To compliment the "winter clothing guide" sticky I thought it would be good to build a "database" thread that simply says, I wore X today at Y temperature. It might also be good to note sky and wind conditions as well as duration of ride.
This would be a very handy reference for beginners as well as veterans. Please keep your replies strictly to the requested information. Simply reply with what you wore, and what the conditions were. DO NOT insert other rhetoric about your ride today, or your new tires, or lights or any of that jazz. This is simply what you wore in what conditions.
Defeet midweight Merino Wool socks, Heavy pair of wool socks from Walmart.
For shoes I wore a pair of size 12 Wolverine, Thinsulate hiking boots. (I normally wear a size 11. Bigger sizes allow for warmer feet.)
Hands
LIghtweight fleece gloves from Target, Heavy weight Thinsulate convertible mittens from Walmart.
Conditions
22 F, North wind 10 mph. Started out in the dark. After sunrise sky was clear. Rode 1 hour 32 minutes. (20 miles)
Notes:
Removed vest 3 miles into ride. Too hot.
Ritehsedad
11-16-05, 04:55 PM
Head: Balaclave & jacket hood.
Torso: Long sheeve polyester shirt, Starter short sleeve polyester shirt, sweatshirt, Target windbreaker
Legs: polypro longjohns & rain pants & MY biking shorts (actually swim trunks from Target - works great for my commute. No, not a speedo.)
Feet: Wool socks, hiking boots, rubber booties
Hands: thin base liner (material unkn.), polypro liner, leather gloves
Conditions: 35 F, winds unkn, dark & misty. Commute to work, 8 miles.
On the way home I wore the long sleeve shirt, wind breaker & shorts (no, I said its not a speedo!). Ditched the leather gloves (forgot my regular full finger biking gloves so I wore the two liners), socks & shoes.
57 F & dark.
By the way, I find a big difference between using my fleece (turtle fur) balaclava with and without the hood of the windbreaker.
Gore windstopper gloves and medium weight surgical gloves. (Never again!)
Bout froze my fingers off! Went right down to REI and bought a pair of PI Lobster Gloves!
Conditions
11 degrees (F) (( thats -11.66 (C) )), wind 5 mph. Dark and Clear. Bright Moon! Rode 45minutes. (10 miles)
Notes:
Rode some of the way no hands, tried to put hands under pits for warmth. (didn't work)
fingers were burning from COLD!
Ride home tonight will be much better! Should be about 20 degrees (F) NEW GLOVES!
Rest of body was very comfortable.
72 F, wind negligable. Started out at 9am for the waffle house 3.99 ham and eggs. Rode >1 mile, food was hot and I had a cup of coffee.
Notes:
Hey wait a minute what forum is this?
shaq-d
11-17-05, 02:01 AM
conditions first:
Conditions
32-36F, 0-3C. 10km fast commute
Head:
helmet, light balaclava
Torso
long sleeved winter jersey, thin windproof vest, thin windproof/waterproof shell
Legs
roubaix bib tights (bib tights are a necessity; pants and normal tights fall off my ass!)
Feet.
wool blend work socks, cycling shoes, and neoprene booties
Hands
high quality ski gloves
CBBaron
11-17-05, 08:14 AM
Conditions 22F windy and dry
I wore
head: wool cap and helmet
hands: WindPro gloves
torso: coolmax long sleeve tshirt and LandsEnd softshell jacket
legs: Triflex tights
feet: Lake MX101 MTB shoes, water proof socks over wool socks (I also put duct tape over the toes of the shoes)
Everything was warm expect the feet. I need to wear my road shoes and booties below 30, however I thought it was only going to be 28F when I left the house and not 22F.
Craig
DataJunkie
11-17-05, 09:51 AM
Conditions:
20F-25F Temps and wind vary greatly during my 35 miles.
Duration:
2.75 hrs. I'm coming off a cold and took a significantly longer time.
Head
Started with a midweight performance Balaclava. Replaced with a novara skull cap 1 hr into the commute
Torso
Nike pro fit base layer
Mid weight sweater
Old nike windbreaker. New jacket is on order
Hands
Started with cheap pair of ski gloves.
Changed to Novaro thin full fingered gloves
Lower half
Performance elite cycling shorts.
