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Colder Weather Kit
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I thought I would be doing more riding on the trainer with the colder weather approaching, but I really want to go outside and ride on the weekends :-/ Problem is I have no kit. I did purchase this cheap asian sized garbage a couple years ago, but its almost to embarrassing to wear and the chamois is placed in such a way that it protects nothing it was intended for.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a decent kit that isn't outrageously priced? I pretty much need the full gamut in terms of pieces, but I'm not sure where to look or brand specifics.

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Re: Colder Weather Kit [AlyraD] [ In reply to ]
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I like Wiggles DHB Flashlight gear. Warm, comfortable and highly visible.
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Re: Colder Weather Kit [AlyraD] [ In reply to ]
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How cold are we talking?
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Re: Colder Weather Kit [Karl.n] [ In reply to ]
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nothing particularly crazy. I'm in NC so I am envisioning riding mainly in the 40s with irregular forays in the 30s.

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Re: Colder Weather Kit [AlyraD] [ In reply to ]
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Aren't you in Raleigh too?

Make Inside Out Sports your next online tri shop! http://www.insideoutsports.com/
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Re: Colder Weather Kit [AlyraD] [ In reply to ]
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Wiggle's dhb Aeron range is superb quality for a very decent price. The Aeron long-sleeve jersey is my go-to garment in the winter, with nice big pockets for vests and warmers.

ZONE3 - We Last Longer
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Re: Colder Weather Kit [BryanD] [ In reply to ]
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I am. So yeah, pretty mild winters, but it always seems cold when I decide to go out and run or ride :)

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Re: Colder Weather Kit [tessar] [ In reply to ]
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Thanks tessar, dhb's prices do look pretty decent.

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Re: Colder Weather Kit [AlyraD] [ In reply to ]
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If you don't have a wind stopper under layer, get one. Several companies make them but here is one from Craft https://shop.craftsports.us/...s-crewneck-ls-m.html Even if you are wearing a wind proof top layer, this will stop any little drafts that get through the zipper etc.

A good wind vest is another must have item. Keep the wind off you chest and you'll be warm pretty much whatever you wear until it gets below 45.

Another great piece of kit for cool, but not fridged weather is a pair of isolated bibs. These plus warmers are good down into the low 40's. https://www.backcountry.com/...bGxpIGJpYnMgc2hvcnRz

As for a general brand recommendation, I've had good luck over the years with Pearl Izumi bib tights and I've been using the same insulated Peal Izumi winter jacket/jersey for 10 years. There are other great brands but Pearl Izumi is fairly cheap and easy to find.
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Re: Colder Weather Kit [AlyraD] [ In reply to ]
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I've picked up some Specialized gloves, merino wool liners, wind blocking hat, and neck gaiter. I'm still waiting on Roka to release their 2018 winter line so I can get a jacket. Inside Out Sports can order you whatever you are looking for. Castelli makes great stuff too.

Hopefully the winter here will be like last year where I was riding in February in my summer kit.

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Last edited by: BryanD: Nov 14, 17 6:57
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Re: Colder Weather Kit [AlyraD] [ In reply to ]
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I swear by SealSkinz. Coat, Tights,socks and gloves. Depending on temp I will wear a thermal layer underneath. Like, if it's sub 40 degrees then for sure a thermal under the coat.
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Re: Colder Weather Kit [STP] [ In reply to ]
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Layers....Layers....Layers.

Agree with these items (I have the Craft).

If you don't have a wind stopper under layer, get one. Several companies make them but here is one from Craft https://shop.craftsports.us/...s-crewneck-ls-m.html Even if you are wearing a wind proof top layer, this will stop any little drafts that get through the zipper etc. A good wind vest is another must have item. Keep the wind off you chest and you'll be warm pretty much whatever you wear until it gets below 45.

Down to 40 you really don't need to get into any "CRAZY" gear.
- Ultra thin wicking tee
- A good thin base layer like the craft noted above with or without the wind stopper layer (under 40 I would say get the wind stopper layer).
- A good winter Jersey (I like Louis Garneau, but all brands will have some good choices).
- Vest - I like a bit of a thicker vest (not just a ultra thin wind vest). I have a few CAPO vest that are excellent.
....and if you want to fill out the gear.......a nice winter jacket (can NEVER go wrong with a Gore jacket).

mix and match the above to suit your needs and pleasure. The jacket is borderline needed....at 40 degrees I can wear a thin base layer and the jacket only and be on the hot side so I save the jacket for under 40 degrees.

