Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Fifty Plus (50+)
Reload this Page >

Fall prep. for riding

Notices
Fifty Plus (50+) Share the victories, challenges, successes and special concerns of bicyclists 50 and older. Especially useful for those entering or reentering bicycling.

Fall prep. for riding

Old 09-08-20, 06:40 PM
  #1  
cadteach
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 53

Bikes: '87 Trek 560, '88 SR500, '87 Novara Trionfo

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 69 Times in 14 Posts
Fall prep. for riding

Hi All,

New to riding, picked up a 80's steel 12 speed in July, and have about 800 miles in this summer. Would love to keep riding into the fall for a bit, what will I need as far as gear for the cooler weather (in Michigan), I have just a few pair of Bib shorts and short sleeve jerseys, which have been fine for summer. Are there long sleeve jerseys comfortable for riding into the 50's temperature wise? Should I be looking for long pants, are those even a thing? What about keeping my feet warm? I ride with platform pedals and running shoes, I may look at riding shoes this winter but I will be a very hard fit.

Let me know what gear you use, including gloves, if you can.

Thanks.
cadteach is offline  
Old 09-08-20, 08:37 PM
  #2  
big john
Senior Member
 
big john's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 25,032
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8148 Post(s)
Liked 8,800 Times in 4,368 Posts
For temps into the 30s I wear a base layer and a breathable winter jersey and over that I wear a Windstopper vest. Low 30s I might add a heavy jersey and maybe a jacket. I always wear bike shorts but when it's cold I add leg warmers. I have some that are light and some heavy.
Long pants with chamois are available, as are windproof cycling pants. You can wear long johns or tights.
50s or lower I like a wind resistant cap that covers my ears, it's a big help.
Most of the time I wear glove liners under fingerless gloves. If it's really cold I have neoprene/leather gloves or when descending in the snow on the mtb I wear ski gloves.
I like Merino wool socks and neoprene toe covers. I've been in the 20s and used chemical warmers under the toe covers. It works great and I learned it from a BF member.

I choose a lot of stuff based on the fact that I sweat buckets. Even gloves, if they don't breathe they get soaked. It's why I prefer a vest over a jacket most of the time, I can take it off and stash it for a climb.

Last edited by big john; 09-08-20 at 08:43 PM.
big john is offline  
Old 09-08-20, 08:51 PM
  #3  
Random11
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: North Florida
Posts: 509

Bikes: 2019 Specialized Diverge, 2021 Cervelo Caledonia

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 257 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 378 Times in 197 Posts
Take my comments with a grain of salt, because I live in Florida, but winter temps can get down around 40 degrees or even in the 30s sometimes, and while I dress warmly and don't suffer too much, the coldest part of my when I finish a ride in cold weather is my feet. So, think about how you're going to keep those toes warm.
Random11 is offline  
Old 09-08-20, 09:23 PM
  #4  
big john
Senior Member
 
big john's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 25,032
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8148 Post(s)
Liked 8,800 Times in 4,368 Posts
When your feet are cold you're not having fun anymore. For extreme conditions I have Gore Tex socks but they're very sweaty
If the OP is using flat pedals he could use any shoes, even hiking boots.
big john is offline  
Old 09-08-20, 09:40 PM
  #5  
CAT7RDR
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Hacienda Hgts
Posts: 2,075

Bikes: 1999 Schwinn Peloton Ultegra 10, Kestrel RT-1000 Ultegra, Trek Marlin 6 Deore 29'er

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 810 Post(s)
Liked 1,941 Times in 933 Posts
For the 50F's I will wear a L/S thermal jersey with a full zipper or a 180 degree wind jacket. Any more than that and I heat up too much, get wet with sweat, and will get too cold on descents. Of course, humidity, cloud cover and wind chill all are factors to consider.
CAT7RDR is online now  
Old 09-08-20, 10:18 PM
  #6  
caloso
Senior Member
 
caloso's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865

Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur

Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times in 1,417 Posts
Arm warmers, knee warmers, and a wind vest. That will get me down to the low 40s.
caloso is offline  
Old 09-09-20, 05:39 AM
  #7  
Prowler 
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Near Pottstown, PA: 30 miles NW of Philadelphia
Posts: 2,181

Bikes: 2 Trek Mtn, Cannondale R600 road, 6 vintage road bikes

Mentioned: 83 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 469 Post(s)
Liked 1,013 Times in 397 Posts
Originally Posted by big john
When your feet are cold you're not having fun anymore.
OP, big john raises an important point. We're all different and you're unique. You need to find how so. Go make mistakes and adjust over time. Ex: my feet don't get cold. Two fingers get cold but otherwise my hands are fine. My legs generally do fine but my torso gets cold. We're each different. I often think of my winter cycling choices as slowing heat loss vs keeping warm. I can be very comfortable riding at 30degF but rapidly get cold when I stop. So, experiment then adjust.

I have no "cycling kit" but have numerous breathable shirts and pants found at Target, Lidil, Costco, REI and EMS. Pants with wind proof fronts and breathable backs. Wind resistant soft shell jacket. Windproof gloves. All sized so I can layer up then remove if I get too warm. I get great benefit from protecting my neck and carotid arteries. I fit a handlebar bag or trunk to hold layers I shed if needed.

