Nothing to wear for cool weather. Where do I start?

[malkin]

I'd have to start with socks, but see what feels cold when you ride. Some people never get cold legs and others need longer, warmer pants. Same with arms, head, and the need to block wind.

[indysteel]

I would get, in no particular order, wool socks, a pair of shin length knickers (Shebeest makes a nice pair), a windproof jacket or vest, full fingered gloves, toe covers, a headband or light hat. Arm warmers are nice to have, too. You can get by without a cycling specific long sleeve jersey. I'd go with a wool baselayer instead. Just make sure it's a wicking material.

How cold will it ultimately get in your neck of the woods? I wear my knickers down to about 50-55 or so. Below that, I wear tights.

[OakLeaf]

I prefer knee warmers to knickers, but that's just me. Longer legs tend to tug on the chamois, IME, plus you can take knee warmers off or roll them around your ankles as the day warms up.

[malkin]

I wear knickers until the tights come out. I have warmer ones for spring and fall cool days and lighter weight ones for summer.

Maybe some of the Utah modesty has rubbed off on me.

[jenniferh]

Normal winters in Houston avg in the low 50's and early morning rides will be in the mid 40's. Last winter was the only exception to that and it was much colder.

[azfiddle]

I live in Tucson, and our winter temperatures are probably somewhat similar to yours. I faced the same dilemma last fall. This is a little long and rambling, but here goes.

What was essential for me: wool socks, something on my head to keep my ears warm, a lightweight jacket, a layer for under a jersey and another layer over my shorts.

I don't know how much you want to spend, but I found some creative and inexpensive solutions for colder weather that got me through the winter that made the transition

As an alternative to cycling specific knickers, I found a pair of fitted running capris at a Ross discount store for about $10. I pull them on over my shorts. It often warms up enough by the middle of a ride that I can shed the capris, and my saddle bag is roomy enough to stuff them into if I need to. I've since lost weight and couldn't find another pair at Ross but found some at Penney's on sale for $20. I also got some inexpensive running tights at Ross, but only wore them a couple of times. I'm short, and the cycling tights are mostly too long for me anyway.

I definitely recommend wool socks! I bought shoe covers but have never worn them. I also bought full-fingered gloves but have never used them either.

I love my light weight wind breaker- mine can squish up to fit in a jersey pocket. That was one of the few cycling-specific items I bought, and I have used it often. I also like it because it's high-viz (yellow-green).


I looked seriously at buying a thin wool base layer, but settled for a long-underwear top for a base layer (also found at Ross). I rarely used it except on a couple of really chilly early morning rides.

Another thrift store bargain was a half-length undershirt - I don't know what it is called. it has long sleeves but doesn't cover my whole torso- just my bra. A good base layer would probably work as well or better, but for $3 it was just enough temps in the mid-50's.

I have a one middle-weight long-sleeved jersey, but don't wear it often. I could probably manage just as well with layers. I might use a lightweight long-sleeved jersey more if I had one.


I bought arm warmers, and use them from time to time, with a short sleeved jersey. I haven't tried leg warmers yet.

For keeping my head warm, I have a cashmere beanie (another thrift store find). Or I use a fleece band that covers my ears.

I hope those ideas are helpful...

[malkin]

There is an article in the current issue of Bicycling about dressing for cooler weather.

The funny thing is, that dressing for really cold weather is less ambiguous: Put on everything you can, and you may still be cold.