fall/winter cycle clothing

I was busy all spring and summer riding 80-100 miles a week. I even did a couple bicycle trips then I had an accident. I was off my bike for about a month during that time the seasons changed. I'm not sure about dressing for the cold rainy fall and even less sure about how to dress for the winter. I basically don't want to drop a lot of money into cold weather gear because I don't have the money and I'm not sure I'll stick with riding when it gets too challenging with the weather. My question is what should I buy to keep me riding at least into November. I'm guessing that In November there will be high temps in the low to mid 40s F.

Winter riding is about layering. There is some trial and error involved, as you need to figure out what works for your riding style, your area, and your individual comfort level.

Here's what's in my closet:
Long-sleeve jerseys of a couple weights (normal long-sleeve, heavy weight, thermal)
Smartwool baselayers (long-sleeve and sleeveless; these things were the best investment I've ever made in bike gear)
Leg and arm warmers
Thermal tights (I like Sugoi Midzero Zaps--they're actually running tights, so no chamois, but that means I don't have to wash them after every ride.)
Gloves (mine are PI Cyclone; they're more a fall glove, but I'd get more use out of them if I used them with a liner.)
Good socks
A jacket
I really should get a set of toe covers or booties too.

If you're riding in cold weather and on a budget, layers are the way to go. Plenty of other fitness tops, jackets, etc. will work just fine for cycling. A lot of my hiking and skiing stuff gets pressed into service. I do like Owlie does and use unpadded tights with shorts or bibs underneath, so I can ride multiple days without needing multiple pairs of tights.

If you decide that you're into cold weather riding or you're really cold-blooded, a dedicated winter cycling jacket makes sense. It's so much easier to get dressed, and I feel less like the Stay-Puft Marshmallow man. (BTW, I have a nice winter jacket for sale in the "For Sale" forum!) Same thing with winter cycling boots- they just make the whole process easier.

I just bought a pair of fleece lined leggings at TJ Max that I totally plan to wear over my bike shorts this fall.
Yesterday It was 50 degrees, I had on shorts, tights then my duck cotton knickers that end just below the knee. Wool socks, thin t-shirt under my wool long sleeve jersey, rain/wind jacket. thin headband and long fingered gloves. So totally a mix of biking and "non biking" attire. Of course, I could care less about how I look as long as I am comfortable :)

ditto on the TJ Maxx and who cares if you are wearing actual biking clothes :) Layers are best and there is also the individual preference for cold/hot.....I would rather freeze than be dripping with sweat (:

Today it was in the mid 30s with light snow. I rode 10 miles wearing:

PI elite tights. These have no chamois and I didn't bother with shorts for such a short ride. They are wind blocking in the front.
Wool knee socks.
Gore base layer with a wind blocking front (I debated wool but was glad I went with the wind block since I wore no jacket)
Some no name company thick top layer, all synthetic
Thin wool hat under my Bern helmet
Wool buff, pulled up my neck and covering my nose and mouth until I warmed up
Ski gloves

Worked out well. As usual, my eyes dripped but it was warm enough that they quit dripping after a bit. The buff was a nice addition. The ski gloves have to go but I don't anticipate many cold weather rides. Ditching the jacket made me sweat a lot less, or the sweat dissipated better.

I still hate the cold and can't wait to go south, which is going to be later this year than usual. :(

I'll second the notion that if you're on a budget, you can use general fitness gear in place of biking duds. A cycling-specific jacket was a must for me because I'm tall enough that in my riding position, a normal jacket isn't long enough. Almost everything else, though... I've worn lined track pants on the bike in winter with the right leg tucked into my sock.

I have only one cycling specific article of clothing so far, so here's my regular-clothes list of stuff. It's very short or repetitive.

50 degrees seems to be one demarcation line for me, and 32 degrees or freezing is the other one. Basically, you just add gloves, longer sleeves, extra socks, and a scarf as the temperature gets colder. All my stuff besides shirts and jeans cost very little- my leather gloves were $6 at Walmart, stockings about that for a 3-pack. Boots were $3 at Goodwill. For a budget I highly recommend spending a few hours in there.

>50: light jacket (currently mine is leather, but somehow that counts as light. the surface of the leather transfers a little bit of outside temperatures so wind is blocked, but I'm not really hot as I pedal along. Any other regular jacket or hoodie has me sweating to death even at 7 degrees. Last year I had a Faded Glory shell windbreaker, so see what works for you),
probably more comfortable with short-sleeved shirt
can go with pants or skirt,
any shoes with any socks.

