Colder weather
 

As the temp starts dropping, what do you guys wear for riding. This will be my first winter riding, I commute about 16 miles one way to campus then ride between classes then back home. So I was wondering what some of you guys wear to not have to change when you get to where your going but not freeze to ride. I would like to learn from the experienced, I don't want to go back to my car, but 26 degrees this morning was a killer.

polar leggings under my usual bike pants, breathable long sleeves shirt, windstopper soft shell, beanies and windstopper gloves. When wet, i also wear waterproof overshoes.

there's a youtube vid somewhere that i'm too lazy to google now.

dress in layers. Layers layers layers.
Try wool base layers, long sleeve jersey and water/wind proof outer layer.
Or actually, just leg warmers got me thru last winter. It's not that cold in nyc tho.. like around 20s would be colds here.

jeans, a hoodie and sometimes a coat over the hoodie, gloves.

Don't wear cotton as your base layer because it just holds onto water (sweat) and doesn't wick it away.

Long underwear, jeans, t shirt, undershirt, hoodie, jacket, and a hat get me through chicago winters.

I just have been trying to find things so I dont have to change when I walk into class.

nice wonder how that would feel under my bagaboo bag

I use the Target brand athletic wear for my base layers, cheaper than bike specific stuff. Double bonus points if you can find stuff on the clearance rack.

here is an interesting article that i found http://commutebybike.com/2006/11/01/...-cold-weather/

lol, that dude is rad:
http://www.robotikon.com/goybar/cbb/60.jpg

he is my hero hahaha

This?


+1 for **** loads of layer.

If you don't mind me asking, does your school have a dress code? Or are you more concerned about being too warm inside?

If you have the $$$, spring for merino wool. Or, find a Gander Mtn or Cabela's or a local hunting outlet and canvas the clothing section for under wear. Usually cheaper than average, and very effective. As a double bonus, you'll fit in swell in Central Mo.

For outerwear, i have a windstopper softshell (Arcteryx Gamma MX, but by no means does it need to be this nice). Windstopper's great because it's breathable--very important unless you want to arrive soaked. +1 on the pit zips, if possible. Generally i don't find wind pants necessary.

What everyone else has said + a scarf. It's amazing how much warmer I am with a scarf.

where do you live? this is very important! When I live in Maine winter riding was a whole different bag than it is now that I live in the PDX. It rains here in the winter and is like 40°F most of the time. In Maine it was **** tons of snow and would be -20°F many times...

In Maine I would wear poly-pro and other synthetic materials. Here in PDX I wear almost all wool. We have an army navy store that carries wool pants (some already are designed to be knickers) really cheap. I would also say invest in a merino hoodie and merino base set, you will not be disappointed. Also I have found that if you are in a really rainy area like me, that softshells are a bad Idea as are most "breathable" shells. When its really coming down (which it was for like a week straight) I use a fisherman's coat. Not very breathable but I am dry. Neoprene gloves are great as are sealskin socks.

no. but u get extra points for effort! :D

i just found it. It's actually by performance bikes.

Well I am from Missouri, and no we don't have a dress code. My concerns are more that getting something light enough that I don't overheat on my 16 mile commute, but when only riding a couple blocks between classes that I don't freeze.

this guy is from my LBS

are any of you guys running wool or most people using synthetic?

I use a marmot windstopper softshell. Hoodie under it. Also merino wool cuffed beanie and neck gaiter. Cheap $2 stretch gloves.

That right there will get me into low 30's.

And then from there can add long johns (merino wool), gloves on top of my stretch gloves, more socks.

Another layer, under my jacket too if in the teens, but usually will come off soon. Hands and feet are the hardest part. I upgraded my extra gloves last week to some $20 REI gloves. There are also lobster gloves and mittens. But gloves aren't cheap. But after testing out those gloves a bit, think I'm gonna take them back and get some lobster gloves.

Also a neck gaiter or scarf is essential. You can cover your face, extra coverage on your ears, keep it by your neck, etc. I prefer neck gaiter since less adjusting, but scarf is probably better since it's bigger.

Just wear layers, and keep moving to stay warm. And watch out for your hands and feet since they are just sitting there doing nothing. Will maybe pick up some better socks in a few weeks.

^^^
that's the exact setup i have.
with that said.. i need new winter cap and gloves :( my snowboard gloves ain't working so great.

almost always have an old wool sweater on.