Midweight tights of a brand I can not remember
Nike jogging pants
Feet
Tennis shoes. Clipless is a future upgrade.
Wool socks.
Machka
11-17-05, 11:27 PM
Today I wore:
Conditions
10C/50F, South wind light. Started out in day, but the sun started to set, and it got cooler. Rode 1 hour. (20 kms)
Morning: cold toes after ~40 minutes. I have a cold.
Night: Warm toes, cold butt after ~40 minutes.
Bekologist
11-18-05, 10:31 PM
okay, i'll toss in.
conditions:
black ice warning in the morning, so I waited till later until 41f foggy with a little sun in the afternoon up to maybe 43-45. Out for a 3 hour ride on a big urban loop.
Head - windstopper N2S skullcap, helmet
torso- wool short sleeve full zip jersey over a wool long sleeve t-shirt. Dryskin jacket on top for the first 20 minutes, then ditched it to the saddlebag.
legs- Calvin Klein wicking boxer briefs, cropped Dryskin knickers
feet- smartwool ankle socks, summer mountain shoes, Pearl Izumi tosies for the first 20 minutes then off to the bag
hands- unlined cowhide work gloves, well oiled
notes: Stupid! I only wore 2 thin wool layers yesterday, didn't really need the jacket but it's always cold right when you leave the house
comments: Mountain Hardware windstopper next2skin beanie best helmet liner, guaranteed. Love these so much for every outdoor activity (used one for the last 4-5 years I guess..) I bought 2 extra for a total of three in case they stop making them
Rich vSB
11-18-05, 11:01 PM
Conditions: 28F with a slight breeze, 12 mile commute
Head: Underarmor skull cap, Swix earmuffs, Helmet
Torso: Smartwool lightweight long sleeve crew, Burley Rock Point Jacket
Legs: Pearl Izumi Microsensor 3D Shorts, Sporthill XC pants
Feet: Smartwool socks, Sealskinz waterproof socks, Lake Sandals
Hands: EMS Schoeller WB400 gloves
Very comfy ride.
Portis
11-19-05, 08:54 AM
Today I wore:
Torso
Pearl Izumi Zephyr jacket, with unlined vest and Performance Winter Cycling jersey underneath.
Cannondale cycling shorts, AMPK2 Winter Cycling tights. These are very lightweight, barely can be considered "winter."
Feet.
Wicking midweight socks, Heavy pair of wool socks from Walmart.
For shoes I wore Shimano High Top Mountain shoes w/ Egg beater cleats.
Hands
LIghtweight fleece gloves from Target, Heavy weight Thinsulate convertible mittens from Walmart.
Conditions
30 F, Calm Wind. Started out in the dark. After sunrise sky was clear. Rode 1 hour 42 minutes. (21 miles)
Notes:
This is the worst temp for me- right around freezing. This temp is right in between on my tights. Almost too cold for the AM- tights and almost too warm for the Powershield tights. Legs were cool through most of the ride but not uncomfortable.
This is the bottom of the scale for this shoe/foot combo. Almost too cold. I switch to hiking boots when only 5 degrees colder.
Bekologist
11-22-05, 10:14 PM
conditions today
40 degrees, foggy to sun, rode mostly in shade. Rode from noon to 5:30.
Head: N2S windstopper beanie, helmet.
Torso: Wool SS jersey, thin capilene longsleeve top, Schoeller dryskin softshell. Also a blaze orange Filson surveyor's vest.
Legs plain wool tights, padded under briefs.
Hands/feet leather work gloves/ midweight smartwool socks, summer mtn shoes, PI toesies
Notes: Wool works! Felt dry the entire ride and wore jersey/tights for an hour or more after getting home, no need to change out of the woolies. Also, continue to recommend a windstopper skullcap for under the helmet, NOT most of the hats sold at subperformance.
KrisPistofferson
11-23-05, 12:08 AM
Torso-I wear an average, uninsulated red windbreaker I got for 8 bucks over my work uniform, a SS shirt.
Legs-long pants, tighty whities.
Feet-wool socks, steel toe boots.
Hands-Mittens, my hands are the only part of me that ever gets cold in the winter, so I usually carry them from fall to spring.
Head-Usually nothing, but I have a balaclava for when it gets sub-20 degrees.
