winter cycling-wear.

[vash]

what do we like?

it all seems so expensive. it was a stupid 100 degrees here five days ago..today pulled the bike out..got a face full of rain, and really cold air blew up my shorts..brrr..

quick u-turn, packed it up and microwaved some leftovers..

i think i need decent, not great ($) winter gear..and a good lighting system if i am gonna make it this winter on my bike. seems my resolve to stay with the program may be suspect.

i do have some of those sleeve things you wear on your arms and legs..they are ok. but they look goofy with my baggy cycling shorts..i dont have spandex shorts..that would be good for no-one.

[jyl]

Showers Pass rain jacket, bright yellow, best since the late lamented Burley jacket.
Thin fleece sweater or vest under that.
Rain pants, I don't actually like Showers Pass' much (too baggy), I recently bought some Castelli's that seem okay.
Tights or light sweats under that.
Nylon or neoprene booties that wrap and velcro around your bike shoes and the ankles of the pants.
Waterproof gloves with a bit of insulation, like cross country ski gloves.
Thin balaclava or baseball cap under the helmet - first is warm, second keeps your head dry
Lights on the bike, blinkies on the helmet.
The above keeps me warm to about 40F and dry in Portland winters. Below 40F I need a thicker fleece sweater and heavier gloves, like the thinner sort of downhill ski gloves, and thicker socks too.

[look 171]

Vash,

I had a similar one to these Castelli Imola FZ Jersey. but I ripped up in a crash one winter. They really are worth the money. It was worn only on a really cold day with another jersey underneath with a vest for wind. Our cold is different from your cold by 15 degrees. Normally, I have a t-shirt, a regular jersey, a regular long sleeve jersey, and some knee warmers, that's it. You ride hard enough, you will warm up eventually. You toes, fingers will freeze, your nose will run non stop (Bring a handkerchief), and your eyes tear up on every downhill. On those really cold mornings, I use to put masking tape on the toe areas of my shoe to keep the wind out. tights are ok too, but I prefer leg warmers because they can come off during my ride. This is for my 50 degree ride in the morning. That's pretty cold around here.

[jyl]

Related subject - you guys wear team logo kit? Bike logo stuff? Or stick with basic black?

[Joe Bob]

Bike trainer, remote mounted on the handle bars and a beer cozy with a straw......'nuff said.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by jyl

Related subject - you guys wear team logo kit? Bike logo stuff? Or stick with basic black?

Black bib shorts. Team stuff when I belong. I purchased a Tour of CA jersey so I wear it when it sits on top of my pile of cycling crap in the drawer otherwise, I will go out with whatever's on sale. Usually I buy Castelli or Pearl stuff. Comfort is a lot more important to me then appearance. I have gone out on rides with 2 different color socks.

I do not like the big Pearl or Cannandale Logo on my chest or my back. Heck I think today's frame is too loud.

[billybek]

Don't know if they still make them but Sugoi Firewall tights and jackets for cold weather are awesome.

[Laneco]

The Showers Pass is my go-to jacket for most conditions. Long sleeve jersey underneath, or shortsleeve with light arm warmers. I have arm warmers in light, heavy, and summer sun-block. When it's REALLY cold outside, I've got a heavier jacket made with Illuminite fabric (single digit to teens). Have a light weight illuminite jacket as well that is terrific for 40 to about 60 degrees.

I absolutely hate rain pants. Cycling shorts with one of three different weight tights over them, depending on the weather. The winter weight ones also have a wind stop fabric on the front.

Feet, hands, and ears are the deal breakers for me. For the ears, I wear these weird little fleece triangle things that go over the helmet straps. I've had the same pair for about 25 years now. I can't wear a hat, I over heat (even when it is snowing), but a head band (fleece in the winter) works fine. Hands - long finger light weight gloves, medium, and when it's really cold an old set of lobster claw. Feet - wool socks from 40 degrees and cooler. For wet or really cold days, neoprene covers. Whereas I don't care if my legs get wet, I hate wet feet.

Lights are a big deal as I do most of my riding at night (admittedly most is off-road). So I've got a big investment in my lights. Two sets of NiteRider with a total of 3 batteries. Nite Rider makes everything from little LED lights for commuting to the insanely bright (I'm often mistaken for a motorcycle) lights that I've got. Price range for everyone, and a light for any purpose. The LED versions will give you great battery run time. I prefer helmet mounts, but I've also recommend a bar mount as either a backup or just a secondary, fixed position light. For rear lights, people debate, go blinky or go solid red. Both have advantages, I usually go blinky. LED only, look for one that is visible from a wide angle, not just directly behind and make sure that your clothing, panniers, etc., don't obscure it. Alot of little "clip on" types available now that let you put a couple on the bike or your clothing for added visibility and virtually no weight penalty.

