What jacket will I need for the middle of winter?

I just moved to the Adelaide Hills this summer from Brisbane so I have never had a need for a cycling jacket. 

I have been looking to get one online but I'm not sure which jacket I will need. I have seen very few that have fleece or similar material on the inside, most are rather thin like a wind vest. 

Is a decent waterproof jacket going to be satisfactory when it gets really cold in the hills? (I usually ride around Summertown/Mt Lofty)

What do you guys wear?

Tags: clothing, cold, rain, wet, winter

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Permalink Reply by snappy_don on April 14, 2012 at 22:04

It depends what sort of riding you're doing, but this is what I wear on say a 50k winter training run in the hills at dawn - I'll add I don't feel the cold too badly.

I wear a base layer under a regular jersey and a wind/waterproof vest. I'm not so fussed if the arms and legs get wet, and I typically end up drenched in sweat if i wear a full 'plastic' style jacket. Removable arms and legs gives me flexibility in the autumn/spring when conditions are more variable.

For me, the most vital protection would be double gloves, good socks and (a new purchase) wind/waterproof shoe covers.

Permalink Reply by Slammin on April 15, 2012 at 19:43

So many factors to think about, you'll be the one to know in the end:

  • Where you ride - if its in the hills think layering, vest then jersey (long sleeve or arm warmers), then light water proof gortex jacket.
  • How you feel the cold - if you've come from Brisvegas then you'll think living in the Adel hills is like a Vladivostok winter. This may push you to some warmer jerseys.
  • How hard you ride - If your a roady that likes to work hard then all you need is to keep the wind chill away, so go for a light gortex.
  • Good long fingered gloves when decending into the winter gullys will be a must - man its cold down there!!

 

Permalink Reply by Eddie Bye on April 25, 2012 at 10:25

yep shoe covers are the go. got mine out yesterday after summer, and man did i feel toastie!

On the coldest mornings i get away with full length baselayer bottoms with bibs over the top, singlet, jersy and arm warmers, and a lightweight windproof gilette. and a bandanna covering my ears! phew! now with all that gear it takes about 2 hours to get dressed, but it'll work to temps down to about 5 degrees.

Permalink Reply by Alex on April 25, 2012 at 10:54

I have been pleased with my Ground Effect jacket.  Made in NZ and they do returns for wrong sizes, just email them and post it back and the replacement will sent back at no extra cost.

I currently use the Dr Smock:

http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/product-detail-DOC-RAI.htm

I like it because it can also be used just as a vest in Spring and Autumn and the whole thing folds up inside it's own pocket and will fit in the back pocket of my jersey.  It is "shower proof" but will not keep you dry in proper rain. Then you will need something more hard core but it didn't sound like that was what you were looking for.

My personal preference is for lighter jackets as I tend to find the heavy rainproof jackets like goretex too heavy for riding up in the hills. But if you are going to be in the rain for a few hours ....

+1 for toe warmers, thin gloves for under bike gloves and headbands that cover your ears.  All small things you can take off when the ride starts to heat up.

If it gets really cold I take a neck warmer but that is really only used at the start of rides when I am riding down out of the hills and the temp is < 5C.

Cheers

Alex

Permalink Reply by P'An-Tau Jiricek-Scott on April 25, 2012 at 22:33

I roll in the rain, hail, snow, wind, cold, etc.....

If the atmosphere is putting on a good show for me in winter, I throw on a combination of either of this Ground Effect stuff -

Two Timer - jacket

http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/product-detail-TWO-WIN.htm

Flash Gordon - Rain jacket

http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/product-detail-FLA-RAI.htm

Baked alasks - thermal jersey with windproof front

http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/product-detail-ALA-MER.htm

Helter Skelters - keeps the mud off the legs - a little

http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/product-detail-HEL-RAI.htm

Gloves and socks - to keep the sensitivity up.

http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/product-detail-CHI-ACC.htm

http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/product-detail-LUC-ACC.htm

I also managed to pilfer a set of Shimano over the top longs that are windproof (not water though) from Chain Reaction Cycles for $100 - really good things.

I rarely (maybe once or twice a winter) throw ALL of this on. If you misjudge it, you'll be sweating more than you care for. Most brand names can produce something similar to this stuff.

I MTB and road ride regardless of weather - some of this stuff also works well on my motorbike (under the armour layer).

Permalink Reply by GlenM on April 27, 2012 at 15:04

CyclingDeal.com.au  have some specials on winter gear.  See http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=7a6b9e2d5b2d154c3dba98b77&i...

Permalink Reply by maya on April 28, 2012 at 9:53

I find it's essential to cover ears from wind and cold.  once you're moving, it doesn't feel so cold for the rest.  But I am Canadian and cold has a different meaning there!!!

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