clothes for the 20 minute commute
 

I have now got myself a brand new bike (first time in 10 years) and am lucky enough to only live 20 mins by bike away from my work place over flat ground. I am unfortunately living in London, UK, though, so I don't have glorious weather all year round.

Since it's my birthday coming up, I was thinking of picking up some new cycling gear but am not sure what I need. This morning we had some lovely weather - following the 2 weeks of constant wetness (not experienced since moving from Wales) - and I was able to bike in in tee and jeans; however, I realise I need something for the when the weather turns chilly/wet.

We don't have showers at work, but the building heats up enough to get toasty. I was thinking of buying a softshell jacket, something like: http://bontrager.com/model/09213 or http://bontrager.com/model/08579

Would it be wise to go for something like that to keep the rain and wind off or should i really be looking for something a bit more hardend despite the 20 minute commute time.

Any other suggestions of clothing I should consider?

Wow!! You moved from Wales to London. :) (I know some Irish, Scots, and English and they have told me stories of the Welsh and the Welsh have told me stories of the same)

To the question.

In Oregon, which is really wet, during the fall/winter I wear just a breathable waterproof jacket with lightweight Columbia snow pants. The pants are non-insulated, but breath well enough. The jacket is the same. I compensate for warmth by wearing Underarmor and layers. It also helps to trap the sweat.

I throw a cycle cape in 1 pannier and a Cap. . and wear the regular clothing.

Since my return is often after dark, neon Green parka with added reflective tape.

worn, as top layer when it's not dumping the Pacific Ocean on my head.

Top and bottom hardshell raingear is about all you'll need. I have a similar distance and it works great for me. Just wear your work clothes underneath. If it's extra cold, have an extra sweater underneath or something.

Same here, for my 15 minute commute. Regular clothes, with outer layers depending on weather. I don't bother with rain pants up to a light drizzle. Wool (pants and/or sweaters, ...er "jumpers" to you in the UK!) also will tolerate a bit of damp, keep you warm, and breathe well. Many outdoor companies make softshell jackets that are pretty water resistant and don't scream "cyclist." I add hi-viz and reflectivity if needed with a Sam Browne belt or reflective straps. I also wear Underarmor to mitigate chafing and manage moisture.

20 minute commute... yes, wear whatever... taken a rain cape in my bag.

However, I'm very good at stretching a 20 minute ride into 40. For that I might wear something I could change out of and carry some fresh duds in my bag...

That softshell jacket should repel light rain and keep the chill off without causing you to sweat. Any windbreaker type jacket is going to make you sweat :-(

+1

My commute is 15-25 minutes depending on wind speed/direction, and I find that even when it's sleeting I don't need to worry about warmth for that short amount of time, just something to keep the rain at bay.

I don't have waterproof pants though, so I just ride in jeans and then hang them up at work - they're dry by the time my shift is over.

ETA: I'm also a knitter, so for most of the year I'm in handknit wool socks. They really make a difference when it's cold and wet.

You can get plenty wet in 20 minutes. I'd recommend getting a fully waterproof jacket more like http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=17968 and over trousers like http://www.wiggle.co.uk/altura-night...-overtrousers/ and possibly overshoes.

I also wear cycling tops as cotton compromises the breathability of the jacket. Makes for an easy change to get out of the sweat and wet and let it hang to dry. I get away with toweling off and washing my top once a week.

Obviously get a skullcap if you wear a helmet to keep your head from freezing in the wet. There are many of the market with different weights. I finally got one last winter that had extra material over the forehead and ears to keep those sensitive areas from freezing cold.

It does cost a small fortune, I know. But with the right gear you can ride in any amount of wet thrown at you in comfort and go from fair-weather cyclist to all-year commuter.