Originally Posted by
dep01
Last winter I made it through but my commute was only a mile. Now I'm 4 miles away, which isn't too bad, but when it's really cold, I have a new problem. I'm cold, but then start sweating and by time I get to work, I'm soaked and freezing.
I figure I'm not wearing the right type of clothing.
What do you guys recommend for biking in the cold over these types of distances? I want to stay warm and dry, so... something that absorbs the sweat well.
cheers,
dep
Having started my 'cycle-commuting' in Chicago in '87 during the winter I think I can offer some practical perspective. If your commute takes you near the lake wind BLOCKING clothing is needed not merely wind RESISTANT. If your inland, say west of Western Ave the wind can be a problem, but not as severe as when one commutes thru Lincoln Park or along Lake Shore Dr.
Get 2 different weight balaclavas. One 'expedition weight' and one regular. One or two 100% wool beanies and some sort of headband that covers the ears. Vaseline or Chapstick for exposed areas of facial skin. A set of ski goggles and/or clear industrial safety glasses. Get a helmet cover(or you can use an old shower cap like I did my 1st winter
...I looked strange...it had flowers all over it, but it worked). Make sure you've got unbroken coverage from your shoulder blades to at least your chin and your ears are double covered.
http://www.campmor.com http://www.sierratradingpost.com http://ww.icebike.com all have good stuff/suggestions. Don't ignore thrift stores. I've gotten 90% of my winter gear for under a total of 60.00. Look for 100% CLOSE-KNIT wool sweaters, cashmere blends, silk, etc. NO COTTEN ANYWHERE!
Good MITTENS: Gordini Summit 2 @ campmor w/100% wool mitten liners is an unbeatable combo for cold/wind blockage.
Silk baselayer(they're available @ STP and cheaper than UA or Nike stuff and better IMHO), 100% wool sweater and some sort of Gore-Tex jacket w/or w/o a hood. 3 layers should do it...maybe four if you use a thermal vest.
Windblocker under shorts...frostbite in THAT area is no joke...I had it once and it's a SERIOUS condition. I've got Craft Windblocker shorts. They're pricey(25.00 ea.), but worth every dime. Windblocker tights or cycling pants. One can get by w/non-cycling specific stuff in a commute of under 5 miles like yours, but any more than that it's best to get GOOD stuff...the best one can afford.
Seal Skinz or 100% wool socks, solid shoes(not sneakers) and rubber shoe covers or galoshes.
When commuting in Chicago I was fortunate to have a shower/locker room facility where employed, so I could bring a weeks worth of clothes in on Monday. But, the rule of thumb developed during those years is: Don't cycle in your work clothes and don't work in your cycling clothes. I still adhere to that rule to this day. Turning my commuter clothes inside-out and hanging them on hangers, usually insures they will dry in time for the ride home...nothing worse than having to don wet cycling clothes after a days labor.
In deference to good manners I leave my 'internal layer' inside my locker and hang the rest out in the open as they will dry more thoroughly that way.
If you don't have the benefit of a locker room facility hanging them in your office or a janitorial closet is a viable option. Use hangers not just hooks.
When living in Chicago my daily commute was 7 mi each way.
Hope this has been helpful.
