Nothing to wear for cool weather. Where do I start?

[jenniferh]

I live in Texas and until this past week, it has been in the 100 degree range. I own 1 sleeveless jersey and a pair of Terry shorts and Keen commuter sandals. They served me well until this cold front and now I need to start preparing for colder weather. What do I need first?

I'm guessing knickers will be fine until Dec-ish here in TX. Shoudl I get a long-sleeve jersey, shortsleeve jersey with arm warmers? Base layers? I feel so clueless!

I also just got some Sidi Dominators so at least my feet will be warm, but I'm wondering if I'll want toe covers to keep the chill out.

Help!

[malkin]

I'd have to start with socks, but see what feels cold when you ride. Some people never get cold legs and others need longer, warmer pants. Same with arms, head, and the need to block wind.

[indysteel]

I would get, in no particular order, wool socks, a pair of shin length knickers (Shebeest makes a nice pair), a windproof jacket or vest, full fingered gloves, toe covers, a headband or light hat. Arm warmers are nice to have, too. You can get by without a cycling specific long sleeve jersey. I'd go with a wool baselayer instead. Just make sure it's a wicking material.

How cold will it ultimately get in your neck of the woods? I wear my knickers down to about 50-55 or so. Below that, I wear tights.

[OakLeaf]

I prefer knee warmers to knickers, but that's just me. Longer legs tend to tug on the chamois, IME, plus you can take knee warmers off or roll them around your ankles as the day warms up.

[malkin]

I wear knickers until the tights come out. I have warmer ones for spring and fall cool days and lighter weight ones for summer.

Maybe some of the Utah modesty has rubbed off on me.

[jenniferh]

Normal winters in Houston avg in the low 50's and early morning rides will be in the mid 40's. Last winter was the only exception to that and it was much colder.

[azfiddle]

I live in Tucson, and our winter temperatures are probably somewhat similar to yours. I faced the same dilemma last fall. This is a little long and rambling, but here goes.

What was essential for me: wool socks, something on my head to keep my ears warm, a lightweight jacket, a layer for under a jersey and another layer over my shorts.

I don't know how much you want to spend, but I found some creative and inexpensive solutions for colder weather that got me through the winter that made the transition

As an alternative to cycling specific knickers, I found a pair of fitted running capris at a Ross discount store for about $10. I pull them on over my shorts. It often warms up enough by the middle of a ride that I can shed the capris, and my saddle bag is roomy enough to stuff them into if I need to. I've since lost weight and couldn't find another pair at Ross but found some at Penney's on sale for $20. I also got some inexpensive running tights at Ross, but only wore them a couple of times. I'm short, and the cycling tights are mostly too long for me anyway.

I definitely recommend wool socks! I bought shoe covers but have never worn them. I also bought full-fingered gloves but have never used them either.

I love my light weight wind breaker- mine can squish up to fit in a jersey pocket. That was one of the few cycling-specific items I bought, and I have used it often. I also like it because it's high-viz (yellow-green).


I looked seriously at buying a thin wool base layer, but settled for a long-underwear top for a base layer (also found at Ross). I rarely used it except on a couple of really chilly early morning rides.

Another thrift store bargain was a half-length undershirt - I don't know what it is called. it has long sleeves but doesn't cover my whole torso- just my bra. A good base layer would probably work as well or better, but for $3 it was just enough temps in the mid-50's.

I have a one middle-weight long-sleeved jersey, but don't wear it often. I could probably manage just as well with layers. I might use a lightweight long-sleeved jersey more if I had one.


I bought arm warmers, and use them from time to time, with a short sleeved jersey. I haven't tried leg warmers yet.

For keeping my head warm, I have a cashmere beanie (another thrift store find). Or I use a fleece band that covers my ears.

I hope those ideas are helpful...

[malkin]

There is an article in the current issue of Bicycling about dressing for cooler weather.

The funny thing is, that dressing for really cold weather is less ambiguous: Put on everything you can, and you may still be cold.

[pll]

i did a ride in 50 degree weather, windy (13 mph with 20 mph gusts). Gear missed: full fingered gloves. I tried liner gloves under my regular "fingerless" gloves, but I felt my grip was not good enough to hold safely to the water bottle...

