Winter cycling wardrobe recommendations [Archive] - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

Carm

11-15-2005, 09:13 PM

I'm putting together my first winter cycling wardrobe on a budget and need some advice as to what to add. I currently have Thinsolate glove liners, gloves rated to 40 degrees, PI wind breaker jacket, PI regular weight long sleeve jersey, men's knee warmers that go to my ankles and a neoprene headband to cover my ears. What additional wardrobe items would you recommend that I get for riding in temps down to 30 degrees?

BTW, I get hot in my middle section while my arms stay cool so I'm not a vest person. I also have a pair of 50 cotton/50 poly narrow leg fleece sweat pants that I could wear over my cycling shorts/leg warmers but not sure if the fabric will leave me damp and cold.

Thanks in advance for your advice and help. Carmen

DeniseGoldberg

11-16-2005, 03:57 AM

In the 30s, I wear Pearl Izumi AmFib tights over my cycling shorts. They have a wind-proof layer in front which helps considerably. On my feet I use Pearl Izumi AmFib shoe covers, and under the shoe covers I place Heat Treat toe warmers. I buy them at REI, link to the product on their web site here (http://www.rei.com/online/store/Search?vcat=REI_SEARCH&stat=7889&langId=-1&storeId=8000&query=toe+warmer).

Top layers, I wear an REI midweight MTS tank (a long underwear layer...) topped by other layers depending on the actual temperatures. Those other layers usually include Patagonia R.5 or R1 shirts as well as a wind breaker or rain jacket. I use a helmet liner, and sometimes ear bags (http://www.earbags.com/) too.

Gloves - PI AmFib Lobster gloves do it for me.

Unfortunately even with all of those layers my hands and feet usually can only last an hour or an hour and a half. But I figure that's better than not riding at all!

--- Denise

Squirrel 2

11-16-2005, 06:13 AM

You will need some more items if you want to ride in the 30's. And even in the 30's, things change depending on whether it is >35, or the low 30's.

Head -- some kind of head covering, one of the skully-type thin coverings you wear under your helmet. Descente makes a really good one with longer ear flaps. If your face gets really sensitive at freezing or below, a balaclava.

Hands -- gloves rated for below 40, plus liners. Lobster-mitt style are good for low 30's combining mitten warmth with some finger flexibility for controls.

Feet -- mid or heavy-weight wool socks. At the very least, a complete shoe cover made out of neoprene (again, Descente makes a good one). On a bigger budget, consider buying a winter shoe.

Legs -- full tights to wear over cycling shorts or bibs. For 30's, look for a fleeced tight. Consider wind-protection as well. Lose the cotton -- it will hold dampness & give you a bad chill.

Core -- first a base layer, long-sleeve preferred (Craft excels here). Then other layers such as Sugoi's mid-zero, or Smart-wool mid-weight, or your PI. Your wind/outer layer goes on over top. A wind-breaker might be a bit light, the soft shells that have more insulation would certainly be a better choice. TE has an excellent chart comparing different jackets for warmth, wind, very useful tool before you spend any hard-earned dollars.

You'll have to experiment some, but the reward of being able to ride outdoors when it's cold instead of being stuck inside is worth the effort!

CorsairMac

11-16-2005, 10:21 AM

Just be sure whatever you go with you can layer on/off easily. Depending on the length of your ride, time of day, wind direction etc etc you'll need to be able to vent or even remove layers or close up or put layers back on. My commute this AM at 31 I wore an REI MTS LS base layer, a LS jersey on top and my IllumiNITE cycling jacket. Bottoms were fleece-lined leg warmers, shorts and tights, feet-heavy socks and toe covers, hands Canari heavyweight riding gloves. I had a fleece headband on my head. My ride is 6 miles all downhill going to work and I was still a tad chilly went I got here. Going home is all uphill so a couple of those layers will get packed. Last year when I first started commuting in the winter, I bought 2 LS jerseys on sale, a jacket and some long underwear and made it all winter with that. When it got really cold I just wore the long underwear, both jerseys and the jacket. Leg warmers, shorts and wind/rain pants on the bottom. I added tights on the Really cold days. (I was much poorer last year and made do with what I could). Hope that helps.

Lise

11-16-2005, 03:03 PM

Going home is all uphill
Wow. I am so impressed that you start out in the morning to work all day, knowing that you'll be riding 6 miles uphill to get home. I could see putting in the effort in the morning, and coasting home, but the other way around? Kudos!

