Ugh...it's time to talk Winter riding apparel

So I have a pair of PI Amfib tights...the ones without a chamois. They're OK. Not super comfy, but probably good for the coldest rides I'm likely to do outdoors.

Any other suggestions? I also have Sugoi Sub-Zero tights, which are my favorite for very cold runs. Not sure whether or not they'd be adequate for riding, but I love how they are warm and still stretchy. I've seen people in cyclocross races wear them when it was around freezing. I'd like to be able to ride outdoors when it's maybe as cold as 20...not sure I have the badassery to ride in anything colder than that.

I also have a PI quilted jacket that is VERY warm, even though it's not particularly heavy.

My first year that I cycled in cold weather, I was doing the unpadded tights over cycling shorts thing. I did it that way for 2 cold weather seasons. Then last November, I decided to buy a pair of padded PI Elite Thermal cycling tights...and now I probably won't go back to wearing tights over shorts again. I really like the comfort of just one layer...especially around my waist. Having 2 waistbands digging into me got to be really uncomfortable. The PI tights have that nice wide, comfy non-digging waistband and I have found that even in temps down into the high 20's, my legs seem to be fine in them.

I also bought a pair of Gore bibtights last spring on clearance, and those suckers seem like they'd be really warm and wind-resistant. I'd like to say that I can hardly wait to try them out...but, frankly...I'm hoping I don't have to try them out too soon. :D

Linda

Agree with Linda about getting a pair with chamois for the waistband issue; although the non-padded are great if commuting (don't have to wash them every day, just the shorts underneath).

I love my Vermarc bib tights as well as an older pair of Craft Thermal.

I have three different warth levels of unpadded tights. The warmest being the PI ones you posted about it and already own.

I don't mind the two waist band thing. But putting on multiple layers gets to be a time consuming. I was just considering getting some knickers and now maybe tights with the chamois in them for that reason. Good thread.

I do xc ski some and wear the unpadded tights for other things though... so you do get more versatility for your money. And yea, I'm one of those freaks that likes the cooler weather, vs dead of summer. Just wish it was less work getting dressed!

Jackets- I have a different wind shells, and a warmer Gore jakcet, think it's this one... http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodGB_JPOWGL_0.html. Plus, some heavier type Shebeest soft shell jacket.

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Originally Posted by Miranda

I do xc ski some and wear the unpadded tights for other things though... so you do get more versatility for your money. And yea, I'm one of those freaks that likes the cooler weather, vs dead of summer. Just wish it was less work getting dressed!

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Yeah, I run all Winter, too...so I'm thinking maybe I should just stick to running tights over my cycling shorts. It's less comfy, but cheaper than having multiple pair of very specific tights, I think.

I have a pair of Craft Wind Stopper Thermal Tights that I wear for super cold rides. I really like them... I haven't tried running in them but I think they would actually be too hot! I wear padded shorts under them which also serves the purpose of keeping them "clean" for multiple wears.

I need new gloves this season... my current gloves are either too warm or too cool.

I have a pair of the of the Mid Zero tights and another pair of Canari tights that are a bit heavier. They replaced my beloved Hind tights that I had for 9 years and finally ripped last winter. Neither are padded; I have no issue wearing 2 layers. I also have a pair of Ibex wool/wind resistant tights that I use for x country skiing and occasionally for riding.They are super warm. I bought a pair of Gore padded tights from Bluetree last year; ow! The chamois and seams hurt me so badly, I threw them out.
I have a Gore jacket that is super warm, but I also wear my regular wind jacket over thermal tops. Then there are the 3 jackets I wear xc country skiing. A Go-Lite, which is super warm, a newer Ibex jacket which is more breathable, and something that is more of a shell that DH just bought me, on line. I've worn the Go Lite and the Ibex ones riding, but they are super warm. I don't ride in the dead of winter, unless the roads are clear and it's at least 35 degrees or so. I'd rather be on the x country ski trails.

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Originally Posted by Crankin

I don't ride in the dead of winter, unless the roads are clear and it's at least 35 degrees or so. I'd rather be on the x country ski trails.

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My new CX bike can take studded tires...I'm sorta looking forward to bombing-around when there's just an inch or two of snow and ice on the roads. :D

Has anyone tried the Louis Garneau Oslo tights? Waddaya think?

Zoom Zoom, while idea of zooming around on the snow sounds cool, I have osteoporosis, which while it's being treated, I don't need to tempt fate! Anyway, I like the break from riding and I can't get enough of the x country skiing during the 8 weeks we have to ski around here.
I get plenty of time to wear my winter cycling stuff in November, December, and March...

