16 degree commute....DONE....
01-04-12, 06:13 PM
#26
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Actually I think of my dress in six "levels" (not layers), a scheme I found intriguing from white water rafting where rivers are rated from one to six. During the winter I might tell some interested acquaintance that it was, for example, a "level 6 ride" (which would include scrub pants). If interested, I posted the complete scheme in reply to this thread, “Your clothing choices for various temps,” and a picture below, around at least level 4:
I think of my degrees of dress in six levels.
Adopting to your table for my 14 mile commute (temperatures in parentheses):
50-70F
Level I (>70): Shorts, short sleeve shirt.
Level II (60): Add thin long legged tights and/or long-sleeve jersey
(50): Add fleece shirt, maybe a wind proof cycling jacket, and long legged cycling tights over thin tights;thin fingered gloves, thin balaclava
30-40F
Level III (40): Heavy cycling jacket and long sleeve jersey; two layers of tights as above; thin balaclava, maybe a woolen cap; heavier woolen gloves
(35): Add safety glasses (as goggles) that fit over my eyeglasses; extra pair of neoprene socks; balaclava and woolen cap
10-30F
Level IV (30) Add fleece jersey; thin, fingered gloves and thick wind-proof fingered gloves; neoprene extra socks and neoprene booties over shoes
Level V (25): Add windproof thin cycling jacket over fleece and under heavy cycling jacket
Level VI: (<20): Thin and thick woolen socks instead of neoprene socks; additional windproof pants [scrub pants or rainproof pants] over two pairs of tights, add neoprene face mask
<0F?
My personal best has been leaving at 8 degrees in Boston and arriving at my suburban destination at minus 9
I don't like being cold, so I tend to overdress a bit, but I have a rear trunk bag and can remove layers. Recently I've been looking for reasonably priced mittens for level VI.
Adopting to your table for my 14 mile commute (temperatures in parentheses):
50-70F
Level I (>70): Shorts, short sleeve shirt.
Level II (60): Add thin long legged tights and/or long-sleeve jersey
(50): Add fleece shirt, maybe a wind proof cycling jacket, and long legged cycling tights over thin tights;thin fingered gloves, thin balaclava
30-40F
Level III (40): Heavy cycling jacket and long sleeve jersey; two layers of tights as above; thin balaclava, maybe a woolen cap; heavier woolen gloves
(35): Add safety glasses (as goggles) that fit over my eyeglasses; extra pair of neoprene socks; balaclava and woolen cap
10-30F
Level IV (30) Add fleece jersey; thin, fingered gloves and thick wind-proof fingered gloves; neoprene extra socks and neoprene booties over shoes
Level V (25): Add windproof thin cycling jacket over fleece and under heavy cycling jacket
Level VI: (<20): Thin and thick woolen socks instead of neoprene socks; additional windproof pants [scrub pants or rainproof pants] over two pairs of tights, add neoprene face mask
<0F?
My personal best has been leaving at 8 degrees in Boston and arriving at my suburban destination at minus 9
I don't like being cold, so I tend to overdress a bit, but I have a rear trunk bag and can remove layers. Recently I've been looking for reasonably priced mittens for level VI.
...I do have some new items for riding at less that 20 degrees that I want to try out:
-new Neoprene booties to replace the torn, threadbare faithful old ones
-fleece-lined mittens with fingered liners; I'll wear them with a separate pair of knit fingered gloves
-a "necky."
Yesterday I was at REI in the Landmark Center looking at balaclavas and I saw this last item, a triangular piece of a fleece-like material on a circular band. I figured out what it was and the salesman confirmed it describing it as a "neck gaiter."
I have been looking for a similar type item for a few years called a "dickie," which was a turtle neck with attached front and rear panels of similar material, sort of a turtleneck sweater facade, meant to be worn with a V-neck sweater. A very 1970's look; think "Andy Williams Christmas Special." That's probably why I could never find one.
-new Neoprene booties to replace the torn, threadbare faithful old ones
-fleece-lined mittens with fingered liners; I'll wear them with a separate pair of knit fingered gloves
-a "necky."
Yesterday I was at REI in the Landmark Center looking at balaclavas and I saw this last item, a triangular piece of a fleece-like material on a circular band. I figured out what it was and the salesman confirmed it describing it as a "neck gaiter."
I have been looking for a similar type item for a few years called a "dickie," which was a turtle neck with attached front and rear panels of similar material, sort of a turtleneck sweater facade, meant to be worn with a V-neck sweater. A very 1970's look; think "Andy Williams Christmas Special." That's probably why I could never find one.
As an eyeglass wearer, I’m one who has had excellent success with safety goggles and never noticed any distortion. Besides the combined wind protection and wide-open ventilation…
A modification that allows the safety glasses to sit comfortably on my face is to wrap Velcro around the nose bridge and attach the Velcro on the glasses to a vertical strip of Velco sewn onto my woolen skull cap. The safety glasses are thus suspended rather than pressing down on my nose. ….
