AJ
AJ, is our Boss Of Bikes and heâs kind of a big deal (according to him)! Heâs been a bike tech for the past 10 years and has been messing about with bikes since he can remember. He has a keen eye for detail and is very patient and meticulous when fixing bikes. He rides a Riese and Muller UBN 5 almost everywhere with his trusty Vaude panniers and ABUS helmet
1. Starting at the top, which is your head and arguably an important part of your body, this hat is awesome!
It’s affordable at only ÂŁ20, it regulates temperature, even when wet, better than anything, thanks to its high merino wool content. It keeps your ears warm too and has a nice peak to keep the low winter sun out of your eyes. It can be worn easily under a helmet as it is not too thick or just on its own, if you’re brave.
Softshell jackets are also essential for winter riding. They are windproof, warm, highly breathable and water-repellent, if you treat them with Nickwax. Make sure they have some decent pockets, my Vaude one is superb in nearly all conditions and if it really starts pouring, I chuck a waterproof on top. Here’s what I wear.
3. Gloves!!! Seems obvious but hands and feet get really cold if you don’t look after them. I use Sealskinz Rocklands gloves and they are a lifesaver, especially since I suffer with Reynaud’s. They have ‘fusion control’ whatever that means, which basically gives you a warm liner fused to the outer, so the glove is less bulky and the liner doesn’t slide out every time you remove your hand. If it drops below -5 I use the amazing Altura merino liner gloves as well, which are super thin and regulate hand temperature thanks again to their high merino content.
4. Socks & Shoes: Merino socks are the daddy of all socks, thick ones are the best. There are loads of brands again, too many to mention, but google will find you some pretty quickly. The merino even keeps your feet warm if they get wet and are naturally antibacterial so don’t stink too much. Also consider Sealskinz waterproof socks like the Stanfield socks, designed for when it is really cold and really wet.Â
Obviously, get some decent shoes too, I would say, go waterproof, but the water will run down your legs into your shoes anyway! ha ha I wear FiveTen DLX shoes from Adidas but be sure to go a size up because they are tiny!
5. Waterproof trousers: For me, these aren’t always essential, but if it’s very wet, I would leave home without my trusty Endura MT500 waterproof trousers. They are a very breathable fabric but they are also very, very waterproof and also super durable, which means they will last you for years.