I am wanting to bike to work tomorrow but it is going to be 29 or 30 degrees in the morning and I am a little nervous about biking in the cold due to clothing.

I plan to wear an under armour base layer for upper body, a cotton shirt and then a jersey or I could go underarmour base layer for upper body, a jersey and a wind breaker. I dont have a lot of winter clothes and I hear that cotton is a no no.

For legs I plan to wear bibs, under, long underwear, underarmour pants and bike shorts.

Socks.... wool plus ziplock over them and then cycling shoes.

Backlava and full gloves.

Just nervous because I dont have a lot of winter clothes.

Thoughts or suggestions?

No cotton, for that kind of temp, i will run a base layer, wool sweater, and wind breaker of some sort. It takes awhile to get it dialed in, nothing wrong shedding a layer 1/2 way through a ride.

the no cotton thing is over-exaggerated. i rode through an entire chicago winter last year with nothing but cotton long sleeve t-shirts, cotton underwear, and cotton denim.

they say that "cotton kills in the cold", but i didn't die.

maybe it's because i'm half polar bear; it was 29 degrees this morning and i did my 15 mile commute wearing just cotton underwear, nylon athletic shorts, a cotton long sleeve T, a windbreaker, gloves, and a headband for my ears.

everyone is different, but my legs would get cold in the set-up you describe.

for about 30F-20F I have some goretex snow pants I wear over my boxers.

below 20F I wear the snow pants over my jeans I wear at work all day and just jeans for temps over 30.

The snow pants break the wind, so any kind of wind blocker for your legs you can get would work with the layers you already have. It is amazing the kind of stuff you can get at a thrift store if you are not going for style points.

under armor pants I am unfamiliar with, maybe they are woven tight enough to block wind?

It was 20F today and my layers were all cotton (outside of my outer windstopping layer). You can always try a shorter ride tonight to see how it feels and adjust accordingly.

In the upper teens and low 20's I wear jeans and t-shirt with a track jacket or other lightish middle layer with a ShowersPass Rain/Windproof jacket on top - single digits I'll put on an under armor type layer. On my legs I do wear tights under jeans or slacks when it's in the teens, and I wear a beanie under my helmet for anything below 32F and cover my face when it is in the teens as well. I have some windproof mittens that I wear for the 20's and under.

What works for me may not work for you, though. How far is your commute?

It sounds like you're on the right track. How long is your commute? Dialing it in correctly gets more critical with time out on the road. I'd skip the cotton too if there's any length involved. Wet cotton just isn't as comfortable/warm as modern fibers.

For 30F, I'd have a light weight poly short sleeve T, lt wt long sleeve, and med wt long sleeve, with wind breaker with hood, skipping the balaclava. I've got a beard though so that helps. :-) For legs, shorts, med wt poly, and wind pants. And as to layering, it's so dependent on conditions and actual layers. My hooded wind breaker's zipper leaks more air than my non-hooded wind breaker, requiring that short sleeve T I could do without with the non-hooded.

From head to toe, knit wool hat under the helmet. Then a scarf rapped around the face. Either long-sleeve wicking or cotton T-shirt, fleece jacket and a wind breaker. Padded bike shorts, then rain pants, two pairs of socks (cotton/wool) and hiking boots. A thin liner and full gloves and biking glasses. I did this down into the mid 20's.

As long as your commute is short you'll just be uncomfortable if you got it wrong. You can adjust the next day and try again. You're not going to get it right the first time. If you're only riding like 30 minutes and you overdress (which it sounds to me like you're going to be doing) then worst case you are too hot. No big deal.

TL;DR Trial and error.

If I wore what some of the people above suggest (and my commute is only 30 minutes) I'd be sweating up a storm.

For ~ 25-35F:

Head - ball cap and ear warmers or just a wool cap.
Torso - poly/wool LS base, mid-weight wool sweater, wind jacket w pit zips
Legs - poly/wool longjohns, wind pants
Feet - mid weight wool socks, regular roomy mid-top spd shoes
Hands - windstopper gloves

it's gotta be below 20F before I start considering balaclavas, heavier gloves or liners, heavier socks or liners, etc.

Don't forget about your head. I usually forget to bring something to cover my ears to keep them warm. I have a helmet cover when it gets real cold but usually my ears just get covered with one of those headband things. I also make sure my jacket is zipped up to cover my neck and no cold air is tunneled down my chest.

