jgadamski

This is a national website, never heard the 'rule' in 20+ years of commuting. A smarter rule IMHO, is to pay attention to cadence, whether commuting or riding distance. Many small, easy rotations are better than a few power strokes.

San Pedro

Rode to work in my shorts on unusually cold day here. It was upper 40s low 50s when I left, and I felt fine after a few minutes. I had my softshell jacket on top though, and a balaclava covering my head. I was actually surprised how well I fared considering how much I dislike being cold. Once I got to work though and stepped inside, I was instantly cold.

Now, I want to get some padded tights to wear to work, just wondering how they I can clean and dry them before I return home.

Jim from Boston

What happened to the 60 degree "rule"?

I joined BF in 2008, and I’m always searching for rules / tips for riding, but never encountered a 60 degree rule. Nonetheless I have practiced it for years, just because it seemed a reasonable thing to do. I frequently am the only cyclist out in tights on such a morning…same thing for lightweight knitted full-fingered gloves. I’m a year-round cycle-commuter, and I just don’t like to be chilly, though I do dress to be cool (temperature-wise) for the first mile or two.

In my cycling wardrobe I have three pairs of cycling tights: light-, middle-, and heavyweight material. The lightweight ones have beeen most used, and the knees are now worn out. They are very comfortable and a useful thickness for a variety of temps. Last time I went shopping for such, I couldn’t find any similar.



For various temperatures ranges, I wear individual or combinations. Down to about 40° F, I’ll wear the light and middleweight, and to about 30° the light and heavyweight. Below that, the middle and heavyweight. A runner friend of mine told me she has similar pairs and temperature schedules. But for 60°+, I still wear the lightweight, just for the degree of leg warmth. I haven’t shopped again for another pair for over a year.
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Yesterday at 45° I was comfortable in light and middle-weight tights (and cycling shorts).

Tundra_Man 

I know a guy here in South Dakota that has never worn pants for the 30+ years I've known him; only shorts. I'm not even sure he owns a pair of pants. Even when we've attended weddings and funerals he wears shorts with a suit top.

Me, I stop wearing shorts once the temps dip below freezing. My knees are fine.

ptempel

I really didn't know about this "rule", either. But its a good one and I follow it just because it keeps me comfy in the colder weather. I usually use knee covers for 50F to 59F and thermal leg covers or thermal bib in 40F to 49F. I'd almost call BS on the knee problems due to cold weather (well, 50's only). A doc would have to weigh in on it, I think.

ptempel

I usually use a coat hanger area at work. I need two to three hangers depending on how much I'm wearing. Not many people use it (yet) so hasn't been a problem for me.

ptempel

[QUOTE=chefisaac;18229221My question, what are you wearing to protect your knees? Or what can one wear to protect their knees if wearing shorts?[/QUOTE]

Knee covers like these: Voler: Jet Knee Warmers Or leg covers. Same deal.