50<32:
jacket
short or long-sleeved shirt
one-size-fits-all kid gloves
regular stockings/tights underneath pants
must have socks
shoes without a lot of ventilation

<32
scarf (wraps around head and neck, covering ears and chin. mine is thin and cashmere-like soft).
kid gloves and oversize leather gloves to fit over those (need a good solution here too. I didn't get frostbite, but I was darned uncomfortable in the 20 range and lower. maybe mittens?)
jacket
long-sleeved shirt
stockings and pants (I'll need something windblocking for the 20s temps and below- last year after I stopped my 3 mile trips my legs would be painful to touch and red until they thawed out a little)
wool socks (I have only one very fat pair) or doubled socks
consider snow boots even without snow due to insulative properties (or traction. ice sucks). loose sneakers also work (to fit the extra socks, they suck very badly on ice)


Probably unneeded but: Beware of slippery ice if the temperature is anywhere near freezing. It's rideable on slick skinny hybrid tires like mine if you are extremely careful, but falling still sucks. Carry the stuff you have for winter even if you don't need it in a saddlebag or crate or whatever. You might not be cold enough to use it, but you don't want to not have that stuff when you do need it. Try not to get too hot. If you do and sweat a bunch, you'll just be super cold (or wet) after you arrive at your destination or if you get a flat tire or something. And of course, lights and reflective stuff is awesome for the shorter days and yuckier weather.

Riding in snow is tons of fun!

These are great ideas! Thanks!! I found that in the low 50s upper 40s I mostly need wind stoppage and have been having luck with Target yoga shirt and a long sleeve T then my wind breaker as long as I have my gloves on I stay warm. I splurged on a wind proof glove from the LBS. They are Specialized I believe. I wore my bike shorts with lined windbreaker material pants and my regular socks and bike shoes. My feet were cold! I think I'll layer over the current layers a thin fleece and see if that works. Oh and I'll have to check out TJ Maxx for more or other options on the lower half. Thanks again!
How much better are wool socks for keeping your feet warm?

Thanks for starting this thread! I am also looking for tips on dressing warmer for the winter rides - here it doesn't get too cold without snow, but it's the wind that will get to me. I would like to continue with the cycling shorts I have now, get some knee/shin warmers and wear a pair of athletic pants over them. Do you think that will give an adequate first line of defense against the wind or would a pair of tights over the shorts be a better investment? Time to shop... :D

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Originally Posted by gocard

Thanks for starting this thread! I am also looking for tips on dressing warmer for the winter rides - here it doesn't get too cold without snow, but it's the wind that will get to me. I would like to continue with the cycling shorts I have now, get some knee/shin warmers and wear a pair of athletic pants over them. Do you think that will give an adequate first line of defense against the wind or would a pair of tights over the shorts be a better investment? Time to shop... :D

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A pair of windblocking tights such as PI Amfibs would be a good investment. They aren't too tight across the knees as some tights are, and the wind-blocking fabric, especially over your knees, works nicely. I have the version without chamois and typically just wear them over a thin chamois liner or, if it is really cold, a pair of regular shorts. They also come with a chamois (I think) which would prevent the need for another layer but then it makes it harder to use them for something like hiking (under jeans)... This is much better than regular warmers, at least for me it is.

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Originally Posted by Catrin

A pair of windblocking tights such as PI Amfibs would be a good investment. They aren't too tight across the knees as some tights are, and the wind-blocking fabric, especially over your knees, works nicely. I have the version without chamois and typically just wear them over a thin chamois liner or, if it is really cold, a pair of regular shorts. They also come with a chamois (I think) which would prevent the need for another layer but then it makes it harder to use them for something like hiking (under jeans)... This is much better than regular warmers, at least for me it is.

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Thanks Catrin. I just got myself a pair of Gore tights without the chamois. It was a nice closeout deal and was in my size - perfect! Like you mentioned, I figured it would be equally useful in other outdoor activities during the winter. I should be all set to start experimenting with layers for the winter season.

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Originally Posted by Hartmame

These are great ideas! Thanks!! I found that in the low 50s upper 40s I mostly need wind stoppage and have been having luck with Target yoga shirt and a long sleeve T then my wind breaker as long as I have my gloves on I stay warm. I splurged on a wind proof glove from the LBS. They are Specialized I believe. I wore my bike shorts with lined windbreaker material pants and my regular socks and bike shoes. My feet were cold! I think I'll layer over the current layers a thin fleece and see if that works. Oh and I'll have to check out TJ Maxx for more or other options on the lower half. Thanks again!
How much better are wool socks for keeping your feet warm?

