dkizorek

I know I only have another month of this cold weather left, however, being new to cycling I would like to get feedback on how to stay warm and dry on those 30-40 degree days? What material should I be looking for in socks, gloves, etc. I was also taught from skiing that layering is very important and assume the same holds true with cycling? What layers do you recommend as well as what type of clothing/material? Thanks in advance.

dave1442397

For 30-40F I use a base layer (same ones I use for skiing), a light long-sleeve jersey and a light windproof jacket on top (jacket has a mesh back for airflow). I have medium weight gloves, Northwave winter boots and a pair of Specialized tights with summer shorts underneath. I still sweat after a while, and I'm usually pretty soaked on top after 35-40 miles, but I need the windproofing to avoid getting really chilled in the colder air.

chasm54

In my experience you can stay warm, but if you are cycling at anything above moderate intensity you can't stay dry, because even the most expensive breathable fabrics can't breathe as fast as you can sweat.

Fingers and toes are the coldest bits. Overshoes are a good idea. If it is really cold, put your stockinged feet into a couple of polythene bags before inserting them into your shoes. Tastes in gloves vary. I don't like waterproof gloves because they trap the sweat.

I prefer legwarmers to tights - more comfortable. They come in various weights so you might want a couple of different sets to cope with different temperatures. On top I'll wear a merino wool base layer - wool, unlike cotton, keeps you warm when it is wet and doesn't stink like the synthetic materials - a long-sleeved cycling jersey and either a gilet ( dry days) or a gore-tex jacket (wet days). One of those hats that cover your ears and will fit under a helmet, if you wear one, is also a good idea when it's very cold.

MrCrassic 

Start with any ol' windbreaker jacket (I think the cheaper ones are made of some kind of plastic, whereas more expensive ones use synthetic blends) and a synthetic (NOT cotton) base layer under your shirt. Synthetic leggings (you don't need long-sleeved bibs if you're trying to save on money), good socks (wool or midweight socks should do) and booties for really cold temps should keep your legs and feet warm too. Feet warmers come in handy during really cold weather or if your feet are sensitive to the cold.

If you have sensitive hands like me, you might need to experiment a lot before finding a decent pair of gloves. Nothing works for me (my hands always freeze up after 30 to 40 minutes), so I'm considering an electric pair. You might be okay with ski gloves and hand warmers; YMMV.

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marqueemoon

If it's wet out full coverage fenders with long mudflaps help a LOT. Far more important than any piece of clothing in my experience.

waterrockets 

If you wear layers, then you just pull off a layer when you start to get warm. A vest can go under the back of your jersey, and if you're wearing two jerseys, one of those can go there too (just above the waistband). While you aren't likely to stay completely dry, you can stay mostly dry. No reason to sweat endlessly in your clothes.

^^^ This. I use Crud Roadracers, and they're awesome.

For clothing, I just wear permeable layers for the rain. I do not try to fight getting wet from the rain. I just adjust the layers by looking at the temp, and dressing for ~10F cooler if it's raining. If it's sunny and cold, I dress for ~10F warmer.

banerjek

You won't swamp out the lightest weight stuff at 30-40 degrees, particularly in the wet. This is what Gore-Tex Active is best at (all their other stuff is too heavy). Just wear shorts and a jersey underneath and you'll be fine.

I'm a Gore-Tex product tester so you may take my advice with a grain of salt. But I absolutely love this stuff for these temps. If you don't go the waterproof route, I'd recommend light or medium tights depending on precipitation and a short sleeve jersey over a long sleeve base layer underneath a lightweight windbreaker. Balaclava is good much below 40.

For 30 to 40 degree days, I wear just regular socks or maybe light smartwool -- keeping feet warm at these temps is not an issue unless there is rain in which case booties are nice. Medium weight gloves are more than adequate.

Machka 

There is a Winter Cycling forum here that goes into a lot of detail about what to wear at different temperatures.

https://www.bikeforums.net/forumdispl...Winter-Cycling

lesdunham

In 30-40 degree temps 2 layers up top and one layer (tights or leg warmers) works in MI. I suggest that you dress so that before you ride (just standing there) you feel a little chilled. A "Can we go, please" is the right level of clothing. Then the heat generation vs wind chill is just right. Dry depends on if you are keeping precipitation out (jacket) or letting sweat evaporate. Sweat is a deal breaker in chilly temperature, you are over dressed imo. If you are dressed and can sweat at 35 +/- then take off a layer up top. If you are producing profuse sweat then you are too cold when stopped (break or even traffic light) and over working the temperature managment your body can handle when peddaling.

surgeonstone

This is all I wear, summer or winter.
Tonights 34 mile ride with Giro longsleeve, indie t shirt, Navaro rain jacket, Ibex Balacava, neoprene gloves with lightweight wool beneath, Giro short with Ibex leg warmers, neoprene socks with wool sock under, Sidi hydro winter boot. Toasty warm throughout, snow with some sleet.
https://shop.ibex.com/Apparel/Mens-Ride
Pic of tonights ride.