I'm pretty new to cycling in Reno in the fall or winter. Right not it's BEAUTIFUL with temps in the mid seventies, but colder weather is coming for sure. Typically, I wear bib shorts, fingerless gloves, a helmut and a jersey, but that won't cut it when the temps are in the fifties or below.

As a former San Diegan, I haven't much experience with colder weather. Looking for suggestions to be prepared for the months ahead. I can't wear just cycling knickers because they roll over my tummy which isn't any fun. I might be able to wear long johns under my current bib shorts. Do you suggest that or leg warmers (which like to roll down over my knees) or are there other options?

I had a wonderful Merino (?) wool long sleeve turtleneck which is great under jerseys - but I can't find it!

So - without breaking the bank, what do you folks suggest?

I am gearing up for Fall riding also. One of those hyperwarm, heat gear compression tops or jackets will work. There are also leg and arm warmers but how cold does it get in RENO? Louis Garneau has tights available for colder weather as well. Any other suggestions will be appreciated. Particularly recommendations for gloves.

Winter Cycling

Without reviving old threads... what are the basic necessities for biking in cooler weather. I imagine I will ride until it gets below 40, but after that I'm waiting on Spring.

If someone can share what works good for them, and maybe provide a link or two ...that would be great.

snowmobile suit, boots, gloves and helmet

I dont know about winter clothings.. Biking in a 20s-30s in a 16-18mph would be so cold for me. Last week i dug up some thermal pants and longsleeves shirt of my wife.they are both tight on me but seems ideal to wear with warmers and wind breaker. As much as i hate biking during winters, got to bike atleast for im racing my hybrid on Mid-March for OK Land Run 100.

And yes im gonna tape all the holes on my helmet too..

i ride down into the lower 20's after that it is face mask time, i pass at that point. i also pass when the snow banks start on the side of the road, no run off space to escape an out of control car.

I ride all winter. Before you go out and buy gear, just go through your closet. The key is to layer properly and in terms of bike specific clothing, make sure you have decent gloves, a hat, and neoprene booties.

Lots of great ideas and tips in this thread - thanks all who responded!

The biggest thing I've found is to not stop riding. If I just keep riding all fall and into the winter, then my body adjusts and I really don't need to do anything too radical. If I were to not be riding at all and then suddenly start riding when the temps were cold, then it's a big shock to the system. Here's the general way I dress:

55 degrees and above: regular cycling clothes - shirt and shorts, etc.
35 - 54 degrees: Add full fingered gloves, headband and either a light jacket or long sleeve sweatshirt.
20 - 34 degrees: Add long pants and heavier gloves when in the lower half of this temp range.
10 - 19 degrees: Change my lower shirt layer to long sleeved. Add my balaclava and warmer shoes/shoe covers.
9 degrees and below: Add a base layer of thermal underwear (both shirt and pants).

That's it. Nothing too technical or anything weird like wearing a full parka. This setup has taken me down to -14 F (wife complains if I ride when it's any colder, so I try to keep her happy.)

Dress so you're chilly the first couple miles. Once you get warmed up on the bike you'll be about right. If you dress so you're toasty warm when you first head out, once you get going you're going to sweat and actually make yourself colder in the long run. In my experience it's more common to overdress for winter riding than to underdress.