A modification that allows the safety glasses to sit comfortably on my face is to wrap Velcro around the nose bridge and attach the Velcro on the glasses to a vertical strip of Velco sewn onto my woolen skull cap. The safety glasses are thus suspended rather than pressing down on my nose. ….
01-04-12, 06:46 PM
#27
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I live in South Florida, and from here it sounds like all of you guys are a little bit NUTS! I plan to start commuting on my recumbent soon (probably next week) but will NOT be riding my bike any morning that the temp is below 40. Any colder than that just plain hurts! When I was commuting on my bike five or more years ago (here in South Florida) I got on my little Actionbent one morning when it was 35 degrees and just about died. I guess I don't stand the cold like I did when I lived in Michigan, but again, the cold weather is one of the reasons I moved south. I think it's really cool that you are so dedicated to riding that you will do it in those cold temps, but you have to admit it sounds a little NUTS!
01-04-12, 06:48 PM
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Jim: Thanks for posting that. I am in a weird position with my height and weight... 6 foot 4 and 335 pounds. Its really tough to find stuff to wear. I do not think I have the right cycling clothes for the winter.
01-04-12, 06:54 PM
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I live in South Florida, and from here it sounds like all of you guys are a little bit NUTS! I plan to start commuting on my recumbent soon (probably next week) but will NOT be riding my bike any morning that the temp is below 40. Any colder than that just plain hurts! When I was commuting on my bike five or more years ago (here in South Florida) I got on my little Actionbent one morning when it was 35 degrees and just about died. I guess I don't stand the cold like I did when I lived in Michigan, but again, the cold weather is one of the reasons I moved south. I think it's really cool that you are so dedicated to riding that you will do it in those cold temps, but you have to admit it sounds a little NUTS!
01-04-12, 06:56 PM
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01-04-12, 07:02 PM
#32
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Winter dressing is indeed time consuming, but I’m always suiting up with a Talk Show on for amusement. I take such great care to layer up comfortably and seal the gaps, that I envision myself a heroic astronaut preparing for an adventure. When I arrive at work and stride through the halls all suited up, I imagine recreating this scene from “The Right Stuff” (beginning at 2:58):
01-04-12, 07:41 PM
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I live in South Florida, and from here it sounds like all of you guys are a little bit NUTS! ...I guess I don't stand the cold like I did when I lived in Michigan, but again, the cold weather is one of the reasons I moved south. I think it's really cool that you are so dedicated to riding that you will do it in those cold temps, but you have to admit it sounds a little NUTS!
It sure does.See Rule #9: https://www.velominati.com/blog/the-rules/#9
Originally Posted by velominati
Rule #9 / If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a badass. Period.
Fair-weather riding is a luxury reserved for Sunday afternoons and wide boulevards. Those who ride in foul weather – be it cold, wet, or inordinately hot – are members of a special club of riders who, on the morning of a big ride, pull back the curtain to check the weather and, upon seeing rain falling from the skies, allow a wry smile to spread across their face. This is a rider who loves the work.
Fair-weather riding is a luxury reserved for Sunday afternoons and wide boulevards. Those who ride in foul weather – be it cold, wet, or inordinately hot – are members of a special club of riders who, on the morning of a big ride, pull back the curtain to check the weather and, upon seeing rain falling from the skies, allow a wry smile to spread across their face. This is a rider who loves the work.
01-04-12, 10:09 PM
#36
Senior Member
Anything that keeps me warm during the first 15 minutes makes me too hot during the rest of the ride. I just under-dress and ride hard to build up enough warmth. I can keep just about right by adjusting speed and effort. This morning it was around 9 degrees with a solid head wind. The buildings in downtown Boston create even more of a chill, but then I have to climb a mild grade traveling up Comm Ave. That's where I tend to get too warm. Pit zips help that quite a bit, but it's hard to get the layers just right. Everyone has to adjust to there unique circumstances, so there is no magic solution. It's an art to figure out a solution.
01-04-12, 10:21 PM
#37
Not safe for work
The combined weight and constraint of all the extra clothing also makes dressing, sorting out all those sleeves, riding, unbinding fabric around knees, switching gloves, putting on face mask, redoing face mask because its choking me, need the bathroom, and undressing a tiring chore in the winter. I agree, by the time February rolls around I'm sick of the cold (and then, of course, the weather gets colder) and I dream of cycling in tshirts, shorts and sandals.
Today it was only -1°C. Practically balmy compared to yesterday's arctic freeze!
Today it was only -1°C. Practically balmy compared to yesterday's arctic freeze!
01-04-12, 10:51 PM
#38
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That is exactly what I be doing. Putting on the right amount of layers, and making sure everything is snug and comfortable. Even down to taking the last trip to the bathroom. Dam, I hate it when I got everything are suited up, and I got to go to the bathroom. I got to dig through a zillion layers to get to the thing!!
