Thanks, and new clothing
 

Hello all. 3 years ago, you all helped me get started commuter biking. With your help, I'm now biking most days. I spend more time on 2 wheels than 4.

Anyway, in the 3 years, my clothing has gotten worn out, and it's time for some new cool weather clothing. I need the following:
1. A basic windproof, breathable shell
2. Gloves
3. And a fleece or something to go under the shell when it get's really cold

I tried shopping myself, but I'm overwhelmed, both by the prices and the number of choices. I don't need anything in style or fashionable, and I'm on a limited budget. My main goal is to keep me warm when it's cold but not sweaty (sweat being the #1 downside to commuting to the office).

So, can anyone recommend which specific products I should buy? Again, I'm on a budget. (Links to online retailers greatly appreciated).

One more thing: I work at a professional office, and am already on the edge by biking. So, the clothing can't be flashy. Dark, conservative colors - good. Screaming flourescent yellow and pink - bad.

I'll add one more fact: My balaclava is still holding up well. But, in in between weather, it's too warm - it covers my mouth. Without anything, my ears and head get too cold from the wind. Is there something that will cover my ears and head underneath my helmet, but not be full balaclava?

Thanks again for helping this newbie - I don't think I'd have been able to do it without this forum.

Check Performance Bike. This is the time of year when winter clothing goes on closeout.

Think about finding a wool jersey or two. eBay is a good source. A good wool jersey will do the work of two layers of clothing. I live in Florida but it gets into the low 20s here, and I've ridden 20 miles in knickers, a wool jersey with a wicking shirt underneath, and a cheap Performance hi-vis yellow jacket.

As for gloves, that's difficult to recommend. I really like my Spenco Ironman gloves. I have a full fingered pair and a summer glove. They're great and the gimmicky palm padding works.

A Showerspass eVent is a good waterproof shell made for cyclists. It's spendy, but worth it. Get a wool beanie (check ibexwear.com) for warmth and non-stinkiness. I use x-country skiing gloves, sometimes w/ a liner, instead of cycling gloves.

I got the Secolo II from performance bike to replace my old dying fleece and I am loving it so far. It's not exactly breathable, but it wicks and fits well. The waist cinches up and it's pretty water resistant. It was snowing for a couple of days when i used it last and it repelled the water just dandy and does a lovely job at keeping the cold air out. It has space to allow layering underneath as well. I may not need an outer shell with this.

I have a waterproof/breathable jacket from J&G. It was $100. I was a little hesitant to pay even that (I'm cheap) but it has been a great investment. I use it as a windbreaker layer on any day < 50*F or so (all winter) and when it's raining significantly, so I've probably worn it 600 days or morein the 4 years I've had it, and I've fallen on it a couple of times too, and it still shows no sign of wear at all.

I wear that with just layers underneath. I've ridden down to -25*F with just a couple of shirts (in colder temps, one of them is a poly or acrylic sweatshirt) underneath.

As far as gloves, I wear crochet backed half fingers when it's > 40*F, basic fleece windproof gloves ($10 at Kohls) down to about 10*F, and blaze orange hunting gloves below that ($10 at a department store during hunting season, these are basically cheap ski gloves). Some people need more warmth than that though, so YMMV.

I have several different ways I can go with keeping my head warm. The first thing that goes on if I need more than just a helmet is a lightweight stretchy headband to cover my ears ($5 at a hardware store), the next level is a stretchy synthetic beanie that they were giving out at a marathon I ran, next is a thin fleece balaclava (don't remember, but I think <$10 from Sierra Trading Post), then some combination of these three together, then a fleece neck gaitor if the balaclava isn't cutting it for my face (~$5 from I don't remember where). I have never needed anything windproof for my head/face.

If you're not into the florescent spandex look, you can't go wrong with Rivendell. I can recommend their gloves and socks, and a wool jersey is in my future.

http://www.rivbike.com/

I usually make a run through my neighborhood thrift store (or Goodwill) a couple of times a year and pick up merino sweaters for a few bucks. I usually find several of different weights and grab one or two for cold weather and one or two for warm weather. Over the years, I keep rotating them, finding new ones and donating the old ones again to Goodwill. I think it's a good system.

I can't live without a Buff Headwear thingie. It's just a fancy headband but there's enough material to use as a hat, a headband, or balaclava.

The Cannondale LE Balaclava:

http://www.eriksbikeshop.com/ride/pr...ffset=2&s_id=0

http://www.eriksbikeshop.com/ride/as...s/PR3C1532.jpg

Well...it *is* a full Balaclava, but it lets you pull down the front part so your face and mouth isn't covered.

There's also really *lots* of "just cover the head" hat thingies, like the Gore Windstopper Skull Cap:

http://www.eriksbikeshop.com/ride/pr...ffset=2&s_id=0

http://www.eriksbikeshop.com/ride/as...s/PR3C2874.jpg

1. Gear-grinder shell

2. Ibex gloves

3. Ibex l/s base-layer

Check the sale page at Nau, as well. Sale prices are still pretty expensive, but it's great stuff. Sierra Trading Post is another place to look for shells, but they're more typical cycle-wear.

I've got something like this (not the same brand) for duck hunting, and it works great. Full balaclava in the morning when it's freezing cold, then change it up to suit my needs as it gets warmer.
the one I have is fleece and half thin material, so the fleece can protect your neck and the thinner stuff can fit under a hat (or a helmet I suppose).

If your worried about officemates check out Showers Pass' Portland line and Hybrid pants. No one will know they're bike gear.

http://www.showerspass.com/products....oduct=Portland

Thanks for all the great tips. And super thanks for including links to the exact items.

I love my smartwool beanies for keeping my old bald head warm :)


http://www.amazingsocks.com/web-pid-...eanie-item.htm

One general comment: if you go for the cheapest stuff available, there's a good chance you'll live to regret it. Real Polartec fleece, for example, is milled so that it resists pilling. Manufacturers of the cheap stuff don't bother, so after a month your cheap fleece jacket looks like crap.

I bought this skull cap last year and find it's perfect for the cold mornings that don't require full face coverage. Might also consider a helmet vent cover for the cold season.
http://www.boure.com/8456.html
http://www.boure.com/media/products/8456.jpg

Shower Pass jackets are worth the money. I use a Double century jacket, mostly as a wind breaker.