Hi all,
I tried searching for cool weather clothing advice and mostly found what to wear for cooler/cold weather. But what are people doing for rides where the temp changes? For example if it's 45-50 F in the morning and warms up to 70 during the ride?
Is it reasonable to wear a long sleeve jersey over a short sleeve jersey? Or a lightweight vest?
I tried looking online for cycling jackets but didn't find anything that looked like it was thin/light enough to be stored in a jersey pocket while riding. I don't want something too bulky to have to lug around on the ride after taking it off.

thx, Don

Warmers -- arm, leg/knee -- and if you need additional warmth then a packable vest or jacket. At some point the temp range is so wide that you either have to suck it up at one extreme or add additional carrying capacity beyond jersey pockets.

I carry extra clothing. Don't like to be Cold.

1100 mile tour

I'm with Surac, love my knee warmers. I also have a very thin/light windbreaker that I can squeeze into one of those cases that fit into an extra water bottle holder, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 . I'm not one that likes a lot in my rear jersey pockets. Also hate being hot.

Carry a small backpack to store extra clothing.

As it gets colder add layers. My outer layer for wind, rain and around 10º C is this shell from LG. Underneath long sleeve shirt and a cycling vest. And when that is no longer enough there will be enough snow on the mountain to switch to XC skiing.

I had a century ride I did for a few years in mid-October in Western MA. Getting started at around 7:00 or 7:30 it was invariably in the upper 30's to low 40's. On a really good day, it did break into the low 70's by the end of the ride. For my legs, I wore leg warmers and just kept them on the whole ride. On top, I had a long sleeve base layer, a cycling jersey, and a light wind-breaker/shell jacket. I would be chilly probably the first hour, then comfortable, then got warm. When I got uncomfortably warm, I stuffed the outer jacket in my jersey pocket. Was still a bit warm in the latter part of the ride with the temps higher but, on balance, that compromise worked ... chilly at first, warm towards the end, and pretty comfortable in the middle.

Arm/leg warmers and a thin shell are the easiest things to start with and take off. They can all fit in jersey pockets.

If things get really sweaty it is always possible to remove underwear layers and stuff in pockets. I have wanted to do that several times but it was never bad enough to warrant the hassle.

Make sure to start out a bit chilly on such days. I dislike doing that but have slowly trained into it after suffering through a few sweat-fests in mid-winter.

Thanks guys, all great ideas.
Another thought I had is that I do have rear rack and trunk bag. I could mount the rack and omit the bag to save weight and just use the rack to stow a light jacket (if the weather is cold enough for that). Or maybe a handlebar bag, which I may bring for some snacks anyway.

Traditionally, a double thickness of newspaper inside the jersey. Serves as a wind break. Discard when the temp warms up. Modern day, a piece of Tyvek folds smaller and can be reused even if it gets sweaty.

Interesting idea

Below about 60 or so, Lightweight tee shirt under a short sleeves bike jersey with arm warmers. Plus a very light wind shell. Leg warmers if below 55.

Arm and leg armers. Vests. Mesh base layers. Full zips on jerseys.

Get a bag.

Layers, peal them off when it gets warmer and put them on when it get cooler.

I like arm warmers, but I never liked leg warmers - they don't stay up for me. Probably worrth a try, though.

