Thread: How does everyone keep motivated to commute this time of year?
View Single Post
Old 10-20-05 | 11:53 PM
  #43  
toomanybikes
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: Okanagan Valley, BC

Bikes: Too Many

Originally Posted by HiYoSilver
T.J. This is based on my keeping a log last year and seeing what worked and what didn't work. You'll have to adjust for your age and comfort level. Again there is really no substitute for creating your own personal bikewear worksheet.

The way I did it was track 40 rides:
-- date
-- wind gusts, bike speed, temps which were converted to wind chill numbers
Experience:
Hands at start of ride felt cold/ok/hot
Hands at end of ride felt cold/ok/hot
body at start of ride felt cold/ok/hot
body at end of ride felt cold/ok/hot

It'll only get to windchill 20F here. For 20F and my old body, that means:
1. windbreaker
2. black diamond ice climbing gloves with inserts
3. fleece
4. bavaclava
5. goretek slip on pants over jeans

Assuming you are somewhat similar you need, in purchasing priority:
1. better gloves
2. better head covering
3. windproof pants
4. shoe covers or booties


At the very least you need gloves and head covering. If still not warm enough, add the others.

Here are some references for you:

-gloves
http://www.altrec.com/shop/detail/21675/17/
http://www.backcountry.com/store/BLD...ift-Glove.html
REI has mine, but probably can get better price
http://www.rei.com/product/47928400.htm

- head, fleece balaclava
http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...ry_rn=40003705

- windproof pants, probably goretex. Landsend makes some great one.
http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...ory_rn=4500843


-- for hard winter you'll also need shoe covers or bootines
http://www.rei.com/product/47562750....HP_CYCLING_TOC

TJ;
I wear a full face balaclava under the helmet; you can cinch it up when it gets colder out. I bought mine at MArk's Work Wearhouse.

I wear a polyproylene turtleneck that I bought at MWW as well. Over top of that I wear a proper winter riding jacket that I got at CAmpione cycles - It is warm and really makes a difference. You have a Campione in CAlgary.

Good gloves that come up high enough to ensure no skin exposed between the sleeve and glove. X-Country ski gloves work well.

Neoprene full shoe covers are a must. If it really cold outside go to Wal-MArt and get some of those Hot-Shots that they sell for hunters and the like, you throw them in the top of your boot and you'll be trying to get your socks off before you get to work.

In winter I use a pair of Nike fleece lined warm up pants and if really cold or wet I will throw a pair of rain pants over top. Got my Nike's at Sport MArt.

That's all you'll need.
toomanybikes is offline  
Reply
0