I know that nobody here is my mommy, but I desperately need help figuring out how to dress for colder weather. I have read countless hours about layering, booties, baclavas,lobster gloves, wicking layers etc.
I think I am drowning is a sea of knowledge. :o I still don't know what to do and would love some of your expert opinions.
*First of all, I live in Kansas.
*It gets pretty cold here but seldom below 0.
* I only plan to ride when it is 20 degrees F and above and won't ride in the rain/snow if I can help it.
* Plan to ride approx. 45 minutes per day at a very brisk pedalling pace. (Rarely stop rapid pedalling)
I know that conditions and my own preferences will largely dictate how I dress but I would love to hear some experiences of other riders. I know I will find a lot of this out after the first few rides but would like to avoid to many mistakes.
I also don't want to send the family to the poor house in the process. I have already bought a Gore Tex cycling jacket, arm warmers, leg warmers, tights and a wicking type LS jersey. (bought all on ebay so fairly cheap)
I haven't addressed my hands, feet or head yet. I saved these for last because I know they will likely be the most critical. Considering all of the above what would you recommend that I have on hand for the winter? What should I spend money on and what should I not? Thanks...
(moved this to Winter Cycling... prob fits better there.)
The BikeForums Team
-adv-
This is an archived thread, you can find the full version of this thread, with images, links and more content here.
Sorry Dude, I live in Florida, so I'm absolutely no help!
L8R
travis200
Well my idea of cold riding is 50 degrees or so. Hey I live in CA. So we have a difference there. I usually wear my arm and leg warmers they are thick so that help and a skull cap to keep in the warmth. A pair of full finger Pearl Izumi gloves. With my regular jersey and shorts sometimes my jacket if there is rain or wind.
AquariaGuy
I live in Toronto. I just wear, those sport pants that i can curl up, and a wind breaker. Biking gloves...that's it. Haven't tried biking in total snow yet. Yet to do that.
MandansFinest
When I go out in the cold, usually no riding after it dips below 30ish, I wear a long pair of socks (up to knee) over one or two smaller pairs (ankle, calf, both) with two pair of shorts because I dont have tight enough pants to wear for biking. I wear a long sleeve under a regular tee with a hoodie over (a coat would probably work if really cold.) I would probably wear a stocking cap if it was needed but never have. I know that you probably wont wear that stuff but that is what I wear.
H. Star
I lived in Kansas for nearly 30 years and didn't need as much stuff as you already have. All you need are some full fingered gloves and you are good to go. Once you get out on the ride you will work up body heat. It's like playing ice hockey, you get really hot even though you are on ice. Unless things have changed, Kansas was no fashion show on the trails:D The thing about KS is it doesn't stay frozen for long periods of time, so there is a ton of mud to deal with in the winter.
montlake_mtbkr
sounds like you're well covered, layering is the key. as for hands neoprene gloves are nice for staying dry. feet, well booties will do the job of keeping them dry. I think wool socks tend to wick moisture away so that may be a good idea. Or if you find booties to be a pain in the arse check out seal skinz socks (expensive). for your head a roadie style beanie (skull cap?) under the helmet will do the job.
Prosody
You have to play around with what you wear. If you overdress, you're likely to get very cold toward the end of a ride because you'll be drenched with sweat. If you underdress, you'll be miserably cold the entire ride. A good measure for starting is that, at the beginning of a ride, you should be somewhat cold so that the heat you create warms you up. If you are warm when you start, you have overdressed. If you don't warm up after ten or fifteen minutes, you have underdressed. Last winter here in Missouri I'd wear a base layer, a long sleeve jersey, a wind jacket, my cycling shorts, knee warmers, thin tights, head covering under the helmet, warm cycling gloves. At 35 degrees F. that would keep me warm enough. At 40 degrees, I'd be overdressed. I imagine individual differences will play a role in just how anyone dresses.