Other than, the knee warmers worked just fine, as did wool socks. I had toe covers (http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodPI_9125.html) as a precaution (I prefer them over shoe covers) and did not regret it. As far as tops: jacket over a long sleeve technical tee (same I use for running), and an undershirt. I count the sports bra as a layer, too ;)

[loopybunny]

I'd start with some socks, arm warmers, knee warmers, and a short sleeve jersey.

I have a light weight windbreaker I also wear that zips up around the neck if it's cold. However, it's not a proper cycling jacket so it doesn't breathe like the expensive ones do. I just wear a cami under my jersey that keeps my core warm.

A lot of people wear knickers or long tights, but I like that the knee warmers and arm warmers can come off and be put into my jersey pocket if it gets warm. My arm warmers and knee warmers are Hincapie Arenburg. They don't fall down like my Pearl Izumi ones did. I don't pull the knee warmers up really high (about an inch or two past my shorts) and they're long enough they go below my calves, nearly to my ankles. I end up with only a few inches of exposed leg.

My hands tend to get cold... really cold. I have a pair of PI long fingered gloves (Cyclone, I think) that I absolutely love.

It's all going to depend on how cold it is and how your deal with the cold weather. I've seen people out in upper 60's - low 70's wearing tights and jackets. Yikes... too warm!

[jenniferh]

Such helpful suggestions. When I exercise when it is cold, my legs don't really feel the cold so I love the suggestions of running capris over my cycling shorts or knee warmers.

I sounds like my first purchases should be a short-sleeve jersey, a pair of wool socks and ear warmers. I know from experience that nothing bothers me more than cold ears. Then I'll start the hunt for a light windbreaker that folds up small.

I'm really hoping we are back to a normal winter here in Houston. Last year we had a freeze in April! That never happends. Heck, we've had winters where it never freezes at all.

[warneral]

I tried on this jacket at REI and I want it. But I'm holding out for a sale and some funds

It would be nice for the weather you speak of. Which is weather I"m experiencing right now in WI! :(

http://www.rei.com/product/801491

[Bike Writer]

I rode in 50 degree temps today with cold blustery north winds. I like my turtleneck silk long underware, it's great for wicking and is so lightweight you don't even know you have it on. I used to use it when I downhill skied, but that was before the knee surgery. I only wore the top today, not the bottoms as I had capris on. I wear socks and my legs don't get as cold as the rest of me. You can find all different weight silk underware here; http://www.wintersilks.com/longunderwear/default.aspx?BRANCH=1~&sc=AF0SEMGL

My ears tend to get cold too and I used a NeilPryde neoprene headband that was left over from my waterskiing days, it's so thin and so warm it kept me toasty, you can find it here; http://www.shopwiki.com/_NEIL+PRYDE+Body+Guard%C2%AE+Neoprene+Head+Band?s=28950&o=350610435

I had little lightweight gloves and wore a hoodie over the silk long underware, I was just fine.

[OakLeaf]

I need FF gloves pretty much any time it's below 65°F.

[warneral]

Bike Writer, my boss's wife is a designer for winter silks. THey have a store in my town. I will have to check their store for a base layer.

[marni]

another houstonian (katy) biker answers

My go to cooler weather around here is a pair of mesh arm covers, , short sleeved jersey with an underlayer, mesh or wool depending- my core gets cold easily, not my legs, a wind vest for cooler windy days, a pair of light long fingered gloves and wool socks. I have a windbreaker/raincoat that I wear if it gets below 45, but mostly I prefer to startout cold and warm up. Long fingered gloves because my hands get cold very easily. My headcovering/ head neck layer is a normal buff which makes a lightweight hood/ear covering under the helmet or ad an extra neck layer.

Since the majority of body heat is lost through the head, I find the buff extremely helpful and I find that if I can keep hands, feet and head warm- the rest follows.

Everything but the raincoat fit easily in a jersey pocked as I layer down. The jacket does as well but it takes a bit more work.

Good lulck

marni

[DrBadger]

Another Houston biker here... some of this depends on how early you plan to ride in the winter... if you are doing the MS150 training series, you will be out early and need some warm clothes.

I swear by either knickers or knee warmers. I am one of those people that my knees have to be warm or I am not happy (nor are they!). I have a long sleeved jersey, but I usually just wear a shortsleaved or sleavless one with my bolero (I don't like arm warmers) with a jacket. I have a couple of jackets.. some warmer than others. If you only buy one, get a lighter weight one that the sleaves zip off to make it a vest.. VERY useful here as the days get warmer.

