Eagles_wing13

This is probably going to sound really stupid but I want to purchase clothing for year round cycling. My main question is do I buy shorts/ short sleeve for summer and long sleeve/ pants for winter? Then there are the thermal sets... What's the difference and what does everyone suggest for the best course of action.

10 Wheels

Where do you ride?

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...clothing-guide

RonH

Read these articles. Maybe they'll give you some answers.

https://www.civiacycles.com/whattowear/
https://www.bicycling.com/whattowear?...1-_-whattowear

Eagles_wing13

Country back roads basically. I live in southern Ohio and ride late morning to early afternoon usually

10 Wheels

I like long sleeve jerseys compared to wearing arm warmers.

I use nylon sports pants to keep the wind off my legs in cooler temps.

Some riders use tights.

Eagles_wing13

So are the thermal sets a waste of money? I was told to buy short sleeves for the summer and long sleeve for winter and it should cover me all round. I just don't want to waste money on something I don't need.

dstrong 

45 degrees is my lower limit. I don't own any long cycling bibs...just have a variety of leg and knee warmers, a pair of arm warmers and a windbreaker. I don't own a long-sleeve jersey either. I warm up and sweat pretty quickly, so the arm warmers usually get rolled down after a mile or two and often the windbreaker comes off after that, especially if the sun's out. Wool socks do the trick for me feet too...no booties or shoe covers. I have a synthetic knit cap that I'll wear instead of my Halo if I feel like my ears will be getting cold.

10 Wheels

Thermal is much to warm for me.

Might be OK in your area.

If you dress too warm you will sweat then get real cold.

Most riders use layers of clothing and adjust to the temps as they ride.

Best rule is to start out feeling cool as you will warm up as you ride, unless the wind is very very cold.

It is pretty much a personal thing as all riders have different metabolisms.

10 Wheels

I find gloves to be the most difficult item to use in cooler or cold temps.
They are either too hot or too cold.

Eagles_wing13

I appreciate your help, I never expected such fast replies

Yo Spiff

I have a variety of riding clothing. If I expect the temperature to change a lot in the spring/fall, then I use warmers and a light windbreaker. All items that can be taken off and stowed in a Camelbak or jersey pocket. If cold and staying that way, I have fleece lined tights, long sleeve jerseys and baselayers. I probably dress warmer than many other folks, especially compared to those up north. I can always take off the extra or open some ventilation If I am too warm.

Seattle Forrest

It's a highly personal thing, and you'll get the best results after you experiment a while.

If you aren't a little bit cold when you leave your house, you'll be too hot on your ride.

Yo Spiff

Agreed. I went out the other evening when we had unseasonably cool (for Texas) temps of about 50°. A few blocks from the house I was thinking I should have dressed warmer, but after 3 miles I was comfortable and after a moderate hill or two, I was quite toasty.

Lazy Dog

For fall/winter, I'll simply wear a long-sleeve under armour base layer and long tights with bib/jersey over them.

roadiejorge 

My preference:

Summer: bib shorts/short sleeve jersey
Fall: cold weather long sleeve base layer with short sleeve jersey on top (I add a vest when it gets colder)/thermal bib knickers
Winter: cold weather base layer, heavy thermal jacket (add long sleeve jersey when it gets really cold)/winter bib tights. Thick wool socks, winter shoes, winter gloves, and skull cap.
Spring: Pretty much the same apparel as Fall

MegaTom

I think so, but... I live in Florida. Living in Ohio, your experiences will obviously differ from mine and many others' here. There's some trial and error to this. Start by purchasing what you need for current conditions, then add additional colder weather gear as appropriate. Leg and arm warmers are a good place to start before winter sets in... they can be used early in a ride when the weather and your body are both cool, then easily shed and stored in a jersey pocket when no longer needed. A light weight nylon wind breaker is also nice to have.

80vette

Layers
short sleves
arm warmers
knee/arm warmers
vest
tape bottom of shoe vents up

surgeonstone

This site, https://shop.ibex.com/Apparel/Mens-Ride ,though expensive, gives you great service and great products. I ride the wool shorts year round, the short sleeve Giro from 50-100 degrees F, the long sleeve Giro for temps of 50 down to 0. They are warm when wet in winter or fall rain Todays ride 48 degrees and rainy I wore the short sleeve with a wind/rain-breaker and the wool shorts with the wool leg warmers and was completely comfortable. The wool they use is a very fine merino, wicks moisture away better than any synthetic and fights bacteria so can be worn for a week with absolutely no smell. Once you start using this stuff you never go back.

cafzali

My advice? Try a couple of the solutions here, but don't buy expensive stuff until you find something that works for you. Eastern Mountain Sports and others sell clothing that's not the same quality as Pearl Izumi and other higher-end manufacturers. It won't last as long, but it's a heck of a lot cheaper and you're not risking much if it's not exactly what you want. Most find a combination of long sleeve jersey, tights and winter jacket works unless it gets substantially below 30. At that point, many choose not to ride, but that's a personal preference. You also want to get either boots or overshoes for your cycling shoes. I find the overshoes work fine for me. They're a PITA to put on the first time, but once stretched out work fine. They're also easier to work with on shoes that have laces that you adjust by turning rather than the Velcro type. With adjustable shoes, you can leave them on all winter and adjust the shoes through the overshoe.

surgeonstone

Where in southern Ohio. I used to live in Gallipolis.

Shifty

No cotton.....ever! Others are correct, layer with synthetic or wool fabrics. Don't over dress, you'll just sweat and get chilled, stay warm, but not hot.

009jim

Cotton shorts, t-shirt and fleece top in winter. Temps probably get as low as 45F at worst.
Cotton shorts, loose singlet in summer. Temps probably minimum 70 F.

Eagles_wing13

Lucasville oh, sorry about the delay. I go to a car auction up in gallipolis, or used to should I say

cocar

Small world. My mom's family is from Jackson/Oak Hill

Eagles_wing13

Wow that is close. It's strange how small this world can be considering I am from England originally