Originally Posted by EventServices
It has less to do with gear and more to do with what you're used to.
We ride in sub-zero temps here in Michigan regularly. We have little choice.
I don't wear booties when it's above 25F.
I've never used those charcoal foot warmer things.
Today, for example, it was 22. I wore medium-weight tights. A base layer, a jersey, and a vest.
Hardcore is a relative term.
Up north, they probably wear even less.
I think it has more to do with your own personal body temperatures. I'm cold when I ride. The temperature has to be HOT (like into the +30C/85F and up range) before I start to warm up.
On my century on Saturday, when it was between 23F and 32F, I wore: helmet, headband, neck gaiter, sports bra, coolmax longsleeved jersey, fleece longsleeved jersey, lined jacket, padded shorts, tights, light sweatpants, long wool socks, Lake mtn bike shoes (one size too large), and neoprene booties ... oh yes, and ski gloves.
Now as I mentioned, by the time it got to 32F, I was overheating a bit.
But I have to wear booties of some sort when the temp drops below about 40F because I have such cold feet.