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wool is WAY better and retains insulating properties even when damp (from sweat or rain or snow...) Sample size of the scouts I backpacked with over 12 years- the kids with wool socks never had cold feet......there is a winter camping mantra "cotton kills". Some of the new synthetic blends are well loved by some folks, but I have camped in 0 degrees with warm feet and swear by my wool. TJ Maxx sometimes has 100% wool socks (not many!) at the start of winter.....

I switch to wool socks for biking at about 40 degrees.....

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Originally Posted by tealtreak

wool is WAY better and retains insulating properties even when damp (from sweat or rain or snow...) Sample size of the scouts I backpacked with over 12 years- the kids with wool socks never had cold feet......there is a winter camping mantra "cotton kills". Some of the new synthetic blends are well loved by some folks, but I have camped in 0 degrees with warm feet and swear by my wool. TJ Maxx sometimes has 100% wool socks (not many!) at the start of winter.....

I switch to wool socks for biking at about 40 degrees.....

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Me too. Wool layers and socks are the best investment I've ever made. (It helps that they get worn off the bike quite frequently too.)

Add me to the fans of wool. I am amazed that what I thought was an out-of-date fabric works better than any synthetic at the temps you are talking about. Definitely get some wool socks. I went riding with a group today in 40F temps, and I was the only one who didn't have to quit riding because my toes were cold. My winter running clothes also do double duty (skull cap, baselayer, etc).

An earband or cap under your helmet helps too. Only place on me that I'll pick synthetic fleece over wool. (It makes my forehead itch.)

As the temps gets closer to the 30's, a balaclava is necessary (at least for me). The wind on the face/nose gets pretty cold and fast! I've a smartwool version that I like, my earband and skull cap are both synthetic (Gore) and work fine. It takes time to collect winter riding gear - it took me two seasons to collect what I do have but am set. Now as long as I don't "under-grow" my tights and shorts I will be happy ;)

I LOVE merino wool at ALL temps! I run in Smartwool or Point 6 socks. On the bike it's Smartwool or Darn Tough or Icebreaker. LOVE! I love my wool Buff and wool jersey, too. Though I am not totally sold on the 2 Smartwool baselayer tops I have. They don't wick particularly well. I sweat a LOT, so it's probably more me than the wool.

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Originally Posted by Catrin

As the temps gets closer to the 30's, a balaclava is necessary (at least for me). The wind on the face/nose gets pretty cold and fast! I've a smartwool version that I like, my earband and skull cap are both synthetic (Gore) and work fine. It takes time to collect winter riding gear - it took me two seasons to collect what I do have but am set. Now as long as I don't "under-grow" my tights and shorts I will be happy ;)

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I have a wool buff that I am finding I like better than my balaclava. It is very adjustable so if I want my nose covered I can and if I dont it is easy to pull down. Plus, I like the extra wool around my neck.

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Originally Posted by goldfinch

I have a wool buff that I am finding I like better than my balaclava. It is very adjustable so if I want my nose covered I can and if I dont it is easy to pull down. Plus, I like the extra wool around my neck.

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I've thought about this, but so far what I have is working for me. Do you have a brand in particular that you recommend? I am really not for sure what a buff is, as I find different things when I go searching for them on the internet. Just curious.

Buff Go to tubular and scroll down for the merino one. Lots of places carry them.

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Originally Posted by Blueberry

Buff Go to tubular and scroll down for the merino one. Lots of places carry them.

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Yup, these: http://www.buffusa.com/sports/collec...filter/tubular

Got mine at REI probably.

I see why they are attractive - I will have to consider this - thanks for the links!

I ordered the "Cold Killer" pants from Title 9. Windproof on the front, stretchy on the back. Thought I'd give them a try. I still can't seem to get the proper mix. I'm sweating buckets on top and my feet absolutely freeze. I've tried wool socks, poly socks, plastic baggies. Next up is booties (thought about just toe warmers but figured I migh as well go all the way). I alo orderd a nano-puff pullover that is supposed to be windproof AND breathable. I've been using a cheapo rain jacket (looks like it's made of plasticized paper) that absolutely does not breath but does a bang-up job of stopping the wind. The toe-cicles are a deal killer though. I may not be able to ride in much below 45 degree weather if I can't get that under control.

I get cold feet earlier than others seem to. I wear thin wool socks, and toe covers on my shoes until about the low-mid 40's. After that my PI Barrier shoe covers come out and cover everything - I leave the toe covers on. If it is windy then my shoe covers come out closer to 45 than 40 degrees.