Gloves and foot gear.....again I like windtex material (or what ever the modern day name it is now being called).
@ 40 degrees I'll wear a Gore thin base layer glove under a thin pair of Windtex gloves and that works for me. Same on the feet. I'm not a fan of neoprene booties so I will wear 1 or 2 layers of a windtex booties with wool socks and am good to go.

.....of and a nice hat - always!





STP wrote:
If you don't have a wind stopper under layer, get one. Several companies make them but here is one from Craft https://shop.craftsports.us/...s-crewneck-ls-m.html Even if you are wearing a wind proof top layer, this will stop any little drafts that get through the zipper etc.

A good wind vest is another must have item. Keep the wind off you chest and you'll be warm pretty much whatever you wear until it gets below 45.

Another great piece of kit for cool, but not fridged weather is a pair of isolated bibs. These plus warmers are good down into the low 40's. https://www.backcountry.com/...bGxpIGJpYnMgc2hvcnRz

As for a general brand recommendation, I've had good luck over the years with Pearl Izumi bib tights and I've been using the same insulated Peal Izumi winter jacket/jersey for 10 years. There are other great brands but Pearl Izumi is fairly cheap and easy to find.
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Re: Colder Weather Kit [AlyraD] [ In reply to ]
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Like STO said, Pearl Kit is hard to beat. Not terribly expensive and built to last. I have tights 10+ year old.

Craft is another go to for base layers that will last forever.

The only addition I would make is that I have been going more and more to Wool as an intermediate layer.
Smartwool is a great mid layer option, and if you go to 'The Climb' they have it on sale frequently.

db

edit to add: I think Pearl has a sale right now as well.
Last edited by: Dbeitel: Nov 14, 17 12:25
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Re: Colder Weather Kit [AlyraD] [ In reply to ]
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That's midrange weather ;)

___________________________________________
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2020 National Masters Champion - M40-44 - 400m IM
Canadian Record Holder 35-39M & 40-44M - 200 m Butterfly (LCM)
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Re: Colder Weather Kit [AlyraD] [ In reply to ]
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for rubs at that temp a mid weight tight, baselayer long sleeve shirt and a vest should get you going... I don't run with gloves unless it's 3C or less and even then they come off if my hands heat up... head band for ears from about +1 to -3 C ... torque for colder, neck warmer below -8.


Wiggle is solid and DHB has to be some of the best private label kit.

___________________________________________
http://en.wikipedia.org/...eoesophageal_fistula
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebral_palsy
2020 National Masters Champion - M40-44 - 400m IM
Canadian Record Holder 35-39M & 40-44M - 200 m Butterfly (LCM)
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Re: Colder Weather Kit [AlyraD] [ In reply to ]
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Go to REI up there, can always find a deal especially this time of year. Get some good layers and a Castelli Gabba Jacket if you can find one.
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Re: Colder Weather Kit [realAB] [ In reply to ]
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realAB wrote:
That's midrange weather ;)

Agreed; i'd burn up wearing all these suggested items in the 40's.

my personal preference for that temperature range:
thin cap under helmet that covers my ears
long sleeve layer worn under jersey
maybe tights over bibs
windproof gloves and shoe covers
carry a windproof vest or thin jacket, and some arm warmers in the back pocket just in case

Nothing but the gloves and shoe covers are windproof (and the bailout vest in case the temp drops or I have a mechanical), as that will allow sweat to evaporate.
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Re: Colder Weather Kit [wbattaile] [ In reply to ]
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Dumb question time: you mention a long-sleeved base layer under your jersey. That a long-sleeved jersey then?

What about Gore Windstopper arm warmers?

