Coming back here again....plus need help with fall/winter gear

[amyp]

kind of a short re-introduction too: hope this post isn't too unorganized. I got a new bike! a 43cm Terry Tailwind with 650c wheels. Finally something that fits even though they had to make the stem a lot shorter. Also, it's my first time riding clipless...and I'm still trying to get used to them. I had an accident a few weeks ago on a trip where I crashed on a narrow bridge oops due to poor handling skills (i'm not very good yet) ripped my shorts too and ended up having to go to urgent care. Nothing bad, mostly just road rash and they had to use steri-bond for a open gash. I guess I'm not used to my bike yet....it's a bit more responsive than my older bike I guess they call it "twitchy"?

Anyway, it's raining and weather is getting bad again here in the Northwest! Getting ready for the cold wet weather. Got to get geared up.

I will list things I have:
-liner gloves
-burton snowboarding mittens and gloves
-scarves
-Buff
-Pearl Izumi quest short (feels like I'm wearing a diaper all the time. awh)
-Pearl izumi mountain shoes
-two short sleeve jerseys
-plenty of underarmor like long sleeves and long pants from playing lacrosse in high school.
-front and back light of course

Things I think I need to get:
-Waterproof pants. short and long?
-pants for weather below 40F? Or do you look for something that can protect you in even colder temps?
-shoe covers
-glasses. I wear contacts. One time I was commuting my eyes got really dry and it fell out of my left eye. Pretty much left me blind for the rest of the day. I always get dirt in my eyes. I have sunglasses but they are just the cheapy ones so there is still glare when the sun hits it.
-wool or long sleeve jersey
-New rain jacket. I had a Patagonia rain jacket, I don't think I can restore it anymore.

Things I'm kind of "eh" about even though people tell me I should get them:
-knee, arm, leg warmers
-Liner shorts
-knickers
-windbreaker

I should mention I'm not a fan of long pants. They are usually still too long even though they are labeled petite or short, my inseam is about 26" (like when I wear capris they reach my ankles hahaha) and I have really huge calves/thighs but then the waist band is usually really loose.

How do you figure what you want? Are there certain brands you like or stay away from? Do you have a certain criteria? Price is first, then material is second, fit and lastly aesthetics I suppose. Like there are some pants that have chamois and some without how do you decide?

I didn't start wearing bike shorts with chamois until I got the Terry....so I really have no experience. I would always commute in jeans/street clothes or whatever I had. I've only worn the P.I. Quest Shorts and it feels bulky like I'm wearing a diaper. I tried the P.I. Symphony short and I really liked it because the padding wasn't as thick but I didn't buy it because of $_$. Are bibs better than shorts?

When you commute what do you usually carry? My commute is from Portland, OR to Vancouver, WA on most days and to school which is about 8 miles one way.

Ohhhh this is pretty embarrassing: I have never changed a tube in my life. I'm a little afraid of this happening and not knowing what to do. And I don't know anything about bike maintenance :/. Any links for me to check out to help myself doing simple things instead of going to a shop?

Another question is I'm looking to buy bike rollers as well. Any tips? I've been looking at CL a lot. Edit: I've been on rollers before. I got them down the first day I tried. It was a pretty awesome feeling. A friend told me I should get them as well.

Well I think that's all I have to ask for now. I'm sure I have plenty of questions. Hope you can help a girl out!

[pll]

I think there is a lot of experimentation when it comes to settling on winter/cold weather gear, as every person's sensitivity to cold is different, the humidty/wind combo, and how long your rides are. I still have not found the perfect gear for myself, the main issue being my hands. A couple of observations from me:

