(This gallery supports the previously written story “Kuidas rattaga sõites riietuda“, about how to dress while cycling, which you can read in Estonian here.)
The most complicated season for cyclists is definitely winter. It's the time when one has to keep many factors in mind: the snow, the slush, the wind, and the lack of warmth. Everybody is familiar with the saying “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing!” This is so true. Special cycling clothes are highly recommended to keep yourself comfortable, dry, and warm. But if you don't happen to have suitable gear, then you still have to somehow make do with the options that your closet has to offer.
As “luck” would have it, I happened to cycle to work on the worst possible day of spring this year in Toronto — April 3rd. It took place recently enough that I remember it as a day of non-stop rain, especially in the morning when the water came down from the sky in buckets. I was wearing my usual spring/winter outfit, except for the pants and boots, which are meant for milder weather. I got soaked. Water was flowing into the boots and sleeves and squished through my mittens when I tightened my grip on the handlebar. This rain showed me that the windbreaker I have didn't do its job, as its inner water-resistant seams and base layer have given up, so the water is leaking through (note the last photo in the gallery). It was a great opportunity for me to take photos of my cycling gear after this disastrous ride.
I guess on days like this, one can't do much except wear a full cycling rainsuit. I haven't tried this solution out yet. I'm not sure how it would feel to wear a plastic suit like that, or how wet the body would get under it. Anyway, it's just an option for those crazy days. Please share your comments with me (you can email me at kerly [at] kerlyilves [dot] com ) if you have such a suit, when you wear it, and how it feels.
The gallery below will introduce two options for cycling clothing, presented through several pairs of photos. The first photo shows a cheap and random version, which has been working out very well for me, followed by the expensive “dream version”, which has yet to be tested. I will sometime in the future. All the clothes from the first photo of each pair are my own. I got them all for free from friends and strangers, except for the Sorel boots that I purchased for $7.50. The second photo of each pair is a recommendation of what would be a better option. MEC offers a great variety of options and many items are on sale at the moment, so it's an ideal time to get some gear for your cycling adventures. You can find links to several clothing items and brands underneath the gallery. P.S. Do not forget to invest in a protective helmet as well.
Photo gallery
Cycling clothing — simple vs. dream versions
Cycling clothing — simple vs. dream versions
A cotton scarf I brought from Estonia. I got it from a thrift store a while ago. The mittens were passed on by my former employer. I have been using them for three years in cold seasons non-stop. Kombi is a great brand for mittens, made in Canada.
MEC T2 Warmer Wind Block Gloves – Unisex
I find khaki pants really good for cycling. They're flexible and comfortable. Of course, they do not offer any rain protection. I picked them up somewhere.
MEC Cadence Cycle Pants – Women's
This isn't my favourite choice of a base layer top, as it has too much plastic content for my liking, but this has to work for the moment. My friend passed this shirt onto me before leaving Canada. I would prefer to have a base layer by Kari Traa.
7mesh Callaghan Merino Jersey – Women's
A basic long and light cotton bottom base layer I have been using under any pants while cycling in colder weather. It was passed down to me by a loved one. Believe it or not, these are from Forever 21.
MEC T2 Merino Base Layer Bottoms – Women's
My very well-loved, slightly too large windbreaker given to me by a former colleague. Columbia jackets work great for cycling, especially if they are made with OMNI Technology. It's an older model that's no longer made. It has two outside chest pockets and an inside chest pocket. The chest pockets are something to keep in mind when purchasing a new jacket, as they are very comfortable to stuff keys, hankies, and mittens into for easy access.
Showers Pass Syncline CC Jacket – Women's
These Dickies socks are warm and cozy and get the job done. They were passed down to me by a friend who left Canada.
Smartwool Bike Zero Cushion Ankle Socks – Unisex
Some quite light and cheap Sorel boots, which I find comfortable and easy to use while cycling. They're an older model that you can't find anymore, and the newer ones seem to not be great for cycling.
Shimano MW5 Cycling Shoes – Unisex
My “ski mask” which has proved to be very helpful. It's not ideal for me, as it has too much polyester in it, but nevertheless, it works great under a helmet and a hat for extra warmth. It was passed down to me by a friend who left Canada.
CTR Mistral Multi-Tasker Pro – Unisex
Safety first! You need a reflective vest of some kind and a sturdy helmet to make yourself visible and keep safe. I got the vest from my friend and the helmet from a co-worker.
Nathan Vibe Reflective Vest
If your base layer looks like this after cycling in the rain, then it means that your jacket's shoulder seams are leaking and it no longer offers rain protection — time to get a new jacket. This is the last season for this item!
A cotton scarf I brought from Estonia. I got it from a thrift store a while ago. The mittens were passed on by my former employer. I have been using them for three years in cold seasons non-stop. Kombi is a great brand for mittens, made in Canada.
MEC T2 Warmer Wind Block Gloves – Unisex
I find khaki pants really good for cycling. They're flexible and comfortable. Of course, they do not offer any rain protection. I picked them up somewhere.
MEC Cadence Cycle Pants – Women's
This isn't my favourite choice of a base layer top, as it has too much plastic content for my liking, but this has to work for the moment. My friend passed this shirt onto me before leaving Canada. I would prefer to have a base layer by Kari Traa.
7mesh Callaghan Merino Jersey – Women's
A basic long and light cotton bottom base layer I have been using under any pants while cycling in colder weather. It was passed down to me by a loved one. Believe it or not, these are from Forever 21.
MEC T2 Merino Base Layer Bottoms – Women's
My very well-loved, slightly too large windbreaker given to me by a former colleague. Columbia jackets work great for cycling, especially if they are made with OMNI Technology. It's an older model that's no longer made. It has two outside chest pockets and an inside chest pocket. The chest pockets are something to keep in mind when purchasing a new jacket, as they are very comfortable to stuff keys, hankies, and mittens into for easy access.
Showers Pass Syncline CC Jacket – Women's
These Dickies socks are warm and cozy and get the job done. They were passed down to me by a friend who left Canada.
Smartwool Bike Zero Cushion Ankle Socks – Unisex
Some quite light and cheap Sorel boots, which I find comfortable and easy to use while cycling. They're an older model that you can't find anymore, and the newer ones seem to not be great for cycling.
Shimano MW5 Cycling Shoes – Unisex
My “ski mask” which has proved to be very helpful. It's not ideal for me, as it has too much polyester in it, but nevertheless, it works great under a helmet and a hat for extra warmth. It was passed down to me by a friend who left Canada.
CTR Mistral Multi-Tasker Pro – Unisex
Safety first! You need a reflective vest of some kind and a sturdy helmet to make yourself visible and keep safe. I got the vest from my friend and the helmet from a co-worker.
Nathan Vibe Reflective Vest
If your base layer looks like this after cycling in the rain, then it means that your jacket's shoulder seams are leaking and it no longer offers rain protection — time to get a new jacket. This is the last season for this item!
Here are the products presented in the above gallery:
