I used to ride all year round, only snow and ice would stop me, which is actually pretty rare. Did that for years

My wife used to drive our only car.

Now I’ve got a different job I’ve got a car as well so tend to take that cos I’m lazy and there’s less faff and lots of practical benefits, nowhere near as much fun though, i’m on my motorbike today. I’ve got 4 options for getting to work – car, motorbike, bicycle, train.

Its definitely possible to use a bike year round, particularly if you have access to a car

The exam guides are just trail boots. No different to use merrells or salomons I would have thought

Waterproof only ever last so long, as long as you can be warm and wet you should be happy. For example, when I’m out on big walks I generally wear mesh trail runners, as long as ,my feet are warm I’m happy, they dry out quickly too

Biggest problem with trail type shoes is the sole pattern/tread

The merino base layer has pretty short sleeves, too short for cycling in particular. Might keep it as its so cheap and just push the sleeves up

The cycling jersey is the merino acrylic mix, didn’t fancy that at all. Would’ve bought a bike stand if they had the maintenance type ones, not the storage ones

Didn’t see any glasses. No Mens large winter tops in the Aldi I went into either, loads of womens stuff though

Picked up a softshell jacket, gloves, merino top and HR monitor though.

Was surprisingly quiet (Hoddesdon), guessing people had been in during the morning though

Get a Smart rear light, most impressive. Either the R1 or R2

For front lights I can’t comment as I’m using the silicone ones and a torch mount for a normal torch, not the smallest or child friendly

Check out the route for the BHF London to Southend ride. Should be on the website.

The section near the end (Hadleigh Farm) was the most interesting/difficult

Can’t you just take it a bit easier?

Have a road morph on my road bike and a mountain morph on my hardtail

Great pumps, not the smallest though

Fluxient U2 mini off eBay

All in one light that runs off an 18650. Comes with a USB charger and mount too. Basically just a very floody torch

I’ve got one as my commuting light but also found it fine for off road use combined with a helmet light. Used it tonight in fact for a 10 mile off road ride with the dog

I got a pair of Bolle Siliums, the metal framed pair. Preferred them as thought they looked better than the contours and have sprung hinges

Picked up a Bolle safety spec case for them as well so I can dump them in my bag and protect them from scratching

Done the job for me so far, not just flying dirt and flies but branches and leaves too

Paramo is like wearing a microfleece and a windshirt

A 60g primaloft top is the same

the big differences are waterproofness, breathability and packability. They have very different purposes

For an all round top I’d say 40g was too cool. I’d be going for a 60g or 100g top. To be honest, in that range there are loads. Think about fit (long arms, slim cut, drop tail), options (pockets, hood) and function (i.e. pullover smock or jacket)

I find jackets more versatile, but they are slightly heavier and pack down ever so slightly bigger. But easier to put on and ventilate

What conditions for?

There is quite a wide range of synthetic fills, everything from 40g/m2 to 133g/m2 (and more) so your desired use would help inform selection

My most used is a 60g/m2 fill Berghaus Ignite. Fits well so I can wear on the hills or down the pub, (but this is really reserved for outdoor use), plus I can layer with it (typically with a down vest).

I’ve got about 5 primaloft jackets – big fan. Find them more versatile than my down jackets

I would genuinely love one of these, but its the running costs, insurance and tax that is a killer

Its a good way of having a car that is both practical and fun

Thanks to this thread I’ve just spent nearly £30 on sweatbands…

If it works i’ll be happy though

Check out RAM mounts, they’ll be one that works well. They’re used in motorbike, might be expensive and overkill though

You might be better off with the one designed for it no?