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Yep, that time of year. I'm specifically looking for things to get me from the end of the November, and I'd like to do it without spending a fortune. And honestly, I'm a bit confused. Tights vs. legwarmers...jackets...arm warmers, wool... :confused: I'm not going to be going out in downpours or anything. Just Cleveland's (and Cincinnati's) silly weather.
Okay, all you knowledgeable people: What do you recommend?
Merino wool sweaters are widely available at thrift shops where I live. I don't wear "real" cycling clothes so that's my only tip.
Pam
You expect us to recommend anything other than wool? ;)
Right now you definitely want arm and knee/leg warmers - this is the time of year in Ohio when we start out on a ride at 45°F and it'll be 80 by afternoon. Those little tubes give your knees some thermal protection and keep your core from getting totally chilled when you're starting out, but they're small enough to push down around your wrists and ankles, or stow in a jersey pocket, when it warms up. On your knees, IMO wind protection is the main concern, so synthetics are probably better than unreinforced wool.
In a couple-three weeks you're going to want full-fingered gloves. If you don't plan to ride past Thanksgiving, chances are you won't need heavy gloves. Light ones that just give your fingers some wind protection are good to days with a high of 50-55°, for me.
A light wool base layer is a great thing to have, too. Oooh look, SW sleeveless base layers are half price, every size but mine. :( Those particular ones are great for fall days because they're very light - again, they give your core some warmth starting out, but aren't so heavy that you overheat when it warms up. A long sleeved base layer will be good when it gets a little cooler. A zippered neck gives you another ventilation option as the days warm up - but then, you may have some discomfort from the zipper, so it's really personal preference. Buy your base layers to fit close but not compression-tight against your skin.
You may want a wool bra if you get clammy b**bs. That's not an issue for me - mine stay warm as long as I have something warm on over them, even though my sports bras are inevitably soaked - but some women have that problem. They're really comfy, but not cheap.
I have thrown sweatpants or tights over biking shorts and it has been fine. As for on top, to keep from spending a lot of money I usually wear my short sleeve shirts and throw on a jacket of fleece. Many of my clothing is from running and I just use that stuff. Target sells great workout gear at a reasonable price. I have invested in a good jacket and a heavier top just for cycling. It is good to keep an eye out for sales.
Reviving this for the moment.
I've been thinking of taking my bike out in December and riding when it's not icy/snowy/rainy. This will likely require me buying a jacket. Ideally, I'd like to spend $130 or less, and get something relatively warm and wind-resistant. Any ideas? I'd been looking at one from Foska (this, because it's awesome), but if I can avoid paying the $18 in shipping (not to mention the unfavorable exchange rate!) I'd love to. I'm not planning on going out in anything more than a drizzle, so I'm looking primarily for warmth, though a wind and water-resistant shell would be nice.
Edit:
While procrastinating last night, I came across some of last year's Pearl Izumi Gavia and Gavia P.R.O jackets. I can get the Gavia P.R.O. in a dark olive green for less than the regular Gavia, but it's a "please, run me over because I'm the same color as all the mud and bare trees!" color. Has anyone used one? What kinds of weather is it good for?
Hi,
After a few false starts, I think I have my winter gear in order.
Here's what I've learned:
1) Vests. Vests! *Every* jacket I've tried, even when it's marketed as "breathable" (which they all are), is, well, not breathable. The sweat from my pits has nowhere to go. I get all clammy. It's awful. The solution is a bright vest, lightweight so you can wear it nearly four seasons, all but the very hottest summer days. (In winter, this kind of vest will provide rain and wind protection; to get your warmth, you layer under it.) Pearl Izumi and Brooks make vests in neon yellow. It's not worth getting a vest that is not screaming yellow, screaming green, screaming pink. You can wear many times before washing.
2) Wool tops from thrift stores.
- Wool keeps you warmer when wet than other materials. That's part of why you can get away with wearing a vest, too! If you are wearing longsleeve wool shirts or turtlenecks with a vest, your arms shouldn't get chilled even if they're being rained on.
- Wool doesn't stink after use, so you can hang it to air out and wear it again, over and over before washing.
- I've gotten merino turtlenecks from thrift stores for $5. They are actually all different weights, for all temps!
- If you are buying *new,* I think the best tops for cycling are the Smartwool zip-t's in various weights.
- Use a summer (microweight) wool tank top or t-shirt as a base layer.
- You *don't* need one of those winter bike jerseys with pockets. They are so expensive! If you need pockets, get a vest that has some roomy ones (the Brooks Nightlife vests do).
3) Gloves. Instead of buying expensive gloves, go to your hardware store and snag a pair of those $8 gray utility wool gloves with black bumpies on them. The bumpies provide grip while riding. Now slide them over your padded summer wool gloves.
4) Inexpensive solution for your bottoms: One or two pairs of tights or sweats (with NO chamois) that can fit over your padded summer bike shorts. After your ride, hang your tights to air-dry and then use them over and over till it's laundry time. Buy some reflective ankle bands (like these) to hold the sweats/tights on:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodNN_2020N.html
5) Feet: It's harder to save money here. I will put a thin pair of wool liner socks under the main pair of socks. I have some toe warmers. And some waterproof booties that go over the whole shoe.
6) Head: Also harder to save money here. I have a big wool neckwarmer I'm never without, between fall and spring. I like the really long Smartwool one, because you can pull it up over your chin, too. For the even colder weather, I have a balaclava from Louis Garneau (not wool but great), and a wool beanie for my ears. You could also get a reflective cover for your helmet, to cover the vents and make you extra-visible.
Any of the above-mentioned items that you need "new" are available here at the Team Estrogen store. For instance, I see there is a Louis Garneau helmet cover here.
I don't personally use armwarmers. I just always go out with long sleeves, after summer is over. If it warms up and you're wearing a longsleeve wool shirt, your arms will breathe just fine through the wool, they won't overheat. I wear legwarmers every so often, but more likely I'll just throw a pair of tights over my summer bike shorts.
I'd like to get a wool bra from Ibex...but am waiting (in vain??) for them to really go on sale some day.
good luck!
I can say ++++1 to just about every single thing that Mariposa said! :eek:
I even have that same Louis Garneau thin balaclava that works wonders. And the Brooks Nightlife vest....and....and.... :cool:
(Except since I don't ride clipless I get to wear my nice warm insulated hiking boots with double thick wool socks so no problems for my feet at all.) :D
Awesome! Love it. So much great advice.
Only thing I can add is with the feet. I think they're the hardest to deal with. In the craziest cold weather, outside my sock layers, I put a plastic grocery shopping bag, which keeps a lot of warmth in, even with some sweating.
So, my order, from feet out: thin synthetic sock, neoprene sock (got on sale), toe warmer(s), outer wool/thermal sock, then grocery bag, shoe, then outer shoe covering. Voila! Toasty feet down to -5F (as cold as I've ridden in).