My first winter - what do I need?
09-18-05, 09:32 PM
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My first winter - what do I need?
Ok, so I decided to continue riding through the winter (maybe even commute) this year. It Problem: I have zero winter riding equipment. I'm a newbie, and despite my frantic searching, I still have some general questions. Can someone point me in the right direction?
- What do I look for when purchasing quality winter gear? What materials are best for what?
- Warm vs. dry? Temps rarely drop below freezing here, but rains almost every day for months. Considerations?
- How can I keep my ears and face warm and still wear a helmet?
- Can I get a waterproof bag for my cell phone? If I commute, I'll also need one for my laptop.
- If I ride a lot in the rain (Oregon), what preventative maintenance does my bike need?
- Lighting? Will HID really interfere with my wireless computer?
- My nose runs like crazy in the cold. Snot rockets, anyone?
09-19-05, 03:30 AM
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For cold, wet riding, make sure your bike is fitted with fenders.
There are lots of breathable waterproofs around. Some are better than others by a small degree. I think it is better to wear a waterproof when it rains, and a cheaper, more breathable windproof when it is dry.
Look for generous sizing, high neck, bright colours and reflective piping. I find a high chest pocket much more useful than a rear one.
I use a cheaper helmet with less ventelation, so I dont need a hat. I use a long neck-tube which I can use to cover my ears.
Use a generic wicking, long-sleeved jersey, you dont need to get premium branded stuff.
Use any available mid-layers. Woolly jumpers are pretty good.
To prep your bike, wash and wax the frame. Wax any exposed bolts. Grease the cables and any metal-metal contacts (like the seatpost and any bolt threads). Keep the chain lubes. That is all you need to do.
There are lots of breathable waterproofs around. Some are better than others by a small degree. I think it is better to wear a waterproof when it rains, and a cheaper, more breathable windproof when it is dry.
Look for generous sizing, high neck, bright colours and reflective piping. I find a high chest pocket much more useful than a rear one.
I use a cheaper helmet with less ventelation, so I dont need a hat. I use a long neck-tube which I can use to cover my ears.
Use a generic wicking, long-sleeved jersey, you dont need to get premium branded stuff.
Use any available mid-layers. Woolly jumpers are pretty good.
To prep your bike, wash and wax the frame. Wax any exposed bolts. Grease the cables and any metal-metal contacts (like the seatpost and any bolt threads). Keep the chain lubes. That is all you need to do.
09-30-05, 07:25 AM
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I found in my first winter of riding (last winter) that a Seruis face mask is great for really cold temps and wind. covers your nost and face and attached in back of your neck with velcro. It doesn't interfere with your helmet.
09-30-05, 12:16 PM
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-Good rainjacket. Try www.showerspass.com for probably the best, or if too expensive, get a burley rockpoint.
-Helmet cover with a long back, so rain doesnt go down your neck. I also wear a headsweats style dorag thingy that helps keep my head slightly warmer and pulls away the sweat.
-Base layer, i like polartech powerdry, or morino wool base layer.
-mid layer, i use any cheap long sleeve jersey. If its not too cold, like currently, i only wear the base layer and rain jacket.
-Legs. I prefer windproof over the waterproof legs. I wear these over my normal cycling shorts https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1128103852034
-Feet . I use wool socks, then a gortex sock, then a fleece lined streatch bootie, with shimano clipless sandals.
-Gloves...polartech powerdry glove insert, with fingerless cycling cloves over them. Or when really cold and wet, i use a aqua style glove. Cant remeber name :/ Too warm for most days though. The powertech get wet but stay warm, and dry out fast.
-Helmet cover with a long back, so rain doesnt go down your neck. I also wear a headsweats style dorag thingy that helps keep my head slightly warmer and pulls away the sweat.
-Base layer, i like polartech powerdry, or morino wool base layer.
-mid layer, i use any cheap long sleeve jersey. If its not too cold, like currently, i only wear the base layer and rain jacket.
-Legs. I prefer windproof over the waterproof legs. I wear these over my normal cycling shorts https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1128103852034
-Feet . I use wool socks, then a gortex sock, then a fleece lined streatch bootie, with shimano clipless sandals.
-Gloves...polartech powerdry glove insert, with fingerless cycling cloves over them. Or when really cold and wet, i use a aqua style glove. Cant remeber name :/ Too warm for most days though. The powertech get wet but stay warm, and dry out fast.
