View Poll Results: What type of lower body warmers?
Leg warmers
7
18.42%
Full riding pants
9
23.68%
Get both, you'll never know what you'll need
22
57.89%
Voters: 38. You may not vote on this poll
Cool/Cold weather riding clothing advice
08-07-09, 07:22 PM
#26
cowboy, steel horse, etc
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While I lived in PHX, it snowed midday once. Actually stuck for an hour or so, too. 35th and Bell area. That weather's quite rare, of course.
My answers are outside the realm of choices given.
Sometimes a union suit, sometimes Nashbar tights, sometimes red ledge rain pants. Sometimes the tights and the pants.
Does "Full riding pants" mean tights?
Union suit for short commutes only.
My answers are outside the realm of choices given.
Sometimes a union suit, sometimes Nashbar tights, sometimes red ledge rain pants. Sometimes the tights and the pants.
Does "Full riding pants" mean tights?
Union suit for short commutes only.
Last edited by LesterOfPuppets; 08-07-09 at 07:30 PM.
08-07-09, 07:28 PM
#27
rebmeM roineS
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It's August. Might hit 90 tomorrow.
I've worn my relaxed fit running tights once in the last month. I've worn a nylon windbreaker vest a few mornings.
Ask the question again in late September.
I've worn my relaxed fit running tights once in the last month. I've worn a nylon windbreaker vest a few mornings.
Ask the question again in late September.
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08-07-09, 08:16 PM
#28
Bicycle n00B
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Take it from someone who has to work in the cold - and I mean temps down to -20F, blowing snow and high winds - when your hands and feet are cold and you are wearing good gloves and boots/socks - the root cause is typically that your head is not well enough protected. You loose 60% of your body heat through your head and your body will shunt off your hands and feet first. When it gets in the 40's I wear a fleece beenie under the helmet, when it is in the low 50's I wear a coolmax beanie, when it is in the 20s I consider a ski helmet.
I've got good ski-caps to wear under-helmet, and I'm hoping that'll keep in enough warmth to maintain heat in hands and feet. If not, I've got balaclavas for extra neck protection.
08-07-09, 08:22 PM
#29
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Been wearing Headsweat coolmax skull caps pretty much every ride for months - moderately cold, cool, warm, hot.
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08-07-09, 08:57 PM
#31
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As I am prone to skin cancer, I wear a coolmax year-round. The sun comes in through the vent holes, and there is not much hair to shield from the sun.
08-07-09, 10:21 PM
#32
Lance Legweak
Thread Starter
As for the full pants, I've seen the ones, guess they're called knickers, that go down to mid-shin, and I was told you could get riding pants that went all the down to the ankles for when it's cold, so wondering if the full length leg riding pants, or knickers with long socks, are better than the leg warmers? If I just get knee warmers/knickers, and I have exposed skin, I will be cold.
I do have a cap for running which should work under my helmet. Guess I need to check that.
Don't have shoe covers yet, but if it's that cold, or wet, I probably won't ride because as soon as my lungs suck in the cool, wet air, I'll be sunk.
Sounds like the arm warmers, as well as the leg warmers, don't slide down and provide good protection. I know I'll probably get all of them at some point, just trying to figure out what to get first? I was going to wait until Christmas, but it will be cold long before that, so guess I'll start building my clothing now.
I do have a cap for running which should work under my helmet. Guess I need to check that.
Don't have shoe covers yet, but if it's that cold, or wet, I probably won't ride because as soon as my lungs suck in the cool, wet air, I'll be sunk.
Sounds like the arm warmers, as well as the leg warmers, don't slide down and provide good protection. I know I'll probably get all of them at some point, just trying to figure out what to get first? I was going to wait until Christmas, but it will be cold long before that, so guess I'll start building my clothing now.
08-07-09, 10:47 PM
#33
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I likes me wool with a wind stopper layer when it really starts getting chilly. Still, it kinda early to be thinking about it, enjoying the dog days while they last.
08-08-09, 02:05 AM
#34
Lance Legweak
Thread Starter
08-08-09, 04:14 AM
#35
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As for the full pants, I've seen the ones, guess they're called knickers, that go down to mid-shin, and I was told you could get riding pants that went all the down to the ankles for when it's cold, so wondering if the full length leg riding pants, or knickers with long socks, are better than the leg warmers? If I just get knee warmers/knickers, and I have exposed skin, I will be cold.
I do have a cap for running which should work under my helmet. Guess I need to check that.
Don't have shoe covers yet, but if it's that cold, or wet, I probably won't ride because as soon as my lungs suck in the cool, wet air, I'll be sunk.
