Thread: 32 deg ? Pffft
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Old 10-08-14 | 10:40 PM
  #12  
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jwarner
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 367
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From: Anchorage, Alaska

Bikes: n+1

I wouldn't worry about it too much if it doesn't say [Insert Cycling Clothing Company Here] on it. I find cross country ski, downhill ski, and mountaineering clothes clothes work quite well in the winter.

Please keep in mind that there are a tremendous number of factors (physiological, mental, and environmental) that will determine what works for you, and that I am really into pushing myself hard, which is one of the reasons I live where I do.

Roughly, my winter commuting wardrobe -- my range goes pretty far as I used to commute/ride everywhere in Fairbanks (20 some years), although I am now in Anchorage (but still commuting by bike):

Above 30F but too cold for shorts: Patagonia R2 pants, thin hooded wool top, ancient Mountain Hardware Windstopper Fleece, full cycling gloves, wool cycling cap or wool stocking cap, leather Adidas trainers.

30F to 20F (this morning): Cross country ski tights, wool quarter-zip jersey, fleece gloves, insulated Gore Bikewear jacket, wool stocking cap, hiking boots or rubber boots if there is wet snow on the ground.

20F to 10F: Same as above, but add wind shell pants, neck gaiter, and soft-shell gloves

10F to 0F: Same as above but add thick wool socks and mountaineering shell with pit zips open

0F to -10F: Add fleece mittens or wool-lined gloves (work gloves with wool liner), and wool pullover to above

-10 to -20F: Add mitten shells and extra neck gaiter rolled up and worn as ear warmer. I might note that right around here is where one has to think about rebuilding the freehub with Lubriplate 1 grease, or the pawls will stick in the open position and not engage the hub shell... this is really frustrating, and you will be walking).

-20 to -40F: Exchange insulated hiking boots for mukluks, exchange stocking cap for balaclava with windstopper layer, add synthetic insulated vest. Add long underwear bottoms under insulated fleece pants.

Below -40: Stay home if at all possible (even if you have car-type wheels). If one must go out, heavy mittens (we call them buckets) or pogies. Heavy fleece added over all of the above below shell, thick socks in mukluks or surplus army arctic vapor barrier boots, every bit of skin covered, cell phone next to body to keep it warm, well ventilated goggles, balaclava liner under balaclava, neck gaiter, friend you can reliably reach if you have a problem, because you likely aren't going to fix it without hurting yourself. They should also be someone who knows your route, and is smart enough to come look for you if you don't show up or give a call. This becomes especially true as you get near -50F.

Probably a wider range of temperatures than most need, and milage may vary based on one's own tolerance, but hope it gives you a few ideas on what is possible. Whatever you do, don't let moisture build up from perspiration. It is better to start out a bit cold and warm up, than start out warm and overheat. Stop and remove layers if you have to.
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