Help Me Dress For Winter
#1
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Help Me Dress For Winter
New to cycling clothes buying. I have my summer stuff but my LBS's stock either little or no clothing so I can't try things on and need to order online. Colder weather is coming and I have a great kit for winter hiking and camping but that is all loose and baggy stuff. While looking online I don't see a variety of clothes that I would think would be good for layering. Some questions:
1. What kinds of tops do you wear, i.e., do you layer or just go with long sleeve jersey and jacket?
2. Are jackets cut so they fit over jerseys or do you need to go a size higher on the outer layer?
3. Are tights enough alone? Do you need to get different ones for different conditions?
4. Should I take advantage of labor day sales or will there always be sales on clothing?
I live in SC so the worst weather will only be in the 40's and wet and most times will be in the 50's.
Thanks
1. What kinds of tops do you wear, i.e., do you layer or just go with long sleeve jersey and jacket?
2. Are jackets cut so they fit over jerseys or do you need to go a size higher on the outer layer?
3. Are tights enough alone? Do you need to get different ones for different conditions?
4. Should I take advantage of labor day sales or will there always be sales on clothing?
I live in SC so the worst weather will only be in the 40's and wet and most times will be in the 50's.
Thanks
#2
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Rather than buying a long sleeve cycling jersey, I wear lightweight polypro tops under a short sleeved cycling jersey. It adds a second layer against the torso. That’s good to 55 and I’ll wear non insulated tights with that, plus polypro glove liners under summer short fingers gloves.
If windy I’ll wear a very light wind jacket, cycling specific, I’ve used Pearl Izumi and EDIT: Canari, or some such, cheap stuff from online. It’s not sized larger as they assume it’s an outer layer.
If below 50 I might go to lightly insulated tights, the above torso plus wind jacket, I’ll add a light polypro skull cap and will wear a pair of long fingered cycling gloves designed for fall/spring. Sometimes and if it looks like it’ll warm up I’ll wear my lightly insulated leg warmers instead of tights.
Below 45 and I’m adding neoprene booties. I have a really old set from Performance in their XXL size that fit over my sizes 47 SPD lugged sole shoes. Not sure what I’ll replace them with, as nobody makes that large a size these days.
If it calls for drizzle or is below 35 I’ll switch to a GoreTex cycling jacket that’s a heavier fabric then my light jacket and is warmer.
Take advantage of whatever sales are available. I once added up the cost of all the clothing I was wearing and at $450 it’s more than some people pay for their bikes !, but then the clothing actually lets me enjoy riding in the cold where their bikes are in the garage till May.
If windy I’ll wear a very light wind jacket, cycling specific, I’ve used Pearl Izumi and EDIT: Canari, or some such, cheap stuff from online. It’s not sized larger as they assume it’s an outer layer.
If below 50 I might go to lightly insulated tights, the above torso plus wind jacket, I’ll add a light polypro skull cap and will wear a pair of long fingered cycling gloves designed for fall/spring. Sometimes and if it looks like it’ll warm up I’ll wear my lightly insulated leg warmers instead of tights.
Below 45 and I’m adding neoprene booties. I have a really old set from Performance in their XXL size that fit over my sizes 47 SPD lugged sole shoes. Not sure what I’ll replace them with, as nobody makes that large a size these days.
If it calls for drizzle or is below 35 I’ll switch to a GoreTex cycling jacket that’s a heavier fabric then my light jacket and is warmer.
Take advantage of whatever sales are available. I once added up the cost of all the clothing I was wearing and at $450 it’s more than some people pay for their bikes !, but then the clothing actually lets me enjoy riding in the cold where their bikes are in the garage till May.
Last edited by Steve B.; 08-25-19 at 03:01 PM.
#3
Junior Member
Everybody's different. The best thing I've done is develop a little spreadsheet of how I dress at various temperatures and conditions to fine tune what MY body needs to be comfortable. If I over/under dress, I record the info and adjust next time until I get it dialed in. Now, if I'm heading out and it's 48 and overcast, with a 10 mph wind, I know exactly what I need.
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I’ll generally ride down to about freezing, as long as the weather is otherwise decent. I’m in central NC, so winters are relatively benign. I went out in 25 degrees once and got about a half- mile before I got sense and turned around. If I have to wrap up like the Michelin Man, there’s not a lot of pleasure in the process. My cold weather kit comprises some temperature-dependent combination of two short-sleeved jerseys, arm warmers, fingered gloves, a neck gaiter, bib shorts or heavy-ish bib knicks, heavy-ish tights, socks, shoes, shoe covers. I’ll carry a waterproof in my pocket, but that’s a last resort to cut the wind - in my experience, most “waterproofs” are anything but
Last edited by Litespud; 08-25-19 at 07:43 AM.
#5
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Check out the Winter Cycling forum; https://www.bikeforums.net/winter-cycling/
Keep in mind, don't over dress. In short order you will be sweating, then cold.
Keep in mind, don't over dress. In short order you will be sweating, then cold.
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nine mile skid on a ten mile ride
nine mile skid on a ten mile ride
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I live in NE Tennessee and our weather is a bit cooler than you down in S.C.
I live by base layers and windbreakers.
We have Academy sports here and I buy their BCG brand base and fleece layers.
In the worst of conditions, I have Bontrager riding pants that are fleece and windproof. They've kept me warm in 13 degree tamps.
The worst thin is my hands. Even the heaviest wind protecting gloves don;t help much.
When it is in the teens and the roads are dry, I have to be "That guy".
I live by base layers and windbreakers.
We have Academy sports here and I buy their BCG brand base and fleece layers.