Shelbyfv - you should add that to the random tips thread !
LOL ! I went to tyvek about 10 yrs ago ! (FEDEX overnight envelop, sssshhh...) But I still use newspaper, if the day's getting warmer and I won't need to keep it after the initial part of the ride - then goes into the trash...
If I'm caught short and don;t have paper; depending where I'm riding, I can usually find a place (supermarket, gas station, etc) which has the racks for those free local papers/mags.
Also works great for the cloudy days when doing long climbs and then slip under jersey for Cold descents.
In this part of Cal, it's not uncommon to have a 40 deg. start and then sunny temps in the mid 60's - our Winter ! LOL!
usual kit for wide temp range. lycra skull cap - not always (head loses the most heat) Arm warmers, Heavier weight bibs (not thin summer bibs, shorts), I prefer leg warmers as opposed to knee warmers - knee warmers seem to bunch up behind the knee - for me... and cycling vest, mesh back (usually a Pearl Izumi). Full finger gloves
If I'm expecting it to be 40-ish to not over 60-ish - long sleeve jersey instead of SS, carry my summer light weight arm 'coolers' (they're lycra, white and thin) to put over if really blustery or cold. and a neck gaiter - material depending on expected conditions. Sometimes I will sub a cycling cap under helmet, instead of lycra skull cap.
I do have another jacket/shell for those rides when conditions are difficult... Pearl Izumi, has shell with a covered mesh back panel, and zip-off sleeves.
I believe they still sell their current version, called 'Barrier shell' w/zipoff sleeves... I use it a lot for mountain stuff, especially when xc-skiing in the sierras.
Not heavy, does vent well, good barrier against moisture, light.
Ride On
Yuri
EDIT: reminded by poster - Steamer, above, that 'base layer' - is an automatic for me when under 70... weight of which will vary depending... I have a LOT of kit... LOL! no, it's not too much ! LOL!

Ordered one because I hate feeling the bulk of my rain jacket in my jersey pocket. Appreciate the recommendation

Lots of different layers. That, and having multiple pieces, so you can tune your outfit to the conditions.
I like to 'start cold' as I tend to warm up pretty significantly once I'm under way, and I'd rather be slightly under-dressed when participating in an athletic activity, than over-dressed.
Remember, too, that daytime temperatures often increase quickly in mid-morning, so you may spend most of the ride carrying more clothes than you're wearing.

45-50F, I am typically wearing knee warmers, arm warmers, and a wind vest. They all fit in jersey pockets.

A thin wool jersey is pretty versatile. With a windbreaker it's good to mid 30's, along it's tolerable into the upper 70's. Add leg warmers, gloves, neck gator. All that can be carried in jersey pockets.

It rain comes in the mix, a little more stuff is in order. Unless you have a team car, some kind of bag for stowing a layer becomes necessary.

yes layer tops, there are no rules, wear what you have. so long as it's not too tight & too difficult to be removed. I like sleeves that roll up & 1/4 or 1/2 zip necks that can be opened up

I have definitely removed a top & tied it around my waist, not ideal but works just fine

I can go longer in shorts than I can in short sleeves

reminder to myself to keep riding thru the seasonal climate changes. it makes it easier to adapt to changing temperatures. as opposed to riding in August, then again in September or October, such a shock makes dressing more of a head scrathcher

& in the other direction if you ride into the early evening, I've brought a short sleeved shirt to add over a long sleeved shirt, etc

rainproof windbreaker

a second, long-sleeved merino wool underlayer. can always peel one off since they compact well.

arm warmers


skull cap (to be replaced by a bandana/cycling cap)


neck gaiter


long finger glove inserts


full length bib tights. have rocked them up to 85 degrees. obvs not ideal then but better than dealing with/storing knee warmers.


yes, it's a pita to stop multiple times to adjust/add/remove said items but those are occasionally the most rewarding rides.

45 to 70 swing: I'd just wear some of a pair of my non insulated bib knickers. Up top, probably a longsleeve summer base layer, shortsleeve jersey, and bring a packable wind jacket that can stow in a rear pocket.

In changing temps, Merino wool is your friend. (My favorite brand is Smartwool.) It wicks moisture away from your skin and keeps you warm even when damp.

Cotton is not so good. It traps moisture, so it is only comfortable in moderate temps--hot weather or cold weather = both bad.

A beanie cap under your helmet can make a big difference. If your head stays warm, it's easier for the rest of your body to stay warm. The cap can be easily taken off or put on as needed and kept in a pocket when not worn.

Usually leg and arm warmers will keep you warm enough into the shoulder seasons. I also just purchased a lightweight jacket that will packdown into a small bike bag for those colder rides. If I need anything warmer then I just won’t ride. Not going to be pedalling in a snow parka and ski pants.