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

[jenniferh]

I live in Texas and until this past week, it has been in the 100 degree range. I own 1 sleeveless jersey and a pair of Terry shorts and Keen commuter sandals. They served me well until this cold front and now I need to start preparing for colder weather. What do I need first?

I'm guessing knickers will be fine until Dec-ish here in TX. Shoudl I get a long-sleeve jersey, shortsleeve jersey with arm warmers? Base layers? I feel so clueless!

I also just got some Sidi Dominators so at least my feet will be warm, but I'm wondering if I'll want toe covers to keep the chill out.

Help!

[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.

[pll]

i did a ride in 50 degree weather, windy (13 mph with 20 mph gusts). Gear missed: full fingered gloves. I tried liner gloves under my regular "fingerless" gloves, but I felt my grip was not good enough to hold safely to the water bottle...

Other than, the knee warmers worked just fine, as did wool socks. I had toe covers as a precaution (I prefer them over shoe covers) and did not regret it. As far as tops: jacket over a long sleeve technical tee (same I use for running), and an undershirt. I count the sports bra as a layer, too

[loopybunny]

I'd start with some socks, arm warmers, knee warmers, and a short sleeve jersey.

I have a light weight windbreaker I also wear that zips up around the neck if it's cold. However, it's not a proper cycling jacket so it doesn't breathe like the expensive ones do. I just wear a cami under my jersey that keeps my core warm.

A lot of people wear knickers or long tights, but I like that the knee warmers and arm warmers can come off and be put into my jersey pocket if it gets warm. My arm warmers and knee warmers are Hincapie Arenburg. They don't fall down like my Pearl Izumi ones did. I don't pull the knee warmers up really high (about an inch or two past my shorts) and they're long enough they go below my calves, nearly to my ankles. I end up with only a few inches of exposed leg.

My hands tend to get cold... really cold. I have a pair of PI long fingered gloves (Cyclone, I think) that I absolutely love.

It's all going to depend on how cold it is and how your deal with the cold weather. I've seen people out in upper 60's - low 70's wearing tights and jackets. Yikes... too warm!

[jenniferh]

Such helpful suggestions. When I exercise when it is cold, my legs don't really feel the cold so I love the suggestions of running capris over my cycling shorts or knee warmers.

I sounds like my first purchases should be a short-sleeve jersey, a pair of wool socks and ear warmers. I know from experience that nothing bothers me more than cold ears. Then I'll start the hunt for a light windbreaker that folds up small.

I'm really hoping we are back to a normal winter here in Houston. Last year we had a freeze in April! That never happends. Heck, we've had winters where it never freezes at all.

[warneral]

I tried on this jacket at REI and I want it. But I'm holding out for a sale and some funds

It would be nice for the weather you speak of. Which is weather I"m experiencing right now in WI!

http://www.rei.com/product/801491

[Bike Writer]

I rode in 50 degree temps today with cold blustery north winds. I like my turtleneck silk long underware, it's great for wicking and is so lightweight you don't even know you have it on. I used to use it when I downhill skied, but that was before the knee surgery. I only wore the top today, not the bottoms as I had capris on. I wear socks and my legs don't get as cold as the rest of me. You can find all different weight silk underware here; http://www.wintersilks.com/longunder...1~&sc=AF0SEMGL

My ears tend to get cold too and I used a NeilPryde neoprene headband that was left over from my waterskiing days, it's so thin and so warm it kept me toasty, you can find it here; http://www.shopwiki.com/_NEIL+PRYDE+...50&o=350610435

I had little lightweight gloves and wore a hoodie over the silk long underware, I was just fine.

[OakLeaf]

I need FF gloves pretty much any time it's below 65°F.

[warneral]

Bike Writer, my boss's wife is a designer for winter silks. THey have a store in my town. I will have to check their store for a base layer.