Winter Layers

[doc]

It is 33 degrees out right now. I am meeting a bunch of people in an hour for a 50 miler. God I hope it is at least 39 when we start (it is supposed to be). I tend to be cold more than sweaty. I'll let you know how it went when I get back.

Plan: long sleeve jersey, long sleeve fleece, thin windbreaker-said to breath but not open in back. Tights and shorts. Oh, and booties. My feet are cold no matter what!

[Squirrel 2]

I would say you were seriously overdressed. No, you should not be drenched when layering for winter riding. But you didn't layer effectively, you put 3 outer-wear pieces on top of each other. The secret to layering is snug-fitting inner layers (snug so they lay up against your skin & transport moisture away from you) with one outer piece. It it's windy, a 2nd outer piece in the form of a shell, which you should plan on removing part way into your ride after you've warmed up (so it better be small & packable). You should look into some base layers for wearing next to your skin. I use polyester down to the upper-30's, and wool for mid-30's & below. Craft & SmartWool make excellent base layers. If it's below freezing, possibly a mid-layer next. You can tell if it's a jersey for outer wear, or a mid-layer for layering, a real mid layer won't have pockets. And there is a difference in how these pieces work in terms of breathability & moisture transport. Otherwise, your jacket comes next. SadieKate's got it right there--warm with windstopper in the front, breathable in the back. That's perfect. And a wind shell, only if necessary, and only for warm-up, or long descents.

Lose the fleece jacket for serious riding. If it's not cycling-specific, it's cut way too roomy. In winter, you don't want roomy, that just means lots of air pockets for cold air to get into. Light-weight, thin so you can still move easily without feeling like a wrapped mummy, and close-fitting. That's the secret.

[doc]

I'm not sure if Squirrel was talking to me or you Lette, but I was dressed Perfectly
By fleece, I sure don't mean a jacket. It is a thin fleece biking wear item. I was never hot, never sweaty, and almost never cold. Even when we took quick breaks to gobble a snack, I didn't get that cold sweaty feeling.
When I got in my car, that was the first and only time I felt a little sweaty (only on my back)
Most importantly my booties were great. First ride ever in cool weather with warm feet!

[mimitabby]

The best kinds of chickens I've noticed for winter layers are the barred rocks.
They lay all winter long.

oh, i'm sorry, i can't resist.
Here in Seattle,we usually layer ALL YEAR LONG

booties are great. your feet might be cold with booties, but without??
brrr!

[KnottedYet]

Mimi! Girl, you are a HOOT!!!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Mimi! Girl, you are a HOOT!!!

No, that would be a CLUCK I believe.

[Bluetree]

I'm sitting here looking at all these posts about 30° weather whilst sitting in my shorts and tank top. Jeez... it's 90° in parts of L.A.! I went out yesterday morning in the pre-dawn "chill" and returned in clothing that was barely legal. Nice to ride in but definitely NOT weather to be thinking about the holidays...

[lette]

Thanks everyone, (and esp. Doc) I'm going to try the next cool ride without the fleece jacket layer. Of course, temp is suppose to rise to the 60's for the holiday weekend!