Hezz

Good luck on your ride. It sound fun. One thing you have noticed is the wide variation of methods and responses to your question. It's very true that everyone has a very different metabolism and in the end you have to experiment to find out what works the best for you.

Probably the most important thing on a winter ride is having something warm to put on if you have to stop and fix a flat. You can really get cold when you are not riding in clothing that was just fine while you were exercising. The 48 degree high should make the ride pretty nice. It will feel like summer for this time of year.

scarleton

I wanted to thank everyone for their input. I was out riding 80 miles on Saturday, the temp was between the low 30's and upper 40's and I have never been so comfortable on a bike, temperature wise! I actually came home dry and warm! I would like to give the credit to all of you that chimed in with your thoughts and experiences so that I could formulate my approach.

I did exactly as I said I would, sore the Pearl Izumi Men's Thermal Long Sleeve Baselayer & Pearl Izumi Men's Elite Thermal Long Sleeve through out the day. I cared both the Aero Tech Design in case I needed to stop and fix a flat and I also cared the Pearl Izumi - Ride Men's Elite Barrier Jacket in case I got too hot, which I did not. I also took a none thermal base layer just in case. So all in all, I over packed, but that is good, I now know what I don't need next time!

Again, thanks to all of you for sharing your experiences!

illusiumd

Can I just jump in here and say this thread was exactly what I was looking for. Can folks get specific about products for me? I'd love to see some product combinations. I was riding around with a ton of layers and my privates were killing me. I assume its from sweating and not enough wind protection.

I usually only ride when it's above 20F -> and I've got a 13mi commute which takes me over an hour -> Chicago wind -> ugh.

Being a newb and trying to sift through all the products is starting to drive me crazy. My wife got me these Terramar tights - but I think they're just fancy long-johns. If I got a pair of Pearl Izumi Amfib tights - could I wear those and some shorts in 20F - 30F? What in god's name does a chamois do?

Thanks!

cyccommute 

I have a pair of Amfib bibs which are great for temperatures below 20°F but they start to get uncomfortably warm above about 35°F. Since I live were temperatures can fluctuate 50°F on a give day...yes, I've started at 20°F and gone home at 70°F...I don't use them all that often. That said, they are very good tights and they are wind proof. I would suggest going to a bib over a regular tight because the bib traps more heat around your core and makes you warmer.

As to your chamois question, I assume that you are talking about the tights having a chamois. If they do, you can ride without bike shorts because the tights do what the shorts do. You can do that or get tights without the chamois. If you have to take off the tights because it gets warm enough, it will save some embarrassment

Alternatively, I've found that tights with chamois don't sell well so they end up being discounted...often by a lot. You can use a seam ripper to remove the chamois and get a good pair of tights for cheap.

tarwheel 

Like others said, cold temperatures and sweat management can vary a lot among individuals. You really have to find out what works best for you through trial and error. Since I bike commute most days, I get plenty of opportunities to try different clothing combinations. My commuter bike has a fairly large seat or racktop bag, so I can carry extra clothes in that if I'm not sure I'll be warm enough, or remove clothes if I'm too hot. I have been riding in cold weather for so many years, that I usually know what clothing combination to wear in given temperature and humidity ranges. However, it gets tricky with commuting because the weather can change dramatically between my morning and afternoon rides.

Here are some combinations that work for me in winter:
- Jackets. My Showers Pass Elite 2.1 is comfortable in a wide range of temperatures, from the teens up to about 60 F, due to its breathable fabric and generous venting. It is also nearly waterproof if rain is possible. My Gore Phantom is probably the warmest jacket but has a narrower comfort range, from the 20s through low 50s. It is not as roomy as the SP jacket for layering in coldest temperatures, but pockets are easier to access. Pearl Izumi vest is usually worn in temps above 40, particularly when it's expected to warm up during a ride, so it can be easily removed.
- Tights. Pearl Izumi thermal tights are great for temperatures from the mid-30s to the 60s. PI Amfibs are my go-to tights for coldest weather, fully warm down to the teens. They can get too warm in temps above 50, but are tolerable at warmer temps if you take it easy. Voler thermal knickers are great in temps from the 40s to the 60s. Knee warmers work fine in temps from the 40s to the 60s, and can be easily removed if it gets hotter.
- Baselayers. I have a bunch of inexpensive Champion wicking t-shirts bought at Target for less than $10 each. I wear short sleeve Ts under jerseys, and long-sleeve versions under my jackets when no jersey is needed. I seldom wear jerseys under my jackets, unless temps are below 20 F. Craft thermal is my preferred long-sleeve base layer in cold weather, and is comfortable from the teens through low 60s. Under Armor fleece long-sleeve base is reserved the coldest days, with temps in the teens and 20s.
- Jerseys. I have various Pearl Izumi and Louis Garneau long-sleeve jerseys, which I usually wear when temps are above 40, or perhaps the 30s if it's supposed to warm up a lot during a ride. I also have DeFeet arm-warmers that I can wear with short-sleeve jerseys.
- Socks. DeFeet Wooly Bullies are what I wear almost all of the time in cold weather.

mjohnsona

Not sure if this is mentioned, but you should also think about arm warmers + leg warmers depending on what is being cold for you.

One of the mistakes I made early on was dressing too warm in my core to keep my hands and feet arm. So if you're body is warm but your hands are cold, you can fix that by using thicker gloves, or better yet, arm warmers. I've noticed for winter biking, arm warmers have made a huge difference for me. I don't have to wear an extra layer on my body so I don't overheat, but at the same time, my hands stay warm and comfortable. I don't have problems keeping my feet warm since I layer with socks, but if feet are a problem, leg warmers may also be the way to go.

Another tip, neck warmer and beanie/touque is super important too. If you're losing heat from your head or neck, it'll make the rest of the body feel really cold as well.

These principles (head, neck, hands, arms, feet then core) has helped me survive -15F commutes without overheating.