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-   -   Winter Commuting Attire (https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/1188629-winter-commuting-attire.html)

noglider 12-16-19 11:59 AM

I read this thread before heading out today. It's in the 30s F, and it's damp and windy, so I bundled up, possibly more than necessary. Nothing hurt except maybe my face a tiny bit, but it was certainly tolerable. When I got inside, I noticed my toes were a little cold, but I didn't notice it on the bike. If my ride were longer, it would have been a problem, but it's less than 40 minutes. In fact, I was so warm that I had to slow down to prevent myself from building up too much heat. I definitely should tape up my shoes, as they are designed for cooling in the summer.

mcours2006 12-16-19 06:17 PM

Covering face and sightlines with balaclava or goggles can be a problem if you ride in heavy traffic. I've not experienced that on my own commute. A thin balaclava that covers the lower half of my face and goggles on top works well, and doesn't obscure my visibility. But my route is lightly travelled by vehicles, and I only usually have to deal with one car at a time.

Jim from Boston 12-16-19 06:48 PM


Originally Posted by mcours2006 (Post 21247874)
Covering face and sightlines with balaclava or goggles can be a problem if you ride in heavy traffic. I've not experienced that on my own commute.

A thin balaclava that covers the lower half of my face and goggles on top works well, and doesn't obscure my visibility. But my route is lightly travelled by vehicles, and I only usually have to deal with one car at a time.

Two days ago I posted,

Originally Posted by Jim from Boston (Post 21244905)
"What are the closest calls you've had that could've been deadly?"

This post reminded me of probably my closest call, though I have been seriously hit.

Originally Posted by Jim from Boston (Post 20752019)
"Any close calls recently?"

This past Tuesday I was riding on a dark two lane, but lightly traveled suburban road, as the car commuters were starting to come out. In my winter dress swaddling my head and neck, my head mobility and peripheral vision is restricted though I use a rearview eyeglass mounted mirror [two, left and right (link)].


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3bf1fc7415.jpg


Originally Posted by velopig (Post 21228246)
Two mirrors and a fluorescent jacket. You win!

I came to afour-way intersection for a left turn, and though the coast was clear, instead of taking the far left of my lane and turning, I decided to cross the lane since it was clear, stop at a median, look for oncoming cars, and then proceed (perpendicular to the road) through my turn.

Well I didn’t notice the edge of the brick curb (not a light-colored concrete one), even with my headlight, because there was little contrast between the curb edge and the blacktop road surface, and down I went into the middle of the oncoming lane...



rivers 12-17-19 08:05 AM

0-3/4C- thermal bib tights, wool socks, baselayer, cycling jersey, windproof jacket, maybe a merino wool jumper if it's really windy, winter cycling boots and fleece hat. Gripgrab winter gloves or lighter gloves and bar mitts.
On the odd day when it dips below freezing, swap out the cycling jersey for the winter cycling jersey, definitely add the merino wool jumper, and maybe an additional pair of thermals underneath my bib tights. Thicker wool socks and balaclava. Everything else stays the same.
Adding bar mitts to my handlebars has made the biggest difference overall. Looks silly, but I have warm hands.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2696631321.jpg

Notso_fastLane 12-17-19 05:05 PM

I start with a velomobile, so I don't really need much protection from wind or weather (when I get the full cap for it, it will be completely enclosed). So the only thing I need to deal with is the cold. On my commute to work (5 miles), within about the first 2 miles, the inside temp in the velo is a full 20-25 degrees warmer than outside. I only wear medium weight leggings (good to about 50F for me on my regular bike) a light bike jacket (non-wind/water proof) and light gloves. The only part that gets cold are my feet, and my new shoes are being delivered today. :)

So far, I've ridden in temps as low as the low teens, and other than my feet, I'm fine.

bpcyclist 12-17-19 10:14 PM


Originally Posted by Notso_fastLane (Post 21249182)
I start with a velomobile, so I don't really need much protection from wind or weather (when I get the full cap for it, it will be completely enclosed). So the only thing I need to deal with is the cold. On my commute to work (5 miles), within about the first 2 miles, the inside temp in the velo is a full 20-25 degrees warmer than outside. I only wear medium weight leggings (good to about 50F for me on my regular bike) a light bike jacket (non-wind/water proof) and light gloves. The only part that gets cold are my feet, and my new shoes are being delivered today. :)

So far, I've ridden in temps as low as the low teens, and other than my feet, I'm fine.

Photograph of the velomobile, by chance?

Notso_fastLane 12-18-19 10:14 AM


Originally Posted by bpcyclist (Post 21249527)
Photograph of the velomobile, by chance?

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c50b26220b.jpg

This is the configuration it is currently in, although in cold weather, I add a cover that closes off the opening and just leaves my head out.

My shoes arrived yesterday, and after a quick trip to the local bike shop to get some appropriate SPD cleats, I used them to ride in this morning. My feet were much MUCH happier. Not actually warm, but comfortable. The temps were in the mid teens, and it's a 5 mile commute to work. We just had a wind advisory pop up, so the ride home might be a little sporty (winds ~30 mph) with a wind chill of below 0F. I'm usually riding at ~25 mph anyway on the way home, so it will be about what I'm used to.

