fall/winter cycle clothing

[Hartmame]

I was busy all spring and summer riding 80-100 miles a week. I even did a couple bicycle trips then I had an accident. I was off my bike for about a month during that time the seasons changed. I'm not sure about dressing for the cold rainy fall and even less sure about how to dress for the winter. I basically don't want to drop a lot of money into cold weather gear because I don't have the money and I'm not sure I'll stick with riding when it gets too challenging with the weather. My question is what should I buy to keep me riding at least into November. I'm guessing that In November there will be high temps in the low to mid 40s F.

[Owlie]

Winter riding is about layering. There is some trial and error involved, as you need to figure out what works for your riding style, your area, and your individual comfort level.

Here's what's in my closet:
Long-sleeve jerseys of a couple weights (normal long-sleeve, heavy weight, thermal)
Smartwool baselayers (long-sleeve and sleeveless; these things were the best investment I've ever made in bike gear)
Leg and arm warmers
Thermal tights (I like Sugoi Midzero Zaps--they're actually running tights, so no chamois, but that means I don't have to wash them after every ride.)
Gloves (mine are PI Cyclone; they're more a fall glove, but I'd get more use out of them if I used them with a liner.)
Good socks
A jacket
I really should get a set of toe covers or booties too.

[Becky]

If you're riding in cold weather and on a budget, layers are the way to go. Plenty of other fitness tops, jackets, etc. will work just fine for cycling. A lot of my hiking and skiing stuff gets pressed into service. I do like Owlie does and use unpadded tights with shorts or bibs underneath, so I can ride multiple days without needing multiple pairs of tights.

If you decide that you're into cold weather riding or you're really cold-blooded, a dedicated winter cycling jacket makes sense. It's so much easier to get dressed, and I feel less like the Stay-Puft Marshmallow man. (BTW, I have a nice winter jacket for sale in the "For Sale" forum!) Same thing with winter cycling boots- they just make the whole process easier.

[Sky King]

I just bought a pair of fleece lined leggings at TJ Max that I totally plan to wear over my bike shorts this fall.
Yesterday It was 50 degrees, I had on shorts, tights then my duck cotton knickers that end just below the knee. Wool socks, thin t-shirt under my wool long sleeve jersey, rain/wind jacket. thin headband and long fingered gloves. So totally a mix of biking and "non biking" attire. Of course, I could care less about how I look as long as I am comfortable

[tealtreak]

ditto on the TJ Maxx and who cares if you are wearing actual biking clothes Layers are best and there is also the individual preference for cold/hot.....I would rather freeze than be dripping with sweat (:

[goldfinch]

Today it was in the mid 30s with light snow. I rode 10 miles wearing:

PI elite tights. These have no chamois and I didn't bother with shorts for such a short ride. They are wind blocking in the front.
Wool knee socks.
Gore base layer with a wind blocking front (I debated wool but was glad I went with the wind block since I wore no jacket)
Some no name company thick top layer, all synthetic
Thin wool hat under my Bern helmet
Wool buff, pulled up my neck and covering my nose and mouth until I warmed up
Ski gloves

Worked out well. As usual, my eyes dripped but it was warm enough that they quit dripping after a bit. The buff was a nice addition. The ski gloves have to go but I don't anticipate many cold weather rides. Ditching the jacket made me sweat a lot less, or the sweat dissipated better.

I still hate the cold and can't wait to go south, which is going to be later this year than usual.