I've read several places that you should avoid intense effort during winter cycling and concentrate instead on building mileage. I guess that's because any intense effort is going to leave you sweaty and cold.
claire
OK, my commute is quite short (15 mn 4 times a day), so I don't put anything special in terms of pants or jacket (just my usual clothes). My hands and my ears, however, require special attention. I use regular ski mitts on my hands (it doesn't bother me at all for braking, only my gestual communication for bad drivers is affected, if you see what I mean). I put on a tuque under my helmet. If it's really cold (less than -15C) I use the balaclava (hope I got it right).
naisme
Generally I am able to get by with a cap, tights, wicking layers and a wind shirt. For the hands I have a shell glove, Gore-tex windstoppers with a fleece liner glove. Haven't had any problems with my fingers getting cold. My feet are a different story, and I go to over kill with them in the cold. I use power straps on platform pedals, and a pair of sorel boots. In really cold I'll trade out the tights for a pair of fleece lined tights with a wind shell on the front, and lycra knee section.
The idea is to dress in layers, you can take off and put on as you ride. Once you figure it out then you know what your needs are for the type of riding you do. One thing I do when winter gets here is ride a bike where I can have panniers. That way I can shed or carry extra clothing. I did a century that I was grateful I'd hauled the extra stuff 80 miles, cause as the sun dropped down and the temp went down, I had the extra clothing to put on and keep me warm and I could finish my century in the dark.
Buzzbomb
I live in Michigan, and ride all year round. My winter riding is all MTB, so that might affect things, 'cause it's easier to stay warm once you are inside the tree line. Layering is key, and it sounds like you are pretty well set there. Wicking base, wicking insulating, and breatheable shell layer should do it. Venting that shell is important, if you sweat, your gonna freeze. I top all that off with a silk watchcap I got from a running store, and when it's really cold I use a silk balaclava. A pair of tights suffices, and when it's really cold I put a thin pair of silk ones on under the bike tights. My hands stay pretty warm, and all I use is a pair of army surplus leather gloves that I put a liberal application of sno-seal on, coupled with a wool liner glove. In my experience the feet have been the hardest to keep warm. I use SPD pedals, so I'm restricted to cycling shoes. I have a pair of neoprene booties I wear, and when it gets really cold I use a chemical heatpack between my shoes and the booties. I'm not cozy, but it keeps me riding even when temps fall below zero..
mrfix
I wear a gore tex skull cap under the helmet on days under 30 degrees, thick, wind front ski mitts an the hands under 30, between 30 and 50 pearl lobsters and just a long finger glove between 50 and 60. on the feet I just bought a new pair of Lake MX-300 winter shoes, untill now, nothing has worked below 25 degrees on my feet. I'll keep you updated on the Lakes. Oh, I run Nokian mount and ground studded tires from November to March, they work well.
Juha
For me it seems you have plenty of clothing for appr. -7C (20F). Experiment with different combinations, in first runs it might be a good idea to carry some extra clothing with you in a bag. That way you can add if you're cold, or change to dry if you sweat too much. Just do not do adjustments early in the ride, let your body warm up first.
I would not want to ride without studded tyres in winter, but we get anywhere between 3-5 months of snow and ice. If you only need studs on a couple of days each year, you might want to have a studded wheelset and a normal one, making it easier to change. That is going to be expensive.
--J
MichaelW
Most expensive helmets are full of venting and stay-cool features. Wear a cheaper helmet in winter, they keep you warm.
Arm and leg-warmer tubes are ok in changeable conditions, but if you keep them on for the whole ride, you are better off with leggings/tights and a long sleeved jersey/windproof.
Its easy to spend lots of money on stuff, but not always neccessary. Those goretex jackets are OK in the rain, but when its cold and dry, there are materials which are better and cheaper. You dont need to get everything cycle-specific. A lot of general outdoor gear works fine on the bike.
