Originally Posted by math2p14
Hi all.
Silly question but here we go. Temp is 3-12C here on average. Expect 5C in a mountain. So basically i am wondering what on earth to wear for winter riding. So far i ve been wearing a wicked tshirt for base, a fleece on top and then a windstoper lightweight jacket. My problem is what to wear below the waist. Up to now i used cotton track/running long legged trousers and they suck bigtime....they get dirty easily...1ride and then washing machine. They dont have any kind of wind/rain stopping property and they are dangerous coz they get tackled with my chainrings. I got a silly looking pair of long legged tights but i dislike wearing it. So what are my options? A long legged wind/water repellant pair of trousers bike specific? or maybe shorts and knee/shin armor to warm the legs?
I'm wondering the same. I was thinking about getting a Race Face Aquanot or Freeride jacket (
www.raceface.com) since they are very abrasive/water/wind resistant but I think it may be overkill even in 0 c temperatures since I get overheated easily.
Perhaps a nylon vest (e.g. Race Face Freeride vest) might suffice?
I also read an article on the three layer method you mentioned (wicking, warmth, and waterproof).
For down below, I wear a pair of slimfit Nike Dri-Fit jogger's pants, then on top I either wear trail pants, or nylon track pants that are presoaked in NIK WAX (makes it water resistant). I also often wear Crash Pad outerwear/underwear and nylon knee/shins underneath which not only protects but offers insulation. Works for me.
As for the chainring, you have to either tie the baggy part of the pant leg with an elastic band, tuck it in socks, or wear a pair of knee/shins on the outside of the pant.
There's also a Race Face bashring but that would eliminate your large chainring.
I haven't found good footwear yet. Especially ones that work well and offer good protection with flat pedals. I've tried regular running shoes (very little protection), Shimano Freeride shoes (terrible without SPD clips), and Magnum Hi-Tec leather/cordura tactical boots (works pretty well but laces come undone).
For the winter, I may use my Joe Rocket Rhino sportbike boots. They are kevlar lined, very warm, very light, good grip, protect up the shin, and fasten with velcro (fsssshhhhhtt).