need some new stuff

[gattm99]

Here is my current winter riding setup for when it is around 40-30, don't ride much past 30

Bottom: Bib shorts, insulated bottoms, lycra tights, wool socks, Lake boots

Top: 2 long sleave polypro shirts, thicker cotton shirt, jacket, neck gaitor, sock hat


This has been keeping me pretty comfortable, but the tights are starting to wear out, they have a few holes and the draw string broke. I'm thinking of some new tights, I would be much happier to do away with the insulated underwear as they feel bulky and somewhat restricting and was thinking about some thermal tights or something with some wind resistance, or maybe some leg warmers or something?1

I have also been thinking of a cycling spefic jacket as the one I have now is just a cheapie wal-mart, but it breaks wind pretty well and seems to keep me warm. I was thinking with a cycling jacket I may be able to drop a shirt.

So I am mainly thinking about tights, is there a big difference between regular lycra like I have now and something that is thermal? I spent about 20 bucks for the ones I have now and am thinking about spending around 50 for some repalcements.

[Jarery]

A lot depends on how much you heat up during rides. For tights I use ones that are windproof on the front, lycra on the back, and never have to wear thermal underwear on my legs. When it gets down to low 30's, i add knee warmers under the tights. For me its a perfect setup, for some its too cold/hot.

Heres the ones I use
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442587643&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302692411&bmUID=1167804694929

[CrosseyedCrickt]

$50.00 would get you a nice set of 100-200 weight powerstretch tights from foxwear.
I have a pair of 250 weight from Lou (foxwear.net) and they do me well. I have ridden in them alone (for the bottom half) in 15F temps with light snow. They are almost windproof and shed water like a duck.
If you have $75.00 or so to spend on a jacket you can get an e-vap from him too.
And the clothing is tailor made, you can't beat it!

[CrosseyedCrickt]

Just to add a little more info to my post.
The coldest I have ridden this year was 15F and here is what I had on from head to toe:
Helmet over a thin polypro balaclava
microweight fleece shirt from K-Mart over a moisture wicking shirt from Wal-Mart and my e-vap lite jacket
foxwear 250 weight powerstretch tights
wool socks over polypro sock liner

I also had on a pair of XC ski gloves and cheap hiking shoes from wal-mart

I was actually a little too warm when I got home at 7:00AM