Cool/Cold Weather Clothing

Cycling Friend Joined: Apr 01, 2009 Posts: 7

Hi Folks,
I am trying to ride more... I would like to get some clothing for the cooler / colder weather mornings. I like to ride in the early morning, but the cold weather keeps me off the bike. I do understand that layers is the way to go, but I really do not know where/what to buy. If you would rather reply off line, send me a direct message to wrliporace at nycap.rr.com

TNX Will

Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2012 9:39 am

Start at the top. You need a helmet liner first thing or some kind of balaclava even. You lose heat through your head first and if that's cold the rest of you will be.

Then, depending on your circulation: booties to go over your bike shoes. These have a hole in them for cleats to fit through, assuming you use cleats. Or, if you are hard core and can afford it, winter specific cycling shoes.

Then, as you say, layers. Keep it breathable too. You can get something that is very warm when you are static but turns into a sweat tent when you are riding. You want to be able to unzip when you are climbing and zip back up for descending. If you get wet with sweat you will freeze up next.

Prices in some catalogs are ridiculous. Shop around a lot: REI, Camphor, some of the web sites, maybe LL Bean if they have a sale but do your comparison shopping. Wool and some synthetics are good but keep breathability and layering in mind.