I second the suggestion to get some full fingered gloves... you will be much happier that first 45 degree morning! I also have an ear warmer, and I do have toe covers.. they are OK, and do help from getting a wind chill in the front mesh parts of the shoes...

If it gets colder than what this is good enough for, I will either add some wool layers and some running tights over my shorts/capris... or I will just wait until noon when it is warmer out or stay in all together!

Good luck!
Ellen

[DarcyInOregon]

I really like the water resistant wind jacket, where the sleeves zip off and stuff in a pocker if you get warm and so the jacket turns into a wind vest, or you can stuff the entire jacket into a pocket and it can tie to the seat post or around the waist; my jacket is made by Canari and a cycling friend liked the concept so much she bought one for herself. Under the jacket I wear a long sleeve jersey, either light weight or fleece, depending upon the temperature, and I can push up the sleeves if necessary if the jacket or jacket sleeves come off. It is easy to stay warm with a wind jacket on. And of course knickers or tights, and tights with some water protection too.

One new thing I am preparing to purchase is a pair of the water proof wind resistant mildly fleece lined road shoes, shaped sort of like a mid-rise lightweight hiking boot. It should mean I won't have to use the shoe protectors on cold, rainy days anymore.

[TxDoc]

Another one from Houston here... Hey, now that we are so many we should organize a TE ride in the area! :)
Usually Winter here is not bad, but I cannot stand cold weather so I'm always the one that looks like the Michelin man as soon as the cold comes.

If it's above 60 I use regular bibs but I do wear a thermal jersey, and possibly a base layer, either Assosor or 2xu. Nalini/MOA, Sportful, and Assos all make very good thermal jerseys for the Winter, you find them at your regular bike shop (Boones at the Med Center usually has a lot of Assos clothing) or online at Competitive Cyclist and Ride Bike Pro Gear.
If it's cooler than 55 I'm going full bib tights, 2 socks, and then layer up on top. For the bib tights, find those made of heavier fabric. Assos and Capo use that roubaix fabric or whatever it's called, which is supposed to keep your leg warmer and it really does. And I wear a winter (windproof) thermal jacket on top of base layer and long sleeve jersey, again either the Nalini or the Assos which are thermal and also windproof make excellent outer jackets.
With the cold wind I tend to wear a wool or fleece skull cap under the helmet and a neck warmer, because if my neck is cold I feel really miserable.
I also second long fingered gloves, and when it's really cold I wear the inner glove underneath. I use the Assos gloves and inner gloves, they keep your hands really warm.
Assos really makes excellent Winter clothing - I guess they have to, considering how cold Winter is in Switzerland. I lived in Bern for a while and it was really freezing in the Winter - I remember one day I left the house for a ride and I was all layered with bibs, base layer, long sleeve jersey, bib tights, socks x2, thermal windproof jersey, neck warmer, wool cap - AND a windproof head cover on top of the helmet!!! :eek:

Last year our Winter was miserable, the worst I have seen in the Houston area in eight years. I was all bundled up most of the time, especially early mornings. Hopefully this coming Winer will be mild...

[Violara]

I'm in Austin, and ride year round. I started off with leg warmers but they have a tendency to fall down. I once got a series of flats while out in the Fort Davis area that required me to walk the bike the last mile or so. The leg warmers were falling and the temperatures were too--not pleasant. Now I have knickers and tights. Knickers would probably be fine with tall wool socks.
I always wear wool socks because of the wicking action, but I wear a heavier pair when it's chilly with toe warmers and full finger gloves.
I have a "summer weight" long sleeve jersey that I have never, ever worn in the summer in Texas but layered over a Ibex wool camisole works well on those Spring and Fall days that start chilly but warm up. I push the sleeves up if it gets too warm.
And I have a cheap polarfleece headband that I wear over my ears.
Finally, when it is particularly cold, I head for the hills. Nothing warms me up better!

[warneral]

FYI REI is having a sale starting the 8th. That jacket I want appears to be 25% off. I'm in Wisconsin and it is a little on the heavy side. I definitely plan to get it. I can't decide between small and medium. Small looks better but Medium would allow for more layering...