I generally don't get cold on my bike, (and I commute every day,) partly because I've always tolerated it well, and partly because this is the South.
PaulH
11-23-05, 06:18 AM
conditions today
31 F / 0 C
Head: LL Bean hooded overcoat beneath helmet.
Torso: LL Bean hooded overcoat, Brooks Brothers blazer, short sleeved dress shirt, Armani tie
Legs: Tan slacks.
Hands/feet Grandoe ski gloves, no liner; Rockport loafers, blue socks
Notes: Unbuttoned the coat for last few miles. Cold enough that Totes might have been a good idea.
Paul
Bekologist
11-23-05, 03:59 PM
Today: low 40's, town riding.
100% Filson clothing top to bottom, all layers, including filson shoes, hat, and gloves. Cotton pants. wool undershirt. Blaze orange Filson surveyor's vest. also wore helmet.
Notes: Comfy!
geraldatwork
11-23-05, 04:35 PM
Temperature 29 F 10 mile ride.
Feet-Wool socks
Legs=Old poly/wool tights (25 years) with a cut off long john underwear into shorts.
Body-Nike (UnderArmor type) T-shirt,Duofold poly-wool long sleeve shirt, Cotton turtle neck shirt. Old (also 25 years) Acrylic/wool jacket with wind protection on front of sleeves and chest.
Head-Baclaclavla and helmet.
Dewbert
11-24-05, 06:27 PM
Temp 36 F with gusty wind up to 30MPH. 20 mile post-Thanksgiving dinner ride.
Torso/Arms: T-shirt, long john shirt, windproof shell
Head: med wt balaclava with windproof shell hood up
Legs: seat pants under nylon running pants
Hands: Hunter's orange thinsulate-lines heavy hunting gloves
Feet: think nylon sock with wool socks and tennis shoes
All of my body stayed toasty except my toes. They were stiff and numb when I got home. I have to figure out a better way to protect my feet. Can anyone recommend a thin sock that's warm and blocks the wind?
Dewbert
11-24-05, 06:28 PM
Today: low 40's, town riding.
100% Filson clothing top to bottom, all layers, including filson shoes, hat, and gloves. Cotton pants. wool undershirt. Blaze orange Filson surveyor's vest. also wore helmet.
Notes: Comfy!
Aw, man. I LOVE Filson stuff! Good recommendation!
Silverexpress
11-24-05, 06:58 PM
Conditions: 19 F; Winds 15-25 mph from the SW; Windchill 0-5 F; Roads packed with 1" snow and ice.
Head: Gortex Helmet cover; Neoprene headband; Scott Ski Goggles; Fleece lined nose cover (don't know what you call it)
Feet: Cotton Tube Socks; Merrell Chameleon II XCR Gortex Shoes
Goal: This is my weekend morning commute to Einstein Bagels.
Summary: Hands froze. LG's are inadequate for sub freezing weather. Couldn't find my winter gloves. Shoes are new..worked out great. Slight chill in the beginning, but once I got going I was able to generate enough heat to produce a little of a sweat.
This is a fun challenge!
Going out again tomorrow to get some studded tires. Wife thinks I'm krazy.
Boudicca
11-24-05, 09:44 PM
Head: Nothing. Left the helmet in Toronto
Upper body: Cotton t-shirt
Lower body: Shorts
Feet: Socks, trainers
Conditions: Low 70s, gentle breeze, not a cloud in the sky.
Visiting Louisiana. They call this winter?
sers
11-24-05, 11:01 PM
Conditions: 24F cloudy. 21-28MPH winds from the west.
Head: EMS Schoeller Alterra Beanie
Torso: cotton T under wool sweater under EMS Gunk Softshell (Schoeller WB-400)
Hands: EMS Gore Windstopper fleece gloves
Legs: Khakis
Feet: poly-blend socks and limited edition Vans Slayer old schools.
Goal: Get home from work, after working 16 hours. 3 miles of varying degrees of uphill.
