Cold start; keeping it going through the winter

At five o'clock it's tough to get out of bed, find your clothes and get it to the kitchen to make a coffee. This morning by twenty past five I had the bike running and on the road. Took me five minutes.

The trouble is it's taken two winters of practice to get here. Variously I've tried two different bike covers, two pairs of gloves, three pairs of bike trousers, the same Knox back protector, a chest protector, three helmets, four pairs of waterproof boots and an old hoody.

Do you remember that pseudo bike zen phrase; 'whatever bike you have is the best bike for you'? Well, it is kind of true. The best kit is the most comfortable, warm, waterproof that you currently own. If it's an old friend, worn in and still works then that's the best.

Hein Gericke Sheltex Trousers

Overall these have done the job asked of them. They have stayed waterproof in all but the heaviest of rain, coped with sub zero temperatures and been comfy enough to wear for 10,000 miles of all weather commuting.

"You know Gore tex, right," said the flash London kid shop assistant, "well, these are Sheltex, it's the same". Good sales technique - in my customers head I was already thinking Gore Tex but looking at a cheaper substitute. And you know what? Gore tex trousers for bikers aren't a big deal. You don't really need the kind of porous membrane and breathability that Gore Tex offers adventure athlete and high end mountain climbers.

What bikers actually need is waterproof kit.

Really, really waterproof kit.