What do you wear for cold weather riding?

[nscrbug]

I will ride down to 30-32F, and only if the roads are clear and dry. I wear wool socks (DeFeet Blaze) and PI toe warmers on my feet; regular cycling shorts with long unpadded tights over them for my legs; a long-sleeved merino wool base layer with another long-sleeved layer (either Under Armour or heavier cycling jersey) on top of that, then a lighter windbreaker for my torso; a buff for my neck; and either a balacava or thinner fleece cap underneath my helmet. For gloves, I use Descente Wombat gloves. This set-up keeps me pretty comfortable in colder temps.

[Becky]

I would definitely use your longsleeve running tops and tights. They'll get you started, and you can figure out preferences from there. I actually prefer unpadded tights over shorts- it's just not practical for me to own 5 or 6 pairs of tights and it allows me more days between doing laundry.

My rule of thumb is to dress one layer lighter for running or mountain biking than I would for road cycling. For example, for cycling at 50 degrees, I'd be wearing knickers, long sleeves and a vest, along with lightweight long-finger gloves. For running, I'd wear shorts and long sleeves. The vest might come along if it was really windy. I kept a spreadsheet for a long time to figure all this out...

Sounds like you're off to a good start!

[Cataboo]

Given how hot it is outside, I can hardly even think about this thread.

But my favorite pieces for cycling - lots of which are just stuff I had for skiing or hiking that work. My problem with cold weather cycling is that it takes me longer to get warmed up, and then when I'm warmed up, I'm absolutely baking and strip down to shorts and short sleeves, and then I'm freezing if I stop moving. So I try not to stop moving, I try to use layers.

- ibex arm warmers & leg warmers.
- Ibex serrano jersey - thin, zip up wool - very warm for its weight, full zip so I can vent and it does let the wind through some which cools me down.
- mammut ultimate hoody - windproof softshell, lightweight, its pitzips basically unzip from your underarms down the entire sides of the jacket
- arc'teryx gamma sv vest - windproof vest.
- I usually have some sort of fleece or windproof neck gaiter that I can put over my face.
- full fingered gloves.

[Catrin]

I started learning how to ride last December. With warm knickers, leg warmers, a smart-wool base layer, jersey, jacket, warm gloves and wool socks was able to tolerate temps down to 27 or so (depending on the wind chill).

That being said, I WAS just learning how to ride so wasn't out there for all that long as far as time - so I will need to figure this out all again this year and get a full new set of winter gear as I can't fit any of that stuff from last year. Outside of the gloves

[XMcShiftersonX]

I'll ride outside as long as the ground is dry. Last year the coldest it got was low 30's. I only wore my craft all weather jacket and pants together along with a craft baklava, full fingered gloves, and shoe covers once when it was in the mid-30's and I actually was sweating. The rest of the winter I wore my Craft jacket with leg warmers (and a jersey and shorts), with shoes covers, full fingered gloves, and the Baklava until the weather got up to about 55 degrees, trading the Baklava in for a headband that covered my ears at about 45 degrees. I have yet to wear my craft long sleeve undershirt which is rated for like 25+ degrees, it just wasn't cold enough last year (I'm not complaining!). So, it's good I have room to add on more layers in case it gets colder, but that's not too likely for the Washington area. It's trial and error though figuring out how much you do and don't need.

-Jessica

[blackhillsbiker]

I rode down to -20° last winter. Merino wool baselayer, really warm mittens, wool socks, wool sweater, insulated boots, down jacket (or down sweater and shell if above 0°), ski goggles, merino beanie under my helmet, merino buff, and plenty of kleenex in my pockets. I have studded snow tires. I found that I enjoy winter commuting more than summer commuting. Heat is more likely to make me wimp out than cold.

Deb

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Merino wool. It's not just for breakfast anymore.

[malkin]

Except for the laundry, I think cold weather (teens down to mid- single digits F) is easier than hot weather (triple digits F).