Please help outfit me for Fall.

[Tri'ing Hard]

Hi,

I live about 45 minutes north of "the windy city" of Chicago, Illinois and this year I have decided not to hang up my bike once the fall weather hits.

Any advice on cool weather clothing would be great. I am hoping to ride through November and start up again in late Feb/early March. I don't ride in wet weather, but it can be pretty windy here. What do I need to get me thorugh a 20-30 mile ride?

Also, DH needs some cool weather gear too. Are there any reputable websites that sell men's cycling gear?

Thanks in advance.

[emily_in_nc]

Tri'ing,

Good for you for planning to continue cycling through some of the chillier months! There are lots of great clothing options for cooler weather. Depending on how chilly and windy it is, you might want any or all of the following:

base layer jersey
long-sleeve jersey (light-weight)
long-sleeve fleece jersey (heavier weight)
hoodie jersey (with hood)
wind vest
wind jacket
arm warmers (for with short sleeve jerseys so you can peel 'em off if it warms up)
leg warmers (for with shorts for the same reason)
wool socks
shoe covers
tights (to be worn over biking shorts)
ear band or scull cap
full-finger gloves

As you see, it can get a bit pricy, but you won't necessarily need all of the above, at least not your first year - you can accumulate over time. The three places I shop the most are right here on Team Estrogen, also terrybicycles.com and performancebike.com. Unfortunately, the best sales on cool-weather items are after the winter, not before!

For men's gear, my husband buys just about everything at Performance (we're lucky enough to be within biking distance of the shop in Carrboro, NC).

Good luck and keep on pedaling,

Emily

[KkAllez]

The obvious would be long cycling pants. Whether you want to go with lycra skin hugging type such as typical shorts or a looser fit is probably preference and weather related.

Vest made out of Polar Tec. It is light weight and warm. Full gloves. If you don't need sunshades get some clear goggles so you eyes won't water in the cold.

Turtle neck shirt to go under the vest.

Full gloves.

Helmet: I've got a summer one and winter one. The winter one has less vent holes. Also, there are these ear warmers that fit over the ear. Not like ear muffs that are connected. I think the last place I saw some were Eddie Bauer or LL Bean. They are oval shaped, made out of something like Polar Tec.

If it is wet and sloshy you might want to consider fenders to keep water and mud from being slung up on your back and neck. Which brings to mind a rain poncho.

If it is extremely cold and you need a gaiter or full face mask toboggan I'd suggest hot cocoa laced with Buterscotch Schnapp's, a down lap blanket, a cat curled up in your lap, and a good book or movie!

Disclaimer: I'm in west Texas so I can only go by what I am planning on wearing.

Oh! One more thing. Get some good lube for your chain and apply it religiously. I use Pedro's Ice Wax but Pedro's Synlube MTB is for extreme cold.

[Barb]

Do a search for "ice bike" on the web. These guys ride in crazy cold weather! I saw some good info about clothing there. There are tights you can buy with wind block. The wind is the hardest part for me. I also ride with full gloves and a balaclava (very thin, fits under my helmet). I am planning on riding through November as well. In fact, if the snow doesn't get bad this year, I may try for a year rounder. As I say this, I think I see my faithful city bike shivering in the corner! I definately will be leaving the Bianchi in her pajamas!!!

[Tri'ing Hard]

Thanks for all the ideas. I was looking in the shop and found the Lobster Gloves. They look great, but a bit pricey. Has anyone used them before?

Cheryl

[Cdalekat]

thanks for posting this question, because I was just starting to think about outfitting myself for the fall - I'm determined to bike commute through the winter for as long as I can stand it!

[pedalfaster]

Originally posted by Tri'ing Hard
Thanks for all the ideas. I was looking in the shop and found the Lobster Gloves. They look great, but a bit pricey. Has anyone used them before?

I have Lobster gloves. Yes they are nice when the temps dip into the low 30s. Anyhting above 40F and they are too warm. If your hands get sweaty you just end up feeling cold and clammy.

If you are just trying to get the basic stuff to ride in "Fall-like" weather (which I would define as dry, crisp days starting in the 40s, warming into the 50s and low 60s) I think you could get by with the following:

Base Layer (I like DeFeet and Craft, have sleevless, short sleeved and long sleeved to vary with the temps. You can find inexpensive polypro or Coolmax at many outdoor stores too.)
Jersey
Shorts(Knickers are great for Fall if they are in your buget)
Arm and Knee warmers (Castelli, Voler are faves)
Wind-front vest (look for one with a mesh back).
Ear-band
Full-fingered gloves. It it's going to warm quickly I just put those 99-cent "magic gloves" over my regular bike gloves.
Wool socks (Smartwool or Defeet)
Toe covers are great when it's not cold enough for full booties. In a pinch just use a plastic baggie inside the toes of your shoes(note: don't try this trick if your shoes are too tight--circulation is a good thing in the cold).

If you decide you really love cold-weather riding, do check out the Icebike site. Some of those folks are nuts!

[Tri'ing Hard]

Thanks again. This is all great information. I can't wait to get out next week. I have been training for a half marathon and cycling has gone by the wayside. I have missed it though. After going through this training, I have found that I am definitely a cross training gal!