Quote Originally Posted by julypace View Post
They said one issue with the idea is the seam
That's the first thing I started wondering about when I read your first post; this would be a deal killer for me.

Every cyclist has her own tolerance for cold, so you'll have to do some trial and error. And you may not need cycling-specific stuff, either (which tends to be, IMHO, overpriced) -- a lot of cold-weather running gear can work, and it's usually less expensive.

Remember that you should be just a bit uncomfortably chilly when you start your ride; then when you warm up, things will be just right. If you're toasty warm when you start, then you'll be sweating midway into the ride, and then you'll *really* start feeling the cold!

I'm in Maryland, too. I like to wear an UnderArmour "cold" top next to my skin. They are pricey, but they really work. I'll put a wicking long-underwear turtleneck top on next, and then a fairly light-weight jacket. (If it's really fierce, I may add a wicking long-sleeved running shirt.) Bottoms are just normal-weight fleece-lined tights over shorts (but I have been thinking about getting some heavier tights -- my thighs sometimes get cold when it's really bad out.) A thin balaclava under my helmet; if it's really cold, then a more substantial ear-covering headband. (Although I find them aggravating! They never seem to stay where I want on my forehead.) Long-fingered cycling gloves, but not too heavy -- the thinner, wind-resistant type. My feet are my weak point in winter, although wool socks and toe covers will take me pretty far. I finally broke down and bought another pair of shoes, two sizes larger, so I that can wear several pairs of socks. For feet (and hands), tight is no good in the cold.