Quote Originally Posted by surgtech1956 View Post
I'm a newbie, just starting out, I live in Michigan. What type of clothing should I be wearing when temperatures are in the 40s? Right now I don't have any cycling clothing, just sweats, nylon warm up pants, some fleece shirts, jackets. What should I be purchasing first? Thank you
Pooks suggested bike shorts as your first purchase, and I agree. They'll be easier to find right now than full length tights -- but DO shop the clearance racks and see if you can get lucky! I usually wear my tights if it's going to be below 60 degrees for my whole ride, though I don't always wear something warm on top. Don't like my knees to creak, and the tights keep my joints very happy.

I've found that I prefer my fleece warm up jackets to my screaming yellow wind breaker for the top of me -- fleece breathes better, and my body seems to appreciate the wind getting through the fleece a bit when I'm working hard on my bike. The windbreaker keeps me wayyyyy too warm and humid!

Online shopping has been recommended, and I don't know if I agree with that in the beginning of your (and my) biking "career." Buying clothes is challenging for me, cuz things never seem to fit right, and actually getting what I'm after is not very efficient if I have to buy, return, wait, try again, etc. not always fun in the stores, but at least I can do it in a reasonable amount of time!

OOOH == shorts suggestion: don't go with the ones that seem to list for $30 and are on sale for $20. (my early days, REI brand experience) They don't do the job nearly well enough!

Karen in Boise