In the worst of conditions, I have Bontrager riding pants that are fleece and windproof. They've kept me warm in 13 degree tamps.
The worst thin is my hands. Even the heaviest wind protecting gloves don;t help much.
When it is in the teens and the roads are dry, I have to be "That guy".
#8
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I layer up and use regular non-cycling clothes and winter boots with platform pedals...
#9
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Good base layer, wind protection, hat or skull cap, shoes that are a size bigger/wider (for base layer and thick socks), thin gloves with thicker ones and body temperature control. Nothing worse than going out fast and getting wet with sweat and then getting cold. Also still need to stay fueled/hydrated to keep the body working properly.
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I don't bike in the dead of winter, usually not when temps are below 50 degrees F. So when the air is a bit crisp outside, instead of my normal summer cycling gear of shorts, jersey or wicking workout shirt, I wear a cotton T-shirt, workout pants, and a cycling jacket which is basically just a windbreaker. I also got one of those tubular scarves which really holds the heat in. Before I used it I was always fairly chilly on my rides, but since using it I've noticed a huge difference in keeping warm.
#11
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Thread Starter
Sorry, I should have put this in the winter cycling forum, didn't see that. Still, this has all been very helpful and I very much appreciate it.
Time now to go to Competitive Cycling and remove about half the stuff I put in my cart.
Time now to go to Competitive Cycling and remove about half the stuff I put in my cart.
#12
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I took my cues from the Dutch: they layer.... spandex to wick away moisture to a keeper layer (cotton/wool) to a wick away, synthetic upper. Being in Atlanta, the temps should be similar between you and I.
I start with my summer kit: bike jersey, fingerless gloves, and shorts. As it gets a little colder, a light reflective jacket. A little colder (arms and legs don't warm quickly), I add a pair of bike leggings (the gortex I scored at a summer sale are tops!) and wear a light lycra jacket with thumb holes (common thrift store item) between the jersey and reflective jacket. Colder still, switching to full fingered bike gloves. All this time I am in ankle, waterproof boots and cotton socks. Around freezing, and slightly below, heavier mid layer jacket, full length exercise tights and a second pair of socks.
Neck and above: I have a wicking towel I can wrap my neck and tuck inside jersey/jacket... a gaiter if I know I will need it all the trip, and a thin but warm skull cap. When coldest, the gaiter-cap combo covers all but my eyes.
All seasons I wear a pair of light Bangerz ski goggles....
I think that covers it....
I start with my summer kit: bike jersey, fingerless gloves, and shorts. As it gets a little colder, a light reflective jacket. A little colder (arms and legs don't warm quickly), I add a pair of bike leggings (the gortex I scored at a summer sale are tops!) and wear a light lycra jacket with thumb holes (common thrift store item) between the jersey and reflective jacket. Colder still, switching to full fingered bike gloves. All this time I am in ankle, waterproof boots and cotton socks. Around freezing, and slightly below, heavier mid layer jacket, full length exercise tights and a second pair of socks.
Neck and above: I have a wicking towel I can wrap my neck and tuck inside jersey/jacket... a gaiter if I know I will need it all the trip, and a thin but warm skull cap. When coldest, the gaiter-cap combo covers all but my eyes.
All seasons I wear a pair of light Bangerz ski goggles....
I think that covers it....
#13
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https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/produ...ke-jacket-mens
There's a code - "LABORDAY19" for 20% off one Outlet item.
Last edited by Steve B.; 08-25-19 at 03:16 PM.
#14
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Made the mistake of buying a big heavy jacket 1st year and sweated to bits after the 1st 2 miles ... bought one of these after that
https://www.halfords.com/cycling/cyc...et-teal-orange
It's windproof at the front which is the biggest killer when it's cold and the underneath of the arms and back are totally breathable ... I wear a long sleeve base layer and if it's really cold a t-shirt as well and ride at 1/2 degrees like that and it's plenty warm enough.
The harder bits to get right are your hands / feet.
https://www.halfords.com/cycling/cyc...et-teal-orange
It's windproof at the front which is the biggest killer when it's cold and the underneath of the arms and back are totally breathable ... I wear a long sleeve base layer and if it's really cold a t-shirt as well and ride at 1/2 degrees like that and it's plenty warm enough.
The harder bits to get right are your hands / feet.
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It was in the forties a couple weeks ago in the morning. I threw a windbreaker on over my short sleeve shirt for the morning commute. Shorts and my Keen cycle sandals with socks.
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Some tips I made a video about last year.
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New to cycling clothes buying. I have my summer stuff but my LBS's stock either little or no clothing so I can't try things on and need to order online. Colder weather is coming and I have a great kit for winter hiking and camping but that is all loose and baggy stuff. While looking online I don't see a variety of clothes that I would think would be good for layering. Some questions:
1. What kinds of tops do you wear, i.e., do you layer or just go with long sleeve jersey and jacket?
1. What kinds of tops do you wear, i.e., do you layer or just go with long sleeve jersey and jacket?
2. Are jackets cut so they fit over jerseys or do you need to go a size higher on the outer layer?
3. Are tights enough alone?
Do you need to get different ones for different conditions?
4. Should I take advantage of labor day sales or will there always be sales on clothing?
Don't forget the shoe covers, especially in wet weather. Cold, wet feet are miserable.
Last edited by Drew Eckhardt; 08-27-19 at 02:04 PM.
#18
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#19
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Oh yeah, as far as gloves are concerned, when it's cold out I leave my fingerless bike gloves at home and instead wear cotton work gloves. I probably ought to find some full-fingered bike gloves, but until I do, the cotton ones work OK.