Comfortable clothing for cycling *when it’s snowing*?
11-17-18, 04:57 AM
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Comfortable clothing for cycling *when it’s snowing*?
Hey all,
Was debating whether to post in commuting vs. winter biking— decided to do it here, since commuting is the main reason I usually cycle due to limitations in my free time on weekends.
I live in an area where it snows—a lot. Not just like, once every 10 days. Almost every day. And sometimes it’s flurries, but sometimes it’s that heavy wet snow you see in snowstorms, but only for a few hours a day. During November - April, there can be snow every other day, and on days when you don’t think it’ll snow, so you leave the house with certain gear, but pretty much by the afternoon/evening (commuting back home) it might be snowing pretty heavily...
Was thinking about just making sure I’ve always got a couple extra layers—and then on top some kind of windproof or waterproof shell. But this honestly seems like a lot of work, and then I just thought about whether snow pants and a puffy jacket would be easier.
Is this just purely a preference thing (Your Mileage May Vary, etc), or is there a general consensus in the community about what is generally easier/more comfortable. My commute is about 45 min in dry weather and maybe 90 min in pretty heavy active snow (11 miles each way, with about 20% of that thru the woods/singletrack, 30% gravel, and 50% paved MUP/roads, but the paved MUP is groomed in the winter for cross country skiing, so I’ve got studded tires on my fatbike now).
Thanks for any advice/experiences people can provide!
Was debating whether to post in commuting vs. winter biking— decided to do it here, since commuting is the main reason I usually cycle due to limitations in my free time on weekends.
I live in an area where it snows—a lot. Not just like, once every 10 days. Almost every day. And sometimes it’s flurries, but sometimes it’s that heavy wet snow you see in snowstorms, but only for a few hours a day. During November - April, there can be snow every other day, and on days when you don’t think it’ll snow, so you leave the house with certain gear, but pretty much by the afternoon/evening (commuting back home) it might be snowing pretty heavily...
Was thinking about just making sure I’ve always got a couple extra layers—and then on top some kind of windproof or waterproof shell. But this honestly seems like a lot of work, and then I just thought about whether snow pants and a puffy jacket would be easier.
Is this just purely a preference thing (Your Mileage May Vary, etc), or is there a general consensus in the community about what is generally easier/more comfortable. My commute is about 45 min in dry weather and maybe 90 min in pretty heavy active snow (11 miles each way, with about 20% of that thru the woods/singletrack, 30% gravel, and 50% paved MUP/roads, but the paved MUP is groomed in the winter for cross country skiing, so I’ve got studded tires on my fatbike now).
Thanks for any advice/experiences people can provide!
Last edited by ripkin; 11-17-18 at 06:10 PM. Reason: typos!
11-17-18, 06:11 AM
#2
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Base layer and long johns, shell coat and shell pants and an insulating mid-layer. Don't over dress. You'll be working up a sweat and in no time unzipping to let the heat out. Critical will be your hands, head and feet.
11-17-18, 08:14 AM
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A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
11-17-18, 08:31 AM
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Layers is the way to go. Once it gets below freezing snow isn't really the issue. You need to dress for the temperature. There may be days when snow pants and a puffy coat are the right choice, but most of the time that will be too warm and a base layer with a shell will be better. My hands and feet are normally the first thing to get cold so I use pogies and snow boots with platform pedals when it gets much below freezing.
11-17-18, 08:40 AM
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Don't think extra layers would be needed, but a wind jacket would help. I wear a runners jacket, it breathes really well yet it blocks the wind, and insulates.
https://www.saucony.com/en/vigor-jack...401670440.html
I like riding in snow, it's a "dry" precipitation and usually if it's snowing it's not ludicrously cold. Your work commute sounds incredible, got any pictures of it?
https://www.saucony.com/en/vigor-jack...401670440.html
I like riding in snow, it's a "dry" precipitation and usually if it's snowing it's not ludicrously cold. Your work commute sounds incredible, got any pictures of it?
11-17-18, 09:30 AM
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Those are my commute times.
Sometimes I wear an extra layer of socks, but then I leave my shoes and toe clips loose to keep from restricting warming blood flow. Down at my limit of 10F I will sometimes wear mittens as they allow my fingers to warm each other.
