What Do I Lack?

[recneps345]

This Christmas I tried to get enough winter gear to allow me to ride in 35ish and windy conditions. I have arm sleeves, patagonia long johns top/bottom, underarmour long sleeve top, skull cap, and long tights. Whatelse do I need? I am worried if I have enough to fight the wind. Any help would be great, thanks.

[Machka]

You don't mention a wind-proof jacket, booties, or full-fingered gloves.

[recneps345]

I forgot to mention that I have cycling gloves, but I dont have booties or a wind jacket. Any suggestions on booties and a jacket that are capable and not too pricey.

[Mtn Mike]

YOU LACK NOTHING! or, go out and DO IT, and then your question will be answered. As for cheap feet solutions, people say plastic bagies over thick socks work well. Or just use flat pedals and regular winter boots.

[Portis]

Check out what others wore in similar conditions. (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=153960)

At 35 F you don't need a lot.

[MichaelW]

You need a wicking inner layer, a windproof outer layer (top and bottom) and effective midlayer insulation to suit. You dont need to fit lots of close-fitting layers or arm/legwarmers, these are for more temperate consitions. Make sure you can seal the neck with a neck tube and high collar. Hat or balaclava is useful.
Woolen socks and plastic bags work fine on your feet but avoid tight-fitting shoes.
Take some extra insulation with you.

[Trekke]

YOU LACK NOTHING! or, go out and DO IT, and then your question will be answered. As for cheap feet solutions, people say plastic bagies over thick socks work well. Or just use flat pedals and regular winter boots.
I agree with this. At 35 degrees you will be plenty toasty in a few miles. Too many layers and you will end up with wet cloths against your body. Just put some cloths on and go out and ride. I ride in much colder weather and probably wear much less than some of the guys I ride with. You will find the right combination but don't feel bad if you are wanting to shed layers after 20 minutes or so. I like to start out a little cool and warm up to the cloths I have on verses starting our warm and getting too hot.

[mexredknee]

Everyone is different. I found that my feet don't get cold so I can ride in the teens with just socks and sneakers. On the other hand my face gets cold quickly so I need to wear the balaclava at a higher temp.

If you do take some short trips to judge what you need you won't get something you don't need.

[rajman]

For 35 F (about 2 C) I wouldn't worry about it too much. I started cycling last winter and I found that what I needed for those conditions were (in order of importance)

Windproof gloves (I don't put on the lobster claws until about -3 C (less than 32 F))

Windproof jacket

Balaclava (I find that my throat feels sore sucking down that cold air)

Follow the thread if you want to see what people wear in different conditions

Rajman

[ItsJustMe]

Add a pair of cheap nylon running pants and some kind of windbreaker top, and you're done. I used an inexpensive microfiber windbreaker all last winter. This year I have a J&G rain jacket that I use because it is yellow and has reflective gunk on it and better ventilation, but the windbreaker from last year would work about as well.

[Thomill]

YOU LACK NOTHING! or, go out and DO IT, and then your question will be answered. As for cheap feet solutions, people say plastic bagies over thick socks work well. Or just use flat pedals and regular winter boots.

Completely agree with this. Just put on what you think will need, and ride as you usually would. Baring extreme problems such as numbness, excessive perspiration, or such, by that I mean do not change your routine if you have one. Over the course of your ride, note where any problems are (too cold, too warm, too restrictive, too much wind, etc.) and then keep going. I have found that your body and your clothes will change considerably over a decently long, varied ride. What may be cold to start may not be during the ride. Indeed, you may find yourself taking off layers. Some folks start warm and go cold, and others the reverse. And when you do need to make some changes in your clothing, don't just concerntrate on getting so-called cycling gear. There are lots of good manufacturers out there who make, say, skiing, running, or other sport gear that works equally well if not better for cycling. So, in short, just get out there and experiement; above all, have some fun!

T