Cycling UK Forum

I have a Terra Nova Wild Country Zepyros 1 - i can't speak highly enough of it. Porch is good enough for my panniers and stove. Inside it is cosy instead of cramped. They do a 2 man version. Easy to pitch and is really light too.

Who knew there were so many!!



Loads of recommendations. Thanks. Enough to keep me going for many years at the rate I read!

I have a Topeak one that I. Use on my roadie for commuting to pop my multi tool and and a couple of inners in. I also have one of the lezyne ones in your link. Work got it for me as part of a leaving gift last year. It's a nice piece of kit and the quick release it's good, but I would probably look elsewhere for something. 20 quid plus seems a bit steep IMHO.

I reckon I'll make do with what i've got until the weather gets cold enough to make some judgements.

I might add a new merino baselayer and a gilet to my wardrobe though, just for kicks. Never had a gilet, but a windproof one might be a good outer layer over a fleece lined jersey and a baselayer on a chilly day.

The wife has just informed me Aldi's good ol' cycling special starts on Thursday (26th)

Winter cycling jackets (claiming to be both windproof and waterproof) for £20, plus Merino baselayers for £15.

Worth a look!

I think you're right Big T. Knowing I have to cycle to get to work whatever the weather means I've been thinking "do I have the right selection of clothes to cope with all weather scenarios"

The answer I think is - maybe

If its very, very cold, then a merino baselayer, midlayer like a normal jersey and a windproof or fleece lines jersey will probably suffice. I could wear my montane feather lite also to keep the chill off.

In rainy commutes, my dhb minima would suffice. It's only 4 miles each way so not too worried about boiling in the bag really.

If I get caught out on a day ride, the feather lite is good enough to cope with a minor downpour, the minima would be ok for a short while too.

Rarely will I spend a day in the saddle in a constant torrent of rain unless I get caught out while I'm away. In which case I'd just have to grin and bare the minima. Also, I'm only planning on two two night trips between now and December, probably one between Jan and March.

Wondering now if an expensive jacket is overkill. The night vision evo, for example is £90. I honestly can't imagine getting the value out of it...

Maybe my money should go towards a very nice baselayer....

I will certainly check out the Rab stuff. I have a hiking jacket by Rab and it is excellent.

I do have a montane feather lite. It's a great jacket. I actually forgot I had it! Certainly good enough for a cold winters morning over a baselayer and long sleeve jersey.

There will only be a handful of times per year when I cycle a long way in persistent rain. Probably when I'm touring and a rainy day hits.

Rest of the time it'll either just be me caught out by a downpour on a day ride or coming to and from work.

I really like the look and feel of the night vision evo as a solid waterproof. However, its pricey, and I don't know whether I'd bother wearing it when it's just cold and layering up would suffice.

I like the look of that Endura.

In rain, doesn't the back soak through quite quickly though?

I commute on my dawes galaxy whenever I need to take more than I can fit in my saddlebag. It's not as fast as my road bike obviously but it's a sturdy beast.

Prefer commuting on my road bike personally but can't beat the galaxy for a reliable, all weather compatible ride

Looking ahead to the cold, windy and wet days ahead of us fills me with dread. That being said, I really need a jacket to cope with those wet, cold morning commutes and freezing day rides.

The last jacket I had for such scenarios was an Altura Nevis, but that was not very breathable and I sold it on to a mate a few weeks ago.

My budget is around £100. I'd prefer to spend less but would also consider spending more for the right garment.

I'm unsure whether I want a full waterproof jacket or a good windproof (that is also water resistant)

I'm thinking probably the latter, as I have a Dhb minima which is great to throw on when the rain starts.

Protection from the cold is the main priority here as I'd prefer not to slap on layer after layer just to keep warm.

So - recommendations on good winter jackets would be really appreciated

Thanks

Thanks for all well wishes and advice. I'm taking it all in my stride. Gashes on my leg became very inflamed so I nipped to the walk in centre and got it cleaned up. It's doing we'll now. I'm cycling up to Lancaster on Sunday (55 miles) its a pre planned trip and font want to cancel so I'm sure I will be fine

Reported road surface in an email to the council and they're looking into it, whatever that means.

Thanks guys for the help

Obviously learned my lesson. Road in question is a 50mph stretch so always feel pressured there to let people pass. Get a bit nervous with a bus or lorry on my shoulder.

Preferable to slamming my body into the pavement though, evidently.

Back on my bike today for the commute. Knee is stuff but an uneventful cruise along the busy road gave my confidence a boost.

[XAP]Bob wrote:Hope you heal well....

the best remedy is to cycle further out, where the road surface is better.

additionally you'll find that motorists give you more room...

I'll certainly be less willing to sacrifice my precious space next time to allow things the room to pass, even if they were kind of forcing the issue.