I try to under-dress to stay cool, but I will carry an extra layer, just in case. I carry my office clothes with me, so in a real emergency I have those pants, sweater, socks and shirt in a real emergency (like a ride-stopping mechanical failure).
11-17-18, 10:30 AM
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I don't necessarily dress for the snow. Temperature and wind direction is more important and it dictates what I wear. Either way, layering is key. A jacket this is water-resistant is important, but not necessarily water-proof.
11-17-18, 10:35 AM
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My trick in Minnesota, I get bundled up in layers that work for the end of my ride early and do my morning routine in them to preheat. So I’ve got my tights and jacket on in the house as I eat breakfast, have coffee, brush my teeth, etc. It warms me up enough that those first few minutes aren’t so bad. I know some folks who do a few pushups or jumping jacks to warm up before heading out too.
11-17-18, 03:46 PM
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Layers, layers, layers. Start out a little cool, because in 5 minutes you feel good. If you overdress, you’ll have to shed a layer or start sweating to cool down. When snowing, which isn’t that often around here, I wear rain gear as an outer layer and waterproof hiking boots in case I have to walk. We get far more ice than snow, so of course studded tires are essential.
11-17-18, 06:25 PM
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Don't think extra layers would be needed, but a wind jacket would help. I wear a runners jacket, it breathes really well yet it blocks the wind, and insulates.
https://www.saucony.com/en/vigor-jack...401670440.html
I like riding in snow, it's a "dry" precipitation and usually if it's snowing it's not ludicrously cold. Your work commute sounds incredible, got any pictures of it?
https://www.saucony.com/en/vigor-jack...401670440.html
I like riding in snow, it's a "dry" precipitation and usually if it's snowing it's not ludicrously cold. Your work commute sounds incredible, got any pictures of it?
The route can be pretty picturesque sometimes. I really do love it. I kinda wish they plowed the MUP though. It’s paved, but there aren’t enough ppl who use it for commuting that they would bother plowing it. I just hope it’s packed down enough to ride the fatbike on (that leg is about 5 miles). It’ll be WORK, I think, but a good workout!
This is my first year commuting, and I’m trying to do it year round. I appreciate all the feedback from all of you here. Thanks!
PS. Maybe I can get some pics the next time I’m out and about and post them in a few days.
11-17-18, 06:32 PM
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here’s the layer plan: thermal compression baselayer, thermal henley and jogger sweatpants, *maybe* waterproof overpants... And a waterproof jacket. Head: wool cap with an ear flap, neck gaiter that I can pull up over my nose/mouth, and helmet.
Anyone else have glasses and a solution to them fogging up all the time when you’re wearing a a balaclava or something? Maybe some antifogging lens wash or something, I guess?
Anyone else have glasses and a solution to them fogging up all the time when you’re wearing a a balaclava or something? Maybe some antifogging lens wash or something, I guess?
11-18-18, 07:25 AM
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Hey all,
Was debating whether to post in commuting vs. winter biking— decided to do it here, since commuting is the main reason I usually cycle due to limitations in my free time on weekends.,,,
My commute is about 45 min in dry weather and maybe 90 min in pretty heavy active snow (11 miles each way, with about 20% of that thru the woods/singletrack, 30% gravel, and 50% paved MUP/roads, but the paved MUP is groomed in the winter for cross country skiing, so I’ve got studded tires on my fatbike now).
Thanks for any advice/experiences people can provide!
Was debating whether to post in commuting vs. winter biking— decided to do it here, since commuting is the main reason I usually cycle due to limitations in my free time on weekends.,,,
My commute is about 45 min in dry weather and maybe 90 min in pretty heavy active snow (11 miles each way, with about 20% of that thru the woods/singletrack, 30% gravel, and 50% paved MUP/roads, but the paved MUP is groomed in the winter for cross country skiing, so I’ve got studded tires on my fatbike now).
Thanks for any advice/experiences people can provide!
here’s the layer plan: thermal compression baselayer, thermal henley and jogger sweatpants, *maybe* waterproof overpants... And a waterproof jacket. Head: wool cap with an ear flap, neck gaiter that I can pull up over my nose/mouth, and helmet.
Anyone else have glasses and a solution to them fogging up all the time when you’re wearing a a balaclava or something? Maybe some antifogging lens wash or something, I guess?
