Cold weather clothes?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Las Cruces, NM
Posts: 47
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Cold weather clothes?
I ride in 35 - 50 degrees in the dry desert here in the morning. I need to get some cycling clothes in place of my sweat pants and shirt. I see other cyclists wearing form-fitting tops and bottoms. But looking online I see both base layer, and jackets. Do people wear both a base layer and a cycling jacket, as well as base plus some kind of pant, at the same time?
Can anybody recommend an example of a single layer that would handle 35 to 50 degrees?
Thanks
Jim
Can anybody recommend an example of a single layer that would handle 35 to 50 degrees?
Thanks
Jim
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 363
Bikes: Lynskey Helix, Serotta Fierta IT, Torelli, Raleigh Carbon Revenio 3.0
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
There is a forum that specifically deals with winter cycling. Sure you can find answers there.
https://www.bikeforums.net/forumdispl...Winter-Cycling
https://www.bikeforums.net/forumdispl...Winter-Cycling
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Burnaby, BC
Posts: 4,144
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
I ride in 35 - 50 degrees in the dry desert here in the morning. I need to get some cycling clothes in place of my sweat pants and shirt. I see other cyclists wearing form-fitting tops and bottoms. But looking online I see both base layer, and jackets. Do people wear both a base layer and a cycling jacket, as well as base plus some kind of pant, at the same time?
Can anybody recommend an example of a single layer that would handle 35 to 50 degrees?
Thanks
Jim
Can anybody recommend an example of a single layer that would handle 35 to 50 degrees?
Thanks
Jim
I'm sure there are less expensive options, but I got this one:
#4
Should Be More Popular
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Posts: 43,038
Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix
Mentioned: 560 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 22583 Post(s)
Liked 8,923 Times
in
4,156 Posts
Single layer for legs (tights or leg warmers).
NOT single layer for top. You want a couple layers, ideally outer layer should have (or be a) windproof shell.
Here is what I would wear on top: short sleeve jersey, long sleeve jersey, and windbreaker/shell (or vest). As temps warm up maybe pitch the shell.
NOT single layer for top. You want a couple layers, ideally outer layer should have (or be a) windproof shell.
Here is what I would wear on top: short sleeve jersey, long sleeve jersey, and windbreaker/shell (or vest). As temps warm up maybe pitch the shell.
#5
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Las Cruces, NM
Posts: 47
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks! I'll go on over...
There is a forum that specifically deals with winter cycling. Sure you can find answers there.
https://www.bikeforums.net/forumdispl...Winter-Cycling
https://www.bikeforums.net/forumdispl...Winter-Cycling
#6
Should Be More Popular
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Posts: 43,038
Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix
Mentioned: 560 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 22583 Post(s)
Liked 8,923 Times
in
4,156 Posts
There is a forum that specifically deals with winter cycling. Sure you can find answers there.
https://www.bikeforums.net/forumdispl...Winter-Cycling
https://www.bikeforums.net/forumdispl...Winter-Cycling
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 363
Bikes: Lynskey Helix, Serotta Fierta IT, Torelli, Raleigh Carbon Revenio 3.0
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Well that all depends on where you live. And there are many discussions in that forum where people talk about clothing for different temperature ranges including the one asked here..
#8
Beer >> Sanity
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Colorado
Posts: 3,449
Bikes: 2014 Evo DA2, 2010 Caad9-4, 2011 Synapse-4, 2013 CaadX-disc
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The answer in all cases will be layers. Find what works for you, your climate and your cold tolerance. The basic starting point would probably look something like this:
Upper body
short or long sleeve base layer (wool can be great here and has a bit wider comfort range)
short or long sleeve jersey
windproof (and/or waterproof depending on needs) jacket/vest/shell
Lower
cycling shorts/bibs
tights/leg/knee warmers
pants/shell if it's really cold/wet
Dress to be a bit cool when you start as you will warm up and then unzip/vent/shed as needed.
Upper body
short or long sleeve base layer (wool can be great here and has a bit wider comfort range)
short or long sleeve jersey
windproof (and/or waterproof depending on needs) jacket/vest/shell
Lower
cycling shorts/bibs
tights/leg/knee warmers
pants/shell if it's really cold/wet
Dress to be a bit cool when you start as you will warm up and then unzip/vent/shed as needed.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Utah
Posts: 8,667
Bikes: Paletti,Pinarello Monviso,Duell Vienna,Giordana XL Super,Lemond Maillot Juane.& custom,PDG Paramount,Fuji Opus III,Davidson Impulse,Pashley Guv'nor,Evans,Fishlips,Y-Foil,Softride, Tetra Pro, CAAD8 Optimo,
Mentioned: 156 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2323 Post(s)
Liked 4,981 Times
in
1,775 Posts
The main thing to remember is wool. With two years of daily winter riding under my belt I can say with full confidence that wool is superior to any modern technical fabric. Breathes better, handles a wider temperture range, does not get smelly, and keeps you warm not matter if it's wet or not. How much you need to wear will depend on you. I do fine with 3 lightweight wool layers down into the low 20s f if there is not any real wind.
__________________
Steel is real...and comfy.
Steel is real...and comfy.
