Originally Posted by
HerrKaLeun
You really have to try. Get layers, get stuff that is good with sweat. Sweat is liquid water, which will insulate less than the air in your insulating clothes.
Sometimes at 75°F I ride in shorts and T-shirt and I see cyclist on road bikes with full arm and leg length lycra whatever cycling clothes (looking like they are on the way to the winter TdF). Everyone is a bit different.
Yup Layers. Starting with your basic summer kit, this is what I do, all temps in Fahrenheit.
68 and up. Summer gear. Short sleeve jersey, lightweight base layer, shorts, summer socks, short finger gloves.
Low 60s to upper 60s - Add a long sleeve baselayer (I use Craft, Pearl Izumi, and Under Armor) under the short sleeve jersey. Alternately, go with a short sleeve base layer under a lightweight long sleeve jersey.
Low 50s to upper 50s - Add a light windproof layer such as a windbreaker or windvest. This can be taken off and stuffed in a jersey pocket if the temp rises and I start to overheat. Add leg warmers which can also be taken off if it gets warmer. Switch to long finger gloves. Switch from summer socks to merino wool socks.
Low 40s to upper 40s - Switch from technical base layer to thermal base layer or merino wool base layer. Thermal long sleeve Jersey over that. Wind proof layer over that. Thermal tights over cycling shorts. shoe covers and wool socks. Switch from headband or cycling cap to thermal cycling cap or beanie under helmet.
Below 40 degrees. - Base layer, long sleeve jersey, insulated cycling jacket. Thermal tights. Wool gloves.