Cycling UK Forum

Can anyone help?

I used to have a great pair of plain black cotton drill trousers. They had flattering tucks at the waist and a tapered and buttoned ankle cuff. They were fantastic, because they were practical for the bike and yet worked with a smart jacket/shirt for work. I think they were originally from a hiking store in the States. I wore them 'til they started to look too worn.

I've trawled the forums and came up with these:

http://www.corinnedennis.co.uk/ladies-c ... longs.html

Has anyone tried them?

Or can any women cyclists out there (or men with an interest in womens' clothing ) recommend any alternatives? Not necessarily 'made for bicycle', perhaps something suitable from a regular retaiIer. I cycle 30 minutes, then train and cycle again, so I really don't want to have to do too much of a major change when I get to work.

Any ideas/leads much appreciated.

I wear a waterproof jacket to be windproof (recently bought the red version of these and am finding it great http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Altur ... 360044955/), then my work gear underneath for commuting, sometimes with a fleece instead of my smart jacket. Make sure that any jacket you buy has a layer over the zip.

Top tips for when it gets really cold:

A windproof fleece headband - get one you can wear under a helmet and also that's flexible enough to pull down as you ride and warm up.

Sheepskin gloves (if you can find them). These are windproof and will stay warm even when wet. Despite trying all sorts of other gloves, these win hands down every time. They are a little bulkier than most cycle specific gloves, but I think that's what creates the slightly warmer layer. Try here: http://www.nznature.co.nz/product/slink ... try-gloves (haven't bought these, but have used the company - their silk underwear/turtle necks/tights make excellent base layers). They were great for cleaning ice off my saddle before the 30 minute downhill ride in sub-zero temperatures I used to do late night three times a week in Japan... and still kept my fingers warm.

Not a trick for being seen, but it still works for being noticed, especially by dozy pedestrians: I commute through Leeds city centre, and find that whistling loudly (if somewhat tunelessly) means that people do notice me. I don't have to shout or sound aggressive, and I can keep it up at the speeds which are possible in slower moving traffic. You just have to perfect the art of being able to whistle on the in-breath as well as whilst breathing out...