Waterproof over trousers take care of it and I’ve used them for commuting, but eventually concluded if it was wet enough to need them for training rides I’d be better off staying indoors!
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Those days look like they’re past for this winter, but we’ve had some warm but wet days the last month or so where I’ve gone gravelling. Cold and wet a firm no from me though when I’ve the turbo and a big tele!
Yes it’s for this reason that I sold my waterproof non-insulated boots and bought the insulated version instead. We get a lot of rain in Scotland so waterproof just doesn’t make any sense when it’s wet - they function like buckets.
However, the insulated GTX boots are fantastic for when it’s cold enough to snow (or just for dry days). I suppose in this instance the waterproof membrane is more of a windproof than anything else but it does also make sure nothing gets in from underneath if you’re walking at any point. And it deals well with low level road spray too.
I have a set of these and they work pretty well if it’s warm enough to be in shorts or 3/4 bibs so they are in direct contact with skin, but as you say the fabric of a pair of tights underneath them wicks water in. Potential market for someone to invent loose-ankle bib tights that go over your overshoes/boots?
Velotoze do a version of these now too which I might try if I thought I’d make much use of them. Seems like that thinner material would be far more comfortable than the rather substantial neoprene of the GripGrab set.
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Yes, I’ve used these heated snowmobile gloves for a couple of winters. My fingers are very sensitive to cold, and these gloves are a game changer, however they are pricey and look ridiculous.
I don’t use heated socks. I use Lake 303 winter boots down to freezing, and add overshoes on top of them when it’s below freezing.
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Thanks @Power13 and @HLaB
LBS had a good sale on last years Lake stock. Glad to have some background before diving in.
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I’d say a soft shell isn’t a true soft shell if you need to add a hard shell over it, in all but the most extreme circumstances. If you just use it with a hard shell over the top, it’s just another layer rather than a replacement for two or more layers.
The likes of the Gabba, Gore Phantom, Rapha Softshell Winter Jacket etc are definitely true soft shells. After several hours in the typical UK 
all but the gabba will succumb to letting in the moisture somewhere 
and an extra layer is good for keeping you warm. Even with the Gabba I’ll sometimes carry a gilet just for that extra warmth later in the ride. At a guess 80% of the time my regular soft shells are my top layer and 99% of the time the gabba is the top layer. But for the sake of a little space in the pocket for a light foldable hardshell/gilet I’ll still carry one for warmth. Only very occasionally (and less so these days) will I set off when its freezing and torrential where I’d wear a hardshell on top of a softshell from the start and take it of once it has warmed/dried up.
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I just got a set of Sportful kit for the UK winter (0-10 Celsius and soggy), Infinium Bibs and the Fiandre Pro Jacket and have been particularly impressed by the bibs. Coming from Le Col/Rapha, the fit and quality of fabrics feels a step above, and for its job very well on my first ride in 5c and mist that seemed to soak everything!
For those that lift and have arms that show it, have you found a good arm warmer? All the ones I’ve tried are simply too tight, to the point where it feels like it’s restricting blood flow. I’m not even big (5’8", 150) and consider myself lean but I do have more of a lifting physique and my arms aren’t small. I’ve tried CDC, Ornot, rapha, all way too small for me, which leads me to believe there are no arm warmers for cyclists with biceps out there. Or is there?
Why can’t they make arm warmers like socks? I almost want to buy long socks and convert them to arm warmers. I love how good cycling socks can stretch as much as needed (easily) but then holds form and is comfortable.
I’m the exact opposite the majority fall down on my arms but I have found ones tgat are like socks. There’s probably other manufacturers/ sellers but I got merino wool ones from Planet X
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Its cold out again - what are people buying these days for cold weather kit? I don’t love the wet so mostly interested in staying warm without too much bulk. Cold feet are the easiest way to ruin a ride for me.
Toe covers for cold feet.
OrNot is expensive but I like their Micro Climate Jacket. I also have a thermal jersey that I can’t seem to find on their site any more.
I also like Voler and The Black Bibs.
The key to warm feet is shoes that fit properly with a wide anatomically correct toe box, which very few manufacturers offer. if your toes don’t have room to wiggle the blood can’t flow and no matter how many layers, you’ll still get cold feet. I pair lake CX201s with Injinji merino liner toe socks. A pair of Rapha over socks and my feet are comfortable down to freezing temperatures in the dry.
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What good timing - I’ve been in the fit process for a pair of Lake CX239 and picking up the slightly larger pair this afternoon. Good guidance and makes me happy i’m going (hopefully) with this roomier pair.
What do you define as cold?
Yep. For me, loose shoes with room for thicker socks. I block airflow with toe or shoe covers. Gotta be warmed up and and maintain blood flow. Once extremities start to cool down, blood flow restricts, they get colder, blood slows even more… vicious cycle. If really cold, I’ll do calisthenics to get warmed up, and then start riding a good intensity to forestall cooling off. Once I start cooling off, it’s downhill from there. I’ve never not been clammy and cool in cold wx. Adjustable layers and keeping going is what works for me.
good point and actually this is why people who wear thick wool socks and then barely cram their feet into their bike shoes are missing the point and making it worse
I got tired of cold feet and dealing with thick socks or overshoes so bought some Lake mxz shoes. They’re heavy, only come in whole sizes, and use SPD (mtb) cleats but my feet are warm even with thin socks. Once it’s really winter I just swap my pedals to some old spds.