Sounds like the arm warmers, as well as the leg warmers, don't slide down and provide good protection. I know I'll probably get all of them at some point, just trying to figure out what to get first? I was going to wait until Christmas, but it will be cold long before that, so guess I'll start building my clothing now.
I do have a cap for running which should work under my helmet. Guess I need to check that.
Don't have shoe covers yet, but if it's that cold, or wet, I probably won't ride because as soon as my lungs suck in the cool, wet air, I'll be sunk.
Sounds like the arm warmers, as well as the leg warmers, don't slide down and provide good protection. I know I'll probably get all of them at some point, just trying to figure out what to get first? I was going to wait until Christmas, but it will be cold long before that, so guess I'll start building my clothing now.
1) Long sleeve jersey
2) Wind breaker
3) Full length gloves
4) Tights
5) fleece skull cap
6) Arm warmers
7) Shoe covers
8) Knickers
9) Leg warmers
My head, arms and fingers get cold long before my legs and feet do. Knickers are great but I used shorts or tights for years before I bought knickers. Shoe covers are a must wen it really gets cold but one season I wrapped my feet in med size zip-lock bags to keep the wind off them, that worked up to a point. Base layers can usually be made up from other non-cycling specific clothing. As always YMMV.
08-08-09, 08:15 AM
#36
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Items of clothing I use at some point in the year:
Summer
bibs
ss jersey
lightweight socks
summer ss base layer
fingerless gloves
Fall/Spring
bibs
ss jersey
lightweight socks
summer or medium weight ss base layer
fingerless or light full fingered gloves
arm warmers
knee warmers
sleeveless vest
cycling cap
toe covers
Winter
all the above
winter bibs
long sleeved jersey
mid weight long sleeved base layer
fleece windstopper gloves
ear muffs or ear band
booties
mid weight socks
embrocation ointment - Assos Creme
leg warmers
medium weight jacket with windstopper
I don't ride much when the temp is above 80º or below 50º. If it gets too hot in town I just ride up on the mountain where it is cooler. I will do winter rides in the mid 40s but not much below (ave high in Jan. is 47º). Fall event rides can start in the low 30s but will usually finish in the 60s. I don't overdress for those.
08-08-09, 09:28 AM
#37
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Wind-stopping is the key for me in cool weather, and I'm hoping it will be the same in the cold of January-February here.
08-08-09, 10:01 AM
#38
Lance Legweak
Thread Starter
If your looking for a prioritized list this would be mine based on utility, not temperature:
1) Long sleeve jersey
2) Wind breaker
3) Full length gloves
4) Tights
5) fleece skull cap
6) Arm warmers
7) Shoe covers
8) Knickers
9) Leg warmers
My head, arms and fingers get cold long before my legs and feet do. Knickers are great but I used shorts or tights for years before I bought knickers. Shoe covers are a must wen it really gets cold but one season I wrapped my feet in med size zip-lock bags to keep the wind off them, that worked up to a point. Base layers can usually be made up from other non-cycling specific clothing. As always YMMV.
1) Long sleeve jersey
2) Wind breaker
3) Full length gloves
4) Tights
5) fleece skull cap
6) Arm warmers
7) Shoe covers
8) Knickers
9) Leg warmers
My head, arms and fingers get cold long before my legs and feet do. Knickers are great but I used shorts or tights for years before I bought knickers. Shoe covers are a must wen it really gets cold but one season I wrapped my feet in med size zip-lock bags to keep the wind off them, that worked up to a point. Base layers can usually be made up from other non-cycling specific clothing. As always YMMV.
08-08-09, 12:56 PM
#39
Old fart
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Once it gets below 65F I break out the wool tights and jersey. When it gets below 55F I get out the fleece-lined shoes:
But I've been having problems with Reynaud's phenomenon for the past few years. Once it gets below freezing I stop riding because if the Reynaud's kicks in it can take several hours before the pain subsides and my hands and feet become functional again.
But I've been having problems with Reynaud's phenomenon for the past few years. Once it gets below freezing I stop riding because if the Reynaud's kicks in it can take several hours before the pain subsides and my hands and feet become functional again.
Last edited by JohnDThompson; 08-08-09 at 01:00 PM.
08-08-09, 03:11 PM
#40
Time for a change.
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I find that Knickers are ideal down to freezing temps. I do not have a problem with cold legs- but that covering over the knees does keep the joints just a bit warmer.
Only time I wear tights is in the wet- or well below freezing. Cold- wet- stinging- freezing water hitting the calf muscles hurts. You might as well throw rocks at my legs but cycling tights will just take the sting out of the rain and as they are Lycra they do not hold moisture.
