I need help from the cold weather gals!

[Veronica]

I've been riding at night in the mid forties, with the wind blowing in the teens. I wear my Exte Onde tights, a Patagonia sport top, a Patagonia fleece top and then a Pearl Izumi jacket. I use a wool headband to cover my ears.

V.

[Geonz]

40 may be too warm for the acclimated to wear a balaclava - but if you're not used to it... I'd at least have something to keep my ears warm, and my warm-my-face stuff can get tucked down lower when I get warm.
Bring the layers and a place to put 'em when you get warm. Don't wait to be all nasty-sweaty before you peel some of 'em off.
It's gonna be really, really warm here tomorrow - might hit 40

[HillSlugger]

At 40 degrees you'll start cold but warm up pretty quickly. Dress in layers that can be removed as needed. You shouldn't need anything more than tights on your legs; something wind resistant if possible. Toes get cold so warm socks or toe covers. Long sleeve jersey and windproof/resistant shell. Ear-covering headband or hat. Full finger gloves.

[jobob]

I have a wool headband that's a bit too snug for my head but it works great as a neck gaiter. I find my neck and shoulders chill really easily so the extra warmth and wind protection around my neck really helps.

[mimitabby]

for the torso, I think you've got the right idea with the jersey and bra thing
but take a vest that you can remove that is beneath the wind breaker or jacket.

As long as you have something on your head (cap?) , balaclava
i think you'll be okay. I don't know what your hands are like I wear double gloves when it's really cold. Regular bike gloves underneath fluffy fleece gloves a size too large.

[Aggie_Ama]

I am a total cold wimp. Last week I had to scrap our ride 4 miles in because it was too cold (upper 40's).

This weekend I want to ride, I just bought a balaclava at REI yesterday. My experience last weekend was ear warmer/headband wasn't enough and my cheeks were causing me the most misery.

My balaclava is really thin (not fleece lined), I wonder if it will cause me to be too hot?

Just a note at how little cold weather we get in Texas, I only found a balaclava at REI. None of the LBS even had it or wool socks!