aenlaasu

I can completely understand a fear of the cold. I've already slowed way down on my cycling because I watch the temp and keep saying, 'No way'. For me the problem isn't during the ride. I dress as recommended and what feels right, feel fine for the ride itself. Just when I get home, about 10 min later, I start shivering and even with hot baths and drinks, I'll shiver for up to 4 or 5 hours after the ride buried under a mound of blankets.

Definitely puts me off cycling at this time of year.

andrelam

Riding on cold dry days is easy, you just need to learn how to layer properly. Wind blocking layers can do wonders. I also switch over to using plain winter boots once things get cold enough as I don't want to spend the money to get special Winter SPD compatable boots. My Summer riding shoes are all mesh with two vents on the bottom as well, there is now way to keep heat inside of them. I have toe covers and they realy help on cool fall days. I've also used full shoe covers, but once the temps get to around freezing, a pair of boots just gets easier.

I can't say enough good things about the stuff that Lou makes at www.foxwear.net I have the EVap coat and it keeps me comfy from around 45F down to 2F. Below 15F I add a shell to help trap a bit more heat. I got a Turtle Fur cap at the local ski shop as it is designed to work under a ski helmet. Nice and thin yet wind proof on top and thicker and softer for the part that coveres the ears. I start wearing that aroudn 45F as well.

Riding in near freezing rain just plain sucks. I'll do as I only have to ride 5 miles each way, but it definitely is NOT fun. Riding in light snow with my snow tires is fine. Riding in deep snow is just not fun for me as my hybrid can only takd 700c*35 tires, and those cut through the snow. This is fine when the snow layer is thing, but when it gets deep the bike gets to be very hard to control. Adding in traffic makes for a scarry ride. Luckily the road crews around here do a good job plowing so I only had to take the car a few times last Winter due to too much snow on the ground. With a few hours they have the roads clean enough to ride safely again.

Happy riding,
André

TechKnowGN

I did my first cold weather commute in to work this morning, and other than a face mask, the one thing I really need is pants that will cut the wind, but don't have to worry about them winding up in my chain.

djnzlab1

HI,
Most of the really good cold gear cost mucho money, I have found a couple good stores that have huge discounts or overstock locally on many high end gear., My favorite is Marshals, I found a ski jacket that called SKno and it was on sale for 25.00 it tag said 100.00 so that was a big discount for a nice tight fitting velcro cuffed jacket.Its a amazingly warm it almost like wearing a wet suit very good at blocking the wind but tight fitting jackets should be long to prevent a draft as you lean over ...
My warm legging are Nike pro under gear it was only 12.00 at marshalls similar products at the bike shop were around 100.00 its a leotard like pants that have no pad but really keep the muscles reasonably warm and seem to improve circulation similar to those support hose to prevent blood clots in the OR.
It will wick water out but prevents alot of air from hitting the skin, I then wear my shorts over them with the built in pad.Stil can't wear the tights without shorts wimpy shy guy.. Wool socks are a must and find some discount sales on shoe covers I found some on ebay. My feet were so warm they were sweating and it was 40 degrees. I found thoses on ebay for 18.00 bucks with free shipping.
A good cap is a must as good gloves, I found some again at marshalls that are designed for ski users but are great for wicking moisture and preventing frostbite on the hands. turn your gloves inside out after weraing to improve drying out.
You don't have to spend a lot of money to keep warm you just need to vist a few discount stores.
TJmax is good here as is AJ wright although its more of the generic style clothes but still usable.

jesspal

I really do feel bad for you northern riders. It is 64 degrees in Miami today, and i'm freezing. I prefer 88-90 anyday, i'm a big woosie when it comes to weather.

EasyEd

Prefer 90 degrees? Are you nuts? I park the bike at 85 in the summer. I can't take the heat. This thread has got me motivated to get out and ride more. Low 30's here in the mornings. I havn't commuted in two weeks because of it. I know, I'm a wuss. People from the far north in riding in temps well below freezing and those in the south with the high heat in the summer have my admiration. I'm just gonna suit up and go in the morning. Hey OP, thanks for starting this thread and shaming me into it. I needed that.

TechKnowGN

I've decided because I dont want to spend all winter with a cold, that I am a one morning a week commuter for the time being. It'll save me a few dollars of gas a week, it'll give me an extra burst of exercise and I definitely feel more awake on the ride in. I might look at upgrading my ride and see if that makes a difference.

ban guzzi

That ain't right...Something is off if your dressed right. Too slow/low cadence? Gear down, up the rpm and try that out? Shivering for so long sounds physical not weather related.