layering---Winter biking in cold climates
I know this is a late posting to the subject, but I do a *lot* of winter riding in Chicago. I'm pregnant and large, so finding winter-savvy clothing hasn't been easy this year. For me, the most effective technique is to layer. I have a couple of pair of the Terry winter tights which I wear with nothing else until the temps are below freezing. Between 20° and 32°, I add a pair of cheapy nylon 'wind' pants from Target. If the temps drop below this or there are strong winds (creating tough windchill), I add a layer of lycra leg warmers with a fleecy liner on the inside. These go over the tights and under the wind pants. I find that my weak point is my knees. If they get cold I'm miserable, hence the leg warmers. So far, this has been all that I need to stay warm in even the worst, snowiest, blowiest conditions.
For tops, I usually wear a bike jersey or sport tee shirt with a fleece hoodie over that (try to avoid cotton due to it's clammy coldness when damp). I've found that nursing sweatshirts are awesome since they have an extra layer of fabric in the front--perfect for biking. The next layer is an LL Bean waterproof windbreaker. This is made of Goretex but has some stretch through the shoulders for a more comfortable fit. There is no lining on it since I usually get pretty warm after about 5 minutes of pedaling. It does have a hood that I use when it rains or when it's really cold. I also ride with windproof (but unlined) gloves.
For really brutal cold, I add another *very* thin Goretex type windbreaker over the first, I add earmuffs (the kind that go around your neck, not over your head) or earpops. Never wear earrings, btw! They conduct the cold right to your core. I do have a neck gaiter/balaclava thingie that I've used a couple of times when the wind has kicked up during a ride.
I know Chicago riders who use lobster claw gloves, but I've never needed these to keep my hands warm. Lots of times I strip the gloves off altogether because I'm getting too hot.
The only exception to the above layering system is when I'm doing Critical Mass rides. Since they tend to be at night, and at a slow pace, I find that I can get chilled. In this case, I just wear my regular winter parka.
Hope this helps--
Jane <----who had to deal with another 1/2 inch of snow today...
Hey, if *I* can ride my bike every day in Chicago (rain, shine, winter, summer), dragging 100 lbs of kids in a bike trailer, then ANYONE can!!!!