winter commuting necessities? (help me shop!)

[lph]

IMO temps just below freezing are great to ride in, mostly dry but not too cold. Great stuff.

I sweat a lot when I commute so I need thin clothing that dries fast but I try to cover "everything". Just around freezing I'd be wearing a doubled up Buff covering my ears underneath my helmet, another Buff around my neck to pull up or down, softshell jacket (Gore Phantom), sports bra, shortsleeved wicking layer, lined gloves (SixSixOne Watch gloves), shorts, PI Amfib tights, thin wool socks and winter shoes.

A bit colder I'd switch the Buff for a windproof skull cap, switch the short sleeved layer for a long-sleeved one, switch to PI lobster gloves and add a thin wicking layer on my legs as well, and add booties.

Getting dressed in winter is a hassle, but the riding can be great!

[Grog]

Remember to think out of the box too. I have learned great tricks from other commuters on this forum and others:

- If it's really cold (and possibly wet), no insulated gloves will work. Put on a few layers of thin gloves and a dishwashing glove (bigger than your usual size) on top to block the wind.

- If it's cold and wet, or even just really wet, no bootie will perfectly protect your foot from getting wet too. My husband and I have tried lots of them, including very expensive ones (for road riding, not for commuting though). Turns out that what the "hard core" people do (those who commute rain or shine all year and forever) is: a few layers of wool socks, a plastic bag... and sandals ON TOP of everything.

If you get a new jacket make sure it has pit zips so you can "ventilate" (especially if your commuting route is somewhat hilly).

If you need new lights, I would buy those RIGHT NOW because it's already starting to get dark later, and you never know when you'll need to stay later, be stuck with a flat tire or two, etc. I carry mine year round. Consider getting something that goes on your helmet (+ something that goes on the bike) and buying cool new reflective stickers to put... well, everywhere. THat's the fun part.

Speaking of flat tires: in the winter you don't want to have to patch a tube in the cold. Just replace it with a new one and fix the broken one in the warmth of your home.

I also love to ride in the winter, I have done it a lot (for training purposes) but this will be my first year commuting to work daily on my bike. I'm actually looking forward to cold, dark commutes. Please remind me this when December comes around!!

[sfa]

I'm looking for the same kind of information, so I'm interested to read the replies! I got caught out in the dark for the first time on Tuesday (evening meeting ran late) and all I had was my rear blinkie light, so headlights and reflective tape is top on my list.

Back in the old days I was one of the ones who wore plastic bags around my feet to keep them dry and relatively warm. It didn't work really well, but if you go that route, newspaper bags and bread loaf bags are the best. But personally, now that technology and my bank account have improved, I'm going to invest in good wool socks and toe covers or booties. I ride with regular shoes and toe clips, so I have some flexibility there for wearing warmer shoes as well (although I hate riding with really bulky shoes).

I'm also a fan of layering--I'm planning on wearing my spring/fall shell over layers of whatever people here recommend!

And if it's raining and below freezing? All bets are off. I'm taking the car. I'm happy to ride in the cold, but courting hypothermia isn't fun.

Sarah

[Blueberry]

Grog -

Have you guys tried seal skins? I've heard they work well with sandals (over, of course, wool socks...).

Just curious if they're a good option...

CA

[Becky]

Thanks for the ideas so far- keep 'em coming!

To answer a few questions:

We're talking 20s F (~ -5C) at the coldest.

Lights: I'm using a first-gen MiNewt right now and love it. I will probably buy a TriNewt in the near future. Oh, and I have reflective tape everywhere. I really like the stuff at www.lightweights.org.

Seal skins: Yep, use 'em (actually, I think I have Seirus socks) when I know that I won't warm enough to want to take them off. Love them, but would like something with a little more insulation.

LPH: Your product suggestions are exactly what I'm looking for. What winter shoes do you use? I'm considering those instead of booties- like I said, my piggies get cold *fast*.

Anyone familiar with the Pearl Izumi Octane hardshell jacket? I haven't been able to find the Gore Phantom yet.... EDIT: Found it, but this year's comes in dark gray The Gore Xenon is available in red...that might be a better commuting choice color-wise.

Thanks again!

[Geonz]

And if it's raining and below freezing? All bets are off. I'm taking the car. I'm happy to ride in the cold, but courting hypothermia isn't fun.

Sarah

Around here, if it's raining, it's generally not below freezing ... but it's the 35 and raining that is most chilly for me - IF I don't have the gear.

With the right gear, I'm not courting any more hypothermia than walking outside or driving in the car - my coldest has been 4 below and I arrived at work with warm hands and lots of energy

Necessities for me - layers. When it's bitter cold, also to do situps or something to get the blood flowing before I go outside, because otherwise there's this 5 minute painful gap between when the cold gets through the layers and when I'm working hard enough to generate the heat to beat back the cold.

Balaclava - I gotta have the ears and neck covered even if it's not very cold.

I *love* my Gore-tex bike suit - don't know if it's a necessity (it was a hand-me-down gift, 'cause I can't afford Gore-Tex).

Necessity - layers that don't constrict blood flow. Also washcloth & soap 'cause I tend to work harder & sweat more.

[Grog]

Haven't tried the Seal Skins yet, but I might get a pair depending on how my setup is working...

Note: the plastic bag technique does not really work if it's inside shoes, because then you really get wet (from the inside).

Toe covers are GREAT. I like them when it's not raining.

