DreamRider85

So I know that there is a lot of info on here. But I was more interested in getting started with the BASIC essentials. There are too many different things to wear for cold riding. I see ear warmers, leg warmers, heated gloves, arm warmers, leg warmers, warm vests, extra layers, etc.. So I get confused as far was what I need to start with first. What are the most important things I start out with?

elcruxio

A decent base layer. it is the base you build upon. Merino wool is probably the best material out there for base layers, but make sure there's some nylon wowen in to give the fabric more durability. Merino wool in garments in general is always a good choice. In my gear I have 3 sets of merino base layers in different thicknesses, a merino Buff, merino ski socks, normal merino socks, a merino beanie, then only thing I don't have in merino is gloves.

You can get a mid layer (a fleece jacket or thicker merino shirt / wool shirt, or you can use more base layers on top of each other. I prefer more base layers since I don't currently own that many good mid layers and a mid layer is often a too hot a choice.

Over the base and mid layers you need a shell. Get something really thin, but windproof. A waterproof shell will work in rain, if it's extremely thin and breathes well, but it will make your riding hell when it's sub freezing. You will sweat so bad, if the material isn't extremely breathable. So you need something that's both breathable, quick drying and windproof. Thin softshell is a good material, but it needs to be really thin. My older main winter jacket was so thin I could bunch it up into my fist and I just layered under it. Now I use a bit fewer layers and use an XC ski jacket.

For the head I use a ski helmet as shell and 3 buffs as layers, merino one for the neck, one for the face and one for the head. I also have goggles which are handy in covering the sensitive upper face area as it acts as a see through shell.

Shoes need to be proper winter shoes. No packing them too full of socks, air is insulation and if the shoes feel at all tight you're going to have a bad time. I use a Salomon winter hiking boot, flat pedals and one (1) merino ski sock underneath. If it gets too cold I'll put on windproof overshoes.

For pants I use the aforementioned layering over cycling shorts / bibs and use XC ski pants which are also thin soft shell.

For gloves I again layer with acrylic/polyester gloves and a thin shell glove above. The gloves need to be relatively loose as well as tight gloves will cause frostbite faster than you can say ouch.

So to condense all this.
Layers for every body part.
merino
maybe more merino
shell

You could also put on your summer riding kit and layer the warm stuff over that. It works as well since the summer riding fabrics are usually really good at wicking.

No keep in mind that this advice is mainly for sub freezing and it's not the most aerodynamic solution so not optimal for competetive cyclists, but it works in the cold and it has worked for me down to -40. I usually mountain bike in the winter time anyway so I couldn't care less about aerodynamics.

mulveyr 

Define "Cold."

There are people who say that it's cold when the temp drops below 50F. I don't consider it cold until the temperature is below 20F. Both those situations have very different requirements.

reverborama

elcruxio is correct. Actually the worst thing you can do is over-dress. You haven't said where you are from so I really don't know what "winter" means to you. Here in Minnesota it can be anywhere from 24 (like today) to -15 (F). On the bottom I wear Lake boots (winter boots) with wool socks, long underwear and rip-stop pants for just about any temperature. On the top it varies from a thick jersey under a nylon shell to a couple of layers or wool under the nylon shell. On the hands I have some fingered gloves which are good down to freezing, lobster claws down to 20, and choppers for anything lower than that. On the head it's a balaclava (turtle fur makes a good one) and a ski helmet.

ptempel

Here's what I usually wear:

60F or warmer: helmet, skull cap, bib, short sleeve jersey, socks, shoes, open finger gloves
50F - 59F: helmet skull cap, bib, short sleeve jersey, knee covers, long sleeve baselayer, socks, shoes, open finger gloves
40F - 49F: helmet, skull cap, bib, long sleeve baselayer, long sleeve jersey, bib tights, socks, shoes, full finger gloves
30F - 39F: helmet, winter cap, bib, long sleeve baselayer, 2nd long sleeve baselayer, long sleeve jersey, bib tights, socks, shoes, shoe covers, full finger gloves
20F - 29F: helmet, balaklava, winter cap, bib, long sleeve baselayer, 2nd long sleeve baselayer, long sleeve jersey, 2nd long sleeve jersey, bib tights, leg covers, 2 socks, shoes, shoe covers, heavy gloves

