"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Part 1 - Dressing for Cold Cycling

Okay, I said I'd post some articles on winter training, and training in general. I think this subject is so important though, I should say a little something about it before I go into real training issues.





Part 1 – Dressing for Cold Cycling

Lets face it; cold weather is coming, if it is not here already. Before we climb on our bikes in the crisp morning air, we need to check on how we dress first. Dressing properly is the key to staying warm, comfortable, and loose on a fall or winter ride.
On the bike, dressing in layers is the solution to the winter clothing dilemma. Depending on the temperature, the number of layers can easily be adjusted. Take some time in experimenting with different kind of materials and weights of clothing. See just how much you need to stay comfortable.

Here are some good suggestions as to what will work:

Base Layer: Go with a medium weight short or long sleeve undershirt. Do not wear a cotton undershirt, because even though it is cold, you will still sweat. Cotton will become wet, and act like a sponge, which will make you colder than you already are.

Mid Layer: A decent short sleeve lycra jersey is enough for this layer. Do not wear something too big and puffy, or you will feel like an Eskimo when you saddle up.

Top Layer: If the temperature is low enough, invest in a good cycling jacket. Gortex is a great material for this layer. Or, if you are more of an old school rider, find a high quality wool jersey. If the temperature is not quite low enough for a full on jacket, try a windbreaker vest. These are fairly inexpensive, and will stop the wind from reaching your chest more than if you went without one.

Bottoms: If the temperature is low enough, you may want to purchase a pair of tights. Again, Gortex is very warm, but the temperature will probably have to be very low for you to wear this type of material on your legs. Try a pair of lycra tights with a fleece style lining. If the temperature is not all that cold, wear a pair of regular lycra shorts and match them with a pair of leg or knee warmers.

Feet: Buy a good pair of booties. Neoprene booties are your best bet to keeping your feet warm and comfortable. You can wear all the wool socks you want, but booties will do the trick.

Hands: Buy a thick pair of long fingered gloves. Gortex is a good material, but not the only one. Try a couple pair on. See what fits well and feels warm by just wearing them indoors. If they are hot indoors, they will be warm outdoors.

Head: Underneath your helmet, you need something thin, if the temperature is low enough. If you get something thick, you will overheat and you probably won’t feel that great. Try a type of ear warmer. Try it on with your helmet, and see how it feels. You probably do not need a full head or face covering unless the temperature is very low.

As a rule of thumb most cold weather cyclists go by, you should not be warm at the beginning of a ride. You should have a slight chill at the beginning, so at the end, your body temperature is not reaching the nuclear point.
Experiment with different materials and numbers of layers until you find something you like. Before you can start training, you need to be comfortable and ready to go.

Next article to follow shortly…

Velo,

thanks for the info.
I appreciate the reliable information, and yeah,
I think this is a very important aspect.

Marty

If you are going to be very far from shelter, I would also suggest bringing something extra to wear if you have to stop and change a flat, or walk home. This is even more important if you are sweating.

Originally posted by aerobat
If you are going to be very far from shelter, I would also suggest bringing something extra to wear if you have to stop and change a flat, or walk home. This is even more important if you are sweating.

you could also bring a cell phone so you can call someone to pick you up :)

nice article velo, it really helps the newbie (like me :D)

I've found that I only need warm gloves at the beginning of a ride. Once I'm warmed up, maybe 15 minutes into my ride, my hands will stay warm with conventional cycling gloves. So, I start with winter gloves (not cycling specific, but generic x-mart) and switch to cycling gloves when ready.

Gore-Tex is expensive. So, my layers (under 40 degrees F) are, synthetic undershirt, short sleeve jersey, fleece sweater, windbreaker. On the bottom I'll wear synthetic tights over my cycling shorts and that's usually enough. Under my helmet I wear a Pearl Izumi skull cap to protect my bald head.

I also have a synthetic facemask to keep the face from going numb.

My feet freeze, though. I deperately need booties.

I find that the most important single piece of gear is the under-helmet cap. Makes all the difference in the world. The windchill on a bare head, derived when riding in near or below freezing temps, is definitely not advised.

Cheers...Gary

I ordered some windfront tights and a jacket from Trek today. It's not to cold during the day, but in the morning it is, and that's when I usually get my miles in.

Saw this article (http://www.bike.com/template.asp?date=12%2F9%2F2002&page=2&lsectionnumber=2&lsectionname=Start+Line&lsectiondirectory=startline) on bike.com and thought it would be a good addition to this thread.