Got any advice on winter mtb clothes?

[Miranda]

I'm giving this thread a bump, vs starting a new one on the same subject. Looks like there was not a total resolve suggestion on how to stay warm and avoid ripping up road lycra. Last winter I finally invested in some cold gear tights. I just can't bear the thought of trail brush ripping them up...

What about homemade leg warmers over lycra? Maybe someone else will see this and chime in if they make them, or have other ideas.

While I shopping pondering this situation, the 80s movie, "Flash Dance", came to mind. I am almost thinking of taking the tallest pair of heavy wool type socks I can find (I'm allergic to regular wool, but I hear folks like me might be able to wear merino) and cut them up like Jennifer Beals leg warmers. I have no idea if it would work, but my bottom layers would go like this...

*lycra tight w/o chamois
*Sugoi Gusta mtb liner chamois short
*Sugoi Gusta mtb short
*Beals make-shift mtb leg warmers ankle to liner short
*winter cycle sock
*mtb shoe

That still won't work in super cold, but would "maybe" keep the tight from getting ripped???

Any other thoughts since this thread was originally posted? btw, I did see a men's version of Sugoi Gusta short, but in a pant that zips off at the knee. Not sure if they make ladies...

[bike4ever]

Miranda - I never tore my tights all last winter. I rode through the winter. I believe you have just as much chance tearing them on the mountain as you do on the road.

I've been wearing pearl microsensor shorts all summer without tearing them. I've had some nice tip overs with an opportunity to tear them.

[Becky]

I have a pair of SportHill (I think) multisport polypropylene pants that I use for commuting and MTBing. They're close-cut, but not tights, and the fabric feels more durable to me than true lycra. I usually wear them over shorts but, if it's really cold, there's room for long underwear or tights under them.

That said, in my case, there's always the chance of ripping anything I wear on the MTB

[bluebug32]

I picked up some lined Under Armor tights just to go over the base layer and chamois. If they rip, it's no big deal.

Also, be sure to have some kind of insulated hose for your hydration pack if the weather is below freezing.

[nuthatch]

I discovered a set of tights made by Bellwether that have a thick lycra with a fleecy lining and a wind-breaker fabric over the front. I don't know how much more rip-resistant they would be but they sure keep you warm and you feel like you're protected. They're called Windfront tights - I wouldn't wear them in anything but the coldest weather. The other tights I like are Terry's Coldweather tight. Pretty wooly feeling and tough but very breathable!

[sundial]

I mountain biked all winter (including in the snow) and this is what worked for me:

an old pair of Pearl Izumi chamois-less tights over a
pair of PI shorts
Pearl Izumi Woolie Mammoth jersey
Smart Wool tank
Smart Wool socks
Specialized Tahos
Specialized Sub Zero gloves

For snow days I added my waterproof Merrill hiking boots (I have platform pedals), fleece lined, wind block Terry tights, wool tank, Terry snow leopard polar fleece top, ear warmers, helmet cover, and polar fleece socks. I have a tendency of being hot so I dress with fewer layers.

Specialized makes a shoe, Defroster, that is waterproof and very toasty for the tootsies in the dead of winter.

[Becky]

Specialized makes a shoe, Defroster, that is waterproof and very toasty for the tootsies in the dead of winter.

Does anyone make a women's winter shoe? I've found "unisex" versions by Sidi, lake, Northwave (I think), and Specialized, but no women's specific shoes. This is driving me crazy....I can't be the only chick with "froze toes".