I'm all set on my winter cycling clothes. I made some pretty good purchases a few years ago, and don't need to replace anything this year. My tights are Sugoi. My winter boots are Sidi (purchased used right here on TE forums), my jackets are Gore and PI. My gloves are PI Lobsters. That's all I need, along with the usual layers.

Oh, and I bought the PI winter cycling boots last year, on SheFly's recommendation. They are awesome. DH just put the Frog cleats on them, in preparation for my new bike. Since I plan to ride that bike until the end of the season, once it gets here, they will get a lot of use this year. I have all kinds of toe covers and booties for my road shoes, though, as well as a box of 100 chemical heaters. They were bought for snow sports when it's below 25, but I find that using them when I ride takes just about all of the discomfort out of cold weather riding for me. As far as gloves go, I can't deal with the loss of dexterity that thicker gloves have. I use a pair of Ibex wool liners under a pair of Terry long fingered gloves. I have some PI AmFibs that I will use if I have to, but once my finger got caught on the shifter using these... I found them to be better for the trigger shifters I had when I had a mountain bike. And the lobster gloves, well, I gave them to my son, who has small hands and rides through the winter.

I have a Gore wear neoprene jacket(love it),I have Gore and Craft wind/waterproof arm and leg warmers,PI booties,PI gloves,and various wool layers that I wear. Sometimesi wear winter running tights over my shorts but it has to be really cold. I finally invested in a nice waterproof jacket and am hopeful I love it because usually I'm too hot in waterproof stuff.

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Originally Posted by redrhodie

Has anyone tried the Louis Garneau Oslo tights? Waddaya think?

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Red, I've had them for a couple years now. They are very stretchy and very comfortable- silky smooth and they slip on really nicely. They have some micro-fuzz on the inside, and zippered ankles.
But I wouldn't say they are 'miraculously' warm. Comfy and cozy, but they're not the warmest tights I've ever had. If I use them as an under tight and pull on a nice merino wool tight over them (which is easy to do because they are so silky on the outside) then I'm good to about -10F. On 25F+ days they are fine. I like them very much in the Spring and Fall- very comfortable for moderately cold days. They stretch and move with you very well so they are super comfy. :)

Lisa-

How long is the inseam on those tights? I've had some issues with LG stuff being a little short, but those sound like really nice tights! Thanks!

Thanks, Lisa. Do they run true to size?

-10? :eek:

I don't mind wearing multiple layers on the bottom. I barely notice. I won't go out if it's much below freezing unless it's dry, and how often does that happen? I've been layering my Mid-Zero Zap tights (I bought them because unlike the non-zaps, they have ankle zippers!) with shorts, and I'm good to go down to about 35F...and if it gets too much below that, I'm probably not going out anyway!

What I need to work on is upper-body, foot and hand apparel. I do have a jacket, which the manufacturer says is good down to about 25F if layered properly. Maybe I can find some plain wool sweaters that don't have a horrible itchy collar. As much as I'd like a dedicated zippered wool base layer, that is not going to happen any time soon! (Though maybe I could buy one and turn the heating down a bit...I'd get some wear out of it for sure.)

How tight should a winter cycling jacket be? I have some base layers from Under Armour, really love their stuff, and thought I would try out their windproof Cold Gear thermal jacket. I didn't see that it was a loose fit though. It's incredibly warm and I can see myself layering something between the base and the jacket, but it would still be loose around me, even in their smallest size.

And I can't deal with the scratchiness of wool, either. Not even merino or cashmere next the skin, so polyester is the way to go for me.

I also cycle with cycling shorts/tights and a warm legging since I use those leggings for running too. Cuts down on costs a bit.

I just "splurged" on new smartwool arm warmers. Arm warmers have to be about my favorite piece of clothing, ever...and I've only had one awful cheap pair for the last 2 years. I'm so excited.

If you can't wear wool, try polypropylene. Polyester doesn't hold warmth very well.

Base layers should fit right next to the skin with no bunching. Outer layers should have room for layering, but not be so loose as to flap and let air in.

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Originally Posted by zoom-zoom

... I'd like to be able to ride outdoors when it's maybe as cold as 20...not sure I have the badassery to ride in anything colder than that...

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You can see by reading this thread that it is much less about badassery and much more about bundle-uppery.

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Originally Posted by malkin

You can see by reading this thread that it is much less about badassery and much more about bundle-uppery.

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Ha, true. Though if it's that cold I'd don my running shoes and fewer layers and go for a run. 'Cause mama already does far too much laundry! :p

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Originally Posted by zoom-zoom

mama already does far too much laundry! :p

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That's the advantage of tights without a chamois, thin knit caps and wool base layers, that you can use for running AND cycling ... and wear a few times between washings. :)

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Originally Posted by malkin

You can see by reading this thread that it is much less about badassery and much more about bundle-uppery.

