How do you keep dryish in the wet?

willhub · Post by **willhub** » Thu May 29, 2008 10:28 pm

Hi.

Well I've had a few answer on this which leads me to believe there is no way to stopping you from getting wet when its raining, but I would like to know is there anyway to minimize the discomfort that is associated with getting wet, well at least for me anyway.

Today riding back from the TT I could slowely feel my shoes getting heavier and heavier, is there a way to prevent this if I am going to be doing 30+ miles in heavy rain or is it just something cyclists have to get used to? I though about putting a plastic bag around my socks but that apparently would just lead to lots of sweat and maybe then lead to infection?

Also, bib shorts, do they all act like a sponge? Today mine got really soaked and the padding got totally filled with water, is this something that happens with all bib shorts of could it just be the fact mine are cheap?

Also I'm interested in a pair of clifton CC leggings of whatever they are called, when will it be possible to order those?

Thanks
Willz.

PhilBixby · Post by **PhilBixby** » Fri May 30, 2008 7:48 am

Hi Will (and well done for a good first ride yesterday evening)

As per conversation on way back, generally in the wet, you get wet. Because you're working hard when cycling, anything that's seriously waterproof will get wet inside with sweat (except, just maybe, some seriously expensive fabrics). So the trick is staying warm, comfortable and wet.

My recommendations would be good baselayers that fit snugly, so you don't have outer layers flapping against your skin. Better quality shorts will be a bit more comfy too; the pad will probably still get pretty saturated but should hold its shape better and should move around and chafe less. Also make sure you keep warm - arm-warmers and knee-warmers are great for wet weather as they mean there's less bare wet skin to get chilled.

My one exception to the don't-bother-staying-dry policy would be a waterproof gilet (sleeveless top) since they fold up really small and go in a pocket, and although they don't necessarily keep you bone dry, they stop your torso getting chilled. As Helen said, Cycle Heaven stock the club kit including bibtights, bibshorts etc, and they DO do a waterproof(ish)/breathable jacket - but it's not cheap.

willhub · Post by **willhub** » Fri May 30, 2008 9:53 am

Those bibtights are 35 quid aint they?

Andy J · Post by **Andy J** » Fri May 30, 2008 4:47 pm

Hi Will,

Bibtights are £49.99
Short Sleeve Jersey £34.99
Long Sleeve Jersey £44.99
Minerva Waterproof Top £59.99
Windproof Training Top £54.99
Bibshorts £34.99

All Clifton members get 10% off the above prices when they produce their membership card.

If you want to purchase any clothing then try it on in the shop before buying to check your happy with the fit.

Andy

willhub · Post by **willhub** » Fri May 30, 2008 6:37 pm

Where is the best place in york to buy things like bib tights? I've got a budget of about 30 quid though for bib tights so will need to look around.

Arthur · Post by **Arthur** » Fri May 30, 2008 7:02 pm

Don't get bib tights, just get leg warmers. You can get those for < 30 quid.

willhub · Post by **willhub** » Fri May 30, 2008 7:28 pm

Arthur wrote:Don't get bib tights, just get leg warmers. You can get those for < 30 quid.

Whats going to be cheaper, getting bib tights or getting bib shorts + leg warmers, the pad in my current bib shorts is too small and leads to feeling uncomfortable so I need some new ones that are better.

Just found these:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.a ... %20Warmers

Any good or maybe low quality due to price? How do I know what size I would need?

PhilBixby · Post by **PhilBixby** » Fri May 30, 2008 8:56 pm

Difference in quality in something like legwarmers or kneewarmers won't show up as much as in shorts where the quality of the pad makes all the difference. However, excellent tho Wiggle usually are (I buy stacks of stuff from them) you may be better getting items of clothing where you need to check sizing from local shops - don't forget you're getting 10% discount from a long list of them.

willhub · Post by **willhub** » Fri May 30, 2008 9:46 pm

PhilBixby wrote:Difference in quality in something like legwarmers or kneewarmers won't show up as much as in shorts where the quality of the pad makes all the difference. However, excellent tho Wiggle usually are (I buy stacks of stuff from them) you may be better getting items of clothing where you need to check sizing from local shops - don't forget you're getting 10% discount from a long list of them.

Aye but most bike shops are higher priced than the net no? So 10% discount might not make much diffo unless whatever it is is cheap to start with?

I might have a look in haxby cycles see what they have when I manage to get in.

Dr Dave · Post by **Dr Dave** » Sat May 31, 2008 9:02 am

Will, the club kit is decent quality. Whilst you may save a few quid on the initial purchase price online you'd be taking a gamble on getting the right sizing and fit is important with this stuff. Cycle Heaven is the club's official kit supplier and have a good range - why go anythere else?

Arthur · Post by **Arthur** » Sat May 31, 2008 1:26 pm

New shorts + leg warmers is more versitle. You can wear just the shorts when it's warm and add the leg warmers when it's cold. Bib tights are brilliant in winter but if you can only afford either/or then get the new shorts + leg warmers.

Price wise, you'll just have to do your sums. The stuff in the shops will be more expensive than the cheapest stuff online but better quality. For the same quality, the price usually works out about the same once you allow for the 10% discount at the shop and postage on the web.

willhub · Post by **willhub** » Sat May 31, 2008 4:22 pm

How are you supposed to try stuff on in cycle heaven it looks so small and I dont see any changing rooms. I'll go have a look in cycle heaven. I think Im going to sell gta4 and that will pay for the bib shorts anyway and I'll pay 13 quid for some leg warmers.

kevchenko · Post by **kevchenko** » Sat May 31, 2008 5:21 pm

Don't sell your GTA 4.
Surely a club with a many members as Clifton can find some unwanted cycling clothes to give to Will.
Otherwise Will, if you want some cheap clothes wait until the Cycle Show at York racecourse on the 21st & 22nd of June. You will get decent cycling shorts & shirt for less than £10 each.

Andy J · Post by **Andy J** » Sat May 31, 2008 6:01 pm

Hi Will,

Cycle heaven has a changing room upstairs right next to the Clifton clothing, they also stock masses of Altura clothing which is all decent quality whilst being reasonably priced.

Its ok buying online if your familiar with the sizing of a certain make of garment, but if you buy the wrong size and have to send it back then any saving you had over buying locally goe's right out the window.

As for the bike show, dont you have to pay to get in to begin with? and through past experience all the stuff on sale there is normally last years stock or seconds.

willhub · Post by **willhub** » Sat May 31, 2008 6:16 pm

I'm not really bothered if its last years stock, when I bought my bike it was 4 years out :p, maybe bothered abit about second hand stuff, I cant wait untill 21st my current shorts are abit worn, will proberbly last for a long time yet on short rides but I need something abit better quality for those really long rides. I'm going to sell GTA 4 as its a rubbish game so what better way to spend the money as I wont loose anything for it than pay for something that is going to be usefull.

I will go have a look at the bike show might be able to pick some useful stuff up cheap.