- Skill cap is one with a vented top.
- Long sleeve baselayer is a compression tee shirt.
- My leg covers are a little more thermal then the regular ones.
- Also have a thermal bib that I sometimes use with the regular full bib.
- The heavy gloves are two layer ones similar to ski gloves.
- You can sub a jacket in for one of the long sleeve jerseys when its really cold.
- Also have a rain jacket that acts like two layers used in rain only.
- Could sub in winter shoes for the shoes and 1 sock (for 20-29F). Have a pair but haven't tried yet.

DreamRider85

No no not that cold. It's in Bay Area. It's not that cold, but it is in fact colder than it's been in years. Maybe 40 to 50 degrees. I'm used to at least 60 or 70.

jrickards

Wow, 40-50 degrees. I'd wear a long sleeved jersey over a long-sleeved merino base layer, full-finger gloves and calf to knee length wool socks but that's for 40F. For 50F, short socks would be sufficient but still the double layer top and long gloves (I've always liked long fingered gloves although my most recent acquisition were rather thick and warm for summer riding). At 32-40 degrees, I'd add a thick jersey (or a windproof shell), tights, a buff and maybe a skull.

In your case, given that these are unusual temperatures and likely not to be repeated every year, I'd just add a skull (or a buff twisted into a skull, a buff is a great "tool" to have in your closet as it can be worn in so many ways), a windshell over your jersey (maybe wear a second jersey), tights and wool (thin) socks. Mornings with less sun warmth will be more difficult than the afternoon. Hopefully you won't have to tolerate these abnormal conditions for long.

Hypno Toad

You forgot the people that don't consider it could until it's -20F. Just sayin'

dh024

40 to 50 F is commonly the daily low in July and August where I live. That's shorts weather!

https://weatherspark.com/#!dashboard...phs=subZero2:1

reverborama

Oh, heck. 50-60 I'd wear a long-sleeved jersey, the lightest nylon jacket I have, thin wool socks in my normal cycling shoes, knickers, regular fingerless gloves, and a light balaclava
https://www.amazon.com/Turtle-Fur-Fro...ava+turtle+fur
I hate getting my ears cold and this is about the lightest one they make. Sometimes I just wear a headband over the ears.

jrickards

I typically wear my buff as a kerchief, sahariane or skull but I know how to make it into a balaclava if I need to. The sahariane is great in the summer for keeping the sweat out of my eyes.

Miele Man

A lot will depend on how cold it is and what temperatures you're used to.

How cold will it be?


Ah, I see further down the thread the temperatures.

I'd just add an extra layer over or under my normal clothes. Something else that might help a lot without adding bulk is a windproof breatheable jacket and pants.

Cheers

DreamRider85

So what is this double layer top you guys are talking about? What is the exact name for it?

jrickards

A second jersey? That's all I'm getting at. I don't really know if there is a definition of what people call base and mid layers in terms of what type of material or thickness or ...

Given your relatively mild winters, even the current one, these types of definitions aren't really necessary for your needs. In terms of upper body, you just need an extra layer which could come from anywhere in your closet but for the legs, if you're used to riding in cycling shorts, I wouldn't put jeans or other type of unstretchy pant over top as an extra layer (despite the fact that it might be sufficient to provide you the extra insulation you need) because you need to be able to comfortably move your legs.

If you're hands are normally in short gloves, do you have a thin glove you can put over top? If you normally wear short lycra socks, maybe a longer sock instead or better yet a wool sock?

danmyersmn

I have tried all sorts of different options of hats, scarves, mittens, gloves, etc including 3 different types of balaclava's. For 40-50 the problem you will find is trying to not overdress. You will heat up and need to shed clothing. A good rule of thumb is you should feel a bit cool when you start. As soon as you start pedaling and get the blood flowing your going to heat up quick.