No-name label camping/hiking gear is usually good value, and the difference in performance compared to premium brands is rarely worth the price difference. Sometimes its even made of the same material.
dougc
If you are using clipless pedals, you might want to invest in a pair of winter shoes. They are much more satisfactory and convenient than booties. Lake, Northwave, Sidi, and Gaerne all make winter shoes. What is available will depend on the type of pedals (SPD, Look). Your feet will thank you.
Portis
Thanks for all of the input. I think I have developed a game plan sort of. From what I have seen so far, the wind chill will likely be my enemy.
I am most interested in knowing how Baclava wearers get along in the cold. I wear glasses and breath hard when riding. I can't imagine that I won't be blind in the first couple minutes. I was considering just getting a skull cap and/or an earband of some sort. Good idea?
claire
I can see your problem, though I don't have glasses. The balaclava is really only for extreme cold. It makes your head warm up really fast. Even if it's -20 degrees, I end up sweating after 10 mn! Especially with the helmet on the top of it. So I'd say, don't wear it unless you really think your cheeks are going to freeze. If it's not so cold I usually put a scarf around most of my face, if it's well tucked into your jacket it's easier to adjust. And, of course, a tuque. Otherwise your ears will fall off.
temp1
I biked year round in Chicago and never really needed more than 1 medium weight wicking base layer, a gore tex wind breaker with pit zips, wool dress pants (I commuted to work) ski mittens, wool socks (or some synthetic equivelent), boots that passed as dress shoes in the winter, and ear muffs that go around the back of my head. If it got really cold I threw on a light wool sweater. The sweater was nice padding for when I crashed on the ice, good luck, Its easier than you think
Juha
Agreed, at -7C or warmer balaclava is probably an overkill. Depending on your helmet even the skull cap may be too much. A tuque, however, is useful already at those temperatures.
--J
MikeR
I haven't addressed my hands, feet or head yet. I saved these for last because I know they will likely be the most critical. Considering all of the above what would you recommend that I have on hand for the winter? What should I spend money on and what should I not? Thanks...
I live in Central Pa. Last year was my first winter to ride. I went out in rain, snow and sleet in temps down to 0. Based on my first year, here’s what I think.
Covering the ears is very important. No mater how warm I am from hammering the pedals, my ears got cold . Sometimes it is too warm for a full balaclava but my ears still need some protection. The best thing I found for those times is a cheap ($2) little “gator” I got in the local xmart hunting dept. It’s a tube shaped stretch material that can go around your neck or can be pulled up to cover your ears, or your whole head.
Get a thermometer and keep track of the temperature, as well as what you are wearing before you start out . After a while you will know what to wear for each temperature range.
The last thing I found very useful is a small pannier. I invariably made the wrong decision about how much to put on – either too much or not enough. With the pannier, I was able to take off or put on as needed while on the ride. As I got better at predicting what I’ll need the pannier become less necessary.
That’s what I discovered but never heard mentioned anywhere. Hope this helps.
Mockpo
I am most interested in knowing how Baclava wearers get along in the cold. I wear glasses and breath hard when riding. I can't imagine that I won't be blind in the first couple minutes. I was considering just getting a skull cap and/or an earband of some sort. Good idea?
I have glasses and use a silk baclava under my helmet. I bought a paste that is used to clean glasses as well as keep them from fogging. I also use those 180 earmuffs as I find myself riding in the late afternoon when it gets under 15 degrees. Last winter my biggest problem was keeping my feet warm. I dont have winter shoes and am considering the booties... I got a second pair of shoes a little bigger to handle the additional socks but that didnt help much as the wind was the real problem. Maybe those windstopper socks?
My cheeks suffer from the wind and I would have gone with more of a whole face covering but the cold makes a mess of my sinus' so I have to keep some opening for "drainage".
Im still trying to perfect the layering on my torso. I have a silk base but need a better wicking layer on top of that & before the shell. Dampness is bad..
So far for my legs, basic tights with silk base have been good enough.
