Progressive layering as most have suggested. It has taken me decades to learn how to not overdress.
- anything above 70 degrees: summer wear as appropriate and comfortable
- 60 to 70: summer wear, start with arm warmers then remove them
- 50 to 60: the sweet spot for riding. Thin tech long sleeve underlayer with summer jersey overtop. Or a light long sleeve jersey. Possibly leg warmers, depending on whether there's sun or not. Maybe a cycling cap beneath helmet. It's removable if too warm. Maybe a wind vest in a pocket if the sun hides and the wind picks up. Possibly light full finger gloves.
- 40 to 50: fall wear that includes light long tights, tech long sleeve underlayer and light long sleeve jersey. Light convertible jacket with removable sleeves as an outer wind blocker. Warmer full finger gloves, light beanie or earband beneath helmet. Maybe light shoe covers.
- 30 to 40: winter wear that includes heavier long tights, tech long sleeve underlayer and fleece lined or wool jersey. Light convertible jacket as wind blocker. Possibly a light wind stop pant over the tights, depending. Two-layers of gloves - insulating inner pair (wool or neoprene) and wind stop outer shell or mitt. Warmer knit cap and helmet cover to block wind.
- 20 to 30: winter wear as above, but change to heavier wind stop pants over the tights, and add balaclava over the cap beneath the helmet with a warmer insulated shell mitten over the gloves. Swap the convertible jacket for a Wind-Tek cycling jacket. Alternate to the warmer shell mitten is to install my BarMitts, which are really fabulous. Neoprene booties over shoes, wool socks.
- Beneath 20: rarely happens here in Northern VA, but then simply swap in warmer items for the tights, tech layer and the knit cap. Keep rides to under 1 hour.
Last edited by Phil_gretz; 09-24-20 at 08:51 AM.