Hard won experience - it's ALWAYS colder when you get started than at the car or in your driveway. You will always be cold for the first 15 minutes. "UGH! I've gotten it wrong. Better go back, too cold." No matter what, do not quit and turn back. After 20 minutes you'll realize that you're fine and it just took some warming up. Enjoy. Maybe if you're still too cold after 40 minutes then rethink it all.
Prowler is online now  
Likes For Prowler:
Old 09-09-20, 06:49 AM
  #8  
pdlamb
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: northern Deep South
Posts: 8,826

Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee

Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2568 Post(s)
Liked 1,889 Times in 1,185 Posts
50s aren't bad, depending on humidity, wind, and sun sometimes I'll just grab a warmer short sleeve jersey. (After you ride long enough, you may accumulate a wide variety of jerseys!) Below that you may want a t-shirt (aka "base layer") under a long sleeve jersey, ear warmer/headband, and knee warmers. Low 40s call for real tights and a jacket. Below that, check out clothing posts in the winter riding forum.
pdlamb is offline  
Old 09-09-20, 07:33 AM
  #9  
scott967
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Oahu, HI
Posts: 1,396

Bikes: 89 Paramount OS 84 Fuji Touring Series III New! 2013 Focus Izalco Ergoride

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 285 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 74 Times in 54 Posts
Don't have to worry about temps now, but years ago when it got cold I liked poly pro gloves, tyvek jacket, and leg warmers.

scott s.
.
scott967 is offline  
Old 09-09-20, 10:23 AM
  #10  
caloso
Senior Member
 
caloso's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865

Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur

Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times in 1,417 Posts
And I've found that my favorite cool weather gloves (50s-freezing) are inexpensive Head gloves from Costco.
caloso is offline  
Old 09-09-20, 05:20 PM
  #11  
cadteach
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 53

Bikes: '87 Trek 560, '88 SR500, '87 Novara Trionfo

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 69 Times in 14 Posts
Originally Posted by Prowler
OP, big john raises an important point. We're all different and you're unique. You need to find how so. Go make mistakes and adjust over time. Ex: my feet don't get cold. Two fingers get cold but otherwise my hands are fine. My legs generally do fine but my torso gets cold. We're each different. I often think of my winter cycling choices as slowing heat loss vs keeping warm. I can be very comfortable riding at 30degF but rapidly get cold when I stop. So, experiment then adjust.

I have no "cycling kit" but have numerous breathable shirts and pants found at Target, Lidil, Costco, REI and EMS. Pants with wind proof fronts and breathable backs. Wind resistant soft shell jacket. Windproof gloves. All sized so I can layer up then remove if I get too warm. I get great benefit from protecting my neck and carotid arteries. I fit a handlebar bag or trunk to hold layers I shed if needed.

Hard won experience - it's ALWAYS colder when you get started than at the car or in your driveway. You will always be cold for the first 15 minutes. "UGH! I've gotten it wrong. Better go back, too cold." No matter what, do not quit and turn back. After 20 minutes you'll realize that you're fine and it just took some warming up. Enjoy. Maybe if you're still too cold after 40 minutes then rethink it all.
Yeah, your right. Like some other things I've learned, it really comes down to trial and error. I do appreciate everyones ideas though. I need to have some idea what and where to start. Like, my feet generally get cold doing other things, so I'll think about how to keep them warm.

My friend told me the same thing about seat height, etc. We got it close, now ride it and see how it feels.
cadteach is offline  
Old 09-09-20, 05:50 PM
  #12  
big john
Senior Member
 
big john's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 25,032
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8148 Post(s)
Liked 8,800 Times in 4,368 Posts
Originally Posted by cadteach
Like, my feet generally get cold doing other things, so I'll think about how to keep them warm.
Make sure your shoes aren't too tight or have any pressure points. If you're on the bike, curl and flex your toes and pull up if you're using any kind of foot retention.
Sometimes I extend my legs and stretch and shake them one at a time. If it gets real bad you can take your shoes off and massage your feet.

Don't forget about hydration. If you get cold dehydration will make it worse. If you're working hard in the cold you still lose hydration through breathing even if you don't seem to be sweating a lot.
big john is offline  
Old 09-10-20, 01:41 PM
  #13  
fietsbob
Banned
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: NW,Oregon Coast
Posts: 43,598

Bikes: 8

Mentioned: 197 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7607 Post(s)
Liked 1,354 Times in 861 Posts
With all the forest fires, Now, I'm looking forward to the onshore gales bringing in heavy rain squalls..
fietsbob is offline  
Old 09-11-20, 10:32 AM
  #14  
Wilbur Bud
Full Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Fishers Indiana
Posts: 454

Bikes: Longbikes Slipstream

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 46 Post(s)
Liked 38 Times in 31 Posts
After each ride, think about temperature and wind and what you were wearing and consider something like this:

