I did some searches, and found some interesting info. But I had a couple of other questions that were not exactly addressed.

A bit of background. I have been out of cycling for a number of years (except for occasional rides) until this past year. I really got back into it last spring, did a couple centuries with my dad etc. Now I am training for my first triathlon. 11 days after my wife is due with our second child (that in itself could be a challenge).

Anyhow. I am completely sick and tired of training indoors. I want to get outside. I love to ski, so I know I can enjoy cycling outside as well, as long as I dress for it. I just don't have alot of the necessary clothing yet. I have a couple specific questions that hopefully some people can give their expertise on.

1. Tights- I was actually thinking of getting some running tights, so I can use them to train for the running portion of the tri. I can wear bike shorts or padded underwear for cycling and not have to buy 2 separate pairs. Does this seem doable? Are running tights and cycling tights generally similar? Are there cycling tights that would work for running as well? (Ie, no padding)

2. Jacket- I currently own, and would plan to use my current shell for cycling. I know it isn't as sleek and aerodynamic as a cycling jacket. But I already own it and can spread out my expenditures that way. My current shell is more designed for camping/mountaineering etc. It is an old version of a Lowe Alpine Crescent Jacket (http://www.lowealpine.com/Products/Detail.asp?ProductTypeID=3&ProductGroupID=971&Position=0&SpecificActivityID=) It has large Pit zips for ventilation, but no back ventilation. The hood is large enough to cinch over my helmet if it was really really cold. I will probably eventually get a cycling shell. But for now just use this unless I am just kidding myself.

With family and work the only times I really have to myself to get out and ride is early in the morning. Generally I head to the gym around 5:30-6am, which would be around the time I would start riding. This puts me riding pretty much completely before the sun comes up, which is the coldest time of the day as well.

Any other thoughts, hints, suggestions would be helpful. I am probably going to put in an order for clothing tomorrow.

Thanks

-D

1. Tights- I was actually thinking of getting some running tights, so I can use them to train for the running portion of the tri. I can wear bike shorts or padded underwear for cycling and not have to buy 2 separate pairs. Does this seem doable? Are running tights and cycling tights generally similar? Are there cycling tights that would work for running as well? (Ie, no padding)

As far as I know, very few cycling tights have padding. I've owned several pair, and have looked at and tried on many others, and none of them did. I wear my regular cycling shorts under my unpadded cycling tights.

And yes, you should be able to wear running tights as cycling tights. I use my cycling tights as cross-country ski tights! I also wear many layers of other things, such as sweats and splash/wind pants, over my cycling tights on cold days (should have done that today!!).



2. Jacket- I currently own, and would plan to use my current shell for cycling. I know it isn't as sleek and aerodynamic as a cycling jacket. But I already own it and can spread out my expenditures that way. My current shell is more designed for camping/mountaineering etc. It is an old version of a Lowe Alpine Crescent Jacket (http://www.lowealpine.com/Products/Detail.asp?ProductTypeID=3&ProductGroupID=971&Position=0&SpecificActivityID=) It has large Pit zips for ventilation, but no back ventilation. The hood is large enough to cinch over my helmet if it was really really cold. I will probably eventually get a cycling shell. But for now just use this unless I am just kidding myself.

Give it a try! If YOU don't feel comfortable in it for whatever reason, then you might want to purchase something else.

That's one of the things I like about the world of winter cycling ... you don't have to feel like you need to dress in cycling-specific clothing. You need to dress in clothing that will keep you suitably warm and dry, but other than that, you can wear what you want to wear.

. . .Give it a try! If YOU don't feel comfortable in it for whatever reason, then you might want to purchase something else.

That's one of the things I like about the world of winter cycling ... you don't have to feel like you need to dress in cycling-specific clothing. You need to dress in clothing that will keep you suitably warm and dry, but other than that, you can wear what you want to wear.
I agree with her comments about the shorts. I also agree that you should give your current jacket a try. The benefit of cycling jackets is that they generally are extra long in the back so they can protect your butt when you ride. That's most important if you ride in adverse weather conditions without fenders.

As a general rule, ride with what you have. Buy new stuff only if what you have doesn't work.