Now that it's getting cold...
#1
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Cult Classic Cycling Club
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From: Hamilton, ON
Bikes: Ridley Helium, Norco Search
Now that it's getting cold...
... what are you wearing to keep warm? I'm in Southern Ontario and fall is here. Was looking into long bibs, jackets, and foot warmers. What's good, waterproof, durable?
#2
Go have a look in the Winter Cycling forum ... there are lots of threads there about winter apparel and other aspects of winter cycling. 
https://www.bikeforums.net/forumdispl...Winter-Cycling

https://www.bikeforums.net/forumdispl...Winter-Cycling
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#3
Super Moderator

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From: Ffld Cnty Connecticut
Bikes: Old Steelies I made, Old Cannondales
There is a whole Winter Forum with many many threads on the topic.
Basic answer ... layers. And I have different weights of items for different conditions.
Basic answer ... layers. And I have different weights of items for different conditions.
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#5
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From: Ffld Cnty Connecticut
Bikes: Old Steelies I made, Old Cannondales
I got real winter shoes. Was worth the $150 or so when I caught them on sale.
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#7
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Cult Classic Cycling Club
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From: Hamilton, ON
Bikes: Ridley Helium, Norco Search
#8
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Sacramento, California, USA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
8C? That's ideal riding weather. As long as it's dry; 8C and rain is a recipe for hypothermia.
#10
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Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Bikes: Trek Emonda SL6, Trek Madone 4.5, Trek X-Caliber
Here in South Florida winters are brutal... it get's down to the upper 50's sometimes early in the morning when a really strong cold front moves through. But most of the time it's a still very cold 62 - 65 in the morning. All kidding aside, I miss my days in Northern California... ahhhh hills
#11
You blink and it's gone.
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Dundas, Ontario
Bikes: Race bike, training bike, go fast bike and a trainer slave.
OP, I know exactly what you are talking about... I'm in the valley...
For now you need arm and knee warmers, toe covers, a wind vest and base layer to go with your typical kit. I wear long finger gloves and add a windbreak cover when it starts getting closer to 10c. Replace the SS jersey with a long sleeve jersey when the temps dip a bit, say below 8C. Look into some full length tights, booties and jacket for when it's getting closer to 0c. You'll also need to beef up the gloves and have a proper head cover for the colder days and quite possibly a balaclava. Depends on how cold you wanna go.
The thing to remember is the cold weather gear lasts a while and it's important to dress appropriately for the conditions so you can actually enjoy them.
Shoot me a PM if you got any specific questions...
For now you need arm and knee warmers, toe covers, a wind vest and base layer to go with your typical kit. I wear long finger gloves and add a windbreak cover when it starts getting closer to 10c. Replace the SS jersey with a long sleeve jersey when the temps dip a bit, say below 8C. Look into some full length tights, booties and jacket for when it's getting closer to 0c. You'll also need to beef up the gloves and have a proper head cover for the colder days and quite possibly a balaclava. Depends on how cold you wanna go.
The thing to remember is the cold weather gear lasts a while and it's important to dress appropriately for the conditions so you can actually enjoy them.
Shoot me a PM if you got any specific questions...
#12
just another gosling


Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Everett, WA
Bikes: CoMo Speedster 2003, Trek 5200, CAAD 9, Fred 2004
Just did a "riding in the rain" post on the 50+:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...1#post16095642
Riding when it's cold and not raining ain't no thing. Unless you're ice-biking, that's another story yet.
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...1#post16095642
Riding when it's cold and not raining ain't no thing. Unless you're ice-biking, that's another story yet.
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Calgary, Alberta
Bikes: 2013 Cannondale Supersix Evo Red, 1987 Miyata 912(RIP for now), 2009 Kona Kula
I commuted on a mountain bike throughout a couple winter seasons. It got to the point of it not being worth the effort anymore. I'll take the bus. Though I'm on my way at lunch to pick up gloves and some arm warmers at lunch..