Anyone else have glasses and a solution to them fogging up all the time when you’re wearing a a balaclava or something? Maybe some antifogging lens wash or something, I guess?
IMO, the worst precipitation in Winter is rain at less than 40°F, and good waterproof gloves become crucial.
I have not ridden a fat tire bike, but that seems to be quite an exertion for an 11 mile commute. As you note, studded tires are crucial, I put mine on yesterday, prompted by the upcoming forecast of rain (at less than 40°F
) followed by low temps in the 20s.I frequently post about eyeglasses, goggles and fogging; and the strategies to prevent:
I perennially post about my winter eyewear for my 14 mile year-round commute, from about 35° down to as low as 0°. I must wear my prescription eyeglasses, and fogging is one of the worst dangers of winter riding. I am entirely satisfied with my system:…
IME, and from reading numerous posts on the subject, there are three basic methods for preventing fogging, caused by exhaled moist air onto the cold surface of the eyeglasses and goggles:…
Originally Posted by Jim from Boston
(from a now-closed thread): In the past I have offered IMO several useful suggestions about cycling, particularly for winter and urban cycling, to multiple repetitive threads. They are usually lost in the morass of often scores of replies, both in agreement and dispute with mine.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 11-22-18 at 08:53 PM. Reason: added PS
11-18-18, 08:15 AM
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First and foremost, you are not going to get it right in your first season, no matter what you try and how much advice we give. You can only discover through experience what works best for you. Everyone is different in how their body manages cold, in other physical conditioning, in how well they've acclimated, and in how they cycle, which determines how much heat they generate. Although you and I are only a few miles apart, we could be worlds away in those differences, and thus, what works for us.
So use advice (even mine) only as a guidepost in your own experimentation, not as gospel. Until you get sorted out what works for you, I guarantee you that one day you'll be sweating buckets and another, freezing your cojones. Vive la différence!
Rather than repeat my usual advice here, I refer you to my 2016 interview for Loose Screws (imagine that!) by our own Jonanthan Gennick. It's no longer on their site, nor is it available on the Wayback Machine. I've re-posted a PDF copy of the article: https://www.brucew.com/downloads/Loo...-Interview.pdf
To it, I would add only that when it comes to baselayers, skip synthetic and go directly to merino wool. I scoffed at the idea for a decade, wearing poly, which made me stink like I was homeless, even with a fresh shower, deodorant and shirt daily. Merino wool truly is amazing. Compared to poly, it's warmer, far more breathable, keeps you warm even when it gets wet (by either sweat or leaky outerwear) and I can wear it all week without stinking. (Perhaps longer, but I haven't tried.) Yes, it costs more--the ones I get are $65 compared to $17 for poly. But five times $17 is $85, so in the end, it's cheaper.
As for your plan to wear fleece pants, don't make the overtrousers a "maybe". IME, fleece only filters the air as it passes through. Windproof is a must, so you might as well get waterproof too. A quick Amazon search reveals cheap ones as low as $11, decent brands starting at $25, and genuine Gore Tex starting in the $70s. I went with genuine Gore at about $100 or $120 over ten years ago.
HTH, and keep above all, have fun with it.
So use advice (even mine) only as a guidepost in your own experimentation, not as gospel. Until you get sorted out what works for you, I guarantee you that one day you'll be sweating buckets and another, freezing your cojones. Vive la différence!
Rather than repeat my usual advice here, I refer you to my 2016 interview for Loose Screws (imagine that!) by our own Jonanthan Gennick. It's no longer on their site, nor is it available on the Wayback Machine. I've re-posted a PDF copy of the article: https://www.brucew.com/downloads/Loo...-Interview.pdf
To it, I would add only that when it comes to baselayers, skip synthetic and go directly to merino wool. I scoffed at the idea for a decade, wearing poly, which made me stink like I was homeless, even with a fresh shower, deodorant and shirt daily. Merino wool truly is amazing. Compared to poly, it's warmer, far more breathable, keeps you warm even when it gets wet (by either sweat or leaky outerwear) and I can wear it all week without stinking. (Perhaps longer, but I haven't tried.) Yes, it costs more--the ones I get are $65 compared to $17 for poly. But five times $17 is $85, so in the end, it's cheaper.
