Newbie here - Winter Riding

[bikerchic]

:)

Just started riding ~ 5 months ago so only accustomed to riding in hot weather - easy - shorts, t-shirts, sports bras etc but now we're in colder (and sometimes rainy) weather. Don't have any appropriate winter clothing for riding (yesterday was out at WC in sweats, hm...don't think that'll really work)...what do y'all recommend and where can I find the best deals?

thanks!
cyn

[Wumpus]

Wool is the best. -->Woolywarm (http://www.woolywarm.com/)

Just got a jersey from them will let you know how I like it.

Get a good pair of tights--> Pearl Izumi, Hind, etc. Smooth lycra tights aren't very warm, you want something like drylete, thermafleece etc. Pearl Izumi stuff is a little overpriced.

I use smartwool trail running socks when it really gets cold(30's and 40's). They are thicker than the bike socks. Seemed to work pretty well, and I get frozen feet fast. Nothing short of winter cycling shoes will keep your feet from freezing.

You can also get shoe covers.


For cool days arm warmers and knee warmers added to regular bike shorts and a short sleeve jersey work well.


Get a good thin earwarmer, too. Full beanies can be a little warm until it gets to the 30's.

Winter gear is expensive. Don't scimp on it. It will make your ride miserable.

[DirtFace]

Now that it's actually a little colder you might have to pay a little more for the gear, but WELL worth it. You can pay what you want, but I'll list what I have and what I paid.

Neck gaiter to cover your head, ears, neck and part of your face: I got mine for $2 at Walmart on clearance in the hunting department. It's very thin and fits easily under my helmet.

Good windproof gloves that are lined with neoprene: Got mine 60% off at REI for $15, they look more like a thin ski glove but are made for biking.

Tights: 2 pair, one Nike ($40) and one REI ($20 half off). I use the REI one more because they zip up the backs of the legs. I have seen tights up to $100, not necessary. You can wear a pair of bike shorts over your tights for the padding.

Jersey: a close fitted running jersey works fine. You can add a vest or thin jacket over it for pockets. My favorite is a Hind (running) that I paid $20 at TJMaxx, regulary $60, also have a Sugoi I bought on clearance at REI for $20.

Arm warmers: great for racing, they can be peeled off at the last minute

Feet covers: A MUST HAVE IF YOU RIDE WHEN IT'S 30 DEGREES. Last winter I would have paid $100 for them when I froze my ass off at Walnut Creek. But I have a pair of waterproof liners (Pearl Izumi) I got for $10 at Sun & SKi, they were regularly $40.

Jackets: I have a couple tight fitting jersey-like sweatshirts that are awesome, Hind brand.

Rain jacket: got mine on clearance for $15 at sun & ski

I think I covered the necessities. Your stuff has to fit correctly or you will freeze. Nothing flapping around or any skin showing. My dearest possessions are my gloves, gaiter and feet liners.

[chief]

http://web.dailycamera.com/extra/getout/win01/winter_clothes.jpg

[bikerchic]

Thank you Wumpus, Dirtface and Chief for your help! :) Very helpful info. I kind of figured the clothing would be a bit pricey, but good quality stuff is not cheap. Looks like you got some really good deals Dirtface. Wumpus, please let me know how that jersey works out for you. Thanx for the website. Time to go shopping!!! :)

[martita]

Just be sure that you don't waste any money on cotton. Dirtface has certainly covered all the bases. I am glad to hear I am not the only one who considers the neck warmer imperative. I noticed REI has some for $18. The bike balaclavas are good too, but not very attractive. I have picked up some great buys at TJMaxx and Ross. Moisture-shedding clothing has a "not cotton" look to it that I have come to recognize. I also read labels and look for "no fabric softener" and poly-something or other synthetic fabrics. Wick-away works by letting moisture move away from the body through the weave of the fabric. If you use softener, it will clog the openings which are supposed to allow the wetness to escape. Then it is also helpful to have vents underarms or on the back to allow the sweat or rain to escape. Don't hesitate to look in the men's or boys' departments for good buys. Good luck.
Marty

[Wumpus]

Winter riding tips:

Dress so that you are a little cold when you start. You will warm up 5-10minutes into the ride. Overdressing makes you sweat and then you get cold because you are wet.

Don't stop for breaks unless neccessary. Once you get sweaty you will have a hard time warming back up if you stop.

Don't forget to drink. Dehydration affects your temperature regulation.