And shoe covers work. In cold weather they do keep out the wind and the rain. Just make vcertain you go to the LBS with your shoes to get the right size.
Only time I wear tights is in the wet- or well below freezing. Cold- wet- stinging- freezing water hitting the calf muscles hurts. You might as well throw rocks at my legs but cycling tights will just take the sting out of the rain and as they are Lycra they do not hold moisture.
And shoe covers work. In cold weather they do keep out the wind and the rain. Just make vcertain you go to the LBS with your shoes to get the right size.
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08-08-09, 09:20 PM
#41
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08-09-09, 11:50 AM
#42
Lincoln, CA
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I have always used leg warmers, but just bought a pair of tights to put over the three pair of good shorts that all got "see-thru" at the same time, even though they are still comfy.
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08-09-09, 12:43 PM
#43
Have bike, will travel
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I also wear tights and rain pants when it's 25 to 40F.
Michael
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08-09-09, 01:07 PM
#44
Senior Member
I can tolerate cold legs, provided my feet are warm. I use neoprene over-boots for that. I will ride down to about 0F and a typical lower body outfit includes Chamois shorts, Mourino wool long johns, bib pants(no chamois) and rain pants.
Top, Long sleeve jersey, wind breaker vest, a long sleeve jacket, rain jacket.
Balaclava on the solar panel! Winter weight gloves on the hands, Pearl Izumi makes the warmest in my experience.
It takes 30 minutes to dress, 60 to ride, 30 to clean the bike, 30 warming up in the shower. Boy, do I look forward to every spring!
Top, Long sleeve jersey, wind breaker vest, a long sleeve jacket, rain jacket.
Balaclava on the solar panel! Winter weight gloves on the hands, Pearl Izumi makes the warmest in my experience.
It takes 30 minutes to dress, 60 to ride, 30 to clean the bike, 30 warming up in the shower. Boy, do I look forward to every spring!
08-09-09, 01:12 PM
#45
Senior Member
Our winter club gear is a litely lined club tights.. Since it warms up by noon , we need nothing too heavy. I wear tights if it's below about 40 degrees when we take off. Above 40, leg warmers will suffice. One of the best buys I've ever made is my UnderArmour winter base layer. Most of the winter, I don't even need a heavy winter jacket as a result.
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08-09-09, 07:38 PM
#46
feros ferio
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For me, the most important cool or cold weather clothing is a good pair of full-fingered gloves.
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Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
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08-09-09, 07:48 PM
#47
Lance Legweak
Thread Starter
When we go'in riding? Went Woodland, to Davis, to Winters, and back to Woodland the other day. 40 miles total. Crazy weather we're having here, ain't it?
08-09-09, 07:51 PM
#48
Lance Legweak
Thread Starter
I can tolerate cold legs, provided my feet are warm. I use neoprene over-boots for that. I will ride down to about 0F and a typical lower body outfit includes Chamois shorts, Mourino wool long johns, bib pants(no chamois) and rain pants.
Top, Long sleeve jersey, wind breaker vest, a long sleeve jacket, rain jacket.
Balaclava on the solar panel! Winter weight gloves on the hands, Pearl Izumi makes the warmest in my experience.
It takes 30 minutes to dress, 60 to ride, 30 to clean the bike, 30 warming up in the shower. Boy, do I look forward to every spring!
Top, Long sleeve jersey, wind breaker vest, a long sleeve jacket, rain jacket.
Balaclava on the solar panel! Winter weight gloves on the hands, Pearl Izumi makes the warmest in my experience.
It takes 30 minutes to dress, 60 to ride, 30 to clean the bike, 30 warming up in the shower. Boy, do I look forward to every spring!
08-09-09, 08:01 PM
#49
Senior Member
08-09-09, 08:31 PM
#50
Cathedral City, CA
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I ride down to about 25F. At that temperature I would normally wear a short sleeve wool jersey, arm and leg warmers, wool shorts or regular bibs, head cover that extends over the ears, Pearl Izumi AmFib Lobster Claw gloves, lycra tights (no insulation) and a Campagnolo jacket with some insulation.
The thing about arm and leg warmers is that they are very flexible in how you can use them. Long sleeves and insulated tights, on the other hand, are quite inflexible. I would rather have short sleeves, short pants and warmers warmers over long sleeves and insulated tights.
The thing about arm and leg warmers is that they are very flexible in how you can use them. Long sleeves and insulated tights, on the other hand, are quite inflexible. I would rather have short sleeves, short pants and warmers warmers over long sleeves and insulated tights.