DanFromDetroit
I have a thin balaclava, a bike helmet, and a snowboard helmet. I might use the balaclava with either or none, depending on the situation.
I think that a vented snowboard helmet is a good choice.
Dan
MikeR
I am most interested in knowing how Baclava wearers get along in the cold. I wear glasses and breath hard when riding. I can't imagine that I won't be blind in the first couple minutes. I was considering just getting a skull cap and/or an earband of some sort. Good idea?
I thought that would be a problem for me - but it is not that bad. If my mouth is covered, then my glasses fog up - but only on the climbs. On flats and downhill there's enough wind to keep the glasses clear. I don't need to cover my mouth on climbs so I just pull the mouth covering down on the beginning of a climb and cover up at the top of the hill. It's not really that bad; you will find that you are also zipping your jacket down for a climb and up for the decent - so you can do both at the same time.
CarlJStoneham
Sounds like you're in decent shape. I was told that the most important thing was to watch how much you sweat. The LBS gal even said "ride slower, longer" because sweating in cold weather can be quite dangerous. The last thing you want is moisture to add to the wind chill. I have a set of light warmers (arm, leg, knee) for cooler days and some Pearl Izumi fleece leg warmers for the cold days. Other than that, I use what I already have: a sweatshirt with a windbreaker. I got some polypro glove liners to help on the hands and I have some over-sized MTB that I wear with heavy hiking socks. I just keep a steady pace and don't worry too much about high cadence, etc. I take my HRM and try to keep it at a reasonable level. Works for me. :)
new_dharma
i biked to school everyday the last two winters, and even made it when the profs didn't. the first year i rode everyday i overdressed and ended up getting sweaty, then cold. last year i figured out what works best for me. midweight hiking socks, tennis shoes (until it got wet), tights, surplus fatigue-pants (from a thrift store), tshirt, my gray hooded sweatshirt, a columbia shell, ski goggles, my military watch cap (black wool cap) under my helmet, Mechanix M-Pact II gloves inside northface mitten shells, and a scarf.
the columbia zips and snaps closed in the front, so if i start warming up, i unzip to let some air in (the snaps stay shut). i can remove the scarf (usually i don't) if i get warm, but it's used to keep the wind off my nose and mouth.
this might not seem like a lot, given the temps here dip well below zero, but as long as the skin is covered, i stay comfortable. i thinks it's a matter of what works for you.
Machka
If your "cold" temps are around 45°F, all you'd need are a pair of tights, a long sleeved jersey and a jacket. If your hands tend to get cold even in warmer temps, you might consider a pair of mini-gloves (those one you can buy for $1 at Walmart) under your regular cycling gloves.
If it gets a bit colder than that, you might consider a sweatshirt over your long sleeved jersey, and possibly light nylon toe covers or booties.
When it gets below freezing, that's when you have to start to get serious about what you wear out there.
Last February I rode a century. The ride started out at -32C/-25F and reached a high for the day of -25C/-12F. Here's what I wore:
Body:
- sports bra
- longsleeved Coolmax jersey (MEC)
- longsleeved fleece jersey (Nashbar)
- sweatshirt
- "fall/spring" vented jacket (a fabulous jacket I got from Nashbar - but I see they don't sell it anymore . . . pity!)
Hands:
- mini-gloves
- windproof mitts or ski gloves (I had to change these every so often to let one pair dry a bit) (Canadian Tire - Where else! )
Lowerbody:
- cycling shorts (Nashbar or MEC)
- tights - fleece lined (Nashbar - very comfortable in cool weather)
- non-cycling knee length shorts
- windpants
I also used little heat packs in my boots to help keep my feet warm.
On less cold days, I wear my regular cycling shoes with neoprene booties. I did a 200K brevet in November 2002 that started at -12C/10F and peaked at 0C/32F with wool socks, regular shoes, and neoprene booties. I used those heat packs for the first 50K on that ride too.
