Road Cycling - Winter clothing?

Many bib-tights appear to come without pads, so shorts must be worn underneath. Is this because usually tights are insufficiently warm to be worn on their own in winter? Are stirrups essential?


Are long-sleeved team jerseys made from warmer materials than short-sleeved ones?


Are winter jackets usually too heavy to be worn on long rides?

Apologies for the basic questions!

1.) You can buy them either way, with or without the pad. As you say most come without. I have always believed this was to allow you to take them off during the ride should it warm up. In the early spring, I can start a ride early when it is below 40 degrees and by mid afternoon it is high 60's low 70's. I need tights in the AM and need them off in the PM.

Stirrups are neot necessary, especially if your tights have a "grippy" strip at the bottom. Stirrups are nice for those especially cold days.

2.) Long sleeved Jerseys come in a variety of materials ranging from lightweight (similar to short sleeved) to thicker, fleece lined, windproof heavy duty jerseys. I have 3 different "weights" of long sleeved jerseys for different conditions. I have found that most people are different as to how much they need to wear at different temps, experiment and keep a log, I find that the ranges for me are; 1.) 20 to 40, 2.) 35 to 55 & 3.)50 to 70 I know what to wear in each temp. BTW I focus on wind chill not temp. Remember, the faster you go the colder it feels. dress accordingly.

3.) Winter jackets are both too heavy & not aero enough for winter riding for me. Your exp may be different. Riding you want to vent excess sweat so you don't chill. You need wicking layers and breathable garments to ensure optimal heat maintenance. In addition, because you are working, your core will be generating heat, this is why general advice is to wear enough that you start the ride out cold, as your body "warms up" you will be dressed appropriatly. Starting the ride out comfortable results in an inefficient ride as your not very efficient when you are overheated. There are some cycling specifi jackets that work well. For me, I never wear a jacket unless it is going to perciipitate.

Hope this helps.

Len

I have a pair of bib tights with chamois and to be
honest, I don't like them as much as wearing either
regular tights or bib tights over my regular shorts.
They are a winter bib with a thin polar fleece material
and are kind of bulky. Warm tho.
Don't like winter weight jackets due to fact I prefer to
layer, that way can take off a few layers if I get too warm.
Marty

With separate shorts, your laundry is reduced. You dont need to wash the longs after every ride.
For long jerseys, I prefer std hiking ones to cycling versions. You dont need rear pockets or fancy features. Wicking stuff is all of a muchness, the exensive stuff is a little better, and nice to have, but costs a whole lot more.
I usually use a windproof jacket as an outer. My latest jacket (Paramo Cusco) is waterproof, but a whole lot more breathable than gortex, so I wear that all the time, but I used to go with 2 jackets, one for wind, one for rain.I also use an insulated jacket in very cold weather.

Winter clothing is pretty personal, depends on your winter, your body type, and your work rate.

I agree with the previous detailed post about layering on the upper body. I wear a full base layer underneath, then for really cold (20-40) I wear a Cannondale fleece top with a PearlIzumi windvest. The ride starts out cold but it warms up as time progresses. I have ultra-cold Pearl AmFib tights that so far have been warm down to 20 degrees - I have not tried them below that yet. I just wear shorts or nickers under them for padding since they don't have any of their own. A balaclava and helmet cover are a must for extreme cold and also neoprene, fleece-lined booties.

Good luck.