Winter Cycling - Your Favorite Winter Clothes...

As a "never-ridden-in-winter" rider, i have some questions about what clothes to buy and which brands to purchase, here's what i have so far from my limited research of these forums:

FOR TORSO AND ARMS:
Arm Warmers
Base Layer Shirt
Jersey
Riding Jacket

FOR LEGS
Leg Warmers
Shorts
Tights

...ETC.
Gloves
Booties over shoes

Is that approximately the right order of things?
Also, which brands/models would you recommend for some of the above items?

thanks,
warm-weather biker

PS--I appologize if I missed a thread pertaining to just this subject, i tried searching already. thanks.

Some folks use ear bands or even very thin balaclavas.

Consider Lobster mitts (they can be had at ski or sports shop cheaper at end of season) I have one pair which actually has each finger in its own thin pocket and then packs two fingers in larger insulated lobster pockets with separate thumb.

Layers for the top are best. I sometimes find that a vest with a mesh back allows for wind protection without overheating although sometimes a full wind protection system is best.

I use Hotronic footwarmers since my toes painfully succumb below about 48F.

In addition to your list, I use a Pearl Izumi lycra beanie. It really keeps the wind from freezing my head. (Not very good when it gets below 32 degrees though)
Also I use DeFeet Genius wool socks. They really keep my feets warm & dry.

T.J.

Arm and legwarmers are best for changeable conditions. If you are going to wear them for the whole ride, long-sleeved jersey and/or tights are more comfortable.
Long leggings with padded liners need to be washed after every ride. Use unpadded ones over shorts.
Bib shorts are more comfortable for some and usefully windproof in the midriff, but slower to answer the call of nature.
A fully waterproof jacket is rarely breathable enough for cycling. The modern style of softshell or a windproof jacket is more comfortable and will save wear and tear on your waterproof.
A neck buff/balaclava/ear warmer device is really useful.
Suggest you spend the least amount possible to start with then add to your collection as you feel the need.
Non cycling kit from hiking stores is often better for winter riding. There is a limit to how many layers of rear pockets you can use.

Hat
2 pairs gloves
Jersey
thermal long-sleve jersey
windproof jacket
Bibs
legwarmers
socks
overshoes.

I wear just about everything I can lay my hands on!

My favorite cold gear ever would be wool socks. Wool hiking socks make it worth living when the weather is cold. I don't wear cycling shoes--I ride with platform pedals, and I wear combat boots most of the year around. I keep 'em as waterproofed as I can with Kiwi WetPruf--a fresh layer every couple of weeks.

My second favorite item of cold gear would be Sugoi SubZero tights. They were hella expensive, but are awesome. They do their job and are very comfortable. I layer them over a pair of normal running tights and under a pair of corduroy pants most of the time, for my commute.

I wear an ordinary waterproof jacket...just a shell thingy I bought at a thrift shop. The price was right as was the size, and it has enough space to layer things under it. I'd initially tried to buy a Pearl Izumi shell, but the sleeves were way too tight. I could get my baselayer top under it, but nothing else, and on cold mornings, I need at least a layer of wool in between me and the outside world. For a while, I was using an old trench coat as my windblock layer, but it was really old and falling apart and had lost all of its waterproof abilities. I usually wear an UnderArmour baselayer undershirt, then a wool sweater over that, underneath my light jacket.

On not-too-cold days, I just wear this fleece headband thing over my ears, but I have two different ski-mask affairs I can use for foul weather. One is fairly lightweight, a wicking knit, the other is fleece with a denser perforated foam face mask. That's for really cold days. I bought a cheap pair of woodshop goggles at the hardware store for eye protection. I have much less of a snot problem now that my eyes are not watering when I am riding in the cold. I may look pretty weird (http://conventioncostumes.asyoulikeitkc.com/gallery/albums/PersonalPics/100_0012.jpg), but I'm comfortable.

As yet, I've just been wearing normal full-finger bike gloves, but I've got a pretty massive thinsulate pair for whenver it gets colder out. I have the option to layer them up, too, if I needed.

I can tell from experience most of what's mentioned by posters above will have problems on days that make your bike look like this.......that was taken wednesday

food for thought

I just bought some Craft stuff, base layers and beanie, and I've got to give them a huge thumbs up. Very high quality, perfect fit and toasty warm!

I put a lot of thought into this along with studying the BF about riding in the cold. Here is what I did.
The main problem with bike clothing is the feet. The shoes aren't designed for cold weather and the covers aren't adequate for temperature below 30° F.
Here in Indiana, they salt the roads so taking my Lemond is out of the question. I do have a Trek 1200c and decided to install platform pedals. Now I can wear anything I want including my old ski gear from the Northwest (don’t need it here..lol). As long as the road is dry I can ride.. ;)

Food for thought:

I have fenders on my bike. And I'm eyeballing a pair of cheap snow pants at the same thrift shop where I got my jacket. I'm a lifetime midwest girl. I know from staying warm and dry.

My favorite right now is a merino wool neck gaiter. It makes a huge difference on my rides!

Next, and waiting more trials is my Ibex Baffin softshell jacket (http://www.ibexwear.com/F05/View_Product.php?GarmentID=200&thePhoto=../Photos/F01/492_86880.jpg&Category=&CategoryLine=). Just bought it on sale and hope it will hold me until temps drop below 10 degree...it's a shoe-in for snowboarding, too! :)

Thrift store oldskool merino wool; all styles. Sweaters, pendeltons, cardigans, vests..


New School merino wool base layers from Ibex, Smartwool, Icebreaker, Devold, Filson....

Definetly wool socks! and non cycling specific footwear on platform pedals.

a helmet liner with a windproof lining.

A NON WATERPROOF softshell jacket.


Everything else, doesn't really matter.

I ... and decided to install platform pedals. Now I can wear anything I want including my old ski gear from the Northwest (don’t need it here..lol). As long as the road is dry I can ride.. ;)

As long as it's dry ... I adhere to that.