I don't like to wear anything over my face - even in the cold temps I've mentioned above (and I've commuted to work in temps down to -40 too) - because scarves, masks, etc. cause my glasses to fog up, and I don't think that covering my face is really all that necessary. The skin on your face is pretty tough because it is exposed to the weather all the time. In the really cold temps, if I'm going to be out there for a few hours or more, I will smear my face with Johnson's & Johnson's Daily Protection Cream to prevent frostbite.
Machka
And um . . . for all of you who are wearing baclavas on your head when you ride . . . doesn't that get rather sticky and uncomfortable? How do you manage to do your helmet up? You must mash it down into your hair! Do you use baclava rather than energy bars when you start to get hungry out there? If I were going to take baclava along with me, I'd rather carry it in a plastic baggie in my coat pocket rather than trying to stick it on my head!! :roflmao:
vrkelley
And um . . . for all of you who are wearing baclavas on your head when you ride . . . doesn't that get rather sticky and uncomfortable?
I didn't like mine either because I have long hair and it tangles up my hair. Mine had a seam in the back which I stiched on velcro. Now I can simply wrap it around my neck and velcro at the crown.
Later while riding if I want to take the balclava off, I can just slide it down without removing the helmet. Now this is the only head covering that I wear. I plan on doing the samething with an ear band.
Pedal Wench
And um . . . for all of you who are wearing baclavas on your head when you ride . . . doesn't that get rather sticky and uncomfortable? How do you manage to do your helmet up? You must mash it down into your hair! Do you use baclava rather than energy bars when you start to get hungry out there? If I were going to take baclava along with me, I'd rather carry it in a plastic baggie in my coat pocket rather than trying to stick it on my head!! :roflmao:
Sorry to revive an old thread, but this cracked me up! My boyfriend and I just call them 'pastries', cause we can never get the name right!
stepon
ALL the gear in the world won't keep you warm unless your motors hot.....ride faster.....faster!
You'll stay warm
shaq-d
* I only plan to ride when it is 20 degrees F and above and won't ride in the rain/snow if I can help it.
* Plan to ride approx. 45 minutes per day at a very brisk pedalling pace. (Rarely stop rapid pedalling)
I also don't want to send the family to the poor house in the process. I have already bought a Gore Tex cycling jacket, arm warmers, leg warmers, tights and a wicking type LS jersey. (bought all on ebay so fairly cheap)
I haven't addressed my hands, feet or head yet. I saved these for last because I know they will likely be the most critical. Considering all of the above what would you recommend that I have on hand for the winter? What should I spend money on and what should I not? Thanks...
(moved this to Winter Cycling... prob fits better there.)
hmm. first what you don't have is, in my opinion, the most important. for your feet, neoprene booties are excellent. i use'm with normal cycling shoes and normal socks and the booties keep me warm. the head, you absolutely need a balaclava, thin or thick is up to you. there's too much bruhaha here about balaclavas. there are different thicknesses and chances are the ones people don't liek are the thick ones. the thin ones are great; for what it's worth i have a thin balaclava, and when it gets really cold i wear a toque (thicker winter hat)+thick mouth-nose-ear neoprene wrap. and for hands i use water & windproof skiing gloves (kombi). keeping your feet/head/hands warm really makes the ride nicer.
the tights will you do good until around freezing point, 0C/32F. below freezing, i'd recommend long johns (preferably wicking) and water & wind resistant/proof pants, like the skiing ones. for the upper body, 2 layers will you do good above 0C/32F: like your jacket (goretex rox, since it's the water & wind resistant/proof top) and the LS sleeve jersey. around 0C/32F and below, you definitely need 3 layers, i.e. LS sleeve jersey, fleece sweater/vest, and the jacket.
so only other thing i'd recommend is a long sleeved fleece sweater/jersey to use as a midlayer. the typical rule of thumb, by the way, is 3 layers: one that's close to the body and thin, like the LS jersey, one thicker and looser, like the fleecey thing, and one that stops the wind, the jacket. with these 3 you'll find what best works for you...
sd
edit: one last thing... all of these things have different weights/thicknesses. a medium weight base layer and a medium weight midlayer can be pretty sweaty.. light weight base layer and light weight midlayer too cold.. etc... you just have to get out there with the basics and adjust from there :p
shaq-d
Thanks for all of the input. I think I have developed a game plan sort of. From what I have seen so far, the wind chill will likely be my enemy.
