New guy cold weather commute?
 

So I picked up bike commuting in early August, in Texas. My major concern so far has been 'not bursting into direct flames' while riding.

We had a cold snap this weekend which told me I am in no way prepared for a cold weather bike ride.

I'm a short-round, 5'9" and 270, so I sweat a lot. I don't want to sweat through and then freeze to death because I'm over-warm. I also change clothes when I get to the office (backpack full of laptop and clothes), so I don't need to worry about dual duty stuff. My ride is only about 3 miles each way, so, 20 minutes or so, but it's moderately stop and go due to being downtown.

Here in DFW it's not likely to get below 30 often, and never snows. Does ice occasionally though, probably 1-2 times a winter.

Just looking for suggestions on shirts/coats/pants/shorts/etc. So far it's been thin T's and thin shorts.

I havent biked in cold weather yet, but I do alot of running and other PT in the cold, even snow/ice season. If you normally sweat, you will sweat no matter what. You will count on your body heating you up, the only thing you can do is adjust what you wear like some form of combination of wick clothing. They'll let your body breathe which will remove sweat at the same time. They also make jackets out of the stuff. What makes it great is that even though it removes sweat and lets your body breathe, it wont let anymore heat out than a regular jacket. How much you put on is up to you.

For me, on a very active cold snowing morning, im usually just in a wick long sleeve T-shirt and either long pants or shorts even depending on what I'm doing. Wick material clothing can get expensive so its up to you on which brand/kind you buy. Honestly I have the low and high-brands, they both work. Just dont get the, "I got this at a flea market" brand type ;].

Good luck my friend.

Well, I would suggest losing the backpack. Get some panniers. In the hotter months, it will make a whale of a difference on how much you sweat (your back gets real sweaty, right?) and in the ice it will lower you center of gravity and help make you stable. Also, it is just all around more comfortable. No heavy load on your shoulders/back.

As far as winter clothes, I would start with a decent wind breaker. Nothing fancy, just compact. Other than that, you will figure it out. Bike specific clothing works for some people, regular clothes works for others. I do like to wear a base wicking layer, but other than that, I wear what is economical for me. I always like to have a decent set of gloves.

common question this time of year. it's about wind protection hed to toe first, then thermal protection, then wind and thermal together. cycling specific clothing while more expensive will actually save you money in the long run because it will save you the continual pursuit of the right stuff where you will only wind up with cycling specific stuff in the end anyway. one exception is cheap motel style clear shower caps for over the helmet. they offer yes rain prtection without obstructing your reflective helmet but always wind protection. when you warm up whip it off easily and stow it in a pocket. chilly? wrap it back on quickly. when things get colder use it in conjunction with head bands; headsweats; or skull caps.

finally cycling in cooler temps is very defibnitely about ventilation; layers and options. it will be a process for you to learn and aqire what is best for you personally. enjoy the learning journey! ;)

Unless it gets under 50, I'd stick with shorts. On days that are 45-60, I wear shorts and a long-sleeve mock turtleneck shirt from Under Armour (got it at Marshall's for $30, normally $90). Under 45 and I switch to pants and put on some thin gloves. I haven't gone below freezing yet (it's my first year commuting) but I imagine I'll need to add a hat at some point.

Anything over 60 and I'm in shorts and a t-shirt. I might start out a bit chilly, but once I'm going I get nice and warmed up.

And I second getting rid of the backpack. Bungeeing my backpack to my rear rack was the best thing I've done yet. No more sweaty back when I get to work.

edit: just for reference, I'm 5'10", 140 lbs.

I ride year round in civil clothes. OK, pants I buy for hiking mountains are more comfy than regular jeans, but nothing bike specific. Bike specific is nice, but regular clothes should be enough. As you go, you will gain experience, see what works, what doesn't.

I sweat a lot. So I carry a big bag on bike's rack, to put extra clothes in as I get warmer. Often end up in just a sleaveless vest and t-shirt.

Good pair of glasses, skiing goggles when it's freezing cold, a band for protecting ears and forehead from cold wind, decent gloves. Pants that aren't too uncomfortable when wet. Some wind-stopper jacket, thin enough to pack easily. That should get you started.

In the cold, you should sweat less.
On a short commute, it isnt worthwhile riding fast only to get hot a sweaty, then take time to cooldown and change.
Ride at a steady pace so you don't sweat.
Dress in layers so you are a bit cool when you start. Don't wear any waterproofs unless it is raining.
You can layer jerseys to form a slight wind barrier or if it is colder, wear a windproof (not waterproof) top.
On my short rides I just use polycotton cargo pants and wear them all day.

For 3 miles, a backpack is OK but dont carry a heavy load. Panniers are better if you have them.

Thanks for the advice guys.

I have to wear business casual clothing at work, and I'm not biking to work in khakis or slacks, so I do need to change. Partially don't want to get 'em dirty, and partially don't want to smell like sweat and grime all day, partially just for comfort.

I've got a rear rack I use for groceries, but don't have any panniers aside from a big-bag type. Anyone recommend a good pannier that doubles as a laptop bag, or something else suited for walking a few blocks, can carry a laptop and full change of clothes?

And thanks for all the cold weather advice so far. I know how to dress myself for long days in the field working in it, with moderate exercise, but wasn't sure how to dress for short bursts of moderate exercise like this.

On dry days down into the 30s, I'd just wear my regular work clothes, a wool sweater, and full finger gloves. Perhaps an ear cover or beanie under the helmet if your head gets chilled.