I picked up the older version of this jacket and it served me well in cold and sloppy conditions.
https://www.mec.ca/product/5018-642/m...02+50021+50089
Sized large enough to fit a couple layers of close fitting fleece underneath. I'd say the worst thing I experienced was cold hands and crappy drivers.
I picked up the older version of this jacket and it served me well in cold and sloppy conditions.
https://www.mec.ca/product/5018-642/m...02+50021+50089
Sized large enough to fit a couple layers of close fitting fleece underneath. I'd say the worst thing I experienced was cold hands and crappy drivers.
#14
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From: Berkeley, CA
Bikes: 72 Cilo Pacer, 72 Gitane GT, 72 Peugeot PX10, 73 Speedwell Ti,l, 75 Peugeot PR-10L, 80 Colnago Super, 81 Zinn, 85 ALAN Cross, 85 De Rosa Pro, 86 Look 753, 86 Look KG86, 89 Parkpre Team, 90 Parkpre Team MTB, 90 Merlin
I grow old & soft. You guys in extreme winter climates deserve to be commended for persevering through the cold. Here in the Bay Area, we are accustomed to Indian Summers. Weather in Berkeley typically stays in the 70s through October.
That said, I have a nice thick Descent vest I like to wear in the winter. Granted, my cold temperatures are still mild by comparison. Nonetheless, it's nice that it keeps the core chest area warm, while allowing me to add arm warmers, and an outer shell as needed without being too bulky.
I used to have some winter gloves with both half-fingers and a mitten cover. The mitten cover would keep your fingers extra warm when riding, but could also be flipped up and velcro'd to the back of the hand exposing your fingers (say, for a roadside repair, or to open a snack, etc.). I really liked those gloves for winter riding. I don't know if anyone makes something similar nowadays...
That said, I have a nice thick Descent vest I like to wear in the winter. Granted, my cold temperatures are still mild by comparison. Nonetheless, it's nice that it keeps the core chest area warm, while allowing me to add arm warmers, and an outer shell as needed without being too bulky.
I used to have some winter gloves with both half-fingers and a mitten cover. The mitten cover would keep your fingers extra warm when riding, but could also be flipped up and velcro'd to the back of the hand exposing your fingers (say, for a roadside repair, or to open a snack, etc.). I really liked those gloves for winter riding. I don't know if anyone makes something similar nowadays...
#15
If you get naked and law down in the dirt, maybe. But 8C and rain is the forecast here from November until March. The only people who get hypothermia are the homeless, and the ones who go hiking in cotton and get into trouble. Everyone else wears a jacket.
#16
Redefining Lazy
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: North Metro, MN
Bikes: 2013 Cannondale Synapse 5 105, 2013 Giant Escape 3
I just ordered these:
https://www.probikekit.com/sports-clo.../10749594.html
They had a US 15% discount when I ordered them last week, so they were only $45!
I haven't received them yet, but I ride their PBK Elite bib shorts and they are great quality. Got them for around $32!
You have to keep an eye on them for sales and clearances. They put out some great deals and the shipping is free for over $40 purchase, but not sure if that's to Canada, as well.
I've ordered quite a few items from PBK over the years, and it can take as little as 5 days or up to 2 weeks. Great company, and they get pretty good reviews on the forum.
Good luck.
S
https://www.probikekit.com/sports-clo.../10749594.html
They had a US 15% discount when I ordered them last week, so they were only $45!
I haven't received them yet, but I ride their PBK Elite bib shorts and they are great quality. Got them for around $32!
You have to keep an eye on them for sales and clearances. They put out some great deals and the shipping is free for over $40 purchase, but not sure if that's to Canada, as well.
I've ordered quite a few items from PBK over the years, and it can take as little as 5 days or up to 2 weeks. Great company, and they get pretty good reviews on the forum.
Good luck.
S
#17
#18
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#19
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 40,863
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From: Sacramento, California, USA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
You're right. What I meant but didn't write was "without proper clothing."
#21
Here in the Bay Area, we are accustomed to Indian Summers. Weather in Berkeley typically stays in the 70s through October.