I am most interested in knowing how Baclava wearers get along in the cold. I wear glasses and breath hard when riding. I can't imagine that I won't be blind in the first couple minutes. I was considering just getting a skull cap and/or an earband of some sort. Good idea?
spray rain-x anti-fog, which u get from your local auto/hardware store, on your glasses. it does the trick quite decently.
sd
igno-mtb
sheldon brown uses tape to cover his helmet ventīs... its looks ugly but he says it works... and i really think so....
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/eagle.html
vrkelley
sheldon brown uses tape to cover his helmet ventīs... its looks ugly but he says it works... and i really think so....
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/eagle.html
Just cover the holes with a dang shower cap. They cost about $2 and if you get a heat wave, toss it in a jersey pocket.
vrkelley
Today was 45F. I wore less and had a fantastic ride But upon arrival, my mid section was red and cold to the touch (but not uncomfortable). Though my hands were hot, 'red with cold' seems like a danger sign?. What could I have added to protect my mid-section but not sweat it out?
I wore:
thin long sleeve duofold shirt
mid-weight ski glove (shed after 10 miles)
Col'Lizard Power Stretch 100 fleece leggings
helmet a cover and a polar tech liner
microfiber socks (thin)
Diadora Pablano H20 shoes/cleat
-Brought a rain jacket just in case...but didnt' wear it
shaq-d
Today was 45F. I wore less and had a fantastic ride But upon arrival, my mid section was red and cold to the touch (but not uncomfortable). Though my hands were hot, 'red with cold' seems like a danger sign?. What could I have added to protect my mid-section but not sweat it out?
I wore:
thin long sleeve duofold shirt
mid-weight ski glove (shed after 10 miles)
Col'Lizard Power Stretch 100 fleece leggings
helmet a cover and a polar tech liner
microfiber shocks (thin)
Diadora Pablano H20 shoes/cleat
-Brought a rain jacket just in case...but didnt' wear it
wow, 45F and all you wore was a thin long sleeved jersey for a top? i'd wear a fleece sweater too. but if that's too much for you, a fleece vest will do the trick.
sd
vrkelley
wow, 45F and all you wore was a thin long sleeved jersey for a top? i'd wear a fleece sweater too. but if that's too much for you, a fleece vest will do the trick.
sd
Well I wore so little and arrived less worn out. Thought it might have been a quirk but then the ride home was about the same temp but raining. Same gear but adding a rain jacket. The 13mi ride was unbelieveably easy even in the rain (I think it's because for once I didn't get over heated).
The vest or or RainManP's fleece bib (a swatch of polar tech with a string to sling over the neck-worn under the shirt) would probably work OK!
mckinivan
I suggest a merino wool baselayer, wool skull cap and socks. Keep the windjacket. I bought all of that from Woolistic. Wool keeps you warm even when wet, synthetics dont. Another HUGE advantage is you are riding daily, so Wool will not hold odor so you can wear a undershirt or wool jersey for several days with no rancid smell. Means you dont waste time washing clothes everyday and putting your family thru that horrible smell when you come home! good luck!
Juha
Today was 45F... But upon arrival, my mid section was red and cold to the touch (but not uncomfortable). Though my hands were hot, 'red with cold' seems like a danger sign?. What could I have added to protect my mid-section but not sweat it out?