It's 31 degrees in New Mexico? Yikes! It's 26 degrees here in Chicago at 6PM. A few days ago it was in the mid 50s. So it goes. I've got some shoe covers on order, but I realize I'm going to need a baclava, too. I won't ride in snow or ice--an unfortunate wipe-out on the ice in high school left me somewhat traumatized! I do wonder, however, why I was riding to school in the snow, wearing a skirt and pantyhose? Ahh, the folly of youth! :rolleyes: L.

Blueberry

11-16-2005, 06:57 PM

I have spiffy new calientoes and amfib shoe covers since I'll actually be *riding* in the colder weather this year (it's NC - how cold does it really get?!). However, I've tried said gadgets on over my cycling shoes and they both go over the front of the sole. This is where I tend to step down when I stop (no, I haven't yet mastered the technique of going over the top tube - I sort of lean the bike). Is the fabric tougher than it looks? Or am I gonna have holds there very quickly? Help?! We're *finally* in for some fall like weather the next couple of days, so I may well need at least the calientoes.

Carrie Anne

Duck on Wheels

11-16-2005, 07:54 PM

Hi, just checked the home newspapers over the internet. Aftenposten had a test report on cold weather sports gear. Their conclusions: Lots of good stuff out there in merino wool. Some find it doesn't scratch, others will need a thin layer under. Wool wicks well, but so do some synthetics. On top of wicking layer ... wool. On top of that if you need more ... fleece. Then windproof outermost. Of the wool things, they say these are so different as to be practically non-comparable. They do, however, have a couple of favourites. Norrøna Arktis and Aclima Ultra wick well enough that you stay warm even when you stop to rest. They also ventilate well so A'posten says you can use them at high levels of activity such as skiing (so why not biking?). Brynje Arctic is best of all at wicking, or maybe just thicker?. They say it can be layered up in extreme cold or worn alone (without jacket) in between-season weather. And in the back pack, try something from a line called Ullfrotté. I have some myself. It's great! This stuff insulates so well you feel warm in seconds, even if you're just sitting still, so this is what you pull on when you stop for a break. If you watch Nordic skiing on tv and see the athletes stripping in the snow after the race and pulling a dry sweater on ... probably ullfrotté. Certainly looks like mine. Of course, while these are standard brands in Scandinavia, I have no idea whether they're available this side of the Atlantic. I just bought some REI silks to see how I like'em. I've also used REI midweight underwear and find it pretty much keeps me warm enough in temperatures down to ... say mid-teens F at moderate levels of activity (e.g. trekking) ... unless the wind is too cutting. Colder and I need wool in layers to keep my jacket from freezing under the backpack where condensation can't escape.

DeniseGoldberg

11-17-2005, 04:44 AM

I have spiffy new calientoes and amfib shoe covers ...I've tried said gadgets on over my cycling shoes and they both go over the front of the sole. This is where I tend to step down when I stop ...Is the fabric tougher than it looks? Or am I gonna have holds there very quickly?

Carrie Anne

The bottoms of both my shoe covers and the smaller toe covers are a little worn. I use mountain bike shoes with recessed cleats, so there's really no way I can avoid stepping down on the soles of my shoes. Not a problem though since in the cold weather I do very little walking in my bike shoes. I'm more likely to take my ride only stopping at my destination where I can remove my cycling shoes (or even just the shoe covers). I just figure I'm going to need to replace them periodically. But just for the record, I've had mine for a couple of years. It wouldn't upset me if I had to replace them every year though...

--- Denise

JLD

11-17-2005, 05:15 AM

Trek420

11-17-2005, 07:35 AM

modified snow plow! what a great idea. :)

I was thinking you'd hitch 6 or so huskies to the bike :p

CorsairMac

11-17-2005, 11:59 AM

.........Where I am, winter gets a little tough....so........I install a fur seat on the bike--and use a remote starter to warm up the block of ice it becomes after it has been outside for five minutes........riding on square tires becomes routine after the first blizzard........the first time you go to rig the modified snow plough for the front wheel is challenging, but when it's there it's greatly appreciated for going through high drifts of snow at the side of the road.........but I digress--because the thread is about What to wear.......so I'll add for personal attire--mukluks and scarves and big mittens......:)

I don't see anything here bout no lights tho - ya know ya'll can't be out riding in the snow without some spotlights! (shakes finger at JLD coz she should KNOW better!) :p

as for CarrieAnn: I have the PI toe covers and I also wear MTB shoes in the winter (fits my thicker socks better). I wore them all last year and even walked in them when I had to walk my bike into work and they're still doing just fine this year. I'm with Denise - I may have to replace them come next year - or the next, but they're doing fine so far. And I have to cross several busy streets so I'm constantly putting at least 1 foot down.

and Lise: yeah - somedays the thought of climbing back up that mountain (and yes it is a mountain) is more than I feel like doing but then I have to remember: how else will I get home??! ;)

Here: the white specks at the base of this is Albuquerque. The highest peak is 10,792, I live at about 5800-6000 and I work somewhere around 5000-5200. I don't have the exact altitude but the center of Abq if 5000 and you go up from there. So I climb somwhere between 600-800' in 6 miles every night when I go home.