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:D Can I borrow this for a signature?

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Originally Posted by OakLeaf

That's the advantage of tights without a chamois, thin knit caps and wool base layers, that you can use for running AND cycling ... and wear a few times between washings. :)

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I sweat like a horse and just can't do it. Even when it's bitterly cold I finish with my gear soaked (and massive sweat-sicles off my hair).

Me too.

Though I prefer sweat-sickles to snot-sickles.

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Originally Posted by Becky

Lisa-
How long is the inseam on those tights? I've had some issues with LG stuff being a little short, but those sound like really nice tights! Thanks!

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They are longish- about 1" longer than necessary on me, and I'm 5'5".

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Originally Posted by redrhodie

Thanks, Lisa. Do they run true to size?

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I can't tell, because I have very wide hips, so I usually take a Large even though another woman approximately my size and height with smaller hips might take a Medium.

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Originally Posted by Owlie

-10? :eek:

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Owlie, I mean -10F when I'm out doing fitness walks or snowshoeing- it's way colder on a bike and I would not go biking at -10F ! But walking/hiking/snowshoeing is quite do-able in those temps.

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Originally Posted by lph

:D Can I borrow this for a signature?

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I'd be honored!
Sig away!

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Originally Posted by zoom-zoom

I sweat like a horse and just can't do it. Even when it's bitterly cold I finish with my gear soaked (and massive sweat-sicles off my hair).

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Count me in as another one who ends up with sweat-soaked gear, even on a cold ride. My DH thinks I'm some kind of "freak" for sweating in the cold...of course, he has trouble breaking a sweat on a warm ride, so go figure.

This is me after my first outdoor ride of the season...I think I went maybe 15 miles. That's Smartwool. I love their socks, but I don't find their baselayer stuff to wick enough for me. I end up feeling like a wool-covered sponge:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net..._1965283_n.jpg

I sweat even more than that when I run...truly nasty.

Zoom, that's the funniest picture I've seen in a long time. LOL!

Did you wear something over that smartwool baselayer top or did you just wear it alone?

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Originally Posted by BleeckerSt_Girl

Zoom, that's the funniest picture I've seen in a long time. LOL!

Did you wear something over that smartwool baselayer top or did you just wear it alone?

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I had a PI Insulatour jacket on. It was in the mid-30s, IIRC.

You're so cute! I get that sweaty every ride. I'm not that cute.

Zoom,

and I thought it was only me ;) I sweat like that even when I'm underdressed and other parts of me are going numb from the cold.

Me too, on the sweat. Part of why I'm such a huge fan of wool.

Sitting here in wool socks, midweight wool top, fleece pants (slept in the wool longjohns last night...). I'm breaking out the wool bra and winter gloves for tomorrow morning's ride. :eek:

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Originally Posted by girlsubobscura

Zoom,

and I thought it was only me ;) I sweat like that even when I'm underdressed and other parts of me are going numb from the cold.

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Isn't that just the most frustrating thing ever?! :confused:

Does anyone wear bib tights? Or have you tried the ones that have a top baselayer built in?

They're sometimes called cycling suits. They look comfy, but not sure how all of that fabric would feel against you. I just ordered some Hincapie bib tights.

I find if I wear wool and then put a wind proof layer over it, the wool will absorb sweat (which it does well) but then it will stay wet. If I wear all wool in whatever layers the temps call for, then the sweat keeps wicking out and dries off but I don't get cold. Wool lets the air filter through and that's why the sweat can dry, but it keeps you warm even when you can feel the air circulating through it. If you layer poly or wind-proof stuff over wool it traps the moisture in and doesn't let the wool do what it does best- which is circulate and vent out moisture and air while still keeping you warm.

I need to work on the upper body. I have some thermal tights(w/o chamois) from Bike Nashbar, some Shebeest knickers, Asics Thermopolis running loose tights, Saucony Epic running jacket, Sugoi Firewall lobster gloves, a couple of different hats(UA type some), a Showers Pass Touring Jacket- that is a little big now, a long sleeve compression shirt. Forgot, some wool socks(Icebreaker brand).

What do you think - purchasing some LG Neo Shoe Covers? What type of shirts? Maybe some Under Armour things or mid-weight winter bike jersey? What about bras? I sweat alot too and hate a wet bra.

When it's really cold, and I am wearing my road shoes (not my winter cycling boots), I use wool socks, neoprene shoe booties, and sometimes a chemical toe warmer. I hate cold feet. We have the toe warmers for x country skiing when it's below 20, so it's not like i am going to buy them for the 3 times a year I might use them cycling...