nayr497

Alright, the wind and rain and cold today gave me a clue that fall and winter weather are on the way. I ride throughout the winter and it is time to make some upgrades to my equipment. Looking for some feedback on a few different things...

1) Knickers vs. Full-length tights.
- Yes, been discussed. However, here is my situation: I'll be in the darn cold NE U.S. through December, then headed south of the Mason-Dixon come January. I'm trying to get one this year, the other next. I currently use all-around sports tights with bibs underneath. Could I get by through December with knickers? If I use leg warmers over them? I ride down to around 25*F, when you definitely don't want skin exposed. I am leaning towards knickers, then adding on leg warmers in the bitter cold, or using my tights/bibs on really bad days.

I really like Assos FI. Unos. Anyone use the Assos Roubaix knickers?

2) Booties.
- I have some wool "Belgian boot" style oversocks. I also have some neoprene toe covers (maybe my worst ever cycling purchase). I think I need some proper, full coverage, water proof/resistant booties for the slush and melting snow.

Anyone have some they love? The PI ones seem to get big thumbs up, or some really bad reviews.

3) Do they make a base layer cold weather shirt with an integrated hood/balaclava? They should, if they don't. Even with my balaclava tucked into my jacket collar, my neck still gets cold when I put my head down.

4) Tire size.
- Do you switch to a wider tire in the winter? I used 700x23s, but was thinking maybe 700x25s for the winter. Good idea or not worth it? Anyone go up to 28s?

nayr497

Okay...so a lot of questions at once, but somebody must have something. C'mon now? One of you must at least switch to winter tires, right?

Still raining, and getting colder. I need to get some new gear soon. I might be forced to head over to the winter clothing subforum...you are forcing me...

riff

You will find tons of good stuff on the winter forum!

However, re your question(s), I do have the Assos Knickers, with roubaix & windbloc. They are very versatile. They're good on their own for blustery fall weather. Come winter (below freezing), I'll add a pair of Ibex tights on top, and - if needed - higher socks for more leg warmth.

I have the PI booties. They're ok. I wear them over winter cycling boots (Sidi) for extra warmth, and if it's really cold out, I'll slip in some chemical toe-warmers.

I don't have it, but Assos has integrated, "mini" hoodies, on some of their winter jackets. Just long enough to get over the top of your head and keep the cold off your neck. I just use a wool gaitor, and try to tuck it well under my jacket.

For tires, I will either stay with skinnies, or swap out to studded 35mm ones if it's really gnarly out. I use my cx bike for winter training, so clearance is not an issue.

Have fun!

dizzy101

Picked up some arm warmers, leg warmers and socks. Now all I need is shoecovers & maybe a windresistant jacket.

clichty

I just received my Adidas Blizzard jacket from Performance yeaterday...that jacket rocks. On its first ride today it was thunderstorming and really windy but I didn't feel a thing. Got to work and my jersey under the jacket was perfectly dry. I was warm the whole ride and couldn't even feel the rain on my upper body.

nayr497

Thank you, thank you!

- Riff...I never even considered full tights OVER knickers. See, always learning something That solves it, I'll get the knickers, use leg warmers if necessary and then if it is really cold, I'll put the tights over the bibs. Why didn't I think of that!

I'm thinking the knickers should get me through the end of October and hopefully to the middle of November. I don't like wearing regular bibs with knee/leg warmers, find the thigh strangling to be annoying.

Wow, that Blizzard jacket looks GREAT. I just picked up a new Castelli winter jacket with windblocking and stuff. Haven't used it yet, but really, really nice quality. I don't think it will be water resistant, but I think it'll shed any light rain. I usually don't go out if it is already raining, but will continue riding if it starts and I'm out. I'll put that jacket on my list!

ks1g

Think layers and include a top windproof layer. I have a PI Optik jacket that I use as a top layer; it lets me ride in about 10 deg colder weather for whatever is underneath. Don't forget extremities - full-finger windproof gloves - and eye protection (even clear lenses) to keep wind off eyeballs. I wore out a pair of PI Amphibs shoe covers over a couple of seasons of winter riding and commuting and am shopping for their successor. Legs are easiest - they're already generating most of the heat anyway. Leg warmers can get me down to about freezing, I add a water/windproof layer (REI Novara rain pants in my case) for below freezing/wet conditions.

sijray21

i just picked up some Adidas Arm warmers ($20), Adidas leg warmers ($20), and some Louis Garneau Booties ($35). i went cheap with Performance sales/coupons.

so far so good, but i think i'll need some warmer clothes for the upcoming months. i'm planning on using some of my ski-gear mid-layers in addition to the above.

