Apparel Recommendations

[Jen72]

I live in the Northwest and the weather is about to turn rainy with highs typically in the 40's, 50's, and 60's. What kind of cycling gear do I need to buy? What specific brands and styles are your preference?

[aicabsolut]

For wet and cool / cold conditions, look for something that will keep you DRY as top priority. Anything that starts out warm and winds up soaked isn't going to do you any good. Waterproof often means that it's not breathable, which can make things too hot and steamy. So look for any kind of ventilation in the form of wicking material or mesh. For example, a light "wind" vest or jacket may have mesh at the sides and/or back, but the front is more resistant to the elements, where you'll get the brunt of the water and wind. Same for tights that will have tougher stuff on the tops of the thighs but will be breathable elsewhere.

Good gloves and booties are probably the best to go with. I personally like neoprene, but it can get really hot. Neoprene toe warmers and then some duct tape under your soles in your cycling shoes to plug the ventilation holes there might be good for stuff on the warmer end of the spectrum. Pearl Izumi makes decent booties and toe warmers. I like Specialized's neoprene gloves, but your hands will sweat like crazy. They will stay warm even in sub-freezing, wet conditions, so the sweat is worth it to me. Keeping feet and hands comfy will go a long way towards making your ride more pleasant. Next would be to protect your core (like with the vest or a jacket with windstopper stuff on the front). And a cap or beanie. A cap with a brim will help keep water out of your eyes, but make sure it's not too floppy or it will sag into your vision when it gets wet.

You might also want a clip on fender.

[Eden]

Seattle here and I ride all winter rain or shine.

After several winters I have a list of things I personally can't do without and some I'd rather not. Do note that I did not acquire all of these things at once.... some like the multiple pairs of gloves I now have, have been trial and error.

Must haves (in no particular order):
- a warm hat that fits under my helmet
- wool socks
- chemical warmers for the coldest of days
- several weights of long fingered glove
- several weights of base layer
- warm/water resistant/breathable jacket. My personal preference is for a softshell in all but the worst of downpours.
- tights/knee warmers depending on the temps - I was just given a pair of knickers too.
- wrap around glasses to keep the grit out of my eyes
- fenders - yes they are speed fenders, but they do a decent job
- buddy flaps on those fenders, without which I'd have no friends...
- a brimmed hat to keep even more rain/grit out of my face
- blinky lights - keep yourself visible on those nasty grey days!

Things while not entirely necessary, I rather not be without:
- winter Sidi boots, yes you can make do with shoe covers and lots of socks, but my feet love, love, love my winter Sidi's. They stay dry and toasty for hours.
- my Thermos backpacker bottle. Nothing like being able to sip hot tea whilst your poor teammate changes their flat in a cold rain storm... (and it fits in my water bottle cage)

[LilBolt]

Are you looking for what to wear for commuting, or general riding? For commuting, I like to layer...starting with a baselayer (wool or synthetic), with wool or other warmer jerseys. It can easily be 20 degrees warmer when I head home than when I left in the morning, so it is nice to shed the baselayer or jacket for the ride home. And as was already stated, get a good, breathable waterproof jacket. I have rain pants, but have found that good tights are more comfortable and as long as I'm not stopping for any length of time, work just fine in all but the worst downpours. In the fall, I'm also comfortable wearing knickers, and knee high wool ski socks. Overall, I prefer wearing wool baselayers, hats, glove liners, socks, jerseys & tights. Neoprene booties that are tight at the ankle are good for keeping your feet reasonably warm & dry, and you can put hand warmers between them and your shoes when it gets really chilly. Also...don't over-dress. You'll find that you will warm up and can ride very comfortably without lots of gear. Keeping your fingers & toes warm can be the biggest challenge, but once you master that, you'll be good to go. Fenders are your friends, too.

[Jen72]

I'm looking for just general riding for fitness.