Lise

11-17-2005, 01:28 PM

Iand Lise: yeah - somedays the thought of climbing back up that mountain (and yes it is a mountain) is more than I feel like doing but then I have to remember: how else will I get home??! ;)

Wow. Here's a picture of Chicago:
________________________________________________________

OK, that's more of a line drawing, but you get the idea. Yes, I suppose heading out all hopeful and enthusiastic in the morning is a way of tricking yourself into riding home at night! :D L.

pkq

11-17-2005, 01:54 PM

Corsair, I have stayed in Albuequerque a couple of times and loved it. That is one place I could live. OK, so there are lots of places I could live.

If the temps are below 50 F, the balaclava comes on to protect my skin. Must be my Southern blood........

Woolie Boolie's are great winter socks. It seems to me they are better than Smart Wools.

anne_77

11-17-2005, 04:40 PM

I've been amassing winter clothing as well - unfortunately for my check book my love of shopping extends to cycling. I was really excited when the temperatures dipped into the 30's because I thought I could try out my new stuff. But I'm confused about my hands. The long gloves bug me - my hands sweat. I had to go home in the middle of my ride and switch to my summer gloves. Anyone else have this problem? Is there anything bad that can happen to my fingers if I don't wear gloves in the winter? I already have nerve damage in my wrists and hands so I don't really notice the cold. I just want to make sure I won't get frostbite or something.

nuthatch

11-17-2005, 04:49 PM

Wow. Here's a picture of Chicago:
________________________________________________________

OK, that's more of a line drawing, but you get the idea. Yes, I suppose heading out all hopeful and enthusiastic in the morning is a way of tricking yourself into riding home at night! :D L.

Ha,ha!! Corsair, I had no idea you did THAT much climbing each evening! I'm around Chicago, too and I think I gain about 5 feet on my ride home! You are "strong like bull" Corsair!!!

Duck on Wheels

11-17-2005, 08:37 PM

Illinois may be in the foothills of Mount Flat, but is there a climb equivalent to the wind chill effect? Doesn't it blow headwind in all directions at once? That must count for somethin' too. ;)

nuthatch

11-18-2005, 02:47 AM

Illinois may be in the foothills of Mount Flat, but is there a climb equivalent to the wind chill effect? Doesn't it blow headwind in all directions at once? That must count for somethin' too. ;)

Maybe so! But I don't think we'll out-wind the Plains states or Mountain states or maybe even Norway!

My winter wardrobe "head-scratcher" is what to use on my face when it's below freezing. I have a polypro balaclava and a regular knit balaclava but I feel all smothery when I wear them....must...have...air!!! ;) I'm thinking about a hat/gaiter combo so I can pull it down when I need to. I LOVE merino as a base layer! No more "cold-sweats" feeling. Do they make a merino bra??? :D

Squirrel 2

11-18-2005, 03:40 AM

Protect your hands!!! Frostbite is not pretty, you can lose digits. When it's really cold, pay attention to your extremities (hands & feet). If your brain starts sensing your body is getting too cold, it will go into core-survival mode & divert bloodflow to the extremities. First clue that this is happening is numbness in the fingers & toes. So when it's really cold, which is freezing or below, keep checking on them. Wiggle your toes & move your fingers around. I take my hands off the handlebars (one at a time), clench & unclench my fist & move it in & out towards my chest a few times.

My hands sweat terribly too. I use glove liners. If the weather is changeable, I can take them off as it warms up. I also sometimes take 2 pair with me. I wear the warmer pair out & change to the lighter pair if the temps go up enough. Also, try a pair without windstopper. The windstopper material is great for keeping out cold wind, but for cooler days it will get clammy. There are some mid-weight gloves made out of roubaix-type fabrics that should keep you warm enough but still breathe.

Lise

11-18-2005, 04:35 AM

Illinois may be in the foothills of Mount Flat, but is there a climb equivalent to the wind chill effect? Doesn't it blow headwind in all directions at once? That must count for somethin' too. ;)
Yeah, there's wind...! Last weekend was unseasonably warm, in the 50s, and really windy (then yesterday, the temp was 16, with a wind chill of *1*). I went running with some friends, and would've loved to ride my bike next, but the wind makes it thoroughly unenjoyable. Not just riding against the wind, that sort of thing, but the fact that it seems to blow from every which way. It was kind of fun, running through the swirls of leaves pulled up by the wind, but it is not fun to ride in that. (Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore!)