I have experienced this occasionally, during a ride my belly gets cold to the touch. I don't know about the physiology behind this, but it seems to be harmless. It happens easier with wind chill. I've seen some "technical" underwear with supposedly windproof layer in the front, maybe that would help without causing too much sweating.
--J
Patch29
Today was 45F. I wore less and had a fantastic ride But upon arrival, my mid section was red and cold to the touch (but not uncomfortable). Though my hands were hot, 'red with cold' seems like a danger sign?. What could I have added to protect my mid-section but not sweat it out?
I rode 21 miles today it was just over 40F, 15-23 mph winds. I saw your post and checked when I got home, I too had a cool/red mid section, everywhere else was warm or normal. I wore thin synthetic long underwear, top and bottom, SS jersey and lightweight wind gear (breathable/not waterproof) top and bottom. It worked well for me, but as you only one cool/cold spot. I did not notice it while I was riding, not sure why that happens?
Portis
But upon arrival, my mid section was red and cold to the touch (but not uncomfortable). Though my hands were hot, 'red with cold' seems like a danger sign?. What could I have added to protect my mid-section but not sweat it out?
I used to get the cold stomach to. This year i finally found a solution. I called Lou at Foxwear (http://www.foxwear.net/products.htm). He makes custom winter cycling clothing. I found him on the icebike.com site. Lou got my measurements and asked if i wanted them taller around the waist to cover the stomach. Sounded like a good idea to me.
Man am i glad he suggested that. My stomach is now protected. It isnt often you can get taylor made clothing these days. I love my power shield tights (http://www.foxwear.net/PowerShieldTights.htm).
http://www.foxwear.net/shieldtights1.jpg
John Ridley
This is my first winter commuting (11 mile 1-way). So far the coldest it's been when I've left is 19*F. I'm currently wearing long polypro bottom, running tights, then a cheap pair of fleecy-stuff-lined nylon running pants. Top is Target wicking T-shirt base, a Wal-mart long-sleeve wicking layer, then an off-the-shelf microfiber jacket. Half-finger mesh-backed gloves work for me down to about 30*F (my fingers get hot even then) - below that I plan to get neoprene gloves but am currently wearing some cheap fleece gloves. On my head, I have duct-taped my helmet vents, and wear over-the-ear headphones tuned to NPR (not sure if this last is important :-) ). I'm just wearing old worn-out sneakers in toe clips, with some Wal-mart wool socks from the hunting department, turned inside-out; if it's really cold, some base-layer polypro socks under that. I bought some neoprene shoe covers from Performance last week, but even at 2 sizes too big, they're far too small to wear over sneakers, so I'll probably just hang on to them until I get some proper shoes and pedals.
So far it's been pretty good. Last Wednesday was my last ride before the holiday, and it got pretty slushy. In the last 2 miles several cars totally doused my legs with a wave of heavy slush. I felt the cold of the slush, but it slid right off the nylon pants, and I was fine.
vrkelley
I used to get the cold stomach to. This year i finally found a solution. I called Lou at Foxwear (http://www.foxwear.net/products.htm). He makes custom winter cycling clothing. I found him on the icebike.com site. Lou got my measurements and asked if i wanted them taller around the waist to cover the stomach. Sounded like a good idea to me.
Man am i glad he suggested that. My stomach is now protected. It isnt often you can get taylor made clothing these days. I love my power shield tights (http://www.foxwear.net/PowerShieldTights.htm).
Ranger,
Didn't see a description for these tights? Are these the ones with a "windshield" on legs? What sort of fabric is this?
Portis
These use powershield. It is a bit more dense than windshield i think. Lou could tell you for sure. The fabric is made by Malden Mills. It goes by the name polar tec i think. Lou can answer your questions better than i and he will send you free samples of fabric, like he did for me. (over 15 different fabrics he sent me)
Hawkster
Ranger, I am really looking for some winter pants now because it was below 30F on my ride today and shorts just aint warm enough anymore. I am thinking I will give foxwear a go, I am 6'8" so the custom measuring would be a BIG bonus. I am wondering if you still recommend the extended stomach or not. Does it stay up while riding or do you have trouble with it sliding down? And do they seem to be pretty heavy duty?