__________________
Longbikes Slipstream
Wilbur Bud is offline  
Old 09-11-20, 04:33 PM
  #15  
caloso
Senior Member
 
caloso's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865

Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur

Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times in 1,417 Posts
I was noticing that this rider doesn't cover his knees until 45F. I'm old school: once it gets below 65, I'm wearing kneewarmers.
caloso is offline  
Old 09-11-20, 05:16 PM
  #16  
big john
Senior Member
 
big john's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 25,032
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8148 Post(s)
Liked 8,800 Times in 4,368 Posts
Originally Posted by caloso
I was noticing that this rider doesn't cover his knees until 45F. I'm old school: once it gets below 65, I'm wearing kneewarmers.
Yeah, I like to cover them when it gets into the 50s. It helps with my overall warmth and even helps keep my feet warm.
big john is offline  
Old 09-11-20, 06:49 PM
  #17  
Flip Flop Rider
Senior Member
 
Flip Flop Rider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: South Carolina Upstate
Posts: 2,102

Bikes: 2010 Fuji Absolute 3.0 1994 Trek 850

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 761 Post(s)
Liked 553 Times in 320 Posts
like others have said, wool socks and hiking boots work great

in that Michigan cold, I'd layer up all over (feet, torso, head) and hit it, then adjust accordingly
Flip Flop Rider is offline  
Old 09-11-20, 06:55 PM
  #18  
PaulH
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 3,710
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 118 Post(s)
Liked 88 Times in 61 Posts

Clothing for the non -sporty people who ride for transportation
PaulH is offline  
Old 09-12-20, 05:09 PM
  #19  
Wilbur Bud
Full Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Fishers Indiana
Posts: 454

Bikes: Longbikes Slipstream

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 46 Post(s)
Liked 38 Times in 31 Posts
Originally Posted by HD3andMe
No shoe option? None?
Nope. Sandals forever (with socks of course), and then I switch from eggbeaters to pinned platforms and winter boots when the studded tires go on. I like the sandals as things get colder due to being able to open up the straps to accommodate the thicker socks. If I add in loose booties the sandals are good down to quite chilly temperatures, I just prefer the boots once the studs are on.
__________________
Longbikes Slipstream
Wilbur Bud is offline  
Old 09-13-20, 08:32 AM
  #20  
Wilbur Bud
Full Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Fishers Indiana
Posts: 454

Bikes: Longbikes Slipstream

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 46 Post(s)
Liked 38 Times in 31 Posts
Originally Posted by HD3andMe
That's hilarious. Then I saw that you're on a recumbent. Which explains so much.
I know, right? Not only an early adopter of a better design, but capable of selecting a single footwear that works comfortable across a 100 degree range, but able to memorialize the learning that occurs over the 50,000+ miles biked so far and increase the efficiency of clothing selection in a way that speeds me on the commute, compared to the fumbling-in-the-dark old-school approach of a Myers-Briggs perceiver type making a new synthesis and choice each time, before climbing up onto the post of the antique to hunch up onto that tender spot for the duration. I never thought of it like that before, but thank-you for the compliment.
__________________
Longbikes Slipstream
Wilbur Bud is offline  
Old 09-13-20, 06:49 PM
  #21  
philbob57
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Chicago North Shore
Posts: 2,330

Bikes: frankenbike based on MKM frame

Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 714 Post(s)
Liked 602 Times in 371 Posts
How do you get knee warmers to stay in place?
philbob57 is offline  
Old 09-13-20, 07:38 PM
  #22  
big john
Senior Member
 
big john's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 25,032
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8148 Post(s)
Liked 8,800 Times in 4,368 Posts
Originally Posted by philbob57
How do you get knee warmers to stay in place?
You have to find the right combination of warmers and shorts/bibs. I use full length leg warmers and some of them will not stay up. I have some with sticky rubber on the outside and they work.
big john is offline  
Likes For big john:
Old 09-13-20, 09:31 PM
  #23  
caloso
Senior Member
 
caloso's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865

Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur

Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times in 1,417 Posts
I've had good luck with Castelli and LG leg warmers. It helps if they have silicone grippers on both the inside and outside so they grip your leg and the inside of the shorts. And I've had some (ChampSys and Nashbar) which were absolute crap and never stayed up.
caloso is offline  
Old 09-15-20, 07:21 AM
  #24  
footloose
Junior Member
 
footloose's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: SW Ontario, Canada
Posts: 24

Bikes: Trek FX7.6, Trek Marlin 7, Giant WS Avail 1,Trek 4900 MTB

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
When it gets below 55*, I wear technical (breathable) athletic pants over my bike shorts. I have a couple different thicknesses of pants, depending on temperature and whether there is dampness involved. For actual winter conditions (30-40*) I have flocked lined, shell pants over the chamois shorts. You can get neoprene toe covers for your shoes that will keep your feet much warmer. There are also neoprene covers for the whole shoe for winter. A breathable base layer shirt, then a lightweight long sleeve jersey with zippered front and then a jacke with venting and pit zips. I have a heavier goretex jacket for winter, also with long pit zips. Venting body heat and moisture is very important in cold conditions too! A couple different weights of gloves. A helmet liner...one just covers my ears, the other my whole head. As someone already noted, start your ride just a bit chilly. yOu will warm up and be unzipping vents within 20 minutes.
footloose is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.