New to winter riding - what clothes I must have?

[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.