what to wear
 

i'm a real newb to cycling clothes. they are also very expensive in korea so I'd like to make the right purchase. I got my bike thinking I could just wear shorts and a t-shirt but quickly found out this wasn't the case. I enjoy long rides. I've spent more time trying out different clothes than working on my bike.
i've discovered the beauty of lycra shorts and pants. But winter is here and no jacket or coat combination is working. I assume I need something that let's out moisture but keeps in heat b/c i'm soaking my expensive coat every time I go out to ride. Fiance offered to get me a jersey, what should I be looking for? Can I wear the same jersey in the winter and summer (our winters dip into like -20c)? What do I put under the jersey?

Visit us up in the Winter Cycling Forum. There are several threads on winter outerwear choices.

In general, standard winter wear will result in sweaty soaking-through as you've experienced. They're just not made for use in heavy activity.

I combine a hard-shell cycling jacket with wicking underlayers. I use the same jacket from around +12°C down to -20°C and change the number, weight and material of the underlayers accordingly.

I use the Endura Gridlock jacket. I tried less expensive ones and they're like riding in plastic wrap. I can't afford the more expensive ones. The Endura hits my sweet spot for performance and cost.

There are several advantages to cycling-specific jackets.

• cut to fit without binding or bulging in typical cycling positions
• gorilla-length sleeves that don't ride up
• long tails to cover your butt
• block the wind
• breathable fabric
• adjustable venting in the jacket to manage cool air in and hot, sweaty air out
• reflective stuff for low-light riding.

Other riders have found other solutions that work just as well for them. Unfortunately, it is a matter of some experimentation, budget and personal preference.

Edit: The other rule of thumb is to slightly underdress. You should feel a little too cool when you first step out the door. Ideally, you should warm up to a comfortable, sustainable temp in the first 3-5 km. If you warm up before that, you're wearing too much. If you're still not warm then, you've worn too little.

Layers, layers, layers.

For temps between 0 and -10c what works for me is:

Torso: Poly/wool long sleeve base, long sleeve wool mid, and a light wind/water resistant jacket with PLENTY OF VENTILATION (ie. pit zips, front zip, rear vent, adjustable cuffs) add mid layers as needed.

Legs: wind/water resistant over pants, poly/wool long johns if needed

Feet: winter weight wool socks. light poly base sock if needed, toe/foot covers if needed.

Head: poly/wool cap that covers your ears, and a balaclava if needed.

Hands: insulated, wind/water resistant gloves.

Check out the 'What I wore today' thread in the Winter Cycling forum for examples of what others have worn in various winter temps.

Most of the world is riding bikes in their regular clothing as we speak....that said, you're going to get a million opinions on this. Do a search and you'll find a ton of stuff.

My biggest thing is do not wear too much - if you're sweating and having to manage moisture, you screwed up already. If this is followed and some experimentation is done, you can probably already wear stuff you have and be comfortable.

I don't wear what I perceive to be over-priced, ridiculous stuff and I am doing just fine riding several hours each day around here.