Excellent question by OP. I am in same situation. I have only summer stuff..

wbattaile wrote:
realAB wrote:
That's midrange weather ;)


Agreed; i'd burn up wearing all these suggested items in the 40's.

my personal preference for that temperature range:
thin cap under helmet that covers my ears
long sleeve layer worn under jersey
maybe tights over bibs
windproof gloves and shoe covers
carry a windproof vest or thin jacket, and some arm warmers in the back pocket just in case

Nothing but the gloves and shoe covers are windproof (and the bailout vest in case the temp drops or I have a mechanical), as that will allow sweat to evaporate.
Last edited by: lightning33: Nov 14, 17 15:01
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Re: Colder Weather Kit [lightning33] [ In reply to ]
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Just a fitted top under a summer jersey. I have a couple of varying thicknesses that I'll switch out depending on the temperature. Any insulated arm warmers will be good; count on added warmth from wind stopper material but be cautious of getting sweaty wearing windstopper or gore tex.
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Re: Colder Weather Kit [wbattaile] [ In reply to ]
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So you can out warmers over a long-sleeved jersey?

I have heard of dressing, for a run, for 20 degrees warmer than it is. Is there a similar rule for the bike?

wbattaile wrote:
Just a fitted top under a summer jersey. I have a couple of varying thicknesses that I'll switch out depending on the temperature. Any insulated arm warmers will be good; count on added warmth from wind stopper material but be cautious of getting sweaty wearing windstopper or gore tex.
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Re: Colder Weather Kit [lightning33] [ In reply to ]
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Yes you can, if it's a fitted shirt. Think compression, Lycra/spandex, etc. I usually carry them plus a wind proof vest just for backup in cold weather.

Everyone's different but I'd say the way I dress while riding in cold weather I'd be comfortable standing around in weather 25-30 degrees warmer
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Re: Colder Weather Kit [AlyraD] [ In reply to ]
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Some of the best money I've spent on cycling kit is insulated shoes. If you are prone to cold feet, consider picking up a pair of those.

They are way warmer than booties, but I like it even better that they are less fiddly...

" I take my gear out of my car and put my bike together. Tourists and locals are watching from sidewalk cafes. Non-racers. The emptiness of of their lives shocks me. "
(opening lines from Tim Krabbe's The Rider , 1978
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Re: Colder Weather Kit [AlyraD] [ In reply to ]
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AlyraD wrote:
nothing particularly crazy. I'm in NC so I am envisioning riding mainly in the 40s with irregular forays in the 30s.

That’s easy then. Step one is getting arm and leg warmers for fall rides, down into the 50s.

Then you’ll want to get a decent long sleeve jersey. It doesn’t need to be windproof or anything, just be warm and fit well.

You’ll also want some base layers. Again, nothing fancy is necessary. I like the long sleeve mock turtlenecks that Champion sells at Target. I’ve got some nice Castelli stuff too, but I’m not sure it’s worth the price difference.

You’ll need some tights as it gets cooler. I like to buy them without a chamois because you can wear them a couple times between washes with fresh shorts underneath and it doesn’t change comfort to much.

You’ll need a good skullcap, but those are easy. Shoe covers are also easy, just get ones that are windproof. Get nice warm wool socks. Specialized and defeet make great winter socks.

Gloves are tricky. For some reason there isn’t a direct correlation btw price and warmth. I like Pearl Izumi lobsters or Planet Bike Aquilo with a liner.

As it gets into the 30s, you need a good wind breaker. Something windproof and packable is a must, but it doesn’t need to be insulated bc you’ve got the base layer and jersey. Nicer jackets are great but you can stay warm without them.

Other than that, make sure your ankles and wrists aren’t exposed as it gets colder. If you cool off your wrists it makes it harder to keep your fingers warm.
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Re: Colder Weather Kit [Karl.n] [ In reply to ]
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Thanks for all of the suggestions! There is a lot of gear and its good to know what actually works and is comfortable instead of winging it on something cheap like I did before.

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https://membership.usatriathlon.org/...A2-BAD7-6137B629D9B7
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Re: Colder Weather Kit [AlyraD] [ In reply to ]
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What do you guys think of Under Armour Cold Gear? I wear the pants and shirt as a base layer under my bibs and jersey.

It keeps me warm but irritates behind my knees. Not sure if it is just me or if this was a bad idea altogether.

Note: this is my 1st winter riding a bike.
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