what to wear, oh what to wear

[Biciclista]

I found them to be irritating and they wouldn't stay up. I like knickers, it's just not that warm here in the winter that you'll need the leg warmers.

[OakLeaf]

it's just not that warm here in the winter that you'll need the leg warmers.

They're more useful for changing conditions than for constant cool temperatures. In full winter we need full layers here, too, but on days like yesterday we can start out at 45°F and it'll be 80° before we finish. There are a couple of people in my club who can handle 45° on their exposed knees and who can generate enough core heat that their muscles and tendons don't tighten up at those temps, but I'm for sure not one of them. And any of us would've been overheated before noon if we'd dressed in full tights and long sleeves for the early morning temperature.

[maryellen]

We've been playing with the use of newspaper, under our clothing, as a disposable windbreaker. It provides additional insulation with having to add bulk to our pockets as we de-layer.

A time-honored tradition in NYC! Here we have metal boxes on many street corners with freebie papers so I was taught early on that if I get caught unprepared for cooler weather to grab some and use them as you describe!

[woohoo]

I tried out some leg warmers with my usual biking shorts for the first time tonight - thoroughly recommended! Best invention since sliced bread for the Scottish climate No idea about arm warmers as it's normally never warm enough here to go without something that has sleeves on, but the leg warmers are definitely getting a big thumbs up for saving me from changing into the dreaded winter leggings already!

[Fletchinator]

I think Eden described the function aspect of wearing these items...I can attest to their convenience, being an Oregon rider, in the sense that you can layer and then de-layer. On days that forecast rain, I'll wear or roll up a waterproof jacket and stuff it in my back jersey pocket. I love having fenders on both wheels for minimum water spray-age too. But one piece of advice is to start your rides dressed to feel cooler, since your core temp will likely warm up after 20 minutes or less of brisk pedaling. Have you looked into shoe covers? Those really help keep your feet and toes warm, which can have a great affect on your overall mood during a ride. Unfortunately, they don't do much for keeping you dry, but there is nothing you can do about that unless somebody comes out with tights that come with built-in booties for full coverage...That would be interesting...

[Eden]

IHave you looked into shoe covers? Those really help keep your feet and toes warm, which can have a great affect on your overall mood during a ride. Unfortunately, they don't do much for keeping you dry, but there is nothing you can do about that unless somebody comes out with tights that come with built-in booties for full coverage...That would be interesting...

pulling your tights over the top of your shoe covers goes a long way to keeping water out of your shoes (and making sure your socks are tucked all of the way in too) Winter shoes - a few companies, Sidi, Northwave and maybe some others - make them will keep your feet dry for hours if you are careful about making sure that your socks are not sticking out of the neoprene cuff at all and your tights are not wicking water down inside. Top these shoes with booties and even the worst storms won't wet your feet.

Of course if your cleat holes go all of the way through the bottoms of your shoe and you want to even stand a chance of staying dry you need to seal up holes - silicone caulking applied to the inside of the shoe (take the insole out of course) helps a lot and is removable if you need to change the cleats.

[mayqueen]

FANTASTIC!!! Thank you all for the great ideas. Now, I will not only look fashionable, BUT be warm, dry, speedy, aerodynamic, and overall a "better gal" as well! Didn't know how much I think about my gear hunh? thanks, keep em coming.