Question from Newbie - what do you wear

[annie]

If you need just a tiny bit more warmth than tights, I have to say that panty hose work pretty well. I actually put them OVER my biking shorts, then put on my biking tights, which are normally warm enough on their own, but not if it's much below 20 F, or there's really bad wind chill. As long as you've got the bike shorts next to your skin, then you really don't have to worry about the seam of the p.hose. They also add one more thin layer to what's on your feet without taking up much extra room in the shoes. I put them on OVER my wool socks, tho'. More comfortable that way. Looks totally dorky!! Panyhose over bike shorts and socks! You don't want a visual! But if it keeps me warm, I don't care. I'm sure there are more high tech solutions, but this works, its cheap, and you don't even have to worry about runs in the hose. Who's gonna see 'em?

annie

I use the same method for x-country skiing, or hiking, when the temps are really cold.

[Lenusik]

Check out his website: http://www.assos.com/en/womens/
I swear by Assos gear. It is expensive but I really don't care anymore because it is the best. You will find their winter collection to get some ideas. Some men's sizes fit women as well. For example if you wear an XS jersey you can safely purchase Small in men's.
Good luck!

[Squeaky]

Toes and fingers are my big problems. For the feet, I wear toe warmers (the kind you wear for skiing) along with the shoe covers. For the hands I have lobster gloves (like mittens except they're split so 2 fingers are together).

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

What I don't like about Assos is that they show all their clothes on a model who is 5'8" and 125 pounds (that's the information they themselves state about the model). So few women are shaped that way. I wish they would show the clothing on a slightly more average sized woman- it might look very different on a 5'4" 140 pound woman. I feel safer buying when the model doesn't look like a starving giraffe.

Hmm...I'd be nervous going Commando in those white shorts! But then again- that model probably gets waxed there every week.... YeOW-chee!!!!

[Lenusik]

What I don't like about Assos is that they show all their clothes on a model who is 5'8" and 125 pounds (that's the information they themselves state about the model). So few women are shaped that way. I wish they would show the clothing on a slightly more average sized woman- it might look very different on a 5'4" 140 pound woman. I feel safer buying when the model doesn't look like a starving giraffe.

Actually, their model looks great. However, if you apply logic you can easily figure out what you need. There is a sizing chart which is very useful. As an example, I am 5'6, 114 pound, I buy Small in Assos. It fit perfectly.

[julypace]

WOW! The number of replies has grown so much over night!! Thank you all so much for your sound advice

So, there are some cyclists who have taken this idea elsewhere. I am not a real hard core cyclist yet. I am not sure at this point, how often I would be out there riding my bike in winter so before spending hundreds of dollars on those expensive winter clothes, I shall try the cheap trick. As Maxine said, I shall find my torelance this winter and go from there.

annie - any particular brand (s) and / or type (s)?

Thanks again!!

July

[Trekhawk]

What I don't like about Assos is that they show all their clothes on a model who is 5'8" and 125 pounds (that's the information they themselves state about the model). So few women are shaped that way. I wish they would show the clothing on a slightly more average sized woman- it might look very different on a 5'4" 140 pound woman. I feel safer buying when the model doesn't look like a starving giraffe.

LOL - yep your right I have an Assos jersey and its pretty fitted. All my other jerseys are medium but in the Assos I needed a large. Im 5'4" 126 pounds and lets just say if I add a few pounds that jersey sure wont be getting used. IMO if you dont like the super fitted look steer clear of the Assos Jerseys.

[presfoxm]

My random contribution is: put a layer of Saran Wrap between the pad of your shoes and the clips. I have odor eaters in my shoes and put Saran Wrap under them and it made a huge difference. The freezing metal of my clipless pedals made it impossible for me to ride for more than 30-40 minutes in winter! I also put a layer over the mesh on the toes... It made all the difference. Gotta love the Wrap!

[julypace]

Wikipedia says:

The terms "going commando" or simply "commando" are often used in the United States to refer to wearing no underwear under the pants (trousers). The term originated with American soldiers who preferred not to wear underwear in field conditions because of its tendency to retain sweat, and the additional laundry burden. The terms are analogous to the Scottish military term "regimental" referring to wearing no underwear under the kilt.

And Lisa, you can't wax there every week o_O! Unless you have a Rogaine addiction.

Hi RI, RI - thanks for that. Thought it might be a particular type of cycling clothes. Never heard of it...

My random contribution is: put a layer of Saran Wrap between the pad of your shoes and the clips. I have odor eaters in my shoes and put Saran Wrap under them and it made a huge difference. The freezing metal of my clipless pedals made it impossible for me to ride for more than 30-40 minutes in winter! I also put a layer over the mesh on the toes... It made all the difference. Gotta love the Wrap!

Hi presfoxm - thanks for another trick! It is hard to imagine a piece of wrap would make any noticeable difference but I should give it a try

[julypace]

Hmm...I'd be nervous going Commando in those white shorts! But then again- that model probably gets waxed there every week.... YeOW-chee!!!![/QUOTE]

Hi Lisa - what is "Commando"

Thanx

[run it, ride it]

Wikipedia says:

The terms "going commando" or simply "commando" are often used in the United States to refer to wearing no underwear under the pants (trousers). The term originated with American soldiers who preferred not to wear underwear in field conditions because of its tendency to retain sweat, and the additional laundry burden. The terms are analogous to the Scottish military term "regimental" referring to wearing no underwear under the kilt.

And Lisa, you can't wax there every week o_O! Unless you have a Rogaine addiction.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

And Lisa, you can't wax there every week o_O! Unless you have a Rogaine addiction.

As a non-waxing non-shaving, non-Rogainer, I've now been exposed as knowing NOTHIN' about these things!
Lisa
(proudly wearing my sheepskin from "Tufts University" and avoiding white biking shorts)