Life In The Saddle

Low temperatures and winter storms push wind-chill factors to sub-zero. Bike riding does not have to cease in freezing conditions though; with the right clothing, there is no reason not to enjoy your cycling, even in the chilly months of winter. In this blog post, I offer my tips and advice for the right clothing to keep you comfortable when cycling in the depths of winter… 1 – Long Sleeve Base Layers Cold hands when cycling in low temperatures? Long sleeve base layers are the key to comfort here. Your hands are an extremity—they are one of the furthest points from the central boiler pump that is your heart. In order to keep them warm, you need to keep the blood that is flowing to them warm. Protecting your lower arms from wind-chill and insulating them with a long sleeve base layer will aid warm blood flows down your arteries all the way to your hands. The best long sleeve winter cycling base layer I have used is the GripGrab Expert Seamless Thermal Long Sleeve Cycling ...

Waterproof cycling rain pants are a piece of apparel that are most popular amongst cycle tourists and bicycle commuters. Waterproof trousers for cycling might seem rather over-the-top, but in truth a pair of high quality breathable waterproof bottoms could be one of the best pieces of cycle kit you have purchased to date… At the start of this year, I made a pledge to go 'car-free' as often as I possibly could. That meant riding in all weather, and often not in dedicated cycling kit. Waterproof cycling trousers mean that you can get from A-to-B and run daily errands whatever the weather. The Showers Pass Refuge Waterproof Trousers are the highest performance pair of waterproof trousers within the American brand's range. They are made using their highest quality waterproof and breathable fabric – the Elite fabric – to offer comfort and durability when cycling in wet weather conditions hour after hour, and day after day. These cycling-specific waterproof trousers are mu...

Santini remain a historic brand in the world of cycling, yet their products are far from antique. The Santini Adapt Winter Bib Tights are some of the most technically advanced and best performing winter cycle wear I have used to date; using state-of-the-art Polartec fabrics, seamless technology, and a fantastic fit. These are ideal cycling tights for spring/fall and early winter riding. The Adapt range from Santini is designed for versatility. As the name suggests, the fabrics chosen for these products are intended to be suitable for a wide range of temperature and weather conditions. The Adapt Bib Tights glean their adaption capabilities from the Polartec Smartwool fabric used in their construction. Smartwool is a unique blend of wool and synthetic yarns; creating a fabric that holds all the exceptional thermo-regulation capabilities of wool, but with added durability and improved wicking capabilities of synthetics. The Powerwool fabric really is next-level. It is beautifully so...

I have not opted for waterproof cycling trousers on past bikepacking and cycle tours, but after reading up on kit lists for the Tour Divide, I decided that a pair of 'rain pants' could be a worthwhile investment. The Vaude Vatten Lightweight Waterproof Cycling Trousers are an impressive and well-made choice. On past bike tours I have taken water-resistant leg warmers as my shielding layer for my lower limbs in cold and wet conditions; normally the GripGrab AquaRepel Leg Warmers or the Sportful NoRain Leg Warmers . These have several advantages: they supply warmth and light water-resistance, and they take up minimal room in your pannier or seat-pack. The downside of just using leg warmers is that on tough days in the saddle the fabric inevitably becomes saturated, and with that loses it wind and water protection properties. This, is where the addition of waterproof rain pants comes in… The Vaude Vatten Waterproof Cycling Trousers are specifically design for bike riding—wit...

Wintertime is without doubt a period when kit testing becomes a 'sink or swim' style judgement; the torrential rain, gusting winds and freezing temperatures mean that if kit isn't up to scratch, then you'll soon find out! I've been putting in the miles in the new adidas AW14 range over the last month, and I'm pleased to say it has been keeping me comfortable and productive on the bike. There are some interesting new technologies in this kit: there's the Cocona carbon fleece fabric with its windproof and insulating properties, the Thermodream fabric with its micro-pocket insulation, and there's the strong close fitting cuts that feature in the adidas kit with their large drop-tail hems to keep out unpleasant winter drafts. In this review feature I look at two of the signature pieces, the Supernova Tights and Winter Jersey. adidas Supernova Winter Tights For all weather cyclists, winter tights are definitely one the most valued pieces of kit ...

With winter setting in, a good pair of tights is a good investment. They will keep your legs significantly warmer than leg warmers, and they have a higher cut bib that will help to keep your core warmer too. The Roubaix Bib Tights from Shutt Velo Rapide are a versatile and well thought out pair that is ideal for late autumn and early winter. The tights are constructed from a Roubaix Lycra material, with a soft brushed fleece inner and a semi wind/water resistance outer. The fabric is both warm and non-restrictive; it is not especially thick, and compared to full-on winter tights it doesn't provide the extreme insulation that they do, but it is perfect for temperatures from 6 degree Celsius right up to 15 degrees, which makes them a versatile choice. The Roubaix Bib Tights have a highly contoured compression panel design; with the legs separated out into multiple panels held together by flat locked seams to avoid uncomfortable chafing behind the knees and areas of loose materi...