Originally Posted by Seattle Forest
But 8C and rain is the forecast here from November until March.
#23
Wat.
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 53
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From: Montreal, QC
Bikes: Marinoni Pista (650c), Gunnar Crosshairs, Yakota Twin Peaks Tandem
I worked as a messenger through winter in Montreal. 8hrs a day on the road all winter; dry, rain, freezing rain, snow, slush, hail, -40, you name it. Here are a few things I learned.
-Merino wool lives up to the name. You may be wet, but you'll be substantially warmer.
-Water proof shoes or gaitors, whatever you can. Dry feet are happy feet. I prefer this to fenders even, since fenders get filled with gunk and require a little more maintenance. You need to invest in VERY solid shoes and socks then though.
-Athletic baselayers are worth the money. I use the Helly Hanson top and bottom and they're fantastic.
-Cycling caps that have earflaps under a helmet. Again, wool here proved to be worth it. On the -40 days, I used a balaclava + the cycling cap.
-Lobster style cycling gloves. Mittens don't given enough control I find, and gloves don't allow your fingers to radiate their own warmth to each other. Wool liner glove can also help. Go for a bigger fit than you think you need, the extra air pocket will keep you warmer longer.
Don't be led by brand names here, focus on materials and fit more than company.
Hope this helps!
-Merino wool lives up to the name. You may be wet, but you'll be substantially warmer.
-Water proof shoes or gaitors, whatever you can. Dry feet are happy feet. I prefer this to fenders even, since fenders get filled with gunk and require a little more maintenance. You need to invest in VERY solid shoes and socks then though.
-Athletic baselayers are worth the money. I use the Helly Hanson top and bottom and they're fantastic.
-Cycling caps that have earflaps under a helmet. Again, wool here proved to be worth it. On the -40 days, I used a balaclava + the cycling cap.
-Lobster style cycling gloves. Mittens don't given enough control I find, and gloves don't allow your fingers to radiate their own warmth to each other. Wool liner glove can also help. Go for a bigger fit than you think you need, the extra air pocket will keep you warmer longer.
Don't be led by brand names here, focus on materials and fit more than company.
Hope this helps!
#24
Middle-Aged Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 2,276
Likes: 1
From: Mesa, AZ
Bikes: Bianchi Infinito CV 2014, TREK HIFI 2011, Argon18 E-116 2013
I am in the group of "What's winter??" I have to worry about heat stroke, though not as bad as Texas (from what I hear). Last night it was in the mid 70s.
#25
Thread Starter
Cult Classic Cycling Club
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 685
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From: Hamilton, ON
Bikes: Ridley Helium, Norco Search
OP, I know exactly what you are talking about... I'm in the valley...
For now you need arm and knee warmers, toe covers, a wind vest and base layer to go with your typical kit. I wear long finger gloves and add a windbreak cover when it starts getting closer to 10c. Replace the SS jersey with a long sleeve jersey when the temps dip a bit, say below 8C. Look into some full length tights, booties and jacket for when it's getting closer to 0c. You'll also need to beef up the gloves and have a proper head cover for the colder days and quite possibly a balaclava. Depends on how cold you wanna go.
The thing to remember is the cold weather gear lasts a while and it's important to dress appropriately for the conditions so you can actually enjoy them.
Shoot me a PM if you got any specific questions...
For now you need arm and knee warmers, toe covers, a wind vest and base layer to go with your typical kit. I wear long finger gloves and add a windbreak cover when it starts getting closer to 10c. Replace the SS jersey with a long sleeve jersey when the temps dip a bit, say below 8C. Look into some full length tights, booties and jacket for when it's getting closer to 0c. You'll also need to beef up the gloves and have a proper head cover for the colder days and quite possibly a balaclava. Depends on how cold you wanna go.
The thing to remember is the cold weather gear lasts a while and it's important to dress appropriately for the conditions so you can actually enjoy them.
Shoot me a PM if you got any specific questions...





