Fall/winter riding gear and tips

[DeniseGoldberg]

For visibility I would get an outer shell that was made with reflective threads so that it "explodes" with reflected light when a car headlights hits it.
traveller

I have both a vest and a shell that uses illumiNITE fabric - it's amazing when you see it lit up by headlights. I got mine from Performance a number of years ago when they were having a sale if you bought both pieces. I also have a Pearl Izumi screaming yellow wind vest that I use in the daytime. The others I also use for walking at night - I prefer to have the extra visibility.

--- Denise

[KSH]

Here's my question... when looking at jackets... how can you know what will perform in what type of weather.

For example, how will I know if a jacket will keep me warm when it's 50 and I am riding 20 MPH? I don't want to "test" a $120 jacket to find out it doesn't keep me warm.

BTW... I am a whimp. When it's 70, here in Dallas, I wear sweaters. When it's 70 and I am riding, I have my leg warmers on, with a long sleeve top and a jacket.

So, what does a whimp like me get in the way of a jacket... to stay toasty warm?

[DeniseGoldberg]

Here's my question... when looking at jackets... how can you know what will perform in what type of weather.

For example, how will I know if a jacket will keep me warm when it's 50 and I am riding 20 MPH? I don't want to "test" a $120 jacket to find out it doesn't keep me warm.

BTW... I am a whimp. When it's 70, here in Dallas, I wear sweaters. When it's 70 and I am riding, I have my leg warmers on, with a long sleeve top and a jacket.

So, what does a whimp like me get in the way of a jacket... to stay toasty warm?

I'd recommend wearing layers. For example, one of my layers is a mid-weight long underwear tank from REI. When it feels too chilly for a jersey and a wind vest or even a jersey and a wind jacket, then I add the long underwear tank. Three relatively light layers, comfortable to wear, and it takes me down to lower temps... As it gets colder then I switch my jersey for a long-sleeved shirt, sometimes a heavier layer like a Patagonia R.5 shirt, or when it gets really cold an R1 shirt. Or combinations...

I wouldn't recommend relying on a single jacket layer - plan on adding layers underneath too.

--- Denise

[KSH]

I'd recommend wearing layers. For example, one of my layers is a mid-weight long underwear tank from REI. When it feels too chilly for a jersey and a wind vest or even a jersey and a wind jacket, then I add the long underwear tank. Three relatively light layers, comfortable to wear, and it takes me down to lower temps... As it gets colder then I switch my jersey for a long-sleeved shirt, sometimes a heavier layer like a Patagonia R.5 shirt, or when it gets really cold an R1 shirt. Or combinations...

I wouldn't recommend relying on a single jacket layer - plan on adding layers underneath too.

--- Denise

Layers. Got it.

Now... what is a "R.5" or a "R1"? Not sure what that means.

Honestly, I doubt I will venture out on the bike once it gets cold. I hate the cold.

[shewhobikes]

First, thanks for the good advice on clothing. I had already ordered a couple of things from Patagonia-the long-sleeved light weight Zip-T ($38) and the women's r.5 top ($79). The former for coolish weather, the latter for the cold. They came today--hooray! They both fit very well and are comfortable as all get out, flat seams etc. So I think I have the upper-body handled! Now moving on to headband/ear covers and toe covers...

So don't forget, you more experienced riders...tips for riding in the dark! Thanks, ladies!

[DeniseGoldberg]

Now moving on to headband/ear covers and toe covers...

On the toe cover front - in the cool but not cold weather I use toe warmers - Pearl Izumi Calientoes. When it gets colder I switch to Pearl Izumi AmFib shoe covers, and when it gets colder yet I add Heat Treat Toe Warmers. These are supposed to be placed inside your shoes, but my shoes are too tight to fit anything besides my feet & one pair of socks. So I stick the toe warmers to the top of my shoes and put my shoe covers over the warmer. Toasty!

And for my ears, I bought a pair of Ear Bags. They are kind of like ear muffs without the band. They just slip over your ears. And then on cold days I add a Pearl Izumi Microsensor skull cap under my helmet.

[Helen]

What happened to the good old fall/winter jackets ?
Do we really need all those new products ?

[DeniseGoldberg]

Layers. Got it.

Now... what is a "R.5" or a "R1"? Not sure what that means.

Honestly, I doubt I will venture out on the bike once it gets cold. I hate the cold.

They are in Patagonia's regulator family of products. R.5 is the lightest weight, R1 a little heavier, then there are R2, R3, and R4. If you look on the Patagonia web site, the R.5 is listed under performance underwear, and the others are under jackets or vests.