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my winter layers, <20F

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Old 12-08-05 | 08:48 AM
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From: St Louis, MO
my winter layers, <20F

Having not layered enough yesterday, and paying for it, I somewhat overdid it this morning, which was in the teens F. Not an inch of my body was cold for a 40 min am commute.

helmet
thin poly balaclava
neoprene face mask
wool liner gloves
thinsulate lobster gloves
thermal jersey
poly button shirt
rain jacket
long spandex
nylon pants with poly liner
thick wool socks
shoes
neoprene booties

Dang, it took me about 5 minutes to dress, feel like knight in armor preparing for battle!
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Old 12-08-05 | 09:21 AM
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Yeah, I took my time, too. I had on two tees, one long sleeve sweatshirt (all moisture wicking style), long underwear, work pants, mittens, hat, and a windbreaker (tight fitting) with hood. I was well sealed up.

I hate having to get out my badge to show the guard. Heck, all they can see is my nose and chin! Who's going to breech security while riding on a bike in 10 frickin' degree weather?

Last edited by thdave; 12-08-05 at 09:30 AM.
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Old 12-08-05 | 09:24 AM
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I think the challenge is to find the min layers and still stay warm. I could have stopped and taken off a layer, but I just wanted to get to work and wasn't that uncomfortable.
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Old 12-08-05 | 09:33 AM
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I typically overdress too. It's not as cold here, but I wear a thin wool layer, poly fleece and shell (different ones depending on percipitation) and I usually sweat under it all.
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Old 12-08-05 | 09:34 AM
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From: Cowtown, AB

Bikes: Titus El Guapo, Misfit diSSent, Cervelo Soloist Carbon, Wabi Lightning, et al.

Well, at -23C/-9F [Monday], I wore the following:
helmet
2 Polartec powerstretch 100 balaclavas
Entrant shell over Pearl Izumi Barrier jacket
t-shirt [from concert I went to in the 90's]
Under the Weather short pants [shants]
MEC Gore-Tex faced tights
Ultimax liner socks [which double as dress socks!]
Shimano SPD commuter shoes
MEC lobster gloves [I think they use Holofill or something - MUCH warmer than PI lobsters and MUCH cheaper]
BR boxers

Entrant shell can get a little steamy , but it's much better than getting frozen when the wind picks up.
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Old 12-08-05 | 09:37 AM
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It was 4F on my commute this morning. It definately takes much longer to get ready. Now I'm wearing multiple layers on every part of my body. Including 2 pairs of sock + shoes and booties, 2 base layers + jacket and hat, helmet, neck gaiter, and googles on my head. We are breaking records for low temps here in Cleveland so hopefully it will be back above 20F soon which is much easier to dress for.
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Old 12-08-05 | 09:48 AM
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It's sad when it is 20F and my first thought is "it's warm!". Of course, those further up north will find that funny.

I tend to overdress. Temps vary throughout the 30+ miles I ride.
Take one layer off. 45 minutes later put it back on.
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Old 12-08-05 | 10:08 AM
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Does anyone use a bodywarmer over their outer layer. Its a really useful way of shedding after a cold start without having to re-dress.
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Old 12-08-05 | 10:57 AM
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Originally Posted by MichaelW
Does anyone use a bodywarmer over their outer layer. Its a really useful way of shedding after a cold start without having to re-dress.

What's a bodywarmer? The only thing I can think of is the warm wife that I've left at home while I jump on my bike to ride in the 31(F) morning.
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Old 12-08-05 | 11:15 AM
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Originally Posted by pctpaul
What's a bodywarmer?
+1
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Old 12-08-05 | 11:16 AM
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Originally Posted by billh
Having not layered enough yesterday, and paying for it, I somewhat overdid it this morning, which was in the teens F. Not an inch of my body was cold for a 40 min am commute.
This what I wore today at 16ºF today. Plus an acrylic cap underneath the hood of my jacket.Yesterday morning at -3ºF and a 7mph headwind I wore the same as today plus a scarf.

Clothes on hangers from left include polypro long johns, gym shorts and sweat pants. Standard mens brief underpants (not shown). Alert shirt tee, chamois shirt (Land's End), polypro undershirt, lined jean jacket with hood and fleece vest. On rack above are the two pairs of socks used for the commute



The brown clothes are Army issue polypro underwear. The weight of the boots plus rubbers is a real drag but worth it to keep my toesies warm. The mittens with thinsulate insulation did the job. The brown jersey gloves make them more comfortable.

Once I start on my 12 mile commute, I don't remove layers, since I stop for nothin' til I reach my destination. Luckily I have a place to change and hang sweaty clothes, which are dry for return trip.
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Old 12-08-05 | 11:25 AM
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> Alert shirt tee, chamois shirt (Land's End), polypro undershirt, lined jean jacket with hood and fleece vest.

Wow, so you wore 5 layers and didn't overheat? Impressive
Wish my company had racks like that, it'd make things alot simpler...or did you buy that yourself.
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Old 12-08-05 | 12:46 PM
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Bodywarmer, sleeveless, insulated garment warn on the body.
Also called Gillet???
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Old 12-08-05 | 12:50 PM
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Originally Posted by vrkelley
> Alert shirt tee, chamois shirt (Land's End), polypro undershirt, lined jean jacket with hood and fleece vest.

Wow, so you wore 5 layers and didn't overheat? Impressive
Wish my company had racks like that, it'd make things alot simpler...or did you buy that yourself.
Company. I've my own office so the other rack I use for sweaty unmentionables doesn't cause any problem.
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