Good luck in finding out what works for you, it is different from person to person. This is what works for me.

okay cold feet - this can get pricey if you do it everyday but we use Toe warmers by grabber, we buy them in bulk. You can tuck into your shoe or place on the top of you foot - just depends on your preference. In addition, our shop floor is concrete so we both have put them in our shoes for all day wear.

I use chemical toe warmers, too. Not all of the time, but if it's less than 40, even with my wool socks and winter shoes or regular shoes/booties, I like having my toes toasty. It just feels pleasant. We also buy them in bulk, since we use them for x country skiing and snow shoeing.

The other thing that really helps with cold toes is sock liners. I use the X-Static ones from EMS. I wear steel-toe boots in all conditions, so cold toes and I are well-acquainted!

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Originally Posted by FlyingScot

I ordered the "Cold Killer" pants from Title 9. Windproof on the front, stretchy on the back. Thought I'd give them a try. I still can't seem to get the proper mix. I'm sweating buckets on top and my feet absolutely freeze. I've tried wool socks, poly socks, plastic baggies. Next up is booties (thought about just toe warmers but figured I migh as well go all the way). I alo orderd a nano-puff pullover that is supposed to be windproof AND breathable. I've been using a cheapo rain jacket (looks like it's made of plasticized paper) that absolutely does not breath but does a bang-up job of stopping the wind. The toe-cicles are a deal killer though. I may not be able to ride in much below 45 degree weather if I can't get that under control.

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Do you have the same toe issue with other outdoor winter activities? What about your fingers? (Wondering if maybe you have Reynouds syndrome.....)

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Originally Posted by tealtreak

Do you have the same toe issue with other outdoor winter activities? What about your fingers? (Wondering if maybe you have Reynouds syndrome.....)

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Tealtreak for the win. I do have Raynauds but as an avid outdoors person I usually can figure out what works. I have heaters in my ski boots but try to use them sparingly, usually when I'm working an accident scene and my toes are in the snow for long periods of time. I keep my fingers warm by fisting my hands while on the chair lift. I may be able to get a second set of footbeds for the battery packs I have. Sahalie has a thermal foot bed that's trimmable and supposedly works and I like the idea of the painters tape to cover the gaps in the soles of my shoes. I'm just going to keep trying until I figure it out. Lucky for me it's supposed to be in the 60's this weekend!!!! Ohio weather is so fickle!

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Originally Posted by FlyingScot

Tealtreak for the win. I do have Raynauds but as an avid outdoors person I usually can figure out what works. I have heaters in my ski boots but try to use them sparingly, usually when I'm working an accident scene and my toes are in the snow for long periods of time. I keep my fingers warm by fisting my hands while on the chair lift. I may be able to get a second set of footbeds for the battery packs I have. Sahalie has a thermal foot bed that's trimmable and supposedly works and I like the idea of the painters tape to cover the gaps in the soles of my shoes. I'm just going to keep trying until I figure it out. Lucky for me it's supposed to be in the 60's this weekend!!!! Ohio weather is so fickle!

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Good luck figuring it out- but be safe trying- don't want to lose a digit!

No I do not! I almost lost 4 toes from frostbite back in the late 70's and I don't care to repeat that.

I just received the Cold Killer pants I spoke about in an earlier post. Although I haven't ridden in them I think they will be awesome. I will be trialing them on Saturday but already think they are going to work out well. They fit great over my bike shorts even with running tights over them. Incidentally, I also got the nano puff jacket that was ridiculously expensive but I tried it out this morning (21degrees) and I was roasting which I NEVER do.

You guys are not going to believe what I did to solve my cold feet issue. Newspaper! I traced the insoles of my shoes onto several sheets of newspaper and secured them with painters tape. Then I made toe caps (that go inside my shoes) with a couple of layers and also painters tape. It was a little uncomfortable at first (some pointy areas) but within 5-10 minutes the newspaper had totally conformed to my foot and I didn't even know it was there. I wore thin socks with it (black ones...white socks would have been destroyed) rode in 39 degree temp (light wind) and my feet, while not exactly toasty, were actually warm! As in normal temperature warm. Plus they were bone dry. I think this combined with toe covers and/or booties will do the trick.

On a side note. I rode with the Cold Killer pants and they were freaking awesome! I wore shorts and running tights under them and might have even gotten away with just shorts. No redness on my legs from the cold like I get with plain leg warmers (my legs get cold above the warmers).

Thanks for telling us about this. I don't have terrible issues with cold feet but I'm somewhat known as the bike expert (for utility biking) around here so it really helps me to hear other people's solutions, that I can share with the next person who asks me.