• Glasses: Glasses with removable lenses are a great investment. I recently bought clear photochromic lenses for mine (they darken with light) and I could not be happier. Why did I not invest in them 5 years ago?
• Shoes: Since you are in the NW, rain may be a persistent issue. Coupled with lower temperatures, a pair of waterproof cycling boots might be in order. [Personally, this is where I am shy at the trigger... I look and look, but cannot decide].
• Shoe covers: for me, they do not work well. In 40 degree weather, I can go for 1.5 hours with shoe covers, but my toes start getting cold. 2 hours or more has resulted in numb feet. Not fun.
• Knee warmers -- I cannot stand them. I prefer a good pair of knickers. My rule for covering my knees during rides (based on a couple of readings) is to cover the knees in any temperature below 65 degrees. There is not much blood flow to the tendons in the knee area, so I prefer to be on safe side and keep my knees warm. My knees never overheat.
• Arm warmers I use every now and then, when the temperatures are in the 50s (Craft short sleeve 'extreme' baselayer, short sleeve jersey, arm warmers, knicker, wool socks). It's nice to be able to remove them during a ride, if needed.
• Pants: when the temperature drops to 40 or below, windproof tights are nice. You can put some nice tights over your cycling shorts. If you have to wear rain pants, the tights can be lighter.
• Underlayers: I love Craft warm and windproof underlayers
• Rain jacket: Showers Pass has some very nice ones.
• Head cover: get a beanie that covers your ears and a balaclava for colder days. Together with happy knees, ears that are not frozen will keep you happier. Re the balaclava, I learned last winter (riding in dry temps between 30 and 40) that the same gear goes a longer way in terms of warmth when you add the balaclava, which covers your neck and chin. No exaggeration: even my toes felt warmer when I used the balaclava.

[mzone]

I recently bought my first pair of cycling capris - wasn't sure I'd like them much but was looking for something in between my shorts and full winter tights. I'm using them quite a bit and don't feel overheated at all. They don't have really thick padding, and based on the length they might work well as full-length tights for you. Check out REI's Novarra Mezzos. It's member coupon time at the moment, so they'd be reasonably priced.

I don't commute when the morning temp is below about 45 because my asthma kicks in with the colder temps. When I do ride in the high 40s to mid 50s, a headband to cover my ears is important. Also some light shoe covers to block the wind from coming through the vents are nice to have, too. I have these LG ones : http://http://www.louisgarneau.com/us-en/product/305541/1083075/Shoe_Covers/T-COVER_SHOE_COVER

[velo]

I have been riding now in 40 - 60 F weather for the past month or so and while I do still kind of get surprised that I haven't dressed optimally, I think I'm getting a pretty good pattern down. Truly, each individual is going to have different levels of comfort and wind and rain will play a large role in that. I don't commute, so I have no need to ride in the cold and wet (ride often when it's raining lightly during the summer as I love those kinds of rides, but if it's below 70 or so, won't ride in the rain). If you are commuting, then that's another condition you'll have to prepare for. These days if it's raining I won't ride and if it's below 40, I won't ride.

For me, some of the very things you say you are "eh" about are my "must haves". I LOVE my leg warmers and hate knickers. I don't have knee warmers and for me, they are unnecessary. I either wear shorts, leg warmers (all the way to the ankle) or shorts (that have a chamois) with unpadded thermal tights over the top (low 40's). I have not had to wear the tights yet. I wear shorts only down to about 50-55F. Then I go to leg warmers in the upper 40's and below 45 or so, shorts with thermal tights (wind-blocking front panels). Below 40, I don't ride... or at least I haven't and don't want to.

For upper body, again, I LOVE arm warmers because I can just remove them without ever even stopping. Just cruise along, pull them off, roll them up and stick in a pocket. Mine are lined, so they are good for temps below 60. Actually, yesterday I rode and it was a little windy and about 57 degrees and I didn't wear any extra gear at all. I was chilly for the first 5 miles, maybe, but at the end of the ride 2 hours later was very glad I had not overdressed. It was very sunny, too, so that makes a difference. Anyway, in the low 50's I like a simple long-sleeved jersey if the temp will stay the same or short-sleeved jersey and arm warmers if the temp may rise (so I can remove the arm warmers). In the low 50's and high 40's I use toe warmers on my shoes with my regular summer socks and toe warmers and thicker socks when in the 40's. Sometimes when it gets cooler, I'll wear wool socks, but probably never ride when it's so cold I use my booties (although I have them).

