what I wore on a cold ride today

[indigoiis]

Heya,

I didn't ride today, but riding yesterday in RI was definitely cold. I wore less than you and did feel colder.

What about ALPACA SOCKS? Fuh. BAMBOO!

[indysteel]

This is an interesting thread. I haven't gotten out for a cold weather ride just yet this year for one reason or another. In general, I hardly ever wear more than three layers on my upper body (base layer, jersey, Gore Windstopper jacket) and two layers on my lower body (tights and knickers). I also never double on socks because it would decrease my circulation such that it would be counterproductive. Instead, I use toe or shoe covers and charcoal inserts. I also use gloves and a glove liner. I hate wearing a balaclava and instead usually just stick with a hat and a neck warmer.

I think it's important to factor in how fast of a ride you're dressing for. I don't like slower rides in the cold because I don't warm up enough otherwise. I also don't usually go longer than 25 to 30 miles in the cold. Anything over two hours and my body gives up.

[redrhodie]

What about ALPACA SOCKS? Fuh. BAMBOO!

Oh, YES, YES, YES! When's the open house this year? I want me somma them!

[7rider]

edit: yup isn't that annoying, 7rider, having to ride with too warm gloves!

Welp.....for the record....the wind picked up for the ride home and it stayed pretty cool, so the heavy gloves were fine. Not too sweaty (I even kept the Shelter jacket on - but did unzip it some).

[Velobambina]

Red - Glad you're enjoying that jacket! It's toasty. Yes, I've been wearing the wool baselayer against my skin, and it works best in below freezing temps. I'll sometimes wear an UnderArmour mock t (cold gear) as a base. They are warm, too, but nothing beats the wool.

Lisa is right. I'm an endurance rider, so I'm generally on the bike anywhere from 2 to 3+ hours (depending on whether or not it's a work day). I end up being reasonably comfortable for most of my ride, but as time goes on, the cold can't help but penetrate. If this evil January cold weather continues and/or worsens, I probably will end up shortening my rides and cross training on the rowing machine. If it snows/ices, I do NOT ride outside. Then it's time for Coach Troy.

[indigoiis]

Oh, YES, YES, YES! When's the open house this year? I want me somma them!

next weekend!!! 11/29-30 paradisefarmalpacas.com

[redrhodie]

next weekend!!! 11/29-30 paradisefarmalpacas.com

Cool! Maybe I'll ride out!

[tulip]

Today was a 48-mile ride in eastern Virginia, and it was chilly! It started out at 30F and I don't think it made it up to 40F, although it was sunny. It was also windy. I wore a skullcap under my helmet (a must!), a long sleeve wicking shirt, my Sugoi longsleeve jersey, and on top, my Pearl Izumi jacket (don't know what model, but it has fleece on the inside and windbreaker fabric on the outside. Shorts and wind-front tights, wool socks, and shoe covers over my shoes. I coulnd't find my PI lobster gloves in the mess that is my house, so I went with some cheap ski gloves, which were not as good as the Lobsters. All in all, it was a good setup.

I'm alot slower in the cold!

[redrhodie]

It was in the 20s for today's ride, and I added a layer to everything I've been wearing thus far. Over my knickers, I wore a pair of black non-cycling tights. Luckily, they don't have that white fabric at the crotch, so they looked okay. Well, I hope they looked okay, and not like I was wearing pantyhose ! I liked them better than my cycling tights that make me slide forward on my saddle, and they were totally warm.

[Jo-n-NY]

I just got an Under Armour hood that also covers the face. It worked great yesterday, temps in the 30's. I didn't need to pull up the part that covers the bottom of my face, but I felt no cold air on my ears & neck. It is amazing that something so thin can be so warm.

~ JoAnn

[Sgritn]

I am so sorry that I will not be a cold weather rider. I cannot stand the cold breezes and NYC drivers do not expect or "see" me in colder weather so my bike will not be out there this season. I will be using my BIKE-O-VISION dvds for my elliptical.

[redrhodie]

I am so sorry that I will not be a cold weather rider. I cannot stand the cold breezes and NYC drivers do not expect or "see" me in colder weather so my bike will not be out there this season. I will be using my BIKE-O-VISION dvds for my elliptical.

Hey, I understand. I never rode when I lived in NYC. I did rollerblade, though, up Madison Ave, of all places! Ironic, because I'm a much better cyclist than rollerblader.

Here, the cold weather means less traffic, more fun riding.