From shorts & sleeveless to ......

[Denise223]

Hi Everyone!

What types of clothing (jerseys, tights, jackets, etc...), do you suggest someone have for comfortable fall/winter rides?

This past Monday in the late afternoon I went out with the intention of riding about 20 miles. It was 62 degrees out & windy. Well, I turned around after 1/2 hour! With shorts & s/s jersey on, I was too cold & decided to turn around. (I normally don't mind the cold, but....I think it was the wind that made me uncomfortable.)

What articles/pieces of clothing do you wear when fall & winter arrive?

Thanks for your help.

Peace & Love,

Denise

[mimitabby]

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=10022

[CorsairMac]

There are so many variations but the one I've picked seems to work well for me:

Per Chris Carmichael: cyclists should be in leg warmers or knee warmers for temps below 65 degrees F.

On my own I figure if I need leg warmers, I need arm warmers too! lol If it's cloudy, windy and/or damp I'll also wear long-fingered gloves to protect my little digits! You could also look into some light-weight jackets that fit in a jersey pocket (TE carries some) which would help keep your core warm when riding into the wind but can be tucked away when riding ahead of it.

[7rider]

62 degrees and it was too cold for you in shorts and s/s???
And you're in Massachusetts?????
For shame!!
Just kidding!

I've always gone by the belief (I read it somewhere..Bicycling maybe?) that on a cool day, if you're warm in the first 10 minutes of your ride, you're dressed too warmly.

Arm and leg-warmers are perfect for such a ride as you described, because you can shuck them easily as you warm up and stash them in a jersey pocket. For that ride I probably would have worn a light wind vest, too. Otherwise, see the apparel thread mimitabby mentioned and the commuter thread I mentioned in that referenced thread.

[alpinerabbit]

functional undergarment, one of mine has a windproof front. works wonders. And arm and leg warmers get my vote as well.

[GLC1968]

I've been doing a lot of reading here because this will be my first season where I plan to bike in colder weather.

So far, I know that if it's dry, I can get by with just arm warmers (and a short sleeve jersey) down to about 60 degrees. If it's wet or windy, I'll probably have to add a jacket (haven't experienced this yet). I haven't used leg warmers/knee warmers or tights yet, but I've got a LOT of natural insulation on my legs and they can handle cooler temps than most (even as a kid, I'd iceskate with bare legs and freak out my friends!).

I have purchased long fingered gloves and shoe covers to keep the extremities warm. Oh, and I also wear a Buff on my head to control my hair under my helmet, so that keeps my head warmer than most, as well.

My next purchase will be a waterproof/breathable jacket/vest combo. Then I'll worry about the legs!!