I have ear warmers (just a band that goes around the head) and a beanie for colder. I don't think I'll be riding when I need a balaclava and I don't have one right now.

I also have a thermal riding jacket, PI brand (I think) that I may wear when the temps are in the 40's - usually on top of a base layer and/or a regular jersey depending on how windy it is. If I'm wearing the thermal riding jacket, it's cold enough that I'm wearing shorts under the thermal tights and toe covers with thick or wool socks. I have a rain jacket, but don't use it for warmth.

I've used my trainer a couple of times already because it's been too windy with cold temps. Wind chill really plays a big role in how and if I ride. I have an older bike pretty much permanently on my trainer during winter months. I will suggest that based on what you said about poor handling skills, your fall, and that you are new to clipless, to forgo the rollers right now in favor of a trainer. I had been riding many, many years when I got my first set of rollers and it took me a very long time to get used to them. That was a while ago and I don't have them anymore and probably won't get them ever again. They are great for learning how to hone your balancing skills, but you need a lot of balancing skill to even begin on them. I would say that they are for fairly advanced riders. A trainer, though, you just hook your rear axle into them, prop up the front wheel to get you level and no balance is required. It's stable and can be a good workout without the need for such concentration. At any rate, I'd advise you to try out the rollers before making the commitment to buy.

Best of luck!! I love cool weather riding! Heading out in about 30 minutes for a nice ride - it's cloudy, about 10mph wind and 48F. I'll wear leg warmers, a base layer, a jersey, arm warmers (yes, over the long-sleeved base layer), toe warmers, ear warmer and full gloves (with my shorties in my pocket, as my hands often overheat).

Realized I did not answer a lot of your questions. Again, it's all very personal. My choice in shorts are actually not determined by price first. Value for cycling shorts really is about wearing them. You will get a lot of mileage out of good shorts that fit well and do the job(the right chamois for your body) and may pay a lot of money for them, but you will waste ANY money on shorts that are uncomfortable and you won't wear. I would pay good money for shorts that fit well and provide the comfort. For me aesthetics do not play into it at all. All cyclists look goofy with the jersey, helmet, shoes, etc. anyway... the shorts aren't going to help or hinder that... unless they're white (a no-no). Bibs vs. shorts is again, personal preference. I know men with the "spare tire" prefer bibs because shorts roll down on them.

For a good know-it-all about bikes, in general, check out Sheldon Brown's website. Nothing beats hands-on, though. You can google you tube videos about changing a tube and general maintenance. You don't actually have to have a flat to "change" a tube out - change a tube anyway. Also, see if your LBS does maintenance classes over the winter.

Again, good luck and happy cold weather riding!!

[Melalvai]

It is a lot about individual preference and local climate. Also about what type of riding you are doing, how far & how fast, commuting vs training.

I'm a commuter and it is a short relatively flat commute so I don't have to worry as much about sweating. If possible I try to get by in normal clothes, at most I bring a clean shirt to change into. So I don't have to have a lot of specialized bike clothes.

If I did a lot of longer rides in inclement weather I'd look into things like arm warmers, maybe.

For cold weather I do have some specialized stuff. A merino wool undershirt. A windbreaker. (I like it mainly because it is thin, it is shaped right, and it provides me an extra layer but I can still get the outer layer on over it.) And a rain jacket. I splurged on the rain jacket & rain pants. I use them more for cold weather than for actual rain. They are Goretex (from Terry), and they block the wind & cold while allowing the body heat out--I still get sweaty in them, but not as sweaty as fast as in a cheap plastic raincoat.

My rain pants go over my slacks or jeans, whatever I'm wearing that day. If it's too warm for the rain pants, I prefer to bring a change of clothes in a plastic bag, rather than go to the effort of trying to stay dry. When it's cold it's worth it to stay dry, cold rain is so uncomfortable.

There are a lot of other threads about weather & gear you might look at, use the "search" feature.

As far as changing a tube, that's an important skill but a more important skill is cleaning your chain. Search for relevant threads here, and/or look for youtube videos. But what I'd really recommend is go to your bike shop and see if someone will show you how to do those things. Some bike shops offer classes.

