Barbelith Underground > Conversation

So what should I buy? Is there such a thing as an over clothes waterproof that won't make us sweaty? I read upthread a bit something about 'wicking' clothes. What are thay?

There are two words that you need to know. Wicking and breathable.

Wicking is more important for longer rides, breathable should suffice for the school run.

Wicking is stuff that absorbs sweat and moves it to the outside of the fabric and usually made from synthetic fabrics. It's designed to be the layer that rests against the skin.

Breathable, is stuff that has a membrane that allows sweat vapour to pass through whilst preventing water droplets (rain) from getting to the skin. Additional features to look for in breathable clothing are vents which allow easy air circulation away from rainfall and upsplash.

Consider waterproof leggings because any rain coming off of a jacket will soak into any other legwear. Breathable is more important here because the legs are the bit doing the work. If you don't have waterproof shoes, shoe covers are a worthy investment as well. Bearing in mind that feet lose a lot of heat fast when wet.

I'll try and dig up some links to specific clothing for you in a bit.

If I need specialist cycling things, where can I get kids ones?

Except for the pitfalls of mail order (beware the returns policies) it's down to taking the time to scour your local shops, which may be a bit further afield than the 7/11. Sadly children aren't well catered to but if I can get the links you'll at least know what to ask for. If someone doesn't stock it, ask them who they think will.

When I cycle, I get numb fingers. I think this has something to do with not holding my handlebars properly, but I can't work out how to do it any other way. It happens to The Beautiful Man too, but not to TLB.

Children are much less susceptible to this because they are likely to shift hand position more often. Two suggestions on this. 1) Find a range of positions that can be used on the handlebars that you have (consider adding bar-ends/flat bars) and use them no matter how silly they look. Even fists balled up rested on top is possible if you don't need to cover the brakes. 2) Try wearing cycling gloves if you don't do so already. Sage advice if you are going to keep riding into winter.

Second health question; it's really hurting my knees even after half a term of cycling twice a day, to the extent that going up and down stairs is painful. Will this pass or is it something to do with me having arthritis?

Is your bike set up properly for you by a professional who isn't some dismissive kids who loses interest when your bike isn't a Kona or some other "cool" brand? If not, this needs to be done before you do anything else.

Shiny new cycle help