Summary. Had to fight the wind, first from my left and then head on. My earlobes got a little cold since my beanie was rising up. I kicked the wind's ass despite running a fixed gear at 46x16. My face, earlobes and toes were a little chilly when I arrived home, but I was warm and dry otherwise. A small victory I will not soon forget.
vrkelley
11-25-05, 09:56 AM
Thanksgiving: 39F Quick 2 laps - 30mph decents, 8-12mph climbs on 12% grade. Test run on Gaerne winter boot
Summary: Core was perfect even on the climbs. But no liner in new Gaerne...left foot got cold on the first descent. Turned around after 2mi for Pablano shoes. Palanos were warmer in the feet and colder on the ankle.
Conclusion: vrkelley. This is your mother speaking....GET A HAT ON YOU DUMB KID!
Thermal underwear (top and bottom) and wool socks
Jeans, a long-sleve shirt and some worn-out sneakers
Waterproof breathable jacket, balaclava, clear double-lens goggles, helmet with waterproof cover, and heavy mittens.
I enjoyed a trip to the local laundrymat (3 - 4 miles). Did some laundry. Freaked out a few people (They couldn't believe I was riding a bike in the snow). Then went home.
I could have worn my waterproof pants but it was too cold for the snow to melt. I just brushed it off at the end of a ride.
The thermals seem to make the difference.
Gojohnnygo.
11-26-05, 09:21 AM
Today I wore
1. Cycling shorts under nylon wind pants.
2. 1 wicking style long sleeve shirt with a Gore-Tex shell
3. MTB shoes/MTB with wool socks. (Not cold enough yet for flat pedals, but close)
4. Helmet, face mask and goggles.
5. MSR insulated/wind resistant gloves.
Conditions 7 degrees F with little wind. At 3:00am 11/26/05. 23 mile round trip with one stop.
Morning: about 23 degrees with winds WNW 12 mi/hr, rode about an hour, toes slightly cold upon arrival.
Night: About 36 degrees with winds WNW about 6 mi/hr, rode about an hour, toes slightly cold upon arrival.
Other than toes, absolutely no problems with cold. Usually, I'm sweating by the time I arrive.
Portis
11-27-05, 12:27 PM
Today I wore:
Head:
Helmet
Torso
Performance Winter Cycling Jersey, Lightweight unlined vest
Legs
Nashbar Epic Cycling shorts, Leg Warmers
Feet.
Defeet midweight Merino Wool socks, Shimano High Top MTB shoes.
Hands
Long fingered cycling gloves.
Conditions
53 F. South Wind 25 mph and gusting.
Notes:
Gojohnnygo.
11-27-05, 01:07 PM
.Today I wore:
Big mistake today
Head:
Lava Wool head and face mask
Helmet
Marker ski helmet (that was the mistake)
Torso
Solcace wicking shirt with Gor-tex shell
Legs
Bike shorts with nylon wind pants
Feet.
MTB shoes/MTB with wool socks.
Hands
MSR insulated/wind resistant gloves.
Conditions
On the way in 10 degrees F with a head wind out of the south about 12mph. On the way home, I had temps in the low 30F. Wind out of the south. That should have been my first warning of warm temps. (South winds bring warm temps)
Notes: Always check your forecast out before leaving home!
On the way in I was nice and warm. On the way home I was way to warm. Because of the ski helmet
huhenio
11-27-05, 03:11 PM
I learned that yesterday ... I thought It would be cold all day.
chipcom
11-27-05, 04:50 PM
Conditions: Overcast, 50F, calm winds, roads were wet, slushy in some places, full of salt, but a great day for riding considering it's the weekend after Thanksgiving in NE Ohio!
Head: Same old sweat-stained ball cap
Torso: base layer ls shirt, 3 dollar green merino wool sweater I picked up at the Thrift store, Nathan reflective vest.
Hands: PI un-padded fingerless gloves
Legs: Canari Tundra tights
Feet: Smartwool crew socks, Shimano mtn shoes, Bellwether toe covers
Goal: A nice 32 mile ride over one of my usual 'training' routes
Summary: Just a great ride, I coulda done a century today without even thinking about it, probably would have if I had gotten an earlier start.
Wow! What a fun day it was yesterday. Gotta go back to work this morning...blah. Spent almost the whole day on my bike. It was total bliss. Wife wasn't too happy :(
Rained heavily at times. Got real warm in the evening. Possibly hitting the upper 30's. I was sweating like a pig! Wow, just the other day it was like -7 F. Now the forecast says low 60's for Monday afternoon!!! It's classic Michigan weather.
kuan
12-01-05, 06:46 PM
19F, 5mph wind.
