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Post by Deleted on Jan 17, 2018 8:32:34 GMT
I'm giving a talk tonight aimed at those who might be new to riding in winter. Would be great to hear any tips and tricks that you might have for helping to get out of the door during the dark months, staying warm and having fun!
And if you would like to come along...Rapha Spitalfields 6.30 for 7pm, it's free!
Cheers
Beth
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Post by hectorkidds on Jan 17, 2018 9:05:07 GMT
Fit lights, you might not plan to be out after dark, but you might also decide to sit out an hour of rain in the pub/cafe or suffer a visit from the puncture fairy and lose time, and it getting dark when you don't have lights is stressful.
If you want friends fit mudguards.
Take spare gloves, if your gloves get wet life is miserable!
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Post by Peregrine Roscorla on Jan 17, 2018 9:34:11 GMT
Spare rear light not just spare batteries was particularly useful when mine disappeared during an audax last year.
Headtorch if you are riding in unlit areas, very useful if you need to fix a puncture/do some repairs without having to aim one of your bike lights at the problem
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Post by hectorkidds on Jan 17, 2018 9:36:19 GMT
Problem with a head torch is it removes the opportunity to try to explain the help you need with a bike light in your teeth...
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Post by Ray Cox on Jan 17, 2018 9:43:17 GMT
wider tyres. If your feet hands and head are not too cold you'll be fine
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Post by david emery on Jan 17, 2018 9:55:33 GMT
Lots of random of stuff : 1200 Lumens front, 150 lumens back, mud guards, schwalbe marathons, tickets to Gran Canaria, smart trainer, decent gloves, carbon not alloy brake levers, helipcopter tape to protect the cranks, gore type waterproof shell, skull caps (cover the ears), insulated water bottle, hot black current, neck roll (rapha one optional)
Two best tips:
1) the single best tip - go straight to full winter boots worn preferably with a thick merino sock (rapha one's are nice, others are available). putting flimsy shoe covers on light weight summer shoes doesn't really cut the mustard
2) don't bother if there's lots of ice - people crash from our club every year. Get the MTB out and go off road or stay in and on the trainer.
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Post by Joe R Booth on Jan 17, 2018 11:23:46 GMT
Agree with David. Ice is my obsession - been down enough times now. Check the overnight forecast for where you are heading to, not where you are starting and if its close to zero there's a chance of ice in pockets.
Lights helpful not just for the dark but for those bright days when the low sun is in drivers' eyes.
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Post by Kathryn Elizabeth Innes on Jan 17, 2018 12:00:29 GMT
New fluffy merino socks and neoprene overshoes to keep the feet warm, agree need thicker shoes, not just the summer shoes with covers. Winter tyres (like 4 seasons), wider profile. Heavier, cheaper bike, alu rather than carbon and cheaper components as you'll be needing new BB & headsets regularly if often ride in the wet. Don't wear too many layers; generally a good merino base layer, winter windproof jacket (like Perfecto) and +- gilet should be plenty. A packable raincoat can be put on if you need to stop and hang about (for punctures etc) and will stop you getting too cold. Main thing is to keep moving.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 17, 2018 12:20:25 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 17, 2018 14:01:18 GMT
Get your kit ready the night before if you're leaving early as motivation takes a dip when it's dark/cold/wet outside. Silk inner gloves (£12 or so from a ski shop) for additional hand warmth.
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Post by Jeremy Pearce on Jan 17, 2018 15:58:52 GMT
Layers. Kathryn touched on this. Several lighter layers of clothing trap pockets of warm air making the experience far more enjoyable. Better to be too warm than cold.
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Post by Tim Fitzpatrick on Jan 17, 2018 16:15:08 GMT
I've been trying tin foil (actually space blanket) wrapped feet recently.. slightly warmer, though I suspect investing in winter boots is the better solution
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Post by david emery on Jan 17, 2018 16:50:07 GMT
I've been trying tin foil (actually space blanket) wrapped feet recently.. slightly warmer, though I suspect investing in winter boots is the better solution I rest my case
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Post by Serge Bouschet on Jan 18, 2018 22:46:16 GMT
Fit lights, you might not plan to be out after dark, but you might also decide to sit out an hour of rain in the pub/cafe or suffer a visit from the puncture fairy and lose time, and it getting dark when you don't have lights is stressful. If you want friends fit mudguards. Take spare gloves, if your gloves get wet life is miserable! I'm still your friend Hector. You've got a point though!
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Post by Sara Barman on Jan 20, 2018 7:20:49 GMT
Agree with David. Ice is my obsession - been down enough times now. Check the overnight forecast for where you are heading to, not where you are starting and if its close to zero there's a chance of ice in pockets. Lights helpful not just for the dark but for those bright days when the low sun is in drivers' eyes. Yes my cut off is 2/3'C as ground temp is colder and ice remains in shaded areas. One windex = a few merino layers. Good to stop cold air getting in. But less good if it warms up a lot and/or everyone puts the hammer down... Make sure shoes aren't too tight so thicker/more socks fit without reducing blood flow! I put sheepskin inner soles made from old slippers (it's glam chez moi) inside my old slightly too big commuter SPD shoes. Cosy!
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