Sounds about right, but like Leebo said, I would lose the cotton. My commute this morning started at 33 F, which is pretty cold for Southern Cal, and I rolled out in a long sleeve poly base layer, short sleeve jersey and fleece biking jacket on top, and tights, wool socks and bike shoes below. I had a wool hat on under my helmet and full fingered gloves, and I was pretty comfortable for the most part. You will be a little chilly when you first start out, but as long as there isn't a strong wind, you should warm up after a couple of miles. It does take a bit of practice to get it dialed in, but you'll get there.

The whole "cotton kills" is regarding spending long periods of time in the cold, not just an hour or so. When it gets wet it's the worst fabric for holding heat, unlike wool and synthetics, and wearing wet cotton for long periods in cold temps can lead to hypothermia. Generally not an issue for bike commuters, more so for ill prepared skiers who get their cars stuck in a ditch on a rural road after a sweaty workout.

When I first started winter cycling, I would wear baggy cotton cargo shorts down to 10ºF for an hour commute, and windstopper tights underneath for temps below 10º; shins got pretty red sometimes, but never got frostbitten. I used to ride a lot harder than I do now, where I pretty much wear jeans unless it's raining or snowing heavily, with synthetic long underwear underneath below 0ºF.

Comfort varies from person to person; I won't cover my face until well below 0º, but hats are a must below 35º. I see skiers all the time going hatless into the single digits, and I don't what it is about Pacific Islanders, but I see them walking about town in athletic shorts and sandals down into the teens!

For cold you want the outer layer to be something that's going to stop the wind, so I'd definitely choose the wind breaker over the jersey unless the jersey is wind proof. Jersey might be OK as a middle layer. Not sure what order you're using for the lower body layers but it sounds like you have plenty of them. The rule is pretty straight forward. The "base" layer is thin and snug fitting. It's meant to wick away moisture. The middle layer is thicker (though not bulky) and should be insulating. Fleece is great for this. Again, the outer layer's role is to stop the wind.

If anything you'll probably discover than for those temps you don't need to worry too much.

+1. 25-30F is warmer than you think, when you're pedaling. I'd just add that, if your shifter setup allows you to use them, mittens are way better than gloves. For serious cold (below 15F, for me), when I used to live in a colder climate, I used gore-tex shell mittens with wool liner mittens.

Wait until February when winter gets really angry with us and starts getting all "record low with the wind chill". Right now it's 4ºC and that's actually quite comfy because I'm not bundled like a tick and not having trouble bending knees and elbows from all of the extra clothing. This week I wore:

ski helmet with ear covers
sunglasses (when there is sun -- I kinda forget what sunshine looks like)
long sleeve polypro crew neck shirt
long sleeve heavy weight jersey
windproof jacket
bike shorts
cool weather tights
Sporthill Traverse pants (this is overkill but my lighter weight nylon pants are too big now!! yay!)
merino wool socks
water proof light weight hiking shoes
fleece gloves worn under fingerless bike gloves

I really don't like starting out a ride feeling cold so I'm bundled up a bit warmer than necessary.

Once the cold dips below freezing I will switch to my waterproof ski gloves and add a fleece neck tube. When my nose feels like it's gonna fall off then I start wearing a neoprene face mask and also start wearing goggles instead of sunglasses. Maybe change the cool weather tights for cold weather tights and wear snow boots instead of shoes. I've ridden in -20ºC (feels worse with windchill) but that temperature isn't typical here except for a handful of days in late February luckily.

It's surprising as you ride thru the winter how mild -5ºC will feel after you ride a few days in –10ºC or how balmy 0ºC will suddenly be in early March. Just remember, when you ride a bike in winter you are WAY more awesome than anybody who just commuted in a car or transit.

I'm cheap, so, I wear what i have and it's nothing fancy. Layers are important, and don't neglect your ears, hands and feet. I rode to work several years ago when the temp was 7 degrees F. The commute was 14 miles one way and I was fine except for my feet. I haven't had to ride in anything that cold lately, but I am going to buy something to protect my feet from the elements just in case.

You will actually be surprised by how easy it is to stay warm when it gets colder outside.

Looks like you are on a roll.

For 20 and 30 degree temps, I am having at least two pair long johns, topped off with UA Coldgear down the bottom. Two pairs of socks,
up top, I am going for 3 to 4 layers, maybe even a 5th layer..

"Socks.... wool plus ziplock over them and then cycling shoes.

Backlava and full gloves."

The Balaclava(sp) and full gloves are a MUST... If you get a chill with those, increase another layer, and slip in a gloves liner..