Here is what I have settled on that works best for me.
I wear a freeze out helmet liner. Yes, for motorcyle-yes dirt cheap.
FREEZE-OUT - Helmet Liner - Head/Neck - Base Layers - Street - Cycle Gear


For my face I use a shemagh (ebay,amazon,pakistan,etc). This works much better than a balaclava since you can loosen it, wrap it multiple times, or shed it completely as you warm up/cool down. The problem with a balaclava is if you get too hot it's hard to get it off your face and keep your head warm.

For my hands I use
FREEZE-OUT - Women's Inner Glove Liners - Gloves - Base Layers - Street - Cycle Gear

I use the men's version but same glove. These work great for keeping the cool air off my hands. If it drops below 40 I will switch to my cool weather rain gloves.

https://www.amazon.com/Glacier-Glove-Kenai-Basic-Extra/dp/B00GN1WKF8/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1453409024&sr=1-4&keywords=Glacier+Glove+Kenai+Basic+Neoprene+Fishing+Glove
After years of cycling and motorcycling I now go for wet is ok if I stay warm over the never ending battle of waterproof gear. They work great for cold weather too.

For my feet I use my normal shoes and go with something like this.
Amazon.com: NRS HydroSkin Wetsocks: Sports & Outdoors
I use it for the insulation value to keep my feet warm.

For my body at 50 I wear a fleece shirt topped with a thin nylon jacket and pants. if it is 40-49 I will add a fleece pants under the nylon pants.

danmyersmn

I placed and order with Rose Bikes and they tossed in a rose branded one of these. I haven't used it but I thought it was pretty nifty. The one I was sent is very very thin. I don't see it adding a lot of warmth but maybe it would.

jrickards

Yes, most are thin but the Buff brand also makes 2 versions with fleece for winter use.

I hate getting cold air down my neck onto my shoulders so most of the time in the winter (down to -15C/5F), I just wear it around my neck and a skull cap for head warmth. However, at 40F, I'll wear it as a sahariane because it is not so cold that I need to worry about my neck and when it is wrapped as a sarahiane, it is just one layer thick (this image doesn't show how to make these "shapes").

Yes, it is thin but it is surprising how much even a thin layer reduces the amount of cold that gets to your skin. On one coldish morning, -7C/19F, I wrapped it as a balaclava and both my head and ears were perfectly fine (under my cycling helmet).

PaulRivers

You can wear arm and leg warmers, though those are mostly for the racer type who doesn't want the extra grams. They're kind of a pain in my opinion (though to be fair they're small to store if you don't usually need them).

At those temps, I'd say a wind resistant jacket (and pants if possible, or tights). You don't need to go into "windproof" or you'll overheat.

There are a whole bunch of options, unfortunately I don't have the time to look them up right now. This is one from a guy who makes custom stuff (Lou At Foxwear), his E-Vap Light:
Jackets - Foxwear

Or here's another off-the-shelf one, Bontrager Race Windshell Jacket:
Bontrager Race Windshell Jacket - Freewheel Bike Shop - Minneapolis - Twin Cities - St. Paul

At those temps you usually want something wind resistant, not wind "proof" (because wind resistant lets out water vapor better and it's more comfortable).

If you want to go all out for comfort, you could wear a smartwool layer under it. But you'd probably be fine just wearing whatever you wear in slightly warmer temps, under the jacket, as well.

danmyersmn

So I decided to try the Buff (Rose Bikes Branded) this weekend. It was 27F and I went 32 miles. Not a single time did my face get cold. This is much better than the shemagh simply because it is so small and packing it away is easy. I have also used it commuting the last two days with great success. thanks for turning me onto something I had just tossed onto my shelf!

jrickards

You're welcome @danmyersmn!