Speaking of going to the bathroom when all bundled up, I recently posted about this problem:
...Finally, there is one other specifically cold-related “discomfort” that I have not seen mentioned on BF, but I have considered considered posting about. I think it is real, and I was gratified to read about in another winter-cycling website, and it influences my winter commute. It is called appropriately “cold-induced diuresis.” 
01-05-12, 08:27 AM
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Barr-Mitts and proper winter cycling shoes make low teen commutes a non-issue for me. Best winter cycling investments I've made besides the Hakka W106's that I haven't had to put on yet this year...
01-05-12, 10:29 PM
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Next weekend I'm going to be riding in the teens.
Also I'm a car free rider and have no choice.
Also I'm a car free rider and have no choice.
01-05-12, 10:38 PM
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Chef, and you east coast commuters - hats off to you all. You guys are in inspiration to us all.
But we have it pretty tough out here in So Cal too - dipped below 50 F this morning and I had to put on a base layer - brrrrr!!
But we have it pretty tough out here in So Cal too - dipped below 50 F this morning and I had to put on a base layer - brrrrr!!
01-06-12, 04:59 AM
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chemical toe warmers on top of sock liners, then a wool sock
glove liner under loose fitting windproof winter glove
scarf? lose it
get the proper zip up neck base layer and proper cycling specific windbreaker or rain jacket with reflective tape
glove liner under loose fitting windproof winter glove
scarf? lose it
get the proper zip up neck base layer and proper cycling specific windbreaker or rain jacket with reflective tape
01-06-12, 05:15 AM
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01-06-12, 11:08 AM
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01-06-12, 08:15 PM
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These do a good job keeping the wind, rain, snow and slush off my feet. And dry feet mean warm feet.
01-06-12, 08:27 PM
#48
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The bar mitts are great! Has to be under freezing or my hand sweat too much. I have only ridden down to the low 20s, but my hands were fine with fairly lightweight gloves and bar mits. Legs were good with some insulated pants found on clearance at Target (they didn't sell well in Texas, go figure). My feet and face were the weak spots, but I confident I could handle the teens with my gear. It would get old after a few days, but luckily those temps are rare here.
01-09-12, 02:28 PM
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I don't know if you're referring to the Barr-Mitts or the shoes but yes on both counts, each about the same 
Also, on those days where it's 20 in the morning and 50 on the way home, at least with the Shimano Road version of the Barr-Mitts you can unzip them and allow a lot of ventilation so the temp envelope on them is huge. I take serious consideration on temp ranges on commuting gear because I work on the ocean and live inland in New England and the temp extremes can be exactly that.
I simply can't condone using chemical warmers, one of the big reasons why I commute by bike to to reduce my waste and using something like that would give me some bad Karma
Thick full-fingers and road levers don't work either. Barr-Mitts again, half finger gloves for just about any temperature, yes...
No, I don't have any affiliation with them but I do like spreading the word when something is that good, hands and feet are the trickiest part with winter riding.
Also, on those days where it's 20 in the morning and 50 on the way home, at least with the Shimano Road version of the Barr-Mitts you can unzip them and allow a lot of ventilation so the temp envelope on them is huge. I take serious consideration on temp ranges on commuting gear because I work on the ocean and live inland in New England and the temp extremes can be exactly that.
I simply can't condone using chemical warmers, one of the big reasons why I commute by bike to to reduce my waste and using something like that would give me some bad Karma
Thick full-fingers and road levers don't work either. Barr-Mitts again, half finger gloves for just about any temperature, yes...
No, I don't have any affiliation with them but I do like spreading the word when something is that good, hands and feet are the trickiest part with winter riding.
01-09-12, 05:04 PM
#50
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+1 Not so much for doing your commute in 16F, though...lots of folks have done that and more. Especially our Canadian, Scandanavian and Icelandic brethren. My congrats are doing it w/COTTON LAYERS!!! B-R-R-R-R 
Replace the cotton w/100% wool sweaters from a thriftstore...or cashmere from the ladies section. No shame, I've got one and use it on every long winter ride. They're usually able to be found between 3-5.00. Not the cashmere that was 20.00. But, 100% wool sweaters are really cheap. I try to look for closeknit to help w/windblocking.
All kidding aside it's really an accomplishment when one challanges one's self to step out and ride hardcore winter commuting. Way to go.
Replace the cotton w/100% wool sweaters from a thriftstore...or cashmere from the ladies section. No shame, I've got one and use it on every long winter ride. They're usually able to be found between 3-5.00. Not the cashmere that was 20.00. But, 100% wool sweaters are really cheap. I try to look for closeknit to help w/windblocking.
All kidding aside it's really an accomplishment when one challanges one's self to step out and ride hardcore winter commuting. Way to go.