Commuting - Cold weather

Hi friends. I'm from Columbus, Ohio and the winters here can tend to be pretty cold. I've been riding for a couple years and always start to get a little anxious when those cold fronts start coming in. Thus far, I think I've done a pretty botch job of keeping warm in an efficient and effective way. Either I layer up too much and get sweaty and gross, or I don't wear enough and become an icicle with snot frozen to my upper lip. Either way, my discernment is off. I'm asking if anyone out there has their winter riding apparel planned to, what they feel, is perfect and keeps them at a comfortable homeostasis. Obviously a lot depends on the person and location, but I thought there might be secret tricks that I don't know about. So, either you can be a jerk and call me an idiot (please don't) or you can throw out some helpful hints. Thanks!

Winter forum is the secret.

Winter forum is the secret.

+1. Also if it helps, there's this stuff called T3K apparel. Long sleeve neoprene with compression fit. Can't say enough good about them. Minimal layering, no bulkiness, warm, warm, toasty, excellent quality, cheap.
Technical sports stuff.
http://www.t3kwear.com/

A breathable windproof shell with multiple thin non cotton layers. Finish it up with a wicking form fitted base layer and you are all set.
I've been doing this for a few years and still have issues from time to time with my layering. Hence the reason I carry and extra shirt or take off a layer when too warm.
I also have an issue where I will overheat after stopping when I get to the light rail. Consequently, I layer for ease of removal and remove said layers before I arrive at the station. I think I am the only person who can overheat at 5F.

There are quite a few options for these layers. I would visit the winter forum and find some ideas to start with.

Oh wool and \ or polyester. No cotton.

Take your winter advice from people who have a real winter to deal with. Someone from Texas or Florida or southern California...take that advice with a grain of salt.

Everyone experiences weather in their own way, so here's my tip.

I know this sounds a little geeky, but try keeping a detailed log of what you wear and the conditions you wear it in and how it went. Before long you'll see patterns that reveal the strengths weaknesses of your different clothing options. And maybe identify things you need to get, and things you don't need.

Eventually you develop a list of stuff you wear that works for you depending on the conditions.

I need to refer back to my cold weather list every fall. After months of shorts and tee's. I forget what to wear when the temps suddenly go crazy. I check my list, and I'm good to go.

When you step outside into the cold, you should feel cool. If you feel cold you're not wearing enough, and if you feel warm you're wearing too much.

+1 modernjess
I keep a piece of paper in garage that starts at 60 degrees and goes down in 5 degree increments, from what I learn i make changes, with my pencil.

I think a lot of it is down to experience. It takes a couple of winters to know and gain the right gear. Don't go and buy everything at once but try and test stuff for a while. Also a good windstopper is essential, I didn't realise how much difference they made until I got a Gore Bikewear Tool jersey, I can wear it for around 6 - 9 months of the year because it's not only warm but very breathable.

Sorry another tip is keep a thermometer outside as you do not have to judge the temperature from the forecast. After a while you will know what to wear just by checking the temperature before you go.

+1 modernjess
I keep a piece of paper in garage that starts at 60 degrees and goes down in 5 degree increments, from what I learn i make changes, with my pencil.

I'm not quite as methodical but I do go to weather.com every morning as well as look at my outside thermometer. Knowing what worked before helps me decided what to wear. Also it can be a different worls after work. I make sure I have more then enough back up in the backpack.

When you step outside into the cold, you should feel cool. If you feel cold you're not wearing enough, and if you feel warm you're wearing too much.


I have the exception to this very good rule. If your commute is downhill for the first few miles you want to be warm when walking out the door. Otherwise, you will freeze. However, after one has warmed up they will need to remove a layer.