Cold toes, fingers, and face are my problems so far. I've got a baclava and shoe covers on order, and I own a variety of gloves and liners to try out in combination. BTW, I love Sports Basement for their prices, but they're not what you'd want to call speedy in delivering the merchandise!

Looking forward to it warming back up to something a little more seasonable (especially since I'm running the Turkey Trot 8K in 6 days!) so I can try out my new winter biking clothing combos.

L.

DirtDiva

11-18-2005, 02:05 PM

I wear merino all the time in winter (that's not hyperbole)... I love merino... But then, I am a Kiwi... A Cantab, no less... I'm going to shut up now before someone starts making sheep jokes... ;)

Trekhawk

11-18-2005, 02:58 PM

I wear merino all the time in winter (that's not hyperbole)... I love merino... But then, I am a Kiwi... A Cantab, no less... I'm going to shut up now before someone starts making sheep jokes... ;)

Baa Baa - seriously though I agree with tlkiwi merino is great. Check out www.icebreakernz.com their stuff is great my husband got me some on his last trip back to Aust and their website lists retail locations world wide. They have some great reviews on their site including one by Kym McConnell author of "Tibet Overland" - mountain biking bible on biking the worlds highest plateau. He says he wore his icebreaker gear continuously day and night for 90 days and only needed one set. This stuff isnt cheap but it rocks.

DirtDiva

11-18-2005, 03:06 PM

Actually, and oddly, my large stash of woollies does not contain a single IceBreaker item. Plenty of Untouched World (http://www.untouchedworld.co.nz) stuff though - go the Snowy Peak factory sales! :D

Selkie

11-19-2005, 12:57 AM

Maybe so! But I don't think we'll out-wind the Plains states or Mountain states or maybe even Norway!

My winter wardrobe "head-scratcher" is what to use on my face when it's below freezing. I have a polypro balaclava and a regular knit balaclava but I feel all smothery when I wear them....must...have...air!!! ;) I'm thinking about a hat/gaiter combo so I can pull it down when I need to. I LOVE merino as a base layer! No more "cold-sweats" feeling. Do they make a merino bra??? :D

For your face, how about a hat/beanie and one of those polar buffs? Terry and Sahalie both sell the latter.

Can't help you with the bra, although I saw that some company in Japan invented a heated bra. I think it has inserts that you can pop into the microwave and then put them in cup area. Mmmm, makes me think you might be able to get those toe warmer/hand warmer things and put those in your bra?

nuthatch

11-19-2005, 03:49 AM

For your face, how about a hat/beanie and one of those polar buffs? Terry and Sahalie both sell the latter.

Can't help you with the bra, although I saw that some company in Japan invented a heated bra. I think it has inserts that you can pop into the microwave and then put them in cup area. Mmmm, makes me think you might be able to get those toe warmer/hand warmer things and put those in your bra?

Polar buff, huh? I'll have to look it up - thanks!

Cold isn't the problem with my chest; in fact, it's the hottest part when I'm riding! No, I just like the way the wool feels when you do get sweaty but it's below freezing. It's so much better at holding the sweat away from your skin and not feeling all "slimey cold" like the synthetic material does. Maybe I just want to become a sheep??

Duck on Wheels

11-20-2005, 11:24 AM

I just tried another ride. It's 40 out, so not too cold. I thought. 'Course, I'm used to walking. Now I get it. 40 is a lot colder on a bike than on foot! With a light wool layer under windproofs, torso was not the problem. Also fingers were fine in windblocker fleece mittens and ears were fine with a fleece hoody under the helmet. But the knees ached, the toes ached, and I got a splitting headache from the cold on my face. That last one was what convinced me to head home. I was only out there to remind myself what fun I'd had last time, not to do a punishing workout. So I turned homewards while the cold was still an adventure. Dunno if I'm up for a balaclava. Might feel a bit claustrophobic in one. So I guess it's spin classes for the rest of the winter, unless we get up into 50's again.

traveller_62

11-20-2005, 12:17 PM

My commute this AM at 31 I wore an REI MTS LS base layer, a LS jersey on top and my IllumiNITE cycling jacket.

CorsairMac,

Where did you find the IllumiNITE cycling jacket? And is it a shell or a more heavy weight jacket?

