Winter Essentials

As I mentioned in my last post nothing beats a winter ride so here is a list of my “Winter Ride Essentials”

Before you even think about the bike you need to decide what to wear, with the wide range of clothing available to keep you warm it can be hard to choose so here is a list of my favourites.

Base Layer – Endura Baa Baa Merino Long Sleeve Base Layer

Cycling Jersey – Altura Attack Long Sleeve Jersey

Cycling Jacket – Gore Alp X III Jacket

Cycling Legwear – Altura Attack Waterproof Trousers

After you've kitted out with the basics it might be worth investing in some warm Seal Skinz socks or high performance overshoes to stop your toes from freezing to death. When your ready to go kit up your mountain bike with essentials such as; inner tubes, energy food & drink and most importantly a mobile phone just in case.

Another item you might want to take with you is a high performance light to make sure you don't get caught out in low light levels, I personally use a Exposure Joystick which allows me to ride all night long in thick snow, but then again I'm a bit mad.

Altura Ergofit Windproof Bibtights - Worth the money?

I bought a pair of these in the early autumn and until quite recently was perfectly happy in my summer set of Gore Bikewear Ozon Bibshorts, but  the weather changed it was time to cover up my knees and lower extremities so on went the Ergofit Windproof Bibtights (with pad) and I went out for a blast on the Jake The Snake cyclocross bike I’d also had languishing almost unused in the garage.

Normally the idea of winter riding fills me with dread as I’d never been warm (and on the odd occasion I’d swear I must have come close to losing the jewels due to frostbite), however, with the Ergofit pad and the windproof material Altura use I’d never been so toastie and snug in the cold. At a reasonably skinny 6`1`` (the midriff is a little more insulated than it used to be!) I opted for a large pair and whilst I can stand upright in them it does feel as if you’ve had the mother of all wedgies. The heavyweight Roubaix style material insulated well and when I (eventually) worked up a sweat they seemed to move the moisture away very quickly leaving me warm, comfortable and feeling capable of tackling some grassy banks on my regular ride around Rutland Water.

Two attempts later and I can also report that my Ergofit tights also withstood sliding about on frozen grass and mud, although my pride was dented as I did manage to fall off in front of a couple of rather attractive ladies walking on the path at the time (why do I always seem to wait until there is an audience before trying something daft?). The pad fits well and stays in the right place even when moving about the bike and the Progel certainly seemed to work, I think that the foot loops are a good idea as they hold the leg material in place and minimise the chance of it twisting. Some may disagree as it is possible that if combined with a tight pair of shoes/winter cycling boots and some Sealskinz socks they just might find them a pain

All in all the Ergofit Bibtights passed my test and for me the price tag of £99.99 (I paid £89.99 through Rutland Cycling) is certainly very reasonable and as such they offer excellent value. Next time I want to purchase another cycling garment I will automatically include Altura in my search.

Spinning - What to wear?

Spinning classes can be a great way to get a vigorous workout - burning calories and keeping your muscles in shape, this is especially relevant during the cold weather!  Clothing is a huge part of making your experience of spinning a comfortable one.  Altura Women’s Synchro Stretch Baggy shorts are the most comfortable way for a woman to spin.  These Altura shorts offer the ultimate in padding with a removable inner short and ladies specific insert.  No more sore bottoms!  The shorts are fashionably baggy, giving the performance of a Lycra short with the casual look of baggy shorts to perform on and off the bike.

What to wear on top?  We would suggest the Altura Women’s Quantum tee.  It is short sleeved and loose fitting which allows full movement in the upper body and full comfort!  Spinning is famously known as THE exercise to get a good sweat on – this tee offers high wicking Coolon fabric, instantly taking the sweat away from your body.  No one wants a sweaty tee to worry about; we have steep hills to climb!  Again the Altura Quantum tee is extremely fashionable and is designed to be worn both in and out of the spin studio.

To provide maximum comfort, Altura Classic Mitts are hard to beat.  By wearing the correct type of glove can transform your spinning session.  These Altura Classic Mitts have convenient cuff adjustors with high density foam padding to offer palm support.  Rather than pressing down on the handlebars causing tension in the shoulders, these gloves provide support and full comfort.  The mitts can also be worn when you are cycling outside – a great encouragement when cold fingers are on the card!

Wow, you’ve finished and what an achievement!  You’ve cooled down, had a chat with Dave, the guy on the next bike, what next?  Keeping warm – the Altura NightVision Evo Jacket will provide just that.  Slipped on after your workout, the Altura NightVision Evo Jacket is breathable and because it is waterproof can be used outside of the spinning studio.  This is one of our most popular ladies cycling jackets because it is hardwearing and good value for money.  It also comes in a lovely variety of colours.  The Altura NightVision Evo Jacket can also be kept on during the warm up of your spinning class, which will still keep you cool because of the pit and rear vents.  When you take the jacket off, this will give great encouragement/motivation to your spin instructor as it shows you are getting warm!