You taught me something with the ziplock...

Like I said, from what I see, you are on a roll. I know you got some lighting in the rear, and maybe something up front too..

+1 - spot on. It becomes a balance of sweat management and wind protection. You'll find 30 is totally comfortable to ride in once you get working and warmed up a bit. Don't worry too much, you are on the right track. just do it.

I'd say your proposed bottom (leg) layering is too much for the temperature. Thinner layers are better. If the "bib" is a ski bib with insulation, then it will be more than enough with nothing else. Frankly, medium cycling tights with a wind shell would be sufficient.

IMO Wind protection is the most effective part of your layered clothing. I wear my rain pants and rain jacket, but any outer "shell" will do the trick.

As someone else mentioned 25-30F is much warmer than you think, and a mile into the ride you will warm up.

For these temps I wear a medium weight polar fleece up top with my rain shell over it - that's it. I wear a thin skullcap under my helmet to cover my ears and hold heat in, medium weight gloves - something that you might wear on a warm ski day. Legs - thin to medium weight tights (long underwear will work too) and rain pants over that. Hiking socks and my regular MTB shoes. With that, I am perfect by the time my body is warmed up.
The rule of thumb is that it is good to start out a little chilly, knowing that you'll heat up.

If you are on a budget, look into second hand hiking/ski clothing for your outer layers - preferably gore tex "shell" with no insulation. For mid layers, polar fleece works wonderfully well.

I don't typically don my balaclava (face/neck/head) - also a thin piece - until the temps are closer to 20, and below 15 degrees I add a windstopper neck gaitor, a second (thin) base layer up top, and backcountry ski gloves.

Good luck!

Good luck!

Like others, I think that stopping the wind is your first priority. Rain jackets work well, rain-jackets that allow you to increase ventilation are even better (you can get very warm at those temperatures. I like wool as a base layer - as much because it does not accumulate smells as quickly as synthetics or cotton and seems more forgiving when you start to warm up. I can go with cotton slacks down to below 20F - but my feet get cold so I wear thick wool hiking socks. Make sure that your shoes or boots are not tight, though. A thin Novara microfleece cap covers my ears and my head ( the natural hair insulation on the top of my head seems to have gone missing). A thin balalclava is nice, but not necessary until the temperature is below 20. Once again, windproofing is a big help - when it gets chilly I can always add the Showers Pass "rain" hood. Don't forget that putting packing tape over the vents in your helmet adds another layer of dead air. Latex/nitrile gloves under your regular gloves or mittens help some people. Finally, gloves or mittens with a ... ummm ..."sweat" wiping surface on the thumb can make your ride (and your nose) more comfortable.

Sounds great.

I think my upper body will be ok. Worred about my feet but trial and error will tell.

Legs... we will see. Going for cycling bibbs, then under armour pants and then shorts (to "hide" my fat ass when I work into work!)

I will need to get wind breaker pants but I am a real big guy so we will see what I can find.

Why are mittons better then gloves? I have wool mittens (you know, the ones that can fold over to make half mittens).

Commute is 11 miles one way. Will be dark when I leave and dark when I come home.

I do have a front light and a helmet light plus a blinkie on the back.

Just want to add to your informative reply..I am layering more then the OP for that temp. What must be considered is the level of cold one can stand. All of us have different comfort levels, therefore, the difference in the layering from one rider to another.

Also, the build of person makes a difference too. I am 6ft 3in tall, at 135 lbs. I have almost ZERO fat.. I am going to get cold faster than say somebody that 6ft 3in tall at 195 lbs!!

The layers that I use might not be good for you and the layers you use might not be good for me... It is about putting on enough to get to your comfort level.. Sheesh, I am so skinny, I can put on 5 layers, and nobody could tell the difference!!

Don't be afraid to bring out a ski mask...you look awesome and there is no way you'll get to work with that Rudolph Red, booger encrusted nose you might be used to

I am packed and ready to go for tomorrows commute! Panniers packed and lights charging. Clothes laid out in the order I will put them on too.

he he he he !!!!!!!!!!

Today - 22F AM ride 30 min across wind, PM 34F 1:30 min mostly against 10-15 wind, no sun.
Bottom - Pearl Izumi thermal elite tights, mid weight smartwool socks, Asolo hiking boots
Top - Ice breaker merino long sleeve mid weight ¼ zip top, my bellwether jacket
Rest - fleece neck gaiter I can pull up and warm my nose occasionally, ear band, cheap ski gloves.