[loco]

The hottest I ever got riding was last spring at Warda and it was freezing. I wore a neck gaiter and nearly died of heat stroke. I do wear it when I just ride. (must find it now) I bought it at Academy and it doubles as a hat with a drawstring. I wear ear gaiters when it is cold. I usually just wear dry fit tees under my jersey. I wear arm warmers mostly, but when it is very cold I have some LS jerseys. Really cold dictates arm warmers and LS jersey. I have a jacket that is wind/waterproof and the sleeves zip off. Very handy. I just wear running tights mostly, but cycling tights (have some cdale) don't try to run off from your ass like my nike tights do. It is fortunate that you are a girl, because it is a little more embarrassing for guys to say they wear tights. If you frequent WC, you should look at some good neoprene booties. That creek water stays funky in the summer and freezing in the winter.

I'm done. Happy shopping. (academy has dry fit ss and sleeveless tees for $4.88 right now - I bought several on Friday)

[CycleMainiaC]

the best thing I bought last year was a pair of sagoi neoprene socks. yes socks. very thin and fit under your shoes. wind proof and water proof. I wear thin wool socks under the neoprene socks. Best thing in years I've bought, REI $30.

Smart wool socks RULE!!!!

Shebeest Knickers RULE!!! $80 most places but well worth it. Below the knee fit, goof for most of our 45 degrgee and above weather. my general rule is under 65 degrees, cover the knees.

wicking under shirts are a must.

Experiment. It takes a while to learn how to dress for the weather. Plan on dressing for 30 minutes after your start. Usually in the mornings its cool but warms up fast if sunny. If the wind is from the south, it usually warm, from the north it's gonna stay cool.

I often use a cheap pair of knit gloves over my cycling gloves. I learned that usually my hands warm up and get too hot with winter gloves except for the coldest days.

I like the PI head band with the wider part to cover my ears.

[bikerchic]

Thank you all again!

martita "Just be sure that you don't waste any money on cotton."

yeah, I'm keeping away from all cotton. I bought a pretty good shirt at REI (cost me ~$30)...100% polyester, nice :)

loco-gringos "I have a jacket that is wind/waterproof and the sleeves zip off."

I'm still shopping for one of those :)

CycleMainiaC "the best thing I bought last year was a pair of sagoi neoprene socks. yes socks. very thin and fit under your shoes. wind proof and water proof. I wear thin wool socks under the neoprene socks. Best thing in years I've bought, REI $30."

those sound real nice, wind proof and water proof?!

[Wumpus]

http://rsn.altrec.com/shop/detail/3501/0

http://mirror.altrec.com/images/shop/photos/NRS/3501_l.jpg

[Wumpus]

Originally posted by Wumpus
Wool is the best. -->Woolywarm (http://www.woolywarm.com/)

Just got a jersey from them will let you know how I like it.

four rides and a run.

Long sleeve---
Run 50F and damp
Ride high 40's and windy--surprisingly warm enough
Ride mid 50's to 60F and sunshine--the jersey felt warm and dry compared to the cold wet feeling of my lycra shorts.

Short sleeve---
high 60's and humid(enough to fog the glasses)
70F and windy night ride--Loco was riding in sleeveless jersey, but I never felt hot.

They seem to work really well. The times I thought I would be too warm they really felt nice. Even when they got sweaty and I would hit a cold pocket they didn't feel as cold as a regular summer type jersey would. They wick the moisture well.

Wool is also not suppose to stink as much as synthetics after a workout.

[bikerchic]

Originally posted by Wumpus
four rides and a run.

Long sleeve---
Run 50F and damp
Ride high 40's and windy--surprisingly warm enough
Ride mid 50's to 60F and sunshine--the jersey felt warm and dry compared to the cold wet feeling of my lycra shorts.

Short sleeve---
high 60's and humid(enough to fog the glasses)
70F and windy night ride--Loco was riding in sleeveless jersey, but I never felt hot.

They seem to work really well. The times I thought I would be too warm they really felt nice. Even when they got sweaty and I would hit a cold pocket they didn't feel as cold as a regular summer type jersey would. They wick the moisture well.

Wool is also not suppose to stink as much as synthetics after a workout.


thanx for the website (socks). sounds like the jerseys worked really well :) may have to get me one of those :)

[stacey]

I found this link and thought it might help you make your cold weather shopping list.
HERE (http://www.trailwatch.net/dressing.html)
Lots of the info has been said here already, but it's hard to have too much information.

[bikerchic]

Originally posted by smiley
I found this link and thought it might help you make your cold weather shopping list.
HERE (http://www.trailwatch.net/dressing.html)
Lots of the info has been said here already, but it's hard to have too much information.

thanks! great website :)