It is also about biology. While the clothing can help, your face (with the possible exception of the tip of your nose and your ears) is more resistant to cold temperatures than your hands or feet. It has to do with several things including the proximity to your heart to the body parts in question. Your face is about a foot from your heart, and depending on your stature, your feet and hands are considerably further away. Another factor is which of your parts your body feels are important when your body is placed under stress (like riding in cold temperatures). Blood flow is diverted to parts that are the most essential, and your head will win out over your extremities every time. A third consideration is that your body is trying to conserve it's core temperature. While blood flow is increased to exercising muscle, to conserve your temperature your body will prevent blood from flowing to the surface of your skin and your extremities in cold temperatures. You can make up for this reflex by wearing a layer that creates a warm air pocket at the surface of your skin. A windbreaker layer over tights, or brushed tights might work. I have worn Brushed polypro tights down to the low 40s (F) and been comfortable riding off road. If there was more wind, I may have wanted a windbreaker to help hold the warm air next to my skin.


I hope this helps.