Northern California - Preparing for winter riding, clothing options.

I have a couple of short sleeve bike jerseys, lightweight pearl izumi Optik jacket. leg warmers. Should I just buy a set of arm warmers and go from there? I've been eying a long sleeve wool jersey from EWR. But have been thinking it might be overkill since our winter weather isn't that bad. Also considering tights or knickers.

Fenders, if you plan to go out in the rain.

I love my vest type baselayers. Amazing how warm that thin material keeps you. I have long sleeve jerseys but never wear them. With arm warmers, you can always peel it down to cool off.

I get colder than most people, and I do some 5am rides (when it's in the 30s at times). I have the full collection of winter clothing: base layers, jacket, tights, gloves, shoe covers, skull cap

I have a couple of short sleeve bike jerseys, lightweight pearl izumi Optik jacket. leg warmers. Should I just buy a set of arm warmers and go from there? I've been eying a long sleeve wool jersey from EWR. But have been thinking it might be overkill since our winter weather isn't that bad. Also considering tights or knickers.

Get the arm-warmers first. There are definitely days when you might want to wear a l/s jersey or a jacket for your entire ride, but there are more days when you'd like the extra warmth arm-warmers can provide for part of your ride, without being stuck in long sleeves the whole time.

The key for me is to keep my head, hands, and feet warm. Once it's below 40F: Skull cap, full fingered gloves, and toe warmers.

In addition to the jacket you mentioned above.
- head/helmet liner with ear flaps.
- full fingered gloves.
- shoe or minimally toe covers.
- fleeced lined jersey is nice but not necessary if you have...
- base layers, the form fitting cheapies from Target (Champion) work OK,...
- UnderArmour is good and relatively cheap and available at Sports Authority and such.

A lot of it depends on what temperatures you plan to ride in.

One of my absolute favorite things for the winter is my SmartWool merino longsleeve baselayer. It's just about the the perfect garment.

I have a couple of short sleeve bike jerseys, lightweight pearl izumi Optik jacket. leg warmers. Should I just buy a set of arm warmers and go from there? I've been eying a long sleeve wool jersey from EWR. But have been thinking it might be overkill since our winter weather isn't that bad. Also considering tights or knickers.

How cold is your winter? Here on the peninsula, it is almost never below 40F during the day. If it is not raining, knee and arm warmers and a wind vest is usually adequate for 40-60F weather. Of course, skinny people will usually need warmer clothes than people with lots of natural insulation.

One of my absolute favorite things for the winter is my SmartWool merino longsleeve baselayer. It's just about the the perfect garment.

+10 !

Thin wool layers are great for Bay Area winter riding.

Thin wool layers are great for Bay Area winter riding.Fixed. A thin merino wool layer is good all year round. And when it gets colder, you just add more/thicker layers.

I have a sock cap and neck gaiter set that can be combined to cover the area of a balaclava, with a bit more flexibility. The hat can be folded down in the back to cover your ears, which is very important for us large-eared folk.

Oh yeah, and good wool socks are nice... ;)

How cold is your winter? Here on the peninsula, it is almost never below 40F during the day. If it is not raining, knee and arm warmers and a wind vest is usually adequate for 40-60F weather. Of course, skinny people will usually need warmer clothes than people with lots of natural insulation.

It can be colder up on Skyline....

Ah, Marco's ride earlier this year atop OLH at Skyline. So toasty.

nice thread... how about some links for newbs :)

Ah, Marco's ride earlier this year atop OLH at Skyline. So toasty.

Yeah man, we were totally ready to battle the elements :twitchy:

a beard. grow a beard.

Pfsh! You don't need no stinking winter clothing.
http://www.icebike.org/images/icebike-IMG_3387small.jpg

HTFU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5wPEymv-oQ

http://fotos.miarroba.com/fotos/5/d/5d8553cf.jpg

a beard. grow a beard.If anyone wants to buy mine, make an offer.

I'd totally rock an abe lincoln if I was able. But I have an asian baby face, even at 35 I only have to shave once a week. Just the goatee area nothing between the sideburns and chin.


a beard. grow a beard.

I'd totally rock an abe lincoln if I was able. But I have an asian baby face, even at 35 I only have to shave once a week. Just the goatee area nothing between the sideburns and chin.

I'm also a member of the hairless Asian club! haha! I can't even grow a goatee!

In terms of the winter stuff, I have a fleece lined wind breaker (made for running) or my Nike Dri-Fit t-shirt I got at the outlet and arm warmers I got cheap on Performancebke.com. I also have a set of toe covers. That and a wind vest have gotten me through the cooler days of Daly City!

I have leg warmers but I usually get too hot when I wear them so I rarely use them. Although I'm not hard core like a lot of these guys/gals so I generally avoid the really cold and/or wet stuff.

Oh yeah, I also bought a Nike dri-fit head cap type thing that I can wear under my helmet to keep my head warm at times. I got it for about $5 at the outlet. :)

Another thought is to wear two jerseys if you don't have a base layer.

Good luck!
Gary