Originally Posted by
ckaspar
Darn you...Now you got me thinking about what I am going to do for the winter. 16-22 mile RT, half street and half MUP. Winters are usually very mild in Southern Cali. It can get down to frosting temps in the AM though. I have only done fair weather riding and am not even close to equipped for winter weather and winter lighting, i.e. dark when I leave work.
I don't intend to hijack the thread I just don't see a point in starting a new one so...anyone have ideas for me?
I just got a MagicShine headlight and PDW Radbot1000 - both very bright lights. I work nights so it's only during high summer when I have daylight to use, and a Bell Lumen LED light and a PB Blinky 7 worked for me if the Magic Shine and Radbot are out of your budget. The Bell Lumen light (21.99 at my local department store) was better than many $25-$35 lights I tried, so I recommend it if you're watching your $.
On a longer commute like yours I think layering makes sense - personally, when it's chilly I'm much more comfortable if my "points" are covered. Ears, nose, hands, feet. Warm silk socks, headband/balaclava (especially one that can be taken off easily as you get going and warm up.) I have this thing that I love, my mom got it for me waaaaaay back in 4th grade for skiing, it's this long stretchy tube, and it can be worn as a hat, headband, neckwarmer, or balaclava. No idea what it's called though.