[Crankin]

I have all of the things you mention, because there is a purpose for each at different temperatures. And, it takes a lot of experimentation to find out what works for you. Arm warmers, knee warmers, and leg warmers are cheaper than other stuff, and also come in all kinds of "thickness" and materials. I cover my knees below 65. Like you, I'm short, so knee warmers work for me as almost leg warmers. But, they are light weight. I also have one pair of knickers; regular road cycling knickers. I guess I wear the knee warmers and knickers when it's below 65, down to about 50-52, depending on cloudiness and wind. Below that (and sometimes above, given other factors noted), my rear gets cold and I wear medium weight thermal tights over my cycling shorts.I also have a heavier pair. I have sleeveless, short sleeved, and long sleeved base layers, long sleeved regular, light thermal, heavy thermal, and wool jerseys. My top heats up pretty quickly, so I like to have many options for all weather. I have a wind jacket you can wear over anything, a winter jacket for really cold temps, and a Showers Pass rain jacket. I don't purposely ride in rain, but I mostly have it for touring. For my head, I have some really light beanies, a couple of buffs, and one thermal one and one really heavy thermal one. Two balaclavas. I mostly wear wool socks all year round, so I have a lot of those, as well as toe covers, booties, and 3 kinds of long fingered gloves.
This sounds like a lot, but I've accumulated it over the years and I've also extended my riding season to pretty much until there's snow on the roads, or the roads are just too crappy with salt, etc to ride. Also, when I first started riding in the cold, I used a lot of my x country ski stuff for my mid layer and I already had the base layers. Some years I don't ride at all in January or February, but most years I get in a couple of rides, in between the x country skiing.

[lph]

Heya amyp!

I commute year round, and have gotten pretty proficient at dressing for rides of up to an hour and a half at temps down to about 8 deg F. Since I don't know how far or how often you intend to ride I'll spare you the nitty-gritty details, but send me a pm if you want them

I have a few general tips about cold weather riding though:

Cold weather is easier to dress for than wet cold weather. Windchill is the biggie, so think about covering all exposed skin with a thin layer and protecting your front from the wind before you double up on layers, ie. adding thin windproof gloves and a balaclava will probably keep you warmer than adding a puffy jacket. Feet, hands and face are hardest to keep warm.

Feet: Roomy shoes, wool socks, wool insoles, shoe covers will help. My thin Goretex shoe covers are actually warmer than my snug and thick neoprene covers, the latter make my feet damp. My shoes are a bit too snug for winter socks so I go to winter boots just below freezing. Make sure nothing is too constricting around your ankles or your feet will get colder.

Hands: you have to experiment. Thick gloves may keep your hands warm but making shifting a bit hard, and if they're so thick that your hands get sweaty you'll be cold on descents anyway. Thin windproof work best for me. Ditto, nothing constricting around your wrists.

Face: I find a thin wool helmet cap plus a Buff or a wool Buff easier to adjust on the road than a balaclava, but once it's cold enough I break out the balaclava too.

Wet riding: it's hard to stay dry, either you get wet from the inside or the outside. Personally I don't wear waterproof gear unless it's pouring, and then I try to avoid riding. Otherwise I dress as if it were a few degrees colder, in wool, and ride fast.

[shootingstar]

I'm not clear about wearing arm warmers and leg warmers in the winter...I would not think of wearing these at all in the winter on the northwest coast. This is winter, not fall. When I lived in Vancouver for over 8 yrs., in winter it was better to wear long tights underneath windpants that had some water repellancy. I would wear long sleeved jersey, a fleecy under a medium weight Gortex jacket that I wore for light snowshoeing or winter hiking. Or if was just colder than freezin' by a few degrees, a thicker waterproof cycling jacket with a heavier fleecy underneath.

[amyp]

I'm mostly worried about rain gear right now. I got caught in the rain today. My legs were soaked and my feet feel soggy haha. I carried a plastic bag with me and turned it into a poncho.

[amyp]

Maybe I'm also being a little baby but why is all bike gear ninja black or briiiiight yellow/orange? Is there any other variety?