Head: Micro fleece type Balaclava, helmet
Torso: Cheap poly T-shirt, thin XC-ski jacket, Cannondale shell (a little hot)
Legs: Sugoi XC ski pants, lightweight silk underwear
Feet: Smartwool socks, MTB shoes, Neoprene over booties
Hands: Toko Lobster mitts
Wulfheir
12-02-05, 07:50 AM
-18C windy 2-3inches of snow of varying from fresh to packed to ice
Head: Headband, helmet with taped vents, snowboarding goggles and neck/mouth warmer
Hands: Snowboarding mitts
Torso: T-shirt, sweater, shell
Legs: Tights, sweatpants, windpants
Feet: Socks, co-op bags, running shoes
I tend to overdress because I'd rather strip down that ride uncomfortably
Feet: Ankle hi wool hiking socks; Merrell Chameleon II XCR Gortex Shoes
Goals: Walmarts for a box of contacts (12 miles)
There is no coasting with snow and studded tires. Overheated quickly due to the extra effort needed to pedal thru the stuff. Removed 2nd layer on torso, and 1st layer for legs. Felt much better afterwards. I actually had to take it easy (=slower) so that I did not sweat too much. Sweating can become a bad thing when out at these temps.
Portis
12-05-05, 11:11 AM
Today I wore:
Head:
Helmet, Light weight balaclava, with midweight balaclava over top. Ear band over ears and one also worn inverted over nose, mouth.
Torso
NIke Dri fit top as base. Performance Winter Cycling Jersey, Lightweight unlined vest. Gore Tex Cycling jacket.
2 miles into the ride i was heating up to quickly. Had to make quick adjustments to avoid overheating. Removed midweight balaclava completely. Opened pit zippers. Comfortable for the rest of the ride. Toes were slightly cold after 1.5 hrs.
Rode 1 hr 45 minutes.
20 miles.
scottmorrison99
12-05-05, 01:53 PM
Today I wore :
HEAD: microfleece skullcap under helmet, bandana across face under nose
TORSO: long sleeve Drifit turtleneck, insulated vest,
LEGS: Drifit windpants
FEET: Cotton crew socks, tennis shoes
HANDS: Mechanix gloves
Conditions: 39 degrees, no wind, dark with a light fog
Notes: I had a windbreaker in my rack pack, but didn't need it. I wore the vest unzipped as it was a little much. Coming home at 7PM I was about 8 degrees warmer, removed vest. I've learned that if my head is warm, I feel much warmer.
Face: Sirius neoprene face mask (sweaty but worth it)
Eyes: nothing (bad idea, eyelashes kept on getting stuck!)
Torso: Stanfields thermal undershirt, Periodic table T shirt, long sleeved collar shirt, Polartec 200 fleece from MEC, Supermycroft 2 windbreaker from MEC
Legs, etc: MEC cycling underwear, MEC quick dry boot-top long johns, Levis 501's
Feet: Wigwam super hiking wool socks, Magnum security boots
Hands: MEC nanu lobster gloves
THe commute is 12 km long, on mixed road, some hardpack snow, loose snow and ice, and clear pathway with icy patches.
It was pretty cold, and I had to stop for a few minutes in a coffee shop, but my time was good.
Portis
12-07-05, 03:37 PM
Today I wore:
Head:
Helmet, Light weight balaclava, with midweight balaclava over top. Ear band over ears and one also worn inverted over nose, mouth.
Wore Visorgogs over eyes. Thought i needed them because of strong wind and snow. WRONG!!! They were nice until I heated up and they fogged badly. I couldn't see. Had to remove them 15 minutes into ride. I am so glad i have contacts this season. So much nicer to deal with covering the face. No fogging to worry about.
Torso
Underarmour base layer Performance Winter Cycling Jersey, Lightweight unlined vest. Gore Tex Cycling jacket.
8 F. 20 mph NOrth wind. Heavy Snow. Poor visiblity.
Notes:
Still can't tolerate midweight balaclava. Thing is just too hot this year for some reason. 45 minutes into ride, i removed midweight balaclava and put just the lightweight and earbands on.