Mountain Biking - Cold weather gear

Ok, not that it gets reallly cold in Texas, but when it does, it's definitely too cold for shorts :D So I was wondering, what do some of you guys wear in the wintertime. I'm on a strict budget so all kinds of lycra and super duper gore-tex polarfleece, and illuminite blah blah blah is probably not in that budget.

Thanks in advance

Originally posted by jcivic00
Ok, not that it gets reallly cold in Texas, but when it does, it's definitely too cold for shorts :D So I was wondering, what do some of you guys wear in the wintertime. I'm on a strict budget so all kinds of lycra and super duper gore-tex polarfleece, and illuminite blah blah blah is probably not in that budget.

Thanks in advance

Roadie style leg and arm warmers are fairly cheap and extend your wardrobe. Personally I'm a fan of 3/4 length bibs that drop to just below your knees.

It definitely gets cold in NJ. During this past winter riding in sub-freezing weather I was comfortable in a pair of sports tights over a pair of 'wicking' long johns and my normal riding shorts. Found that they sell for around $25 at a couple of the large sporting goods stores. I tried legs warmers and found that they would not stay up during vigorous MTB riding (I'll sell you my set of Pearl Ozumi lrg leg warmers, shipped, for $22).

Up top I find that my Permance weatherproof jacket, cheap polar fleece liner, top to the 'wicking' long johns, and a riding jersey are enough. I would think you could pass on the fleece in TX.

Two essential items here are full finger gloves and a balaclava for ones head/neck. Also use a pair of chemical toes warmers in my shoes to keep the feet warm. We rode all winter in weather as cold as in the teens and no one who was dressed similarly was cold. Only the first day out as I learned what worked.

There is a tendancy to class all winter riding as arctic riding. As our Texan friend suggests, winter is often just cool or cold rather than freezing, so you dont need to go overboard on the gear.
For my winter riding (0C to 12C) i like some low-cost polyester trackster by Ron Hill. These have zipped pockets and are std equipment for any runner, climber or outdoor person in the UK. There is probably an equiv no-name label in the US for people with more sense than money.
If its not raining, I wear a water-resistant but fully windproof jacket. As a base layer, a long sleeved hiking top is good, you dont need all the cycling features like rear pockets. You can tune the insulation with mid-layers of wool or fleece. I like sleeveless wooly jumpers for fine control.
Balaclavas are for freezing conditions, but a neck-warmer is useful for merely cold.
You need full finger gloves and suitable footwear. Woolen socks, non-mesh shoes or neoprene booties.