This is the shoe I got (I got a 'scuffed' model, just happened to be in my size, for $68. I can't see any scuffing at all, but it's a steal!)
https://www.fizik.com/us_en/artica-x5.html

Before next winter, I will get a full 'race' cap for it, and fabricate some foot hole covers so it will be completely enclosed.

Race cap:
https://www.velomobielonderdelen.nl/...onvezel-strada

bpcyclist 12-18-19 11:12 AM


Originally Posted by Notso_fastLane (Post 21249909)
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c50b26220b.jpg

This is the configuration it is currently in, although in cold weather, I add a cover that closes off the opening and just leaves my head out.

My shoes arrived yesterday, and after a quick trip to the local bike shop to get some appropriate SPD cleats, I used them to ride in this morning. My feet were much MUCH happier. Not actually warm, but comfortable. The temps were in the mid teens, and it's a 5 mile commute to work. We just had a wind advisory pop up, so the ride home might be a little sporty (winds ~30 mph) with a wind chill of below 0F. I'm usually riding at ~25 mph anyway on the way home, so it will be about what I'm used to.

This is the shoe I got (I got a 'scuffed' model, just happened to be in my size, for $68. I can't see any scuffing at all, but it's a steal!)
https://www.fizik.com/us_en/artica-x5.html

Before next winter, I will get a full 'race' cap for it, and fabricate some foot hole covers so it will be completely enclosed.

Race cap:
https://www.velomobielonderdelen.nl/...onvezel-strada

That is just insanely cool looking.

Notso_fastLane 12-18-19 11:14 AM

Honestly, it's fun as hell too. It's slow to get going and really slow uphills (70 lbs in commuting trim), but my level ground cruising speed is 4-5 mph faster than my recumbent bike, and it absolutely flies with even a slight downhill.

The aerodynamics are so good, that the coast down speed in the velo is much faster than even the coast down speed on my sportbike (CBR600RR). :D I've hit 65 mph in it so far.

Ferrouscious 12-18-19 06:54 PM

I keep a spreadsheet of the temperature, humidity, wind, and activity with what I wore colour-coded by my satisfaction of it. It really helps when getting a new winter piece or trying a new combination. I only started keeping track this winter, so I've only got down to 32F planned out perfectly. Below that, I'm still experimenting.

bpcyclist 12-18-19 07:46 PM


Originally Posted by Ferrouscious (Post 21250482)
I keep a spreadsheet of the temperature, humidity, wind, and activity with what I wore colour-coded by my satisfaction of it. It really helps when getting a new winter piece or trying a new combination. I only started keeping track this winter, so I've only got down to 32F planned out perfectly. Below that, I'm still experimenting.

And people call me compulsive...

irwin7638 12-22-19 08:19 AM

We do get cold here in Michigan but my clothing is pretty simple. I wear Terramar wool long underwear under lightweight nylon pants, sweater under a Lands End ski parka with a pair of hunter's mittens which have a pocket for a hand warmer in extreme cold. I add a wool neck gaiter from Chrome when the wind chill is uncomfortable.
Marc

Koyote 12-22-19 09:39 AM


Originally Posted by Necrohazard (Post 21219384)
I don't even have a bike that could get me anywhere in the winter (NE OH here), but I'm curious: for those of you who commute in cold/snowy weather, what sort of clothing/layering system do you employ? Brands and such would be appreciated. And how do you feel when you get to your destination? I am certain no matter what I wore my entire face would freeze off.

I’m in Western PA, so we have the same climate. Couple Qs: How long is your commute? What kind of job and attire?

2_i 12-23-19 12:06 AM

My Magic Parka by Tucano Urbano takes care of most of the issues during most of the year. My wife got one now too.

https://www.fahrzeit.si/2019/11/21/t...zur-regencape/


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...15e018f2e1.jpg


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...59bbaace0b.jpg

rumrunn6 12-23-19 05:16 AM


Originally Posted by 2_i (Post 21255341)
My Magic Parka by Tucano Urbano takes care of most of the issues during most of the year. My wife got one now too

thats intriguing. Lots to like. Surprised by the dark color tho. It’s hard enough to see us when it’s raining as it is. Live that it has many features if regular clothing like that zip security pocket

2_i 12-23-19 08:18 AM


Originally Posted by rumrunn6 (Post 21255429)
thats intriguing. Lots to like. Surprised by the dark color tho. It’s hard enough to see us when it’s raining as it is. Live that it has many features if regular clothing like that zip security pocket

Their specialty used to be motorcycle and scooter clothing with this dark blue, nearly black, being their standard color for everything. They branched into the cycling apparel with that Magic Parka only a few years ago and it had to be successful since they quickly diversified their cycling line. Right now I think the Parka is also available in brown. It has reflective elements that shine bright. I had to restitch straps for attaching the liner and redo thumb loops, but that is relatively little for such a complex garment. It became an extension of my body for much of the year.


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