Over these past few weeks we’ve been digging ever deeper into our drawers full of biking gear, fishing out those gloves, extra layers and rain jackets. Slowly, but ever so surely, autumn is tightening its grip. Thing is, some of those warm and waterproof layers are starting to look a little tatty, so what better way to prepare for the upcoming months than a refresh of the wardrobe. After all, new bike day is great, but new jacket day is good too!
Be bright. Stay dry. Keep warm.
Over the years we’ve been riding, this little mantra has served us well. Keeping the worst of the wind and rain away from our bodies, maintaining a warm core, while at the same time standing out from the gloom makes this whole cycling game a lot better.
There are a lot of jackets on the market, but one made by a UK-based company that knows what we’re really going to be riding through makes good sense. Scotland’s Endura and Yorkshire-based Altura tick those boxes, and their jackets are some of the best in the business. When the weather turns foul these are the guys we rely on.
Reflective elements and bright materials are a bonus too. Even during the daytime, a jacket that helps you to stand out from the crowd is a good thing. When illuminated by vehicle headlights you’ll light up like a Christmas tree.
A warm butt is a happy butt
This is another little saying we try to stay true to. You can be as dry and warm as you like beneath your jacket, but your lower half is right in the firing line. So, get yourself a warm and waterproof pair of bibtights or trousers and keep riding no matter how miserable it gets.
Once more, our Scottish and Yorkshire brethren come to the rescue here. Their tights keep you snug until you get to your destination, and you’ll be pleased to hear that they dry out in no time. Handy if you’re riding home from work again in a few hours. Trust us, putting on damp cycling clothing is not an enjoyable experience.
Keep your fingers and toes toasty
We’re still in the first few weeks of autumn but we’ve seen a few frosty mornings already. It only takes one ride without gloves to realise you really need some them – trying to operate gears and brakes with numb hands is not a good look.
We don’t know about you, but we’re really not big fans of cold, wet feet. Merino socks and waterproof shoe covers are a really simple way to keep those little piggies warm and dry.
Use your head
It’s not got really cold just yet, but it’s in the post, that’s for sure. When it turns properly Arctic outside we’ll be reaching for our neck warmers, headbands and skullcaps. We recommend you grab one of these before you need it – leave it too late and your ears may never forgive you.
We’re here for all your cold and wet weather riding needs. Pop in anytime and we’ll see you set up, ready to keep riding until the mercury starts heading upwards again.
