I'd like to list a few things for any knowledgable cyclists to critique. I did some research and this is what I found.
Lock: ABUS Steel-O-Flex 1000
This is a German-made chain lock not available in the united states, so you have to import it from England. It is the only chain lock recommended by Norwegian insurance companies. You can find a review of it here. BonthroneBikes sells it for the cheapest, at 40 British Pounds, which comes out to be an uneven $67.77
Clothing -
Base Layer: Duofold Hydro-Duct T-shirt
The wicking layer, I mostly chose this for the value (2 shirts for $20). They also have a long-sleeve version.
Insulation Layer: Nike Sphere Pro Wind Shirt
I figured that this layer may also be the top layer unless the weather is really bad, so I chose something that not only keeps you warm but also blocks wind (what the outermost layer must do). This is an innovative material that creates an atmosphere of air to keep you warm (I chose nike because they are the only ones that make it). At $120, it is very expensive.
Outerwear: Nike Rain Shell
Despite the brand name again, this rain shell, at $100, actually seems to be cheaper than some of the others from companies like gore-tex. It has a special stretch membrane fused to an inner layer of microfiber polyester mesh, which both wicks moisture away from your body and doesn’t allow rain to get in. It has a fully zippered front and a rear zippered pocket with a reflective strip; the sides are elasticized and there is a cord along the bottom to ensure a good fit. It’s clear, too, which is a nice touch.
Gloves: Windstopper Micro-Fleece Gloves
I looked towards gore-tex/windstopper for my glove needs, looking specifically for mittens. These gloves are hybrid, allowing you to take the finger-covers off to reveal a half-finger design for warm weather. They are the only windstopper mitts designed specifically for cycling from what I can tell.
Lock: ABUS Steel-O-Flex 1000
This is a German-made chain lock not available in the united states, so you have to import it from England. It is the only chain lock recommended by Norwegian insurance companies. You can find a review of it here. BonthroneBikes sells it for the cheapest, at 40 British Pounds, which comes out to be an uneven $67.77
Clothing -
Base Layer: Duofold Hydro-Duct T-shirt
The wicking layer, I mostly chose this for the value (2 shirts for $20). They also have a long-sleeve version.
Insulation Layer: Nike Sphere Pro Wind Shirt
I figured that this layer may also be the top layer unless the weather is really bad, so I chose something that not only keeps you warm but also blocks wind (what the outermost layer must do). This is an innovative material that creates an atmosphere of air to keep you warm (I chose nike because they are the only ones that make it). At $120, it is very expensive.
Outerwear: Nike Rain Shell
Despite the brand name again, this rain shell, at $100, actually seems to be cheaper than some of the others from companies like gore-tex. It has a special stretch membrane fused to an inner layer of microfiber polyester mesh, which both wicks moisture away from your body and doesn’t allow rain to get in. It has a fully zippered front and a rear zippered pocket with a reflective strip; the sides are elasticized and there is a cord along the bottom to ensure a good fit. It’s clear, too, which is a nice touch.
Gloves: Windstopper Micro-Fleece Gloves
I looked towards gore-tex/windstopper for my glove needs, looking specifically for mittens. These gloves are hybrid, allowing you to take the finger-covers off to reveal a half-finger design for warm weather. They are the only windstopper mitts designed specifically for cycling from what I can tell.
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