Apparel Question

[paigette]

*Feel free to laugh, as I know I'm a weenie when it comes to the cold.

Ok, this is my first fall of cycling. I happily own 3 sleeveless jerseys & 2 pairs of cycling shorts. But, this morning's temp was 45 and.....I don't do cold, yesterday's evening temp was mid-50's.

Now, what do y'all wear when it's chilly, but not necessarily freezing? Are there lightweight jackets I can stuff in a camelpak? Or should I just go with a long-sleeve jersey?

[Aggie_Ama]

Another thin-blooded Texan here. What I wore yesterday (temp was mid 50's to low 60's but it was windy from the north):

SS Jersey
Shorts
Tights over shorts (I don't have padded tights- too pricey and I can wear these running)
Arm Warmers
Light Weight Pearl Izumi Jacket
Toe covers (I need some wool socks)

I took off the arm warmers after about 11 miles because I warmed fairly cheap. My jacket was a late season purchase on clearance. We got in February for half price and I still got a lot of wear out of it.

[SadieKate]

Below 65 degrees your knees should be covered. As the temps get colder - Knee warmers or knickers, leg warmers, tights, thick tights, windproof tights, etc.,

[sbctwin]

On my commute this morning (4:30am), the temp was 35F. I wore PI Thermal Tights, smartwool socks, Terry shoe covers, a short sleeved jersey with armskins, a light weight jacket...Hands were covered with thicker gloves (not bicycling becasue I can't find small enough "winter" gloves that don't have excess finger tips), and on my head/neck a neck gator pulled up over my ears and head but still fit under my helmet. The sun was not up and I think 35 feels colder in the dark than it does when the sun is up. For my ride home (forcasted to be 55F to 60F), I will leave off the shoe covers, armskins and neck gator and wear my fingerless bike gloves. I still work up a sweat on my morning commute, but all in all, I was comfortable.....

[HipGnosis6]

I can't find small enough "winter" gloves that don't have excess finger tips

You can alter gloves if this is the only problem. If you have a sewing machine, turn the glove inside out and sew across the tip of the finger at a better length for you. If you're fancy you can even curve the seam a little. Cut off the excess about 1/8" from your new stitching and turn the glove back rightside out. Voila! Customized gloves.

I do this regularly - the lengths of my fingers are very different and to get a glove that's long enough for my middle finger means that the pinky is way too long!

[CyclChyk]

I hate the cold too so I bought a pair of cycling knickers from performance bike for about $30; and a lightweight wind breaker. So starting out, the 50 feels a sliver on the chilly side but once I ride the first mile or so I feel comfortably warm without being overdressed. I am contemplating fingerless gloves but thats partly due to my fingers going numb (tendonitis/carpel tunnel - ugh)

[paigette]

Thanks for this tips, I'm going tights shopping after work...well after heading to the LBS for a headlight(found a group that does Monday evening rides!)

I looked & TE has some clearance jackets available but this leads to another question: Should the jacket be loose or fitted(like your jersey)?

[Aggie_Ama]

Thanks for this tips, I'm going tights shopping after work...well after heading to the LBS for a headlight(found a group that does Monday evening rides!)

I looked & TE has some clearance jackets available but this leads to another question: Should the jacket be loose or fitted(like your jersey)?

My jacket is fitted. If it is loose it will blow up with air. I guess it could be a personal preference.

[Jen]

Are leg warmers comfortable or are tights over shorts more comfortable?

[GLC1968]

Are leg warmers comfortable or are tights over shorts more comfortable?

I like leg warmers (I use knee warmers) unless its REALLY cold because you can always peel them off if you get warm. I guess you could do the same with tights, but it's more stuff to shove into your pocket than leg warmers. Similar situation with armwarmers and long sleeve jerseys. I don't own a long sleeve jersey...I've been using arm warmers or my bolero under a wind-breaking jacket and been fine so far.

Of course, tomorrow it's forcasted to be 35F for my morning commute...so we'll see...that'll be my coldest ride yet!!

[paigette]

Oh! Armwarmers may be best for me.... I don't want to pay THAT much for a jacket just yet(holding out for Christmas)!

[Offthegrid]

Great advice here, but I just wanted to add that if it's cold, I would wear something under a long-sleeved jersey if you won't be wearing a jacket.

[3weight]

I rode this morning with temps about 38 or so:
lightweight Patagonia capilene short~sleeve T
long sleeve silkweight capilene shirt
windproof Marmot top
padded shorts
long, windproof pants
socks
shoes
fingerless gloves
helmet

My ears and fingers were a bit cold, but otherwise I was comfy (and I tend to get very cold very easily).
I think the trick is to layer and wear some good wicking clothing so your sweat doesn't get trapped and make you cold. The capilene stuff is great for keeping the sweat off. Also, it's amazing what windproof clothing can do to keep you warm.
Hope this helps~ Cheers!
Teresa