Originally Posted by
Jim from Boston
…
I note that you describe winter clothing in levels 1 and 2...any more? I have posted about my apparel for all year round cycling as levels 1 to 6…?
Originally Posted by
Jim from Boston
...for my 14 mile commute (temperatures in parentheses):
50-70F
Level I (>70): Shorts, short sleeve shirt.
Level II (60): Add thin long legged tights and/or long-sleeve jersey
(50): Add fleece shirt, maybe a wind proof cycling jacket, and long legged cycling tights over thin tights;thin fingered gloves, thin balaclava
30-40F
Level III (40):...
10-30F
Level IV (30 ...
Level V (25):...
Level VI: (<20):...
<0F?
My personal best has been leaving at 8 degrees in Boston and arriving at my suburban destination at minus 9
I don't like being cold, so I tend to overdress a bit, but I have a rear trunkbag and can remove layers.
Originally Posted by
wipekitty
My levels are perhaps not as refined as yours - but run something like the following. I used to live in western Wisconsin with no household car, so the levels needed to cover down to around -15F.
Over around 45F, I get away with normal cycling gear, like fingerless gloves, knee warmers, sleeves, and a wind jacket. Then the fun starts:
Level 1 (low 40s to low 30s):...
Level 2: (low 30s to low 20s):...
Level 5: (below 0):...In western Wisconsin this kind of temperature usually means high winds, so the idea is to eliminate skin exposure.
Your scheme then is apparently specific for winter cycling. My system is year round and by 45°F, I’m into my level 2, with similar apparel, though I wear at least lightweight knitted full-finger gloves in the 50s – low 60’s; and I still haven't bought Winter boots.
Originally Posted by
Jim from Boston
"Keeping feet warm?"
I find neoprene boot covers tolerable on my rides rarely below 10° F, even with the open bottoms. Boots seem too expensive for the few times I really need them.
I do find the zippered covers hard to close and Velcro closures are much easier. I also have employed additional Goretex covers for wind protection.
