No Bike or Frostbite?

[Geonz]

It absolutely doesn't have to be pricy for twenty degrees. Maybe for four. You do need layers, though. It's not going to be as nice and wicky and waht have you, but you can stay warm, especially if you aren't commuting to work (but even if you are).

Some tights - polyester or cotton, yes, cotton - with sweats on top do well until it's pretty cold; I add a layer of thermal undies under that when it gets colder. I have invested (from the closeout section :-)) in a couple of really warm wicking kinds of tights so when it's in the single digits (as it will be very soon here), I'll do the skinniest inner layer I've got, then the seriously wicking thick guys, then my thickest sweats.

Top is easier, at least for me. thermal undies,long-sleeve t-shirt, sweatshirt, and two jackets. I didn't even have a warm coat when I tried that; it was totally toasty. Now I've got my (hand-me-down, free) Goretex rain suit so I've been downright **comfortable** so far. (We'll seel when it's four again!)

Of course I cover everythign I can on my face but usually I end up easing up on that once my furnace gets going. Light socks under my orange socks might be in order soon and ... I just might have to do that under the duckboots 'cause that's the only reallye nclosed shoewear I've got. For my hands I have pretty good gloves - and when it's really, really, really cold I try to get in a couple minutes jump roping or on the trainer to reduce that time between getting out there and my furnace kicking in.

I'm also well insulated, though.

[Fledgling]

I love this site. It's like a big, pulsating brain of biking knowledge. All you have to do is ask and you get more information than you ever expected. Thanks for all the help, guys, I've got plenty of ideas now. I really really appreciate it. It's a relief to see the alternatives to the pricey (and cool) technical gear. Another snow day for us tomorrow... maybe I'll just make a trip to the Goodwill to look for LAYERS. I never thought about warming up beforehand, either. Neat-o...

~Kat.

[Blueberry]

Don't discount buying wicking base layers at stores like Target if goodwill doesn't have sufficient layers - I prefer to support local retailers (or not so local non-big box stores), but sometimes you can get great deals on pretty nice stuff. Usually in the lingerie department.

Good luck! You really can stay warm without spending a fortune!

[lph]

It's like a big, pulsating brain of biking knowledge. All you have to do is ask and you get more information than you ever expected.

I just loved that quote - "a big, pulsating brain of bike knowledge"