I went for a nice ride today. It was overcast and a tiny bit foggy and damp (low 50s), so this was my first time trying to dress more warmly for a ride. I got a great deal on pair of Gore Sportive tights so I wore that over my regular bike shorts. I wasn't sure if it would be warm enough and since I was stopping over at other places after my ride, I wore a light pair of athletic pants over this.

On the top I had put on my tennis/running clothes, so they are technical fabrics but not bike-specific. Maybe it is overkill to some, but I had two light layers on and a running jacket on. None of these were windproof but I figured I'd try it out before buying more clothes.

Also had a pair of thin full-fingered gloves and a Pearl Izumi headband for my ears. I'm happy to say that this worked out great for me! There was quite a bit of wind and it was drizzly, but I never felt cold once I got going on my bike. The cycling tights were great - never felt any wind chilling my legs. My feet were cold though, so I'll be taking this thread's recommendations under consideration.

I think my lifesaver was probably the gloves and especially the headband. My ears were freezing and the wind was howling past me last time, but this time I was thrilled at how comfortable I was during the entire ride.

Bottom line is, if you don't already have them...I recommend a headband to cover your ears! What a difference it makes. :D

Headbands do make a difference! I rode yesterday when it was in the 40's and my ears were nice and warm for once. :) I wore PI thermal tights, thermal jersey, and a front barrier longsleeve baselayer and was just fine. Still trying to work out the cold fingers and toes issues. Right now I'm using a thermal toe cover and wool thermal socks and my poor tootsies are really unhappy. Going to try putting newspaper in my shoes as mentioned above and see if that helps. I've decided the Specialized Deflect gloves I purchased suck, :) and will need to get something else.

I have found the PI Barrier shoecovers are da bomb for the temps I ride in - I would certainly have them on in the 40's. Below 45 I would also have chemical toe warmers as well, I will ride down to 38 or so (cold air is an asthma trigger for me so I am careful) but since I don't go much lower than that these shoe covers serve well. If I ever get to the point where I can ride in colder temps then I will seriously consider true winter shoes.

I've been looking for winter shoes as I have figured out that my summer ventilated shoes are the issue with my cold feet. Only problem is that I have already spend quite a bit on winter riding apparel that new winter shoes are now not in the budget. I don't have a lot of room in my current shoes to add layers of socks. I've tried chemical toe warmers in 29 degree weather and they didn't help at all. My toes and fingers were so cold they were hurting! Wonder if picking up a used pair of shoes in a larger size to duct tape the vents and layer on the socks would get me through the winter or at least until winter shoes start going on sale in late winter/early spring?

Speaking of winter shoes is there such thing as a winter road shoe? All I have really seen so far are winter riding boots for commuting in slush or mountain biking.

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Originally Posted by Catrin

I have found the PI Barrier shoecovers are da bomb for the temps I ride in - I would certainly have them on in the 40's. Below 45 I would also have chemical toe warmers as well, I will ride down to 38 or so (cold air is an asthma trigger for me so I am careful) but since I don't go much lower than that these shoe covers serve well. If I ever get to the point where I can ride in colder temps then I will seriously consider true winter shoes.

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For me, the PI Barrier shoe covers, that covers my summer bike shoes, work fine. You can see them here and they are on sale. There are other shoe covers you can find as well, and they would work better than taping over the vents on another pair of shoes. Adding more socks wouldn't help - you do NOT want your feet to sweat in cold temps.

Below 45 degrees I use chemical toe warmers on top of my socks, the Barrier shoe covers over my regular Mavic shoes, and 1 pair of thin wool socks. This works for me unless it is really windy then I will add toe covers to my shoes underneath the Barrier shoe covers. There may be less expensive shoe covers than the Barriers, but I can't speak to how well other shoe covers might work. I do not think the shoe covers would do so well below freezing though I could be mistaken. Others can speak to riding in those temps, my asthma prevents me from going there.

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Originally Posted by Megustalaplaya

I've been looking for winter shoes as I have figured out that my summer ventilated shoes are the issue with my cold feet. Only problem is that I have already spend quite a bit on winter riding apparel that new winter shoes are now not in the budget. I don't have a lot of room in my current shoes to add layers of socks. I've tried chemical toe warmers in 29 degree weather and they didn't help at all. My toes and fingers were so cold they were hurting! Wonder if picking up a used pair of shoes in a larger size to duct tape the vents and layer on the socks would get me through the winter or at least until winter shoes start going on sale in late winter/early spring?

Speaking of winter shoes is there such thing as a winter road shoe? All I have really seen so far are winter riding boots for commuting in slush or mountain biking.

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