If you want to go bike-specific: Get some toe warmers, arm warmers, knee warmers, and a windvest.

It's pretty simple really. If you're sweating, wear less. If you're cold, wear more. Unless you're a total idiot, you'll get it figured out within a couple weeks.

I don't think you run much risk of freezing to death in Texas, so don't sweat it!

re: base layers for the top - I'm a big fan of zip up T-necks. the zip up option provides a warm start and great ventilation.

I live in SoCal now, so not really cold here but I commuted by bike in St. Louis for many years, so I learned to dress for cold weather. The one thing I would add to the above is that wool is your friend (cycling specific or not).

I still use wool socks, even here in SoCal (Woolie Boolies are my favorite!). Anyway, wool tops, ear warmers, etc. keep you warm (even when they are wet) wick moisture well and don't smell as bad as quickly as other materials. I use wool knee warmers and arm warmers even in this environment.

Sheep have been developing wool for thousands of years and in my opinion, they got it right!

Rick / OCRR

It was about 25*F this morning. For me just a long sleeve poly T shirt, shorts and a waterproof/ventilated jacket and rain pants is right for that temp. Full finger gloves, not too insulated or they'd be too hot.

Above about 45*F, I wear underarmor under a long sleeve shirt and running tights under my shorts. Above 60*F I'm back to a long sleeve shirt and shorts, which take me up to as hot as it gets here (105*F or so).

I'm pretty minimalist as far as specialized clothing. So for me it's t-shirt and shorts from 50 degrees on up. Below 50 I'll add long-fingered cycling gloves and a sweatshirt. I don't think about long pants until the temp drops below freezing.

Dress so you're chilly the first couple miles, then you'll be about right for the rest of the commute. If you start off toasty warm you'll be soaked in sweat by the time you get to work.

I'm in the same area you are, and a bit of a winter wimp, at least in comparison to all these guys from up north. They'll be wearing shorts in weather that gets me bundled up. I was out for a group ride last night when it was in the low 50s to high 40s. Here's what I had on:

Fleece lined tights
medium wool socks
long sleeve fleece lined jersey
windbreaker
Long fingered gloves with a pull out "lobster cover"

I was slightly chilly for the first 3 or 4 miles, but after a couple of modest hills I was quite toasty. About 9:30 I pulled out the covers on my gloves and that got my fingers perfect. Toes were a bit cold and I thought I should have brought the toe covers, but it wasn't anything really unpleasant.

Coldest I have been out riding was about 42° last winter. The fingers and toes were the only things that I had a problem with after a few miles. I need to improve my gloves and fgootwear.

The folks from up north will find that extreme overkill, but it reverses in the summer when we are riding in 110° weather and we don't think anything of it. Heck, 95 was like a cold snap just a few weeks ago.

I try to ride with as little cotton as possible, except in summer, where I'm flexible. Wool trousers end up looking good after I ride in them. No one can tell I've been riding, as the wrinkles and sweat disappear quickly. They breathe well and are about as suitable for riding (for me) as cycling-specific clothing. I get really nice pairs of trousers, Italian made, at Costco for about $50 a pair. They wear out more quickly than normal because of the riding, but I think I get a very good value from them overall, since they fit two purposes. And I don't have to change when I arrive.

Last night, I rode in the rain, 7 miles each way. My trousers served me well, and they dried after I got to my destination the first ride. The second ride was wetter, but I arrived home and was able to change. I plan to put fenders on my bike, which will reduce the problem a lot. Even if you don't plan to change, it's a good idea to keep spare clothes at work, in case you get cold and wet.

I don't know how long you've lived there, but don't be too sure that it doesn't get below freezing often. 'bout half the time in January it's freezing overnight.

But, in case no one has mentioned it, the key is layering. The last layer ideally stops the wind, and as long as you have some ventilation and aren't overdressed, sweating should not be a problem. When it gets cold I wear leather gloves, which I think is frowned upon by fashion but whatever works. Really cold and wet, thin liner-type gloves inside insulated ones, and a scarf or similar you can cover your neck and lower face with.

I've lived here a few years. The outside temp may reach sub freezing overnight but isn't usually to bad by 6am or so. And I was a person who worked outdoors for quite a while.

I'm pretty cold resistant, but this morning was not pleasant. 55 degree in a light summer T and cotton shorts. Thaaaaat was uncomfortable. Need to buy a couple long sleeve shirts clearly. I'll look at some thicker shorts or something. As tacky as this sounds, has anyone had luck with cutting sweatpants down, or similar?

For a 3-4 mile commute.....I'd just layer some technical running/workout gear. The fabrics have come a LONG way lately. Get rid of the cotton.

Grapevine Mills Mall. Under Armor store (shop the racks in back :thumb:).

Or...Wally World has had their 'competitor' brand to UA (not too bad, just not as durable) on sale around our neighborhood (North DFW), cause they are stocking up winter wear.

Take a look at your local Target if you have one. Their "Champion" line of sportswear has been really effective for me, and a lot cheaper than the Under Armor brand. I've got some long sleeve technical tees that wick really well and are around $12. In the 30's I normally wear my work clothes (jeans and t-shirt) with a long sleeve wicking shirt underneath and then a windbreaker jacket on top. The Jacket has lots of ventilation so I can open it up when I heat up and the shirt helps wick away any sweat pretty quickly.