As for your plan to wear fleece pants, don't make the overtrousers a "maybe". IME, fleece only filters the air as it passes through. Windproof is a must, so you might as well get waterproof too. A quick Amazon search reveals cheap ones as low as $11, decent brands starting at $25, and genuine Gore Tex starting in the $70s. I went with genuine Gore at about $100 or $120 over ten years ago.
HTH, and keep above all, have fun with it.
Last edited by tsl; 11-18-18 at 08:19 AM. Reason: typoze
11-18-18, 01:27 PM
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The biggest thing is temperature. Snow or not, temperature is the main driver in what I wear. Cold and snowy, the snow blows off. No big deal.
Warmer, snow turns wet, and more difficult to deal with.
I generally try for thinner/fewer layers, but more water resistant. My favourites being clothes with wind/waterproof panels to the front, and more ventilating fabric on the back.
Warmer, snow turns wet, and more difficult to deal with.
I generally try for thinner/fewer layers, but more water resistant. My favourites being clothes with wind/waterproof panels to the front, and more ventilating fabric on the back.
11-18-18, 06:20 PM
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The biggest thing is temperature. Snow or not, temperature is the main driver in what I wear. Cold and snowy, the snow blows off. No big deal.
Warmer, snow turns wet, and more difficult to deal with.
I generally try for thinner/fewer layers, but more water resistant. My favourites being clothes with wind/waterproof panels to the front, and more ventilating fabric on the back.
Warmer, snow turns wet, and more difficult to deal with.
I generally try for thinner/fewer layers, but more water resistant. My favourites being clothes with wind/waterproof panels to the front, and more ventilating fabric on the back.
Unfortunately the fatbike is back at the LBS because the rear 24nrth dillinger4 is weeping sealant and air around the bead and thru little tiny holes in the sidewall. Grrr. My other bike has knobby mtb tires; i might try those if the roads are mostly clear and just avoid the MUP tomorrow somehow.
Thanks again all for your advice!
11-19-18, 02:29 PM
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The problem with all waterproof material is that you sweat, that water vapor gets trapped by the waterproof material, and you end up trapped in a greenhouse of your own water vapor. Worst case scenario your sweat collect on the inside of the jacket and refreezes leaving you sweaty and frozen at the same time. You can do short or low exertion trips with a random winter jacket if you can keep your exertion level low enough that you don't sweat all but once you start working it's an issue.
They make "Waterproof breathable" jackets that let some water vapor through the material while still being windproof/wind-resistant, like showers pass:
https://www.showerspass.com/collecti...-refuge-jacket
But they are expensive and...they work decently but not perfectly. They let some water vapor through but nowhere near say summer gear.
I've been biking with a shower pass jacket, but I got a pair of "windproof front breathable back" pants (an rei model they no longer sell) and I really feel a lot better biking in them than I did my waterproof-breathable pants. So I'm trying to find a similar jacket.
I'm not sure what kind of temps you're biking in with snow. If it's 25f or below just windproof water-resistant material is more than enough. If it's right around freezing you might need full waterproof gear.
I'd be curious to see how cheap waterproof pants work you after you try them...
They make "Waterproof breathable" jackets that let some water vapor through the material while still being windproof/wind-resistant, like showers pass:
https://www.showerspass.com/collecti...-refuge-jacket
But they are expensive and...they work decently but not perfectly. They let some water vapor through but nowhere near say summer gear.
I've been biking with a shower pass jacket, but I got a pair of "windproof front breathable back" pants (an rei model they no longer sell) and I really feel a lot better biking in them than I did my waterproof-breathable pants. So I'm trying to find a similar jacket.
I'm not sure what kind of temps you're biking in with snow. If it's 25f or below just windproof water-resistant material is more than enough. If it's right around freezing you might need full waterproof gear.
I'd be curious to see how cheap waterproof pants work you after you try them...
11-19-18, 02:36 PM
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Maybe look into what XC skiers wear.
11-20-18, 04:57 AM
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Layers. I use long underwear, followed by running tights (already had them) on my legs, big winter boots, and as many long sleeve shirts and sweaters as I need for the temperature, with a reflective orange hoodie intended for construction workers. I mostly only do a waterproof layer when it gets warm and rains, but I mostly choose not to bike in that weather.
Just wanted to present a cheaper method.
Just wanted to present a cheaper method.
11-22-18, 08:50 AM
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Thanks for all the advice.
