fall/winter cycle clothing

[Hartmame]

These are great ideas! Thanks!! I found that in the low 50s upper 40s I mostly need wind stoppage and have been having luck with Target yoga shirt and a long sleeve T then my wind breaker as long as I have my gloves on I stay warm. I splurged on a wind proof glove from the LBS. They are Specialized I believe. I wore my bike shorts with lined windbreaker material pants and my regular socks and bike shoes. My feet were cold! I think I'll layer over the current layers a thin fleece and see if that works. Oh and I'll have to check out TJ Maxx for more or other options on the lower half. Thanks again!
How much better are wool socks for keeping your feet warm?

[gocard]

Thanks for starting this thread! I am also looking for tips on dressing warmer for the winter rides - here it doesn't get too cold without snow, but it's the wind that will get to me. I would like to continue with the cycling shorts I have now, get some knee/shin warmers and wear a pair of athletic pants over them. Do you think that will give an adequate first line of defense against the wind or would a pair of tights over the shorts be a better investment? Time to shop...

[Catrin]

Thanks for starting this thread! I am also looking for tips on dressing warmer for the winter rides - here it doesn't get too cold without snow, but it's the wind that will get to me. I would like to continue with the cycling shorts I have now, get some knee/shin warmers and wear a pair of athletic pants over them. Do you think that will give an adequate first line of defense against the wind or would a pair of tights over the shorts be a better investment? Time to shop...

A pair of windblocking tights such as PI Amfibs would be a good investment. They aren't too tight across the knees as some tights are, and the wind-blocking fabric, especially over your knees, works nicely. I have the version without chamois and typically just wear them over a thin chamois liner or, if it is really cold, a pair of regular shorts. They also come with a chamois (I think) which would prevent the need for another layer but then it makes it harder to use them for something like hiking (under jeans)... This is much better than regular warmers, at least for me it is.

[gocard]

A pair of windblocking tights such as PI Amfibs would be a good investment. They aren't too tight across the knees as some tights are, and the wind-blocking fabric, especially over your knees, works nicely. I have the version without chamois and typically just wear them over a thin chamois liner or, if it is really cold, a pair of regular shorts. They also come with a chamois (I think) which would prevent the need for another layer but then it makes it harder to use them for something like hiking (under jeans)... This is much better than regular warmers, at least for me it is.

Thanks Catrin. I just got myself a pair of Gore tights without the chamois. It was a nice closeout deal and was in my size - perfect! Like you mentioned, I figured it would be equally useful in other outdoor activities during the winter. I should be all set to start experimenting with layers for the winter season.

[tealtreak]

These are great ideas! Thanks!! I found that in the low 50s upper 40s I mostly need wind stoppage and have been having luck with Target yoga shirt and a long sleeve T then my wind breaker as long as I have my gloves on I stay warm. I splurged on a wind proof glove from the LBS. They are Specialized I believe. I wore my bike shorts with lined windbreaker material pants and my regular socks and bike shoes. My feet were cold! I think I'll layer over the current layers a thin fleece and see if that works. Oh and I'll have to check out TJ Maxx for more or other options on the lower half. Thanks again!
How much better are wool socks for keeping your feet warm?

wool is WAY better and retains insulating properties even when damp (from sweat or rain or snow...) Sample size of the scouts I backpacked with over 12 years- the kids with wool socks never had cold feet......there is a winter camping mantra "cotton kills". Some of the new synthetic blends are well loved by some folks, but I have camped in 0 degrees with warm feet and swear by my wool. TJ Maxx sometimes has 100% wool socks (not many!) at the start of winter.....

I switch to wool socks for biking at about 40 degrees.....

[Owlie]

wool is WAY better and retains insulating properties even when damp (from sweat or rain or snow...) Sample size of the scouts I backpacked with over 12 years- the kids with wool socks never had cold feet......there is a winter camping mantra "cotton kills". Some of the new synthetic blends are well loved by some folks, but I have camped in 0 degrees with warm feet and swear by my wool. TJ Maxx sometimes has 100% wool socks (not many!) at the start of winter.....

I switch to wool socks for biking at about 40 degrees.....

Me too. Wool layers and socks are the best investment I've ever made. (It helps that they get worn off the bike quite frequently too.)

[happyscientist]

Add me to the fans of wool. I am amazed that what I thought was an out-of-date fabric works better than any synthetic at the temps you are talking about. Definitely get some wool socks. I went riding with a group today in 40F temps, and I was the only one who didn't have to quit riding because my toes were cold. My winter running clothes also do double duty (skull cap, baselayer, etc).

[Owlie]

An earband or cap under your helmet helps too. Only place on me that I'll pick synthetic fleece over wool. (It makes my forehead itch.)

[Catrin]

As the temps gets closer to the 30's, a balaclava is necessary (at least for me). The wind on the face/nose gets pretty cold and fast! I've a smartwool version that I like, my earband and skull cap are both synthetic (Gore) and work fine. It takes time to collect winter riding gear - it took me two seasons to collect what I do have but am set. Now as long as I don't "under-grow" my tights and shorts I will be happy

[zoom-zoom]

I LOVE merino wool at ALL temps! I run in Smartwool or Point 6 socks. On the bike it's Smartwool or Darn Tough or Icebreaker. LOVE! I love my wool Buff and wool jersey, too. Though I am not totally sold on the 2 Smartwool baselayer tops I have. They don't wick particularly well. I sweat a LOT, so it's probably more me than the wool.

[goldfinch]

As the temps gets closer to the 30's, a balaclava is necessary (at least for me). The wind on the face/nose gets pretty cold and fast! I've a smartwool version that I like, my earband and skull cap are both synthetic (Gore) and work fine. It takes time to collect winter riding gear - it took me two seasons to collect what I do have but am set. Now as long as I don't "under-grow" my tights and shorts I will be happy

I have a wool buff that I am finding I like better than my balaclava. It is very adjustable so if I want my nose covered I can and if I dont it is easy to pull down. Plus, I like the extra wool around my neck.

[FlyingScot]

I ordered the "Cold Killer" pants from Title 9. Windproof on the front, stretchy on the back. Thought I'd give them a try. I still can't seem to get the proper mix. I'm sweating buckets on top and my feet absolutely freeze. I've tried wool socks, poly socks, plastic baggies. Next up is booties (thought about just toe warmers but figured I migh as well go all the way). I alo orderd a nano-puff pullover that is supposed to be windproof AND breathable. I've been using a cheapo rain jacket (looks like it's made of plasticized paper) that absolutely does not breath but does a bang-up job of stopping the wind. The toe-cicles are a deal killer though. I may not be able to ride in much below 45 degree weather if I can't get that under control.

[Catrin]

I get cold feet earlier than others seem to. I wear thin wool socks, and toe covers on my shoes until about the low-mid 40's. After that my PI Barrier shoe covers come out and cover everything - I leave the toe covers on. If it is windy then my shoe covers come out closer to 45 than 40 degrees.

Good luck in finding out what works for you, it is different from person to person. This is what works for me.

[Sky King]

okay cold feet - this can get pricey if you do it everyday but we use Toe warmers by grabber, we buy them in bulk. You can tuck into your shoe or place on the top of you foot - just depends on your preference. In addition, our shop floor is concrete so we both have put them in our shoes for all day wear.

[Crankin]

I use chemical toe warmers, too. Not all of the time, but if it's less than 40, even with my wool socks and winter shoes or regular shoes/booties, I like having my toes toasty. It just feels pleasant. We also buy them in bulk, since we use them for x country skiing and snow shoeing.