nycphotography

I have this note in my phone where I can refer to it.

One thing to consider is that sun/wind contribute. A cloudy windy misty day I'll treat as one bracket colder on the chart.

Also, you can adjust the temperature ranges to suit you, and think of this list as more "what's the the next level"



bike wear

60-99 shorts and ss jersey (maybe arm warmers)
50-60 shorts, ss jersey, *arm warmers
45-55 shorts, *knee warmers, *medium base layer (or arm warmers + vest), ss jersey, *long finger gloves
40-50 *polar knickers, short sleeve jersey, *jacket, *warmer long finger gloves
35-45 *polar knickers, *long sleeve jersey, *jacket, *warmer long finger gloves
30-40 *polar tights, *thin base layer, *long sleeve jersey, jacket, winter gloves, thin wool socks, mb boots or shoe covers, hat

below 35 - polar padded bib tights, maybe knee warmers under, base layer, long sleeve jersey, jacket, neck gaiter, two polar caps w ear flaps, izumi pro lobster claws, thicker wool ski socks, toe covers or winter boots, (maybe w battery glove liners)

one problem I find is that double tights squeezes the ass cheeks together and the saddle can't fit to the sit bones.

caloso

Do whatever it takes to keep your head, hands, and feet comfortable. Otherwise you will be miserable. Everything else is just details.

TimothyH

PM me if you ever plan on being near Atlanta.


-Tim-

kraftwerk 

Did OP ever say where he / she is riding? Didn't read the whole thread. Best thing about winter riding you have the place to your self! anything above freezing is easy-peasy, only be concerned w/ over heating. Under freezing just figure it out on your own, everyone is different.
If you sweat a lot you will need wicking capability. ( I don't even sweat at 60 F) If you have zero body fat your extremities will get cold, hands and feet ( hint keep your neck head & warm)
Bring several pair of different gloves with you and try many different ones..get breathable insulation

a1penguin

Have you tried a fleece lined skull cap? I was amazed at the difference it made when I wore it under my well ventilated summer helmet. Works for me down to 37F, which is hella cold for Norcal.

dmanthree

I have one, and it's good, for me, down to just below 40F. After that I get the ski helmet. The skull cap is a ***** to keep in place, as well, and rides up over my ears sometimes. The ski helmet never moves.

DomaneS5

We must have a different kind of cold here in the mountains. I wear shorts down to 60°F. If it's any colder than that, I wear thermal tights. The wind chill is a b!tch.

JohnJ80

I live in Minnesota and I spend a lot of time skiing and biking in the mountains in Colorado between 8000-12000’. The cold that we have here degree for degree is colder than out in Colorado. In general, at cold temps skiing, I’ll wear clothing that is generally what I would wear 10-15 degrees warmer in Minnesota. The same is true cycling but to a lesser degree (at least during the summer). I attribute that to two things: The conduction/convection loss in the thinner air is a lot less and the sun is stronger and more gets through even on cloudy days. I find that even here in MN, if the suns out when riding in fall/winter, it feels 10 degrees warmer.

So I find that it feels warmer at altitude at a given temperature.

J.

WhyFi

Most definitely (although, having just gotten back from two hours at ~30-33°, my tolerance for cold weather is a lot less early in the season - today felt more like 20°, which is borderline no fun for me).

Bikewolf

Trial and error, indeed. Personal too. And then there are situations where one is not feeling well and may want to add a layer etc.

JohnJ80

I hear you. Early season riding in cold that in a few months we will consider balmy is tough.

My other passion is alpine skiing. I’m always cold until we have that first -20F day after that, nothing bothers me. I think early winter riding is similar. You’ve got to just force yourself to do it and suddenly it’s no big deal.

San Pedro

For about the same lows as the op mentions, I would at least want thermal tights, thermal jersey with base layer, arm and leg warmers in case that isn't enough, shoe covers, very warm socks, a balaclava, and some warm gloves with maybe some liners under.

I hate being cold, so I probably lean on the warm side, especially since I'm mainly commuting.

PaddleFoot

I am surprised at how much I am enjoying my early season cold rides. I plan on plan on being a bit cold when I start out, then slowly pedal a tall gear as my temps rise. I have zipper vents to use at first, but I find my best way to control temperature is to remove my gloves and I place them under my jacket on my chest (the newspaper trick). My hands stay comfortable as they throw off heat and once they cool, I just repeat the process.

Merino wool is just great stuff and I bought an under-helmet hat and balaclava that help a lot. I usually place something wool under my jersey on my chest. All I really need now is over shoes.

What I find on stops is all will be fine, then bam! I go straight to cold after a certain point. I will most likely ride my touring bike with some warmer over clothes in the panniers for when I stop.

Homebrew01

I tend to over dress. I prefer to unzip or remove a layer if too hot, than wish I wore an extra layer.
Newspaper between chest layers is a good windbreak on cold days.

P.S.....There's a separate winter forum.

JohnJ80

These things from Warm Front can’t be beat. Highly recommend them.

https://www.thewarmfront.com

J.