winter gear?
 

so, i live in the midwest, where it gets to 30 and below in the winter time...i plan on riding my bike to and from work but confused as to how to dress for this...i know i will have to roll up my pant leg as to not get it caught in the chain, so, how do i keep myself warm enough so my legs will not get cold? basically, give me some ideas on winter clothing, or what you do for winter time...thanks

Wear tighter pants, or leg warmers.

Tuck your pants into your boots.

Fashion a couple straps to keep your right pant leg from flapping around.

If it is so cold that I don't want to roll my pant leg up, I'm probably wearing a 2nd layer, which is my wind/rain pants. They have straps at the bottom to keep them tight and from entering the drivetrain.

But there are a lot of people who buy straps for use on all pants. They are usually reflective too. Pretty cheap. You can get them at REI

In winter i wear polar leggings under my pants, waterproof overshoes, breathable long sleeve shirt (Lifa), a softshell jacket and gloves. I also wear a beanie under my helmet.
I only have room for a rear fender on my bike, so overshoes are necessary.
This setup works for me but i take a shower and change clothes at work.

if u're in a place that snows, u probably shouldn't wear work cloths while riding as u'll be getting all the slush. The key is to dress in layers. For me,
50s, normal tshirt and pants/jeans with light jacket
40s, normal tshirt and pants/jeans with my trusty merino wool hoodie
20-30s (with snow), Top: tshirt, armwarmers, merino hoodie, waterproof shell. Bottom: cycling shorts, leg warmers, wool socks, bootie. Head: neck warmer, switch back to my Bern helmet with ear covers

Where did you get your ear covers for the helm?

base layer, base layers, more base layers.

Stop the wind. No matter how clumsy, wear a glove that keeps you warm - ski gloves that let you actuate a brake if need be.

Use a protec helmet that you can slip a merino or poly beanie under. Try and keep the face/neck/earstoes warm. Cold legs can be adjusted to. Extremities can not.

I used to ride my motorbike in 32f to 40f at 100+. It's all about layer, layer, layer and keep the wind out.

Wool wool wool

it came with my bern helmet.
http://liv2ride.files.wordpress.com/...6752.gif?w=497
I think Bern also sell accessories separately. U might be able to track one down.

and +100 on ski gloves + wool layers. I forgot to say I also have a merino wool cap under that Bern Helmet.

we don't get very cold winters here, but i have a set of JL velo arm and leg warmers (under stuff they work well too) and some swrve winter weight knickers that are amazing as long as it's not terribly wet out. anything that breathes and wicks sweat... wool, certain synthetics... and layering will make a good kit as long as you dress for the weather. if it's -5 out and you put on a wool base layer and one jacket, you're probably going to have problems. just anticipate your situation and dress accordingly.

There's lots of good advice in the winter riding sub-forum.
Also: chain guard.

Do you use the waterproof overshoes with clipless pedals or clips????
I've been using waterproof socks and though my feet stay dry I still think I would prefer a overshoe......

i have mks gr-9 with toe-clip and a single strap. The overshoes are only barely bigger that the shoes inside, so no problem getting my feet in the clips.

Check out the commuter forum, they have thread after thread of good winter advice!

I commute all winter, and do not use any special gear. I wear pajama pants under jeans and a t-shirt, sweatshirt, and lined leather jacket. I have found that motorcycle gauntlets are really nice too.

Val Val
This is exactlly what I'm thinking of doing, thank you so much. Are you using just regular cycling booties or something else????