Fishy

I don't know where in the northeast you are, but your plan to survive with knickers through December will probably be fine. Full tights work better for me given that I'm here all winter, but you'll miss the worst of winter, so you have some leeway.

Biggest thing is just to make sure you've got protection from the wind - windbreaker, gloves, skull cap/balaclava, shoe covers, etc. With that, and a some base layers depending on how cold it is, you're fine.

And they do make balaclava shirts! Look up WarmSkin and Schampa brand - I think they cater to snowmobilers and the like.

nayr497

Fishy, cool, thanks for the suggestions on the shirts! I'm going to check those out.

I'm in NY state through December.

- Yes, still leaning towards the Assos Roubaix RX knickers. Jeez, unless you read closely you cna really get screwed in order them, since every dealer calls them something a bit different.

I posted this in winter cycling...but very quiet over there. I'm after a few more bits of winter clothing so I can have it all ready to go when the weather turns. Wow, I find picking stuff out, finding it all at one dealer when trying to save on shipping, and figuring out just what will work is maddening. Ugh, so many choices!

1) Base Layers. I know there are TONS of options. On Friday in 36*F weather that was windy and damp I wore a Craft ProCool mesh base layer, then a Patagonia Capilene Level 2 long sleeve shirt, then a nice Descente jacket (not really heavy but wind resistant and fleece lined - mid weight). When I got home I was damp inside the jacket. Is this just how it goes? Do you think a cycling specific LS base layer would help? The Patagonia capilene gets great reviews, but maybe not the best for such high intensity activity.

Was considering this to solve the problem. Will it, or are you always a bit damp after riding?
https://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Cr...er/5360044822/

nayr497

2) I'm in the market for a new winter skull cap that will fit under a helmet. My current one is for warmer days. Looking to use it between 25-40*F.

Is this the Craft some of you don't think it contoured enough?
https://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Cr...at/5360039503/

Is this the Castelli some of you use? Any reviews on this one?
https://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=C0803

Anyone tried this one?
https://www.cyclefixx.com/proddetail....ngerCap&cat=44

3) Balaclavas. I currently use a cheap, thin one I got on eBay. Some knock off brand. Does well though. On really cold days I need to couple it with a thin skull cap. Would like to find one warm enough that does both. Anyone have one they love? Castelli makes great stuff and I own some. Wish they'd always publish the temp. range.
https://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=C0320

4) Overshoes. I currently have Belgian booties (which are just like wool socks) that are good down to the mid 30s. I also have neoprene toe covers (terrible investment on my part). Was looking for some good overshoes for 25-35*F that are warm, wind & water resistant. I don't ride in the rain/snow, but I'll go out after it has rained/snowed. These seem to get good reviews:
https://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/En...es/5360020535/

Okay, hopefully those are all my needs & questions for now. Thanks for the replies. I know everyone is different, just looking to get some good feedback on my specific issues/needs.

Eclectus

in my experience, I always get damp. Two hours or less, no problem. Four hours, clammy and chilled.

So I carry a dry changeout set for long rides. Wow, that makes a difference.

I believe that this combo works best (just an opinion based on experience): polypro base. This material is hydrophobic. Layer 2, merino or acrylic. This absirbs sweat that polypro wants to transfer.

Outer layer, Windstopper or Gore-Tex (or eVent, which I haven't tried) which blocks wind, albeit at the tradeoff of slowing sweat evaporation, but with pitzips and a partially opened zipper and open cuffs, allows regulation.

Good windlblocking-front tights, with under longjohns and rainpants over for very cold conditions (sub 30).

Gloves, mittens, pogies will protect your hands, what you choose depends on how cold it is and your sensitivity.

Windstopper cap to over-nose balaclava.

Neck gaitor is very useful.

For feet, Lake spd boots are well regarded. I instead wear alpine winter hiking boots with Power Grips, and neoprene gaiters, which would be overkill for some people, but my circulation is sketchy and I like coming home with warm feet.