[GLC1968]

I also love using toe covers when it's cold. It's plenty of protection for my feet - even below freezing.

I'm going to have to re-think my winter commuting clothing myself. Now that I'm in a place where the biggest factor is RAIN, I've got some changes to make.


And sfa - I totally agree with not riding when it's below freezing and raining! That always threw me when we lived in NC - how is it possible? Do the laws of physics NOT apply in the south? I'd be driving in fairly heavy rain and the thermometer would say it was 29F. Huh?!

[Eden]

Up here in the PNW we tend to get a lot of rain, but not as much bitter cold so most of my suggestions are about keeping dry....

My feet tend to sweat, even when its cold out, so I've never been a fan of the plastic bag thing - I end up just as wet.... On the other hand, I love my winter Sidi shoes with a nice cushy pair of wool socks. Nothing will ever keep your feet perfectly dry, but the dedicated winter shoes come close. A couple things you do have to do - make sure your socks do not poke out over the top of the neoprene cuff - the water will travel right down your sock and into the shoe. Pull your tights well over the shoe - down as far as they will come - also directs water away from the cuff of the shoe. That setup will be virtually water proof for a few hours at least and windproof all of the time. The best thing - no holes that go all the way through the bottom, so no fountains of cold water hitting the soles of your feet - heavenly. On plain cold days you feet will never even know its not nice out.

One thing you will want if you will be riding in the rain at all is fenders. Full coverage if you can fit them, but even speed fenders can make a big difference. Be sure to extend them to protect yourself and anyone who might be riding behind you. A nice big flap on the front one will keep a lot of water and muck away from your feet in the first place! A nice big flap on the rear will keep same said muck out of the face of anyone who might ride behind you.

Another good investment is tough tires - choose your brand (conti gator skins, specialized armadillos etc), but get a pair that are made for adverse conditions and won't flat easily. You'll appreciate not standing around in the rain trying to change a flat with numb fingers.

[GLC1968]

Eden - that's very helpful about the shoes. Both H and I have been wondering how we were going to make this work in the rain (and he gets cold VERY easily). I'm going to suggest that we look into winter shoes! Thanks!

[newfsmith]

A waterproof but breathable jacket, preferably with pit zips. I wore one of these for 6 of the 8 years I commuted.
http://www.bicycleclothing.com/Water...n-Jackets.html
Too warm for summer use, but an excellent fall, winter, spring jacket. It was roomy enough to put several layers underneath. I wore it down to -5F/-20C, all for a reasonable price. Their rain pants are too warm for anything but the slushing days, but they are great for that.

For chilly fall rains I used wool socks with water proof socks on top & SPD sandals, the sandals would be dry by the time I headed home. For winter riding I gave up my SPD pedals and used MTB platforms with mini toe baskets. I found that an ordinary pair of womens winter boots worked very well in the cold, giving good chill proofing of the ankles.

I carried a winter emergency pannier: a space blanket, toe warmer and hand warmer (Grabber Mycoal), an extra fleece, 2 pairs of dry wool socks, a spare pair of gloves, and my leather chopper mitts with heavy wool mitten liners. I went a little overboard because my commute was through a rural area. I also carried "Yak Trax" in my jacket pocket so that I could walk better on icy surfaces. The worst fall I took in 6 winters of riding was standing in the work parking lot after dismounting.

As for lighting, I was continually evolving. I believe in LED lights. My home-brew system had a car horn, 1W LED head light, and a 56 LED truck taillight. It was very noticeable, but even with lots of lights, drivers aren't expecting cyclists in the winter, so you have to be extra alert.

I would suggest you put your money in your lighting system. You probably have enough layers around the house to keep you warm. They don't have to be cycling specific if they are going to be covered with a jacket. Thrift store wool sweaters are fine.

[lph]

Nope, you don't want the Xenon jacket. I have it, and was a bit disappointed. It's brilliant red and looks really fast and stylish, but it has no pit zips, gets quite clammy but is still only windproof. The Phantom jacket is the one piece of bike clothing I've been most happy with, and I haven't even bought a real waterproof until now. Granted - I have got soaked a few times, especially as the water-resistance wore off. But new it was an excellent jacket and when it wears out I'll be looking for another softshell as my main winter item.

Gloves: the SixSixOne gloves I just bought on an off-chance, and they turned out to be cheap and just warm enough but quite breathable, so I got another pair. When I switch to the lobster gloves I sure am warm enough, but they're a bit sloppy and feel bulky. Not too pleased about them but they do do the job. In fact they do best when it's really cold so that I don't sweat in them at all.

Winter shoes: I rode several winters with my standard mtb shoes and shoe covers. Warm enough mostly, but a hassle to put on. I've also ridden with hiking boots but prefer to be clipped in. I came across some Shimano winter shoes on sale and picked them up but I don't know the model. The best thing is the high cuff and that they're quite stiff so that my toes don't get squished. And they lessen the wear on my regular shoes so I figure the net cost is the same.

I agree that you want good lighting!

I don't use any eyewear except sunglasses on very bright days, but I'm funny like that. I wear contacts, that may be a factor. When it starts getting cold out I'll rub a little vaseline or the like on exposed skin before I go out, especially under my eyes, it helps against the windchill.

[malkin]

I got some weather proof mittens last year at REI. I wear them over smartwool gloves and normal cycling gloves and my hands finally stayed warm. (Feb. in Salt Lake City)