha ha

    Question. Do you have a direct email address?

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  3. I think I might have to look at toe clips and some warm dry boots. I can't stand cold wet feet!

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  4. trio-yep waty trousers are great for the commute!,big sweaty for offroading i find though,

    tommy- you can email me at- www.coastkid71@yahoo.co.uk

    redbike- make sure you get smooth pedals for toe clips as some have serated grips,smooth ones allow easy exit while the strap is still quite tight

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  5. Nice clothing set up. I need to get some merino wool.

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  6. hi vito,merino wool really is the biz!,only thing is it rips easy if snagged on tree bark etc, so best worn with a stronger layer over top,

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