Do you folks have any recommendations for relatively lightweight waterproof hiking boots or cycling boots that are less than $100? I have these huge winter boots I’ve been wearing, but I swear they must weigh 4 lbs a piece or something! lol.
Do you folks have any recommendations for relatively lightweight waterproof hiking boots or cycling boots that are less than $100? I have these huge winter boots I’ve been wearing, but I swear they must weigh 4 lbs a piece or something! lol.
11-22-18, 09:24 AM
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Layers
I also use layers with the one next to my skin light and highly breathable. I live in the mid-Atlantic coastal area and the wind is usually a bigger factor than the temp. I ride a bike that has a rack or saddle/handlebar bags large enough to hold at least a medium thickness jacket/ jersey. Keeping the core temp of the body under control is the big challenge. If you are not at least pretty chilly at the start you definitely have too many clothes on. For me, having flexibility with what I am wearing is key.
11-23-18, 03:03 PM
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(It doesn't actually say "waterproof" so I don't think it's fully waterproof):
The Freerider Elements is much more water resistant than its standard counterpart, combining a DWR-treated leather upper with synthetic panels to keep your feet warm and dry in the harshest conditions.
https://www.adidasoutdoor.com/five-ten-freerider-elements-mountain-bike-shoe/FT16.html?dwvar_FT16_color=Black&cgid=fiveten-men-bike-shoes
Regular shoe with insulation:
https://www.adidasoutdoor.com/five-ten-freerider-eps-mountain-bike-shoe/FT42.html?dwvar_FT42_color=Black&cgid=fiveten-men-bike-shoes
High top with insulation:
https://www.adidasoutdoor.com/five-ten-freerider-eps-high-mountain-bike-shoe/FT43.html?dwvar_FT43_color=Black&cgid=fiveten-men-bike-shoes
Last edited by PaulRivers; 11-23-18 at 03:07 PM.
11-24-18, 10:44 PM
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Thanks PaulRivers— didnt know about those! I wonder if theyd be warm enough for the snow and slush.. maybe with an overshoe?
11-24-18, 11:27 PM
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...
To it, I would add only that when it comes to baselayers, skip synthetic and go directly to merino wool. I scoffed at the idea for a decade, wearing poly, which made me stink like I was homeless, even with a fresh shower, deodorant and shirt daily. Merino wool truly is amazing. Compared to poly, it's warmer, far more breathable, keeps you warm even when it gets wet (by either sweat or leaky outerwear) and I can wear it all week without stinking. (Perhaps longer, but I haven't tried.) Yes, it costs more--the ones I get are $65 compared to $17 for poly. But five times $17 is $85, so in the end, it's cheaper.
....
To it, I would add only that when it comes to baselayers, skip synthetic and go directly to merino wool. I scoffed at the idea for a decade, wearing poly, which made me stink like I was homeless, even with a fresh shower, deodorant and shirt daily. Merino wool truly is amazing. Compared to poly, it's warmer, far more breathable, keeps you warm even when it gets wet (by either sweat or leaky outerwear) and I can wear it all week without stinking. (Perhaps longer, but I haven't tried.) Yes, it costs more--the ones I get are $65 compared to $17 for poly. But five times $17 is $85, so in the end, it's cheaper.
....
For years I could not wear wool, period. Yes there are bad synthetic fist layers but there are also good ones. Patagonia has consistently made very good first layers. (My first pair was their expedition weight. I wore it for fist 5 days of a trans-Atlantic sail on a small boat (34'). After the first 36 hour storm I took off those thermals that had been soaked with seawater non-stop. But on my older pair. Withing 24 hours the wet Patagonias went back on and stayed on until we reached the Irish coast.
The Patagonia thermals are still super. (And hold up really well, as has everything I have bought of theirs.) The REI near copies are nearly as good comfort-wise and a bunch cheaper. FOr a middle layer I have a $100 Patagonia fleece pullover that is wonderful except that it comes down below all my cycling jerseys and shows (but keeps me warm down there).
Ben
11-24-18, 11:58 PM
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I like to be over-prepared, so I'd be thinking about a rear rack with some extra layers and warm stuff in a bag. That way you don't overheat, but have the extras if you need them.
Not that I know anything about snow; we get it four times a year if that much.
Man you are living the life!