Preparing for winter riding, clothing options.
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Preparing for winter riding, clothing options.
I have a couple of short sleeve bike jerseys, lightweight pearl izumi Optik jacket. leg warmers. Should I just buy a set of arm warmers and go from there? I've been eying a long sleeve wool jersey from EWR. But have been thinking it might be overkill since our winter weather isn't that bad. Also considering tights or knickers.
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Fenders, if you plan to go out in the rain.
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I love my vest type baselayers. Amazing how warm that thin material keeps you. I have long sleeve jerseys but never wear them. With arm warmers, you can always peel it down to cool off.
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I get colder than most people, and I do some 5am rides (when it's in the 30s at times). I have the full collection of winter clothing: base layers, jacket, tights, gloves, shoe covers, skull cap
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I have a couple of short sleeve bike jerseys, lightweight pearl izumi Optik jacket. leg warmers. Should I just buy a set of arm warmers and go from there? I've been eying a long sleeve wool jersey from EWR. But have been thinking it might be overkill since our winter weather isn't that bad. Also considering tights or knickers.
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The key for me is to keep my head, hands, and feet warm. Once it's below 40F: Skull cap, full fingered gloves, and toe warmers.
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In addition to the jacket you mentioned above.
- head/helmet liner with ear flaps.
- full fingered gloves.
- shoe or minimally toe covers.
- fleeced lined jersey is nice but not necessary if you have...
- base layers, the form fitting cheapies from Target (Champion) work OK,...
- UnderArmour is good and relatively cheap and available at Sports Authority and such.
A lot of it depends on what temperatures you plan to ride in.
- head/helmet liner with ear flaps.
- full fingered gloves.
- shoe or minimally toe covers.
- fleeced lined jersey is nice but not necessary if you have...
- base layers, the form fitting cheapies from Target (Champion) work OK,...
- UnderArmour is good and relatively cheap and available at Sports Authority and such.
A lot of it depends on what temperatures you plan to ride in.
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One of my absolute favorite things for the winter is my SmartWool merino longsleeve baselayer. It's just about the the perfect garment.
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I have a couple of short sleeve bike jerseys, lightweight pearl izumi Optik jacket. leg warmers. Should I just buy a set of arm warmers and go from there? I've been eying a long sleeve wool jersey from EWR. But have been thinking it might be overkill since our winter weather isn't that bad. Also considering tights or knickers.
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Fixed. A thin merino wool layer is good all year round. And when it gets colder, you just add more/thicker layers.
I have a sock cap and neck gaiter set that can be combined to cover the area of a balaclava, with a bit more flexibility. The hat can be folded down in the back to cover your ears, which is very important for us large-eared folk.
Oh yeah, and good wool socks are nice...
I have a sock cap and neck gaiter set that can be combined to cover the area of a balaclava, with a bit more flexibility. The hat can be folded down in the back to cover your ears, which is very important for us large-eared folk.
Oh yeah, and good wool socks are nice...
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How cold is your winter? Here on the peninsula, it is almost never below 40F during the day. If it is not raining, knee and arm warmers and a wind vest is usually adequate for 40-60F weather. Of course, skinny people will usually need warmer clothes than people with lots of natural insulation.
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nice thread... how about some links for newbs
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Pfsh! You don't need no stinking winter clothing.
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In terms of the winter stuff, I have a fleece lined wind breaker (made for running) or my Nike Dri-Fit t-shirt I got at the outlet and arm warmers I got cheap on Performancebke.com. I also have a set of toe covers. That and a wind vest have gotten me through the cooler days of Daly City!
I have leg warmers but I usually get too hot when I wear them so I rarely use them. Although I'm not hard core like a lot of these guys/gals so I generally avoid the really cold and/or wet stuff.
Oh yeah, I also bought a Nike dri-fit head cap type thing that I can wear under my helmet to keep my head warm at times. I got it for about $5 at the outlet.
Another thought is to wear two jerseys if you don't have a base layer.
Good luck!
Gary