Bikewolf

Commuting in winter.
Do you always get it 100% right in terms of layering, clothing (whatever stuff you wear, whatever budget)? Maybe you don’t care, or maybe you look at it as a fun challenge every year ...
Any fails you want to share? Or lessons?

I myself am getting better at this little game. But, now and then I do get it wrong still, e.g. dressing a tad too warm.

Love the Batman technique: unzipping your jacket and let it float, flutter in the air.

_ForceD_

I’ve found that sometimes clothing articles specifically designed for cycling (cold or warm temps) don’t perform well at all in the conditions they’re designed for. And, that articles NOT specifically designed for cycling...sometimes not intended for cycling at all...perform perfectly for cycling.

Edited to add a few examples:
I’ve always felt that mittens work better than gloves. But it seems mittens are taboo for cycling. Years ago I got a pair of Pearl Izumi “lobster gloves.” They’re better than gloves IMO. But still in temps below 35°F my fingers would still get cold in about an hour. Finally a couple years ago I picked up a pair of long cuff windproof mittens for $10 at the local close out store. They are so much better. I can ride 2-3 hours in temps in the 20sF, and I have no issues with controlling the brakes and shifters.

I’ve had brand name cycling winter pants. Have liked how they fit. But I’ve found that my wife’s old yoga pants work great! When they get too stretched out and fit her too loosely...they fit me just fine and keep my lowers nice and warm.

Best cold weather (below freezing) jacket is one I had left over from back when I would ski occasionally. I just throw a long sleeve cycling jersey over it and I’m good.

Dan

hsuBM

I’m mostly set for every 5F range from 105F to -10F except the boots. Getting by with Press & Seal on oversize shoes on the wet and/or below 25F days.

One great bit is this Bontrager convertible shell. Useless with the sleeves on when it’s above 30F unless I’m taking a snail’s pace.

Every now and then I try to layer up my wool collection to see how cold I can go without using that stupid Bont. A few weeks back it dipped down to 15 and I wore 1) PI AmFib Escape bibs 2) Craft windproof overpants 3) thin Specialized merino jersey 4) Icebreaker heavy merino base 5) Surly medium merino jacket 6) Woolrich heavy wool jacke 7) other stuff

Seven miles in, while I could still feel the icy air flowing through, I was basting. Drenched in sweat. Ready to pull over and take a nap. Gloves off, gaiter off, hat off, goggles off. Woolrich fully Batman’d, The other three unzipped halfway down my chest. “Ugh, and I gotta wear all this back home, too?!”

Bikewolf

That’s how we all learn ;-)

Insulation layer is key. That’s the layer you have to figure out, play with. It’s amazing how much one thin wool layer can do, yes!

Layering is smart, removing layers that’s something else.
A lightweight vest / body warmer may be useful: full zip = easy to vent; no sleeves = no bulk and (!) easier to remove --> wear it on top or underneath your shell jacket.
Often you don’t need much. But do take special care of your extremities.

volvostephen

I started cycling a lot this winter and I think I am getting it down pretty good. I am a bit unsure at when I need a balaclava and goggles vs a skull cap, neck gaiter and yellow tint sunglasses. I tend to error on not using a balaclava cause I hate it but it does work a lot better. I usually just have a spring windproof jacket, fleece layer and then either a t-shirt or a long sleeve insulated shirt. I then wear hiking pants and sometimes long underwear. All works pretty good to about 10F. I find feet and hands always still get cold. I just bought a massive pair of boots to cycle in that are one size larger. This with toe warmers and wool socks seems to have done the trick. I use mitten liners and over mitts. I always end up still pulling my thumb into a fist to try to warm things up. My core is never an issue - always warm and I don't feel a lot of cold in my legs. My head at the start of the ride is cold but that always gets better mid ride.

I am kind of worried that as temps go higher though I will cook myself..... Or not hit the right temp to drop the ridiculous sized boots. Boots just slide on - so easy. Cycling shoe covers with multiple socks is a pain. So long to get ready.

epnnf

It depneds on the temperature, wind, sun, etc, but you have to be flexible. Hands are easy- I frequently take 3 or even 4 pair of gloves- liner(s), insulated, shell. Feet- I stop, take shoes off & let shoes/socks dry midride (my feet sweat, making socks damp). Upper body- finally there is apparel that is windproof in the front only. Full length zippers in winter, for outer lalyer, is a must.

John Nolan 

My Achilles heel (so to speak) is my hands...I have electric hand warmers which I only need below -20°C, but I don't always have them charged.

Inusuit

I usually overdress and end up sweaty. I understand layering from many years of outdoor work and recreation but can't seem to make the transition to biking. I always carry extra stuff - buff, merino stocking cap, windbreaker jacket and vest, glove liners, chemical hand warmers. So far haven't rode below 20F and have never used any of that extra stuff. But have stopped and removed layers. Much depends on the wind where I live.

noglider 

In recent years, I've learned to keep the layers thin and to take notes on what works, documenting the conditions and how I felt. Another trick is that I should feel slightly cold when I set out because cycling will add heat. Another tip I learned this year is that being willing to peel and apply layers in the middle of the ride makes a huge difference. It's annoying to stop but my new willingness to do it pays off. So knowing that I might miscalculate when I'll need, I bring extra layers. An extra hat, gloves, and gaiter don't take up much space and can make a lot of difference in comfort. It's no big deal if I don't end up using them. Sometimes I'll bring an extra sweater or windbreaker.

A winter coat on the bike does not work for me unless I'm going a short distance and riding slowly. It will make me too hot. So I have to look as if I'm underdressed. Thin layers are the trick.

And merino wool as my base layer is comfortable and allows for lots of miscalculation because it doesn't easily get too hot or cold. Plus it doesn't need frequent washing. A t-shirt can cost $60 but is worth every penny when you see how much use you can get out of it. I only have to wash it every week or two of daily use.

Inusuit

noglider, I agree with everything you say. I have merino tee shirt, hoodie, stocking cap, gaiter, and bandanna. All thin and layered. I should know from hiking and working that it's best to start out cold as activity will warm one up quickly. Another thing I like about merino is that it still retains some heat even when damp from sweat. Yes, it's worth what it costs.