I was out last night riding in mid 30Fs, and thought of how I missed my "Dickie" That neck warmer thing that looks like your wearing a turtle neck? I have two that are nice and long, so I can pull them up over my face if needed. It has been the one addition I don't think I could do without in the real cold. A close second are the arm warmers I made from old sweat pants. I found my arms get real cold when riding, and my core stays nice and toasty, so I made these liners for my windshirt I use for layers on my arms. I've done without them, but not often, when it gets really cold.

What are your's?

Having no (very little) hair on my head. I would say a good skull cap of somekind! :D

Shoe covers are next on the list!

I think my sweat band in the summer. Without it, the sweat pouring off my hairless pate runs into my eyes, making it difficult to see clearly. In the cold of winter, it is my balaclava that covers my neck.

One thing I don't have yet but must get is shoe covers. Last winter I changed to platform pedals and used a pair of insulated hiking boots. Worked great, but they sure are ungainly and heavy.

Sweat band in the summer. helmet linner in the winter. Never leavfe home without gloves on summer, winter, spring or fall

ngateguy has it, there is no more critical peice of clothing than the gloves for me. I can't standing riding without them, just feels too weird.

Winter specific something that covers the ears is pretty essential. Now that I shave my head I need to cover my entire head.

gloves either full finger of half depending on weather but has to be gloves.

DITTO on the gloves!

If I had to go naked except for one item, I would wear gloves. Does anything else really matter?

I think my sweat band in the summer. Without it, the sweat pouring off my hairless pate runs into my eyes, making it difficult to see clearly.

I didn't think that was caused by sweat, but politics :p

Edit: Sorry I couldn't help myself it was just there staring me in tha face :D

Shoe covers, definitely, I have a full head of hair and my core is well insulated ;) , but I can not take the pain of my toes thawing out!

Winter would be 1. balaclava, 2. gloves, 3. wind pants.

On very cold days my neoprene booties.I think these work better than some of cheaper shoe covers that are out there.

As the temerature drops...

Protect the knees first (knee warmers or tights)

Next protect the fingers & toes
(full gloves and booties)

Then ears...
(ear covers or full skull cap)

Then torso...
(vest to LS jersey to jacket)

Then arms. (warmers or LS jersey or both)

Then we are into full protection... (temp is freezing (32F or 0C or below)
(Trifecta tights by performance is best for really cold stuff, neoprene boots for the feet and ski-gloves or special ones like the pearl-iz which are really ski gloves designed with grips for cycling... Also in the very cold a baclave and or neck gator)

Once it is below 10F/-12C my "Bullwinkles" (pogies marketed by Terry 2 or 3 years ago) go on. I can then wear lighter gloves and my hands stay a lot warmer, mostly because the air leakage at the wrists is eliminated. They can only be put on flat bars, they do make it harder to give hand signals, and every year you have to search for who is selling them this year. They would seem a natural for MEC.

*snip*
pogies
*snip*
They would seem a natural for MEC.

MEC does have pogies:
MEC Pogies (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=668557&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=479921&bmUID=1067908141524) They're made by Serratus which, as far as I know, is still full owned by MEC.

I would say gloves are a must... Can't shift or brake if your hands are frozen.

Next I would go with my neck buff, which has many uses, can be used as a balaclava or just a neck warmer or just an ear warmer. It's basically a long tube made of stretchy nylon/spandex.

Jay

Ear Bags. I had a hard time giving them up this past spring when it started to get warm. I liked the decreased wind noise while using them. On the warmer days my head didn't get hot because I had no need to wear a full hat under my helmet and on really cold days they didn't interfer with my balaclava.

Best 10.00 I ever spent!

I miss my Dickie after a cold ride also. ;)

I miss my Dickie after a cold ride also. ;)
:roflmao: So does anybody make an insulated jock strap. ;)

I'm learning how to stitch and will be making my own bike clothing out of burlap bags. I'm then going to sell it on eBay :lol:

Regards

Everyone is saying gloves, but when it gets cold I change over to mittens. Much warmer than any gloves.

...my "Bullwinkles" (pogies marketed by Terry 2 or 3 years ago) go on. I can then wear lighter gloves and my hands stay a lot warmer...and every year you have to search for who is selling them this year.

Just FYI I have been using Pogoes for about 7 years with great success. A few years ago my wife and I actually started making them for resale and added a few features to what was on the market. I know this sounds like a shamelss plug...but you can chek them out at http://www.trails-edge.com/retail/te_shirts/amfbikemits.htm

If you don't mind waiting a few weeks we are in productions and catching up on all outstanding orders. I just ordered more material and in the new year we are planning to be ahead of the ordering... :rolleyes:

Sorry if it sounds like an ad...just wanted to let you know where you will be able to find them in teh future as well.

BTW I rode last night 11 degrees with wind chill and only wore my Pearl Izumi long finger summer gloves...No problems. As for feet I have been having good lock with my Answer Winter Boots and using a chem. warmer.

Mike

My mom watches QVC all the time, and she got me some kind of hood that pushes down over the neck or comes up over the head for a full ski mask. I don't think she even realized how helpful it would be for me, just thought it would be a warm present, and she had to get me something for Christmas. It was probably the best gift she ever gave me.

Koffee

In the winter:
1. neoprene booties
2. very thin but warm balaclava

In the summer:
1. clipless pedals / shoes
2. gloves

shoes... i can ride naked. hahahaha!