Quote Originally Posted by Catrin View Post
I've been able to get out and practice with my new bike in temps around freezing. My upper body was fine (smartwool base/short sleeve jersey/jacket), but had a problem with my legs. Of course my face was cold, but that is easily dealt with.

For my lower body I had knickers(?), leg warmers, and smartwool socks. At those temps I am assuming that if I had been out for a real ride rather than practicing in a parking lot, that I would have been warm enough as my legs would have had a chance to warm up.

I am trying to avoid wearing jeans, part of me is afraid the legs will catch on either my frame pump or chain. If I decide to ride in colder temps, not below 23 or so, do I need to add more layers? I am pondering wool tights, but haven't totally given up on the idea of knickers underneath jeans (since I don't have to buy anything else). Advice would be most welcome.

One thing is sure, I had forgotten how much I like being out in cold weather when I am not dressed for the office
I am usually fine with leg warmers, bike short, and tights over top, so effectively 2 layers on my legs (I don't ride in temps much below freezing). But when it gets really cold and you are out on a "real" ride, your feet will freeze. The wind will hit them (the faster you go, the more wind, the colder your feet), and there will be no way to warm them up. For your feet, you will need shoe covers/booties (or toe covers if it isn't TOO cold). The same is true for hands. They take a lot of wind and once they get cold, they won't get warm on a ride. So you will need very warm wind-proof gloves if riding in temps below freezing.

Jeans - other people will probably disagree with me, but I don't recommend riding in jeans. (For me anyway) it is so uncomfortable. You will have less range of motion and it will be uncomfortable on the saddle (even with padded bike shorts underneath). And, yes, if not well-secured, they can catch on your drive-train, and even if they don't, you will probably end up having to clean grease off of them pretty regularly.

just my 2-cents. . . good luck with the cold weather riding. Unless we have an unseasonably warm day in chicago, I am done with riding outdoors for a while.