The turbo-trainer and a good movie are NEVER to be over looked as a fitness tool! If you want a serious training workout, get the SUFFERFEST videos. I think the saying is "I will beat my ass today to kick your ass tomorrow..." Something like that.

Stay safe!

angela

[Schrup]

I can be kinda cheap & learned the hard way that when it comes to rain gear , you get what you pay for. Whether it's golf, bike, or work gear it's all the same. Two hundred dollar rain gear indeed works 5 times better than $50 gear. The REI stuff is OK, but I prefer name brands like Craft & some of the others already mentioned. Don't get the PerformanceBike/Nashbar crap, waste of money. Sometimes Chainlove has some cool stuff.

[tharbert]

Pearl iZUMi Men's AmFIB Bib Tights are worth every penny for anything under 50°F. From there, I have a number of pieces that I mix and match for the top end depending on the conditions.

I have those neoprene outer booties because I simply can't pull the trigger on a $300 pair of Sidi Diablo GTX winter riding shoes. I may break down this year though...

There are a number of glove systems. Just look for something you can use with inserts. The trick is to keep your hands dry. Carry a few extra inserts. Change when you feel them getting damp like a few minutes after a hard climb.

The key is to dress so you start out a little cold. Once you warm up, you'll be comfortable. Don't stop until you're done. Then, get inside and disrobe or you will absolutely cook.

[mikeferg75]

I ride all the way down to upper 30's, below that it's not worth it IMO.

I have found that a skull cap that fits over the ears, a Ultra light Pearl Izumi shell, and knee warmers, keeps the core warm enough 99 percent of the time.

[85eurocarrera]

Cold Weather Riding - MORC Wiki


This might help. We ride year round here.

[ckissick]

Originally Posted by jyl

Related subject - you guys wear team logo kit? Bike logo stuff? Or stick with basic black?

No basic black for me. I normally don't like to wear loud clothes, but when riding on the road, I like to be loud and fluorescent with bright logos, etc. The better to be seen by drivers of 4000 pound vehicles.

[Jim Bremner]

Loud non-natural colors on the road! To keep your head warm I like tape over the vents that you can remove while riding. just roll the edge over as a pull tab.

Cant go wrong with Castelli. If you're anti big biz Pearl is owned by Shimano.

[intakexhaust]

Originally Posted by Schrup

I can be kinda cheap & learned the hard way that when it comes to rain gear , you get what you pay for. Whether it's golf, bike, or work gear it's all the same. Two hundred dollar rain gear indeed works 5 times better than $50 gear. The REI stuff is OK, but I prefer name brands like Craft & some of the others already mentioned. Don't get the PerformanceBike/Nashbar crap, waste of money. Sometimes Chainlove has some cool stuff.

+1
I still have my trusted old Eddie Bauer Goretex shell with zippered armpit vents from the 1980's! I forget what I paid for it but was way more than most any other shell but one of the best and most versatile pieces of outerwear I've ever had.
Packs light. Always have buried in the car for the unexpected. Excellent for those torrential downpour's race weekends, camping, skiing, cycling and even dual purpose motorcycling riding.

[herr_oberst]

Originally Posted by jyl

Related subject - you guys wear team logo kit? Bike logo stuff? Or stick with basic black?

Black tights or shorts, neon yellow for the upper body

I've got 2 gore tex jackets, one is light, one is lined.

Icebreaker wool jersey or a long sleeve pearl izumi jersey under that, and a l/s Nike dri fit tee under that.

Gloves for the weather

Plenty of layer combinations for portland.

I got a good deal on some Lake rain boots a couple of years ago, these things are great. No more booties or toe booties. Yay!

[jyl]

Funny timing, I got caught riding home w/o rain pants today. My pants and shoes got soaked.

Start carrying rain pants and booties, baseball cap, and strap on the Raceblades. Winter comin'.

Angela, how come you do your riding at night? That sounds kind of Vampirella.

[teenerted1]

need to know where you are located.

so cal leg and arm warmers MIGHT be needed for a couple of days in january if you dont wait till later in the day. or a full snowmobile suit could be needed in parts of the upper midwest just to get out the door.

basic rule of thumb you will need something over your knees if the temp gets below 60.