Muchos Gracias, Paul J.
Portis
Ranger, I am really looking for some winter pants now because it was below 30F on my ride today and shorts just aint warm enough anymore. I am thinking I will give foxwear a go, I am 6'8" so the custom measuring would be a BIG bonus. I am wondering if you still recommend the extended stomach or not. Does it stay up while riding or do you have trouble with it sliding down? And do they seem to be pretty heavy duty?
Muchos Gracias, Paul J.
I highly recommend Foxwear. You can read more about them (acutally him, Lou) at icebike.com. Powershield is a great fabric. I don't know what to compare it to since it is so unique, however i don't have any concerns about it holding up.
Honestly, if you call Lou, he will send you more fabric samples than you can imagine. I am staring at a bunch of them right now, as i have them laying by my computer. I ordered mine in August. If you do get the samples, my tights are made out of light weight power shield. I think heavy weight would be too heavy.
Yes, i still recommend the extended stomach. With the tights up over the stomach and a jacket and jersey over the top of that, my stomach burn, (redness) that i had last winter is gone. No longer do i get back from my rides and find a bright red stomach after I undress. No, i the tights do not ride down. They stay up because they are, well....tight on your stomach. He also put a drawstring in for me since i told him that I used to have a 36" waist and now have a 31" waist. (cycling works!!) Also i had him make them extra long so they don't ride up on my ankles. That is one very minor draw back. There are no grippers at the ankle so it is important to have extra length. (the tights have elastic but not grippers) With the extra length i have no trouble at all.
I think you will be happy with your experience with Foxwear. I certainly am and i plan to purchase more stuff from them as warranted. Right now i am pretty well set and don't need anything, but the Evap Jackets sound pretty good as well. I am using a Gore TEx jacket that can turn into a sauna under heavy exertion.
It is great in cold wind however. Good Luck.
Hawkster
Wow, that was a quick! Are you sure you are not hired as a sales guy for foxwear? :p
Thanks for the additional info and quick reply, I will give them a call tomarrow. Later, Paul J.
Hawkster
Hey everyone, I don't know if anyone is interested but here is an update:
I took Ranger's advice and obtained a pair of powershield pants from Foxwear, they are quite excellent! The coldest i've been out in them was about 20F, I wore a pair of silk longjohns under them and was quite warm. I also think it is wicked cool how water (and just about anything else I spill on them) beads right off the front.
My only minor gripe is that Lou put the knee articulation too low for my knees, apparently he measured up the leg the same amount he does for regular sized people. Anyway, it is no big deal, the topmost articulation flap-thingy is just below my knee so I still get a little benefit from it. He said I could send them back to be fixed if I wanted but it does not bother me enough to warrant that. So, thank you Ranger very much for referring me to them, I couldn't be much happier! Paul J.
Portis
Hey everyone, I don't know if anyone is interested but here is an update:
I took Ranger's advice and obtained a pair of powershield pants from Foxwear, they are quite excellent! The coldest i've been out in them was about 20F, I wore a pair of silk longjohns under them and was quite warm. I also think it is wicked cool how water (and just about anything else I spill on them) beads right off the front.
My only minor gripe is that Lou put the knee articulation too low for my knees, apparently he measured up the leg the same amount he does for regular sized people. Anyway, it is no big deal, the topmost articulation flap-thingy is just below my knee so I still get a little benefit from it. He said I could send them back to be fixed if I wanted but it does not bother me enough to warrant that. So, thank you Ranger very much for referring me to them, I couldn't be much happier! Paul J.
Cool Beans. I knew you would like them. :beer:
powers2b
Make sure your shoes are silver. It makes the commute home much quicker.
Enjoy