Apparel Question

[Aggie_Ama]

Another thin-blooded Texan here. What I wore yesterday (temp was mid 50's to low 60's but it was windy from the north):

SS Jersey
Shorts
Tights over shorts (I don't have padded tights- too pricey and I can wear these running)
Arm Warmers
Light Weight Pearl Izumi Jacket
Toe covers (I need some wool socks)

I took off the arm warmers after about 11 miles because I warmed fairly cheap. My jacket was a late season purchase on clearance. We got in February for half price and I still got a lot of wear out of it.

[SadieKate]

Below 65 degrees your knees should be covered. As the temps get colder - Knee warmers or knickers, leg warmers, tights, thick tights, windproof tights, etc.,

[sbctwin]

On my commute this morning (4:30am), the temp was 35F. I wore PI Thermal Tights, smartwool socks, Terry shoe covers, a short sleeved jersey with armskins, a light weight jacket...Hands were covered with thicker gloves (not bicycling becasue I can't find small enough "winter" gloves that don't have excess finger tips), and on my head/neck a neck gator pulled up over my ears and head but still fit under my helmet. The sun was not up and I think 35 feels colder in the dark than it does when the sun is up. For my ride home (forcasted to be 55F to 60F), I will leave off the shoe covers, armskins and neck gator and wear my fingerless bike gloves. I still work up a sweat on my morning commute, but all in all, I was comfortable.....

[HipGnosis6]

I can't find small enough "winter" gloves that don't have excess finger tips

You can alter gloves if this is the only problem. If you have a sewing machine, turn the glove inside out and sew across the tip of the finger at a better length for you. If you're fancy you can even curve the seam a little. Cut off the excess about 1/8" from your new stitching and turn the glove back rightside out. Voila! Customized gloves.

I do this regularly - the lengths of my fingers are very different and to get a glove that's long enough for my middle finger means that the pinky is way too long!

[CyclChyk]

I hate the cold too so I bought a pair of cycling knickers from performance bike for about $30; and a lightweight wind breaker. So starting out, the 50 feels a sliver on the chilly side but once I ride the first mile or so I feel comfortably warm without being overdressed. I am contemplating fingerless gloves but thats partly due to my fingers going numb (tendonitis/carpel tunnel - ugh)

[paigette]

Thanks for this tips, I'm going tights shopping after work...well after heading to the LBS for a headlight(found a group that does Monday evening rides!)

I looked & TE has some clearance jackets available but this leads to another question: Should the jacket be loose or fitted(like your jersey)?

[Aggie_Ama]

Thanks for this tips, I'm going tights shopping after work...well after heading to the LBS for a headlight(found a group that does Monday evening rides!)

I looked & TE has some clearance jackets available but this leads to another question: Should the jacket be loose or fitted(like your jersey)?

My jacket is fitted. If it is loose it will blow up with air. I guess it could be a personal preference.