Cold Weather Clothing Requirements
 

I'm a tropical touring treadler. My rig is a Lynxx Recumbent with a one wheeled trailer. I have a 3 seasons tent, a thermarest mat, light sleeping bag, a reliable trangier stove, a load of spares and tools, I can carry 12l of water and as much tucker as I need for a few days. I live near Cairns so cold weather is never an issue. My biggest problem is sunburn and overheating. I solve these problems by covering up with light long sleeved gear and taking plenty of hydration breaks.
I have decided to ride / camp unsupported to Sydney to arrive there in early July 2010 for a celebration. I intend to go inland to Hughenden in May 2010 then proceed south to Winton, Longreach, Barcaldine, Charleville, Bourke, Dubbo, Bathurst, Katoomba, to Penrith at which point I may find that I've had enough cycling for a time. After some research, the Bureau of Meteorology has informed me that the mean July temps for the Blue Mts are 11.2*C max and 0.5*C min. The mean av June temp for Bourke is 18.5*C max and 5.9*C min. Bugger! My home May temps are27*C max and 17.5*C. I haven't travelled south much so I don't have any warm gear.
Has anybody out there done this trip before at this time of year?
What clothing am I going to need?
Where can I get what you suggest?
rt

Hi Rog.I live in the western Sydney area,and cycle all year round.During the winter months thermals and gloves would not go astray.
Cheers,Tony.

Thermals work well. Or cycling tights/leggings. You will need a light set of wind/waterproofs. Don't forget booties, gloves and a shower cap for the helmet. Add a vest for cold days and maybe a thermal balaclava and you should be OK.

Its going to be slightly annoying but what you are going to need is a full range of clothes to handle to handle temperature extremes. When your on your bike in the middle of the day then you won't feel that cold but if your feeling a little down after a hard days ride you are going to FREEZE on a cold night so you will need full thermal gear and a warm parka. You will most likely start the day's ride with some warm gear on and gradually remove some gear as the day progresses.

To be honest some of the gear you will need won't be available in any store anywhere near you so you will likely have to mail order it or get it on eBay. For riding I would suggest some SuperRoubaix long tights or bibnicks. Bibnicks have straps that go over your shoulders and are far more comfortable although they have one drawback in that they make it harder to go to the toilet. A thermal top and a windblocker top would be advised and of course gloves (regular and warm) and warm socks would be advised.

You will also need a large, warm parka to wear when your not riding and at night. After a hard days ride you will likely suffer from chills easily. Don't forget to take some gear for not so cold temperatures as well as it may get too warm for you on some days.

Anthony

I'm in Scotland, but used to live in Cairns. At the moment the outside temperature is about -10.

The answer is merino wool.

You can buy this in thin base layers. For the temperatures you are quoting I'd use a set of thin leggings under a pair of MTB 3/4 trousers. A thin short sleeve T shirt style merino base layer under a long sleeve heavier weight merino top with a zip neck. To counter wind I'd use a Montane thin Pertex top which is breathable, fairly water resistant and cuts out the wind. Once you were moving and warm the heavier weight merino could go in the backpack. A pair of cheap but thick wool gloves will finish it off nicely.

I have had to spend a small fortune on warm clothes to find only to find the wonder fabric is wool.

One big advantage is you won't have to wash them every day to get rid of the stink.

(IceBreaker is my current favourite)

Thanks for your replies folks! My research had told me that garments made out of modern wind /rain cheating composites cost enough to pull the economy out of recession! The wool tip is good! I checked out SuperRoubaix and this product looks very like a pair of "Skins" long tights my daughter, a physical trainer, bought me for xmas. Will they insulate effectively? I thought immediately that I will look like mutton dressed as lamb but their claim is they are breathable and light. I really don't care how I look. I need sun protection and temperature control and they pass muster on both accounts. The good thing is I've still got 18months to set up and an ocean of experience on these forums to draw on. Thanks again.
Happy New Year!
rt

The SuperRoubaix material is quite fleecy on the inside and is much thicker than just regular, lycra tights. It will be quite warm enough while your moving along although I kind of agree that wool would be a good choice for you. Actually I think wool would be more expensive though. Netti is a good Australian company that sells lots of different cycling gear including SuperRoubaix tights and bibtights.

I guess it depends on what you call expensive. I think tights from Netti go for $80-$90 and bibtights are about $140. If your not signed up for eBay get yourself an account and start looking there. You can get good clothes for decent prices there if you look around and sellers will post it to you.

You WILL have trouble trying this gear on though. I live in Canberra and I can't stand putting on full winter gear in summer. Up it Tully it will be completely unbearable. You may have use someone's coolroom to try on any of this gear.

Anthony