Originally Posted by vrkelley
Probably the worst mistake a newbie can make is underestimating the weather. For temps below 45...a 5-10F drop in temerature is significant. If you're traveling over 10miles, always have a plan B in mind. i.e., carry an extra shirt, and scarf or have a bail out plan of some sort.
There's nothing worse than being 15miles out with no place to warm up, get water or go to the bathroom. Also keep a log of what worked for a particular temperature range.
For those who've cycled a year or more...Remember that what worked last year may not work this year because your circulation has improved. You actually may need to wear less on your torso, but remember to wear warm gear on head, neck, knees and feet.
agreed - start with an extra layer, and take it off if needed. today was 16 in Denver, the coldest day this season, but it was dry and sunny.
today i wore:
2 pairs of socks
tights, (biking shorts on top)
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tight stretch base layer shirt (from nashbar)
nylon shell light jacket
helly hansen light but extremely insulated jacket on top of that
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full head cover with neck covering (burgler looking face cut out thing)
winter hat on top of that
gortex ski gloves
i never used my head cover thing (only for skiing), but it worked great and totally insulates side of face and neck.
i just got this base layer from nashbar and love it - it replaces a heavy flannel type shirt i wore, which felt really heavy with a light sweat. just wearing that and my jacket is perfect, maybe a shirt between them.
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...eid=&pagename=
it seems like a lot of gear, but a few light layers is much more easier than big bulky jackets. yesterday i wore short little socks, and left an open space on the back of my ankle, was a bit raw when i got to work (no skin for insulation there).