Help w/ cold weather riding gear(...things were falling off today....!)

Triathlon Forum
1

I went for my first winter ride today…40miles @ 30-35 degrees(colder in the shade). I was FREEZING!! I am definitely not dressing appropriately and need some recommendations for clothing.

I need:

Gloves, full-finger
Booty covers for shoes
Cycling jacket w/ windblock layer and high collar
Something for my face…brrrrrrr

I was wearing PI bib shorts and had arm/leg warmers, so that wasn’t too bad. The worst were my TOES! It took 30mins in the hot shower before I could feel them.

I’d love to hear suggestions of specific items of clothing and manufacturers that you folks think make good product.

Thanks,
HC

2

I’ve always had good success with Endura stuff. Not sure if it’s available in your area - you may want to check their website for dealers.

3

Someone makes winter riding boots for clipless…i’ll see if i can dig up the name for you…later, Dean
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4

Also, as it’s gets below freezing I’ve used thsoe little hand/toe warmer packets - however, you have to be careful you’re cycling shoes don’t get too tight, as you’ll restrict bloodflow and defeat the purpose of the packets. I lile to insert them so then cover the toes - also provdies an extra layer against the wind. You

5

I’ve used the shoe covers and then double up on the socks (both thin layers) and that has worked for me. I’m notoriously cold in both the hands and feet when the temps drop into the 40s and below. What kind of shoe covers were you using?

6

I’ve used the shoe covers and then double up on the socks (both thin layers) and that has worked for me. I’m notoriously cold in both the hands and feet when the temps drop into the 40s and below. What kind of shoe covers were you using?

I didn’t have shoe covers!!! That was the problem. I know…duh, doc…, but I have yet to get serious about winter riding.
HC

7

I think I’d turn my Endless Pool into and Endless Hot Tub…

8

what do you want for shared usage of this endless hot tub you speak of!?

9

I only wish my winter commute was that warm. 30-35 is balmy. Here’s a list of what I use…

  1. Feet:

Cool (0 - 5C): Wool socks (by defeet - wooly boolies or someting like that.

Cooler (-5 to 0C): Lycra wind covers over above

Cooler Still (-10 to -5): Add QR toe booties to above (under the lycra wind cover)

Cold: (-15 to -10): Full blown neoprene booties (pearl izumi) + wool socks

Frickin Cold (below -15C): Ski boots. Nothing actually seems to work.

Bad Cold (below -20C): Car

  1. Legs:

Louis Garneau Thermal tights (below 0C)

Big baggy wind pants if it’s below -10 - 15C

  1. Upper Body:

Patagonia Capilene base layer, different thickness for different temps (expedition weight for the crazy stuff)

Patagonia or Gore Windstopper Fleece Vest

Goretex cycling jacket (Sierra Designs, but sugoi looks pretty sharp).

  1. Face:

Polypro full face balaclava.

Windproof (lycra lined) toque over top

Big Helmet with tape over the vents.

For some reason, wearing glasses make my face colder

  1. Fingers:

Cool: XC ski gloves (Sinsalo thermo)

Cold: Fleece liners with Goretex Glove Shells (black diamond equipment)

Bad Cold: Patagonia Smoke DH gloves.

10

To keep my toes warm in the winter I will put on toe covers, a wool DeFeet sock on top of that, and then booties. I usually only do that if it’s below 30 F. Anything above 30F usually just the toe cover and sock is ok. For the sock just cut out part of the bottom where your cleat clips into the pedal.

I seem to tolerate cold weather well, but I don’t know if I would wear a wind proof winter jacket if it is 30F. I would get too hot. I would wear a DeFeet undershirt, fleece arm warmers, two jerseys, and one long sleeve jersey. I do have a wind proof jacket, but usually only wear it if it is below 10-15F. I seem to get too hot if I wear it anything below that.

I can get by wearing fleece leg warmers with anything above 15 F. I usually wear tights for anything below that.

The coldest I’ve ever ridden was 5F with the wind chill and I got by ok without a face mask or anything. Your face does feel like it is going to freeze, but I made it through ok. I did wear a winter cycling hat plus an oakley winter hat to keep my head warm.

Since it is still early in the winter I try to get by with less clothing than I would normally wear so I can get used to the cold because it prepares me for January and February which seem to be the coldest months. I’ve also found that when it is 35-40 degrees out and raining you are pretty much screwed no matter what you wear. Plus all the temps I suggested are with the wind chill.

11

~40F
Pearl Izumi neoprene booties (without socks)
Hind legwarmers
shorts
Patagonia capilene tights over this (not under, don’t like the seams)
Pearl Izumi thermafleece arm warmers
long sleeve technical shirt (UnderArmour or $14 Target shirt)
cycling jersey (for the pockets)
Marmot Oracle Precip jacket (wind/water proof, breatheable, retractable hood)
Pearl Izumi balaclava
helmet
$1 stretchy gloves from Target (one size fits all, not sure what they’re called)
cycling gloves over those
sunglasses (wind stings my eyes)
.

13

Helmet cover! Of course. I knew my dorkfactor was just a little too low with me decked out in so much spandex. What’s a good brand of helmet cover? I guess I could just use a shower cap, but then I’d get the wind rattle.

15

HC- there are some good suggestions here, I use a lightweight Polartec scarf to tie around my face and neck to keep my face warm. I found that those balaclava thingies just got wet from my breath and if you use a scarf you can take it off with one hand while riding and stuff it in your pocket if you get hot. I am going to start selling them on my web site next week, but I would make you one for free if you’re interested.

Send me a PM with your address and I’ll ship it on Monday.

Also… I make Polartec Powerdry skull caps that easily fit under a helmet, I can send you one of those too if you like.

16

Just cover the vents with clear packing tape
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17

Lots of good ideas to deal with the cold. I live up North: Maine. I was thinking about this same question earlier today. Here is my gameplan for what it is worth:

Cool weather: woolly bully socks, cover the legs. cross country shirt by Sporthill (it blocks the wind), head cover, regular glasses, lightweight LL Bean fleece gloves (with fingers).

Cold weather: woolly bully socks, same leg cover, same shirt and an outer Sugo jacket, head cover, regular glasses and Trek “lobster” gloves (two fingers together).

Very cold: wooly bully socks and maybe a second pair of socks with my larger shoes and the neoprene covers, pants from Sporthill (cross country ski wear), ski jacket if it is really cold, polypro balaclava for the head and a mask if it is extreme, ski goggles to keep my eyes protected, and regular ski mittens.

I seldom get cold with these items, unless it is wet. A cold rain is worse than snow. With layers and extra items, you can adjust to temp changes. I find the cross country and downhill ski items to be less expensive and better protection than the cycling gear.