Originally Posted by
ScottNotBombs
I just picked up a winter bike and now I need to start thinking about clothing. I was looking through the winter clothing guide but don't have money for anything expensive. I would like to stick to xmarts and thrift stores. I have a fleece lined hoodie from target and a wool sweater from the thrift store, I'm going to pick up wool gloves and socks tomorrow and some sort of head band from target or walmart of something, and I have regular xmart long johns. All I have for shoes is vans slip ons. What else should I look for? I plan on riding all through the chicago winter.
Mainly you need better shoes or boots, and you should go with the best pair that you can afford. Two ideas are light hiking boots and all-terrain running shoes. My sister bought winter hiking boots at Land's End for about $50 that she claims are better than $300 boots she has owned in the past.
You might also want a rain jacket. I have one from K-mart (about $20) that is waterproof but not breathable. I would never wear it in warm weather, but it works well on those winter days between 32 and 40 degrees when it is snowing, sleeting and raining on the same ride. I wear the rain jacket with only a wicking Tshirt ($7) and a light poly fleece ($12)
or a cashmere or merino wool sweater ($4 at resale shop).
Instead of a head band, get a blaze orange stocking cap from a hunting store. Poly with thinsulate fibers is very nice. I would not get wool gloves as my only pair. Try either ski gloves or the big wool mittens with some additional insulation (like thinsulate) and windproofing. (Yes, you can ride a bike with mittens on.)
Happy riding!
Other than that, it sounds like you're in pretty good shape for winter clothing. If you get cold, just ride harder. But stay dry, and keep the hands, feet and head warm.