I'm in desparate need of highly reflective cycling clothing. Since it is pitch black here at 4:30 in the afternoon I need something that makes me highly visible.

I saw a great jacket on the IllumiNITE web site but I can't seem to find a distributer. The TE store carries some nice stuff from IllumiNITE, but I haven't seen the jacket I want.

-traveller

DeniseGoldberg

11-20-2005, 12:29 PM

Where did you find the IllumiNITE cycling jacket? And is it a shell or a more heavy weight jacket?

-traveller

I bought an IllumiNITE jacket and vest from Performance a few years ago. They are both shell weight. I'm not a big fan of Performance but at the time they had a special where the price was amazing if you bought both pieces. I just checked the Performance site and they have a woman's illuminite jacket that is on sale. Here's a link to Illuminite at Performance: http://performancebike.resultspage.com/search?p=Q&ts=custom&w=illuminite&pw=illumite&rt=spelling&isort=score.

If you want to look elsewhere, check the illumiNite (http://www.illuminite.com) web site. They have both a search for stores that carry their stuff and a list of online sites.

--- Denise

Carm

11-20-2005, 05:15 PM

Thank you for answering my question and for all of the great advice! Today it was 45 with no wind so I went for a short ride. A heavier windstop type jacket and fleece tights would have nice to have on this ride. I guess it takes some experience to figure out what works best for any given day and temp. Carmen

traveller_62

11-20-2005, 08:46 PM

I bought an IllumiNITE jacket and vest from Performance a few years ago.
--- Denise

Thanks Denise --

Are you happy with how the IllumiNITE fabric works and holds up over time?

Actually, given the amount of touring you do I would be interested to know what rain gear you like, too.

Cheers,

-traveller

DeniseGoldberg

11-21-2005, 04:26 AM

Are you happy with how the IllumiNITE fabric works and holds up over time?

Actually, given the amount of touring you do I would be interested to know what rain gear you like, too.
-traveller

The IllumiNITE fabric does seem to hold up over time. I believe I bought mine 3 years ago, and it's still in really good shape.

On the rain gear front - I have a rain jacket that I bought ages ago, back in 1998 before my first solo tour. I believe it's a Bellwether, but I just checked their site and they don't appear to make a rain jacket right now. It has pit zips - which I think are a requirement for a rain jacket, and the back is vented. I find that I don't get along with rain pants though. In my experience they just seem to do a good job of sticking to my legs. If I get stuck riding in the rain in cool weather, I usually wear tights. But I did just order a pair of rain legs (http://www.rainlegs.co.uk/description.php) after a discussion over on crazyguyonabike.com. You can see the discussion - including some answers from the manufacturer - here (http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/forum/board/message/?message_id=23594). It will be interesting to see if these actually do what they are supposed to!

--- Denise

CorsairMac

11-23-2005, 01:28 PM

CorsairMac,

Where did you find the IllumiNITE cycling jacket? And is it a shell or a more heavy weight jacket?

I'm in desparate need of highly reflective cycling clothing. Since it is pitch black here at 4:30 in the afternoon I need something that makes me highly visible.

I saw a great jacket on the IllumiNITE web site but I can't seem to find a distributer. The TE store carries some nice stuff from IllumiNITE, but I haven't seen the jacket I want.

-traveller

http://www.rei.com/product/47942637.htm?vcat=REI_SSHP_CYCLING_TOC

sorry it took me so long to get back with you traveller. I actually ordered this from REI since my local one didn't carry it. So far it's worked out Great for me!! I LOVE the IllumiNITE stuff: currently I have leg warmers, this jacket and a pair of tights. I wear the jacket and tights when I'm walking the dogs at night besides my commute. What I'm noticing as the days get darker - you don't have that "roar up behind you swerve at the last minute" thing going on when I wear them. It's like having a thousand reflectors all over you. One of my riding buddies gets a kick out of riding behind and to the side so she can see me "glow" when the headlights pick me up. I also use a headlight and 2 blinkies in the back but when I'm wearing the IllumiNITE even I can see it glowing so I know they can!

traveller_62

11-23-2005, 02:19 PM

What I'm noticing as the days get darker - you don't have that "roar up behind you swerve at the last minute" thing going on when I wear them. It's like having a thousand reflectors all over you.

Thanks CorsairMac,

I am all too familiar with the last minute swerve thing!! Thanks for the link to REI. I'm forwarding it directly to Santa :)

Are you able to get a ride in tomorrow on turkey day? I'm visiting family and don't have my bike but I'm going to run a 10K Turkey Trot in the morning (in the snow!!).

Cheers,

-traveller