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Old 12-05-07 | 02:46 PM
  #36  
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ax0n
Trans-Urban Velocommando
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,400
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From: Lenexa, KS

Bikes: 06 Trek 1200 - 98 DB Outlook - 99 DB Sorrento

Originally Posted by jebensch
So who is really happy with their winter commuting setup and wants to share?
I am. Below freezing:
Champion brand wicking performance base layer top and bottom
Windbreaker
Cargo Pants
Seirus Thermax balaclava
Full-finger cycling gloves (or mechanics gloves, they're all similar)

Below 20F:
Add some lenses (sunglasses, safety glasses) to keep the wind off the eyeballs
Replace thin gloves with cheapo ski gloves

Below 10F:
Replace lenses with ski goggles
Add a pair of socks
Add a hoodie under the windbreaker
Add another layer of pants (thin flannel pants work nicely)
Keep a headband with me, my ears can get chilly through one balaclava under 10F.

Below 0F:
Ditch the headband
Ditch the flannel pants
Ditch the windbreaker
Ditch the ski gloves
Add second balaclava
Add sweatpants
Add full winter coat
Add thin knit gloves inside big, fluffy mittens
Use two layers of wool socks

Give or take. That was last year. I was fine down to our minimum temp of -3F. This was for a 7 mile round trip. Also, I'm about 50 pounds lighter this winter. Given riding style, distance, metabolism, and a bunch of other factors, some cyclists get hot and sweaty easier than others.

Instead of taking clothing recipes from other cyclists, I recommend experimenting and logging your results. Log wind, temperature, your clothing choice, and comfort of your decisions. Make sure to jot down any gripes or discomfort. Adapt and adjust as needed.
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