New to winter riding - what clothes I must have?

[ny biker]

More on layering -- I did a ride recently where temps were in the low 40s at the start, with the sun obscured by clouds. I wore a long sleeved wool base layer and then two long sleeved cycling jerseys over it. Then I wore a windbreaker (snug fitting, so it doesn't puff up with air as I ride), with a sleeveless wind vest over that. None of the layers was at all heavy or fleecy or insulated. After 90 minutes or so the sun came out and things warmed up a bit, so I started to remove layers. I ended the ride wearing the wool top and one jersey, plus the vest.

Depending on the conditions, a short-sleeved jersey over a long-sleeved top or a tank top under a long-sleeved top can be comfortable. With layers, you can get double-duty out of clothes that you would normally wear in warmer temps.

You might find that you need an additional bike bag to help carry the layers as you remove them. I bought a small handlebar bag for this purpose.

For hands and feet, make sure your gloves/shoes/socks etc are not too tight. Restricting blood flow will make your extremities colder.

[Crankin]

Try some merino wool. A lot of people say they are allergic to wool , when really, it just makes them itchy. Merino, especially the lighter weight stuff is soft and cuddly.

[velo]

Try some merino wool. A lot of people say they are allergic to wool , when really, it just makes them itchy. Merino, especially the lighter weight stuff is soft and cuddly.

Unfortunately, I have a true allergy to wool, per a skin prick test. This isn't "it's itchy", like a sensitivity, but a real allergy (hives, swelling). It's the lanolin the wool. For those that have a sensitivity or real allergy, there are plenty of synthetic options out there. I personally like to keep everything as natural as possible, but in this case, can't.

[OakLeaf]

For those who do need the synthetics, I'd recommend polypropylene WAY before polyester. Polyester doesn't wick sweat at all, plus it gets pretty staticky.

Velo has a good list, but it's a long one. I think the top two investments for someone starting off and building their wardrobe would be a wind blocking jacket or vest, and a good pair of well-fitting gloves with wind blocking on the back and grippers on the fingers and palms. That last is important ... you really don't want to not be able to hold onto your brake levers when your hands are stiff anyway.

Most other things you can either transfer gear from other sports/walks of life (like warm tights worn over your cycling shorts, base layers on top, a lightweight knit cap or balaclava for under your helmet), or use a low-rent solution until you can afford the real thing (like plastic produce bags between your socks and shoes, which really work amazingly well in place of shoe covers or winter boots).

[shootingstar]

Sure but alot of cycling jerseys are made of some polyester variant, Oak. I see it as polyester variant...after choosing and sewing fabric over the years. I was checking through MEC....alot of the jerseys are polysters. http://www.mec.ca/product/5033-505/c...sey-fz-womens/

No I don't have any merino wool nor polypropylene underwear/layers for any sports --cycling or snowshoeing. I'm fine. (This is to encourage those who should never feel compelled to invest a ton of money to start cycling in winter..)

For cycle-commuting to work and shopping, I don't get elaborate with true cycling clothes underneath in winter. I wear cycling jersey that isn't tight fitting on me and layer on. I don't wear wicking underwear or leggings for all this.

I haven't gone the route of buying/wearing, thin fleecy backed fitted, winter long sleeved cycling jersey. I just don't want an entire jersey with a fleecy backing tight against my entire bare skin. I don't like the sensation of such warmth for fear of overheating. Instead I wear long sleeved summer cycling jersey, and layer on top, a fleecy jacket underneath the outerwear winter jacket.