#10
Middle-Aged Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Mesa, AZ
Posts: 2,276
Bikes: Bianchi Infinito CV 2014, TREK HIFI 2011, Argon18 E-116 2013
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
....alrighty... enough with bashing desert dwellers. I ride when it is 50+ but I have to use warm cloths. I personally do fleece knickers with a fleece long sleeve top, wool ankle socks and a cap under my helmet. If it gets too cold while riding fast I put on gloves, if it gets too cold even then... I do insulated gloves. Those changes seem to manage everything I need to feel comfortable.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Posts: 2,318
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
At the low end of the range, I'll wear a thermal jersey and a breathable jacket, and tights over bike shorts. Gloves. My feet can take 35F with wool socks in road shoes---no need for booties.
At 50 I'd lose the jacket and the tights, and wear half gloves.
Wind can also be a factor.
#12
Senior Member
It's all relative too. To me, 50f is warm, so I could get by in shorts, short sleeve jersey, and a shell jacket.
The key is to figure out what you would wear in various temp ranges, like:
50 - 60
40 - 50
30 - 40
20 - 30
Then, you are prepared for ANY temp. For me, between 40 and 20 means adding a balaclava, and ski gloves. So I know over 40, lose the balaclava and winter gloves, go to cap and long finger cold weather bike gloves.
The key is to figure out what you would wear in various temp ranges, like:
50 - 60
40 - 50
30 - 40
20 - 30
Then, you are prepared for ANY temp. For me, between 40 and 20 means adding a balaclava, and ski gloves. So I know over 40, lose the balaclava and winter gloves, go to cap and long finger cold weather bike gloves.
__________________
'11 Time NXR Instinct / '79 Paris Sport by Moulton
'11 Time NXR Instinct / '79 Paris Sport by Moulton
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 23,208
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18883 Post(s)
Liked 10,646 Times
in
6,054 Posts
#14
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Las Cruces, NM
Posts: 47
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The main thing to remember is wool. With two years of daily winter riding under my belt I can say with full confidence that wool is superior to any modern technical fabric. Breathes better, handles a wider temperture range, does not get smelly, and keeps you warm not matter if it's wet or not. How much you need to wear will depend on you. I do fine with 3 lightweight wool layers down into the low 20s f if there is not any real wind.
Jamesdak, thanks for the suggestion, I looked online for wool (long sleeve and long leg length) but all I am finding is synthetic, even from Pearl Izumi, Gore, etc. Do you have a particular website or product in mind?
Thanks
Jim
#15
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Las Cruces, NM
Posts: 47
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have a question about wool.....I use a down comforter. One of the great things about it is when it's cold, it keeps me warm, but when it's warm, it doesn't make me too hot. I don't know why, it's kind of a miracle I guess :-).
So how does this gear do in not-so-cold temps?
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 23,208
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18883 Post(s)
Liked 10,646 Times
in
6,054 Posts
That's why you use layers, plural, and not one monolithic one. When it's not so cold, you wear fewer layers.
#17
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Las Cruces, NM
Posts: 47
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Burnaby, BC
Posts: 4,144
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Boy, Commodus, that is some gorgeous gear. How much did that set you back?
I have a question about wool.....I use a down comforter. One of the great things about it is when it's cold, it keeps me warm, but when it's warm, it doesn't make me too hot. I don't know why, it's kind of a miracle I guess :-).
So how does this gear do in not-so-cold temps?
I have a question about wool.....I use a down comforter. One of the great things about it is when it's cold, it keeps me warm, but when it's warm, it doesn't make me too hot. I don't know why, it's kind of a miracle I guess :-).
So how does this gear do in not-so-cold temps?
I like it because where I live, it covers my commuting needs for the entire winter - it just doesn't get that cold here. I just chuck on a light rain jacket when it's really raining, but it actually handles rain remarkably well. Enough so that I rarely bother on my 45min commute. For the great majority of my cold weather riding, I don't have to worry too much about layers. I just put this on over a normal jersey. It's amazing that a single piece can be so versatile.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 23,208
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18883 Post(s)
Liked 10,646 Times
in
6,054 Posts
It won't keep you warm, because its job isn't to insulate, but it'll keep the sweat away from you and keep you from feeling or losing heat to whatever sweat you produce. And it'll keep you from smelling like body odor.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 23,208
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18883 Post(s)
Liked 10,646 Times
in
6,054 Posts
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: philly.
Posts: 206
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
key is to figure out for yourself what works for you at various temps. this can only do by trail and error.
Find a good base layer then add whatever you need ontop of that as said before. I wouldnt recommend a hardshell jacket as youll sweat a good deal under that if your working hard. softshells do a much better job of keeping you warm but not trapping heat.
personally in 50-30F id run a wind vest over a ss jersey and baselayer (under amour) then a pair of tights and bibs. at either extreme you may need a bit less (thinner base layer/lt weight vest) or a bit more (knee/arm warmers)
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
Cheap baselayer: silk undershirt from sierratradingpost.com. I think it was less than $20. It's warm, thin, and machine washable.
Even cheaper baselayer: moth-eaten cashmere or merino sweater. Don't throw it out. Throw it in the washing machine to make it snug. Cut off the sleeves if you like. (If you don't have one, check out Goodwill, etc. Make sure it's actual wool, not polyester).
Even cheaper baselayer: moth-eaten cashmere or merino sweater. Don't throw it out. Throw it in the washing machine to make it snug. Cut off the sleeves if you like. (If you don't have one, check out Goodwill, etc. Make sure it's actual wool, not polyester).