What should I wear for this long bike ride? (220 miles!)

[jimster]

I'm going to be riding a Honda CG125 from Bradford to Oxford next weekend. Long way! And I have no "motorbike" gear as such so I'd appreciate any suggestions for what to get to stay warm and dry. I'm not buying anything expensive as I do plan on getting some decent equipment in the long run and although ebay is my friend in terms of value, it's not really time-practical as I need to be kitted out by Friday.

So far, I'm planning on wearing:
A waterproof trousers and jacket combo from Halfords (£11.99! Bargain!) which will doubtless be horribly clammy, but I think it's pretty waterproof (and therefore windproof?) as it basically just looks like a thick binbag

A warm but not very waterproof or windproof coat underneath that, which I already have.

A thick or thin (depending on the weather) jumper with a t-shirt under that.

On my legs - jeans. (Not very warm, but abrasion resistant!)

If it's very cold - lycra cycling top and trousers underneath everything else.
If it's very windy - windproof canoe top which I have lying around, which was very expensive and can withstand a small storm before letting water or wind in, although it might be difficult to get it over my thick coat.

On my feet - Wellies? (Thanks to Kickstart for that suggestion in one of his old forum chats!). However wellies are really expensive - £15 in Homebase! I thought they'd be £3 or summat. There might be some lying about in the garage which I can scavenge, otherwise I'll just fork out for the expensive wellies.

Under the wellies - some nice thick socks.

On my hands - gloves. I'm not sure about these though. Gardening gloves seem like a good cheap alternative until I can choose a nice pair of proper bike gloves. Homebase had some pretty thick ones that looked warm and abrasion resistant, but I wasn't sure whether it was better to go for soft full-leather ones or hard denim ones with a leather patch on bits of it. I think the denim ones looked tougher, but I'm not sure whether leather is better than denim for this? And the leather ones felt more waterproof and warmer. Eek!

And then I might put some latex gloves on under the normal gloves, for added wind resistance!

Finally, on my head - Helmet! D'oh!

Any thoughts?

[Mik_RX125]

Are you taking the scenic route via the North Pole?

Thats a lot of gear. On long runs out I would take water-proofs, warm jacket and trousers (with armour inserts) and some boots. Along with obvious helmet, gloves, underwear...

Hope you have a good and warm run out.

Mik
____________________
Yamaha FZ6 Fazer S2 owner
See all my Bikes

[jimster]

[rizo9]

omg you will never need that much, it will way you down
____________________
New bike https://www.bikepics.com/members/rizo9/01rs125/

[R4nger]

Get army boots from a surplus store instead of whellies

[Black Knight]

I wouldn't advise wearing any of that stuff to be honest mate. Although warmth is important, safety is paramount. Have you got any mates you could borrow some decent gear off?

That'll be a long tiring day mate, you'll have ride real safe. Maybe you could hire clothing from a bike school?

If you change your mind about the van let me know!

[epz]

your not going to be able to try on bike boots online anyway so may as well go to a local shop an get a decent pair.

gloves and boots are very important, example my mate just passed his test and was over at my house before going out for a spin and the 1st thing i said to him when he got off the bike was you cant wear them pointing to his trainers, anyway sods law on the way back to get boots he got knocked off {1} and broke 7 bones in his foot. a decent pair of biker boots will hold the foot together preventing crushing and as much deformation.


after that make sure you have heavy jeans and thick tops, there isnt anything saying you need to do it in one go feel free to stop for a break

{1} other guy pulled out from a minor road not looking

[JonB]

Errr it's not winter anymore.
____________________
Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it?s worth.

[JodieWodie]

Well.. I too would not wear those things on a 200+ mile trip, especially the wellies !
Doc Martins or something would be better than a pair of wellies...if you come off wellies are far too flexible and will not help at all... plus they will be chilly me thinks

If it were me and I didn't have the clothing I have now..I would at the least try and get some body armour, especially for joints, to strap under my coat.

Layers are good, yes.. especially tight ones.. they trap the body heat in.

I would also try and get some biking gloves...seriously. They are an important factor for myself, and I would not ride my bike without them.

If I were doing that journey I would wear a waterproof/windproof jacket and trousers, both will full armour... winter or summer biking gloves... buff for neck protection... my nitro biking boots, waterproof except to massive flood!.... and my helmet o' course

I understand finances are a factor..try and do your best and be safe

xx
____________________
Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow"

[map]

Assuming this isn't a joke here's my thoughts...

Get down to Hein Gericke and get the 2 finger Panthan gloves or maybe the Voyager leather/cloth ones (about £20 if I remember ok). You won't regret it. Bradford store is at 81-83 Westgate, Phone: 01274 732437

While at Hein Gericke get their flexible armour for the legs and top. Get a cheap set of thermal underwear, tight fit, top and leggings (or maybe your lycra gear would do ). Fix the armour into the thermals with the clips provided. Wear under your normal clothes. You can keep the armour for when you get 'decent' stuff. If you insist on wearing jeans be prepared to put waterproof leggings on as denim isn't windproof. If you get cold you'll find it hard to get warm and that'll affect your concentration.

Get a set of decent leather boots. Again see what Hein Gericke have. Why are you putting off getting 'decent' gear?

Don't put all your stuff on at the start. Store in plastic bag and put on as needed.

That distance on a CG125 you'll be taking it easy and remember to stop often, about every 45-60 minutes max. When you do stop make sure you have something to eat and drink (water or a coffee).

Get a buff or something to take out the any wind-chill between your helmet and neck.

Get some ear plugs and wear them.

HTH

[jimster]

[JodieWodie]

[Flip]

I go everywhere in jeans, Alpinestars textile jacket, Hein Gericke boots (look like work boots), Hein Gericke gloves, Shoei lid. Doesn't have to cost a fortune for kit and you don't have to look like a power ranger. Keep some waterproofs under your seat and your laughing. (Which reminds me, I need waterproofs ).

Oh and I wear a thin feece over a T shirt. 2 if it's chilly.

[jimster]

[map]

[ginguar]

Not sure if anyone has suggested this but have you tried visiting Aldi?

[Finglonga]

Just a word of warning on the Jeans front. I used to wear them every time I went out thinking they were ample for riding in. WRONG I fell off on some Deisel slid down the road, the gear change lever went straight through the denim into my calf and the friction from the road stayed in the denim and burnt my arse.

Leather or fabric with armour only for me now, regardless of how short the trip is.
____________________
Andy Sez....
F.Y.Y.F.F.

[Mik_RX125]

I know your on a budget but you should get a pair of Draggin Jeans. I forked out for a pair 2 months ago and they are well worth £82.50. They have a Kevlar lining with armour available (for an extra £5) and come in many styles.
I can say they are very comfortable and look just like normal jeans. Most people I've spoken to haven't noticed that they are biking jeans. Have a look at https://www.dragginjeans.com.au/

Mik
____________________
Yamaha FZ6 Fazer S2 owner
See all my Bikes