Cool/Cold weather apparel?

[cherinyc]

Hello everyone -
It's already starting to cool off here already in NJ, and just as I needed advice on the basic warm weather gear, I need it for cold weather stuff as well. Especially since I get MAD earaches when the temp drops below just 65.
I would like to find a lightweight, wind-resistant (maybe water repellant too) jacket. One that packs easily, and not too expensive.
Also - somekind of ear protector

What do you suggest?

[mimitabby]

they make all kinds of hats and muffs for your ears. There's a little black hat that fits right under your helmet... it has flaps for your ears. makes such a big difference.

as for coats, a raincoat is all i have ever used on the outside, but then layers of wool and synthetics underneath.
you get colder weather in Jersey than we get here but your core can be warmed with laayers. we also wear booties, long underwear and two pairs of gloves; The regular roadbike gloves covered with fluffy mittens/gloves.

[CorsairMac]

You might try the TE site for some lightweight, packable cycling jackets. My Biggest caution would be to be aware of the colours: my first cycling jacket is a beautiful light gray = just great when the lights are dim and/or the weather is unclear! Yeah - that light gray should make me stand out like a speck on the windshield!


I paid a tad more for it but felt it was worth it as a bike commuter: I now have a bright yellow jacket with IllumNite panels all over it. It also has zip-off sleeves so it converts into a vest and will pack into it's own backpocket. Try REI.com or I think Performance may carry their own brand of IllumNite clothing. I "believe" PI may carry a lime green jacket also.

and for ear protection: if you're wanting just something to protect your ears, I have ear warmers: they're just little caps that go directly over your ears. The helmet straps don't distrub them and they can pop off when it gets warm and fit easily in a jersey pocket.

http://www.rei.com/online/store/Sear...uery=ear+muffs

here are some other options for ear covers

[Lise]

You might try the TE site for some lightweight, packable cycling jackets. My Biggest caution would be to be aware of the colours: my first cycling jacket is a beautiful light gray = just great when the lights are dim and/or the weather is unclear! Yeah - that light gray should make me stand out like a speck on the windshield!

Ha! Corsair! I think I have the same grey jacket! I got it on sale on some website, and only when I wore it did I realize how well I blended into the rest of the grey city! I picked up some lightweights reflectors www.lightweights.org to put on my gloves; I think I'll put some on that jacket, now that you mention it. But really; bright yellow, orange, or green would be better!

[7rider]

There was a discussion on cool/cold weather apparel recently in the commuter forum:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=9416
You can check there for ideas.
For earprotection, I use an ancient (at least 10 y.o.) PI headband. Super thin, but just warm enough for about down to 40. If it's colder than that, I'll wear a coolmax head cover or balaclava.
Yuck.
Not looking forward to that again!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I am REALLY enjoying my Smartwool longsleeved soft merino pullovers from TE. I love both the "Zip-T" and the crew neck. They keep me warm and cozy but they are lightweight, they BREATHE, and they never feel sweaty.
Yesterday we did a pre-dusk ride with the temps in the 60's and shady dirt roads with some fast windy downhills, and my Zip-T was just perfect under a simple light polar fleece vest. After I warmed up I took off the vest and the pullover felt just great by itself.