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Message started by dgholmes59 on Aug 11^th, 2009, 7:57am

Title: Winter clothes question
Post by dgholmes59 on Aug 11^th, 2009, 7:57am

After your great suggestions on the Winter shoe issue, I will not be spending money on winter shoes and trying some of your techniques instead. I would really like to know what Winter clothing you guys wear and maybe change that as well. Especially, the legs and ears. What do you wear during the coldest rides? I wear the following:

Base layers
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1004462_-1_400020_400000_400068

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1007994_-1_400020_400000_400068

Performance Bike fleece long sleeve jersey

Under Armor Tights

Winter gloves
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1016444_-1_400020_400000_400073

Under Armor winter skull cap

Plastic wrap over the helmet to cut the wind, will buy a cover for it this year because it makes a huge difference.

I still need something for my ears.

My upper body stays pretty warm and is pretty comfortable. My lower body does pretty good, but still not as warm as I would like it. During the cold days after my rides, I find my lower body is pretty cold around the hip area below the jersey. Have any of you used leg warmers? What do you think about them? Arm warmers?

I know it is early for these questions, but my 50th birthday is next month and my wife wants to know what to buy me. I am thinking Winter gear if needed. That is why I want to hear from you guys. Thanks.

Darrell Holmes

Title: Re: Winter clothes question
Post by goatstick on Aug 11^th, 2009, 8:31am

One thing I learned last spring is that riding in freezing weather for a few hours is not the same as riding in freezing weather all night long. Continuous riding requires that your clothes be really good at removing moisture. Before it started sleeting the morning of the hc race I was already completely soaked in sweat. Even my gloves, which were inside glove liners were completely soaked. I was wearing gear that had always worked great for me before but obviously wasn't up to the challenge. Being completely soaked adds a fair amount of weight, not to mention discomfort. Sorry, I haven't figured out what to do about it yet...

If you are traveling for just a few hours at a time, layer clothes, starting with a base layer that wicks. I don't have to wear tights until it gets down below 40F and tights and a wicking base shirt and those plus one or two outer shirts/jerseys usually take me down to around 25F. I usually draw at line at riding below 20F as I have to get too bundled up to be comfortable handling the bike though I can go lower on the trike as that's like adding 10F to the temp with the fairing. When you start out, you should be about as cold as you can handle as you will likely warm up within about 5 minutes of pedaling.

Title: Re: Winter clothes question
Post by evblazer on Aug 11^th, 2009, 8:59am

Cool 50s
knee warmers. posisbly smartwool glove liners
Cold 40s..
Leg warmers. arm warmers. vest with solid front and mesh back. headband that covers ears. wind proof gloves. wool socks
Colder 30s.
Under armor leggings and turtleneck. Arm warmers temporarily to warm up then I roll them down. wind proof gloves with smartwool glove liners on top. Possibly light balaclava (Under armor one worked well and comes in bright orange)
Below 20s..
extra layers.. possibly chemical warmers especially for my hands..I put them between layers of gloves.
I have a problem with my fingers and ears. Probably that one day up in upstate NY I thought I'd be find in the snow but walked a little too far and the bus stopped running in time for my return trip so pretty much froze my ears and fingers walking back through many feet of snow back to campus ugh.
In the winter I'd always throw some extra stuff in there in case I guessed wrong. Arm/Leg warmers, another light layer for the gloves or feet like some plastic bags and a light balaclava weight nearly nothing and don't take up much space. A lightweight thin emergency rain jacket is good in an emergency because it'll really trap the heat in.

Title: Re: Winter clothes question
Post by Kwijybow on Aug 11^th, 2009, 9:23am

As Kent says, staying dry is most important, as moisture and cold is a ride killer. My general rule of thumb.

low 50's - maybe a thin head covering, single layer up top hand coverings.
low 40's - head covering, double layer on top, single layer on bottom, gloves, wool socks single layer.
low 30's -head covering, jacket, double layer on top, single layer on bottom, gloves and liners,
2 layers thin wool socks, or regular shoes.
low 20's and below - everything above, plus another base layer and usually a baclava.

wind and water can make me drop down a notch despite temperature. base layers are usually the cheap polypropolene affairs at Academy or such. I like the Gecko Gear Ice tights, and wool socks, wool glove liners, cheap thinsulate glove shells. As pointed out before gloves and socks have to be loose fitting to allow circulation, false help to wear multiple layers and have them be too tight. My Gecko gear tights have held up over 8 seasons of winter commuting, and I probably need a new pair this year.

Take Care,
Nelson.

Title: Re: Winter clothes question
Post by Bud_Bent on Aug 11^th, 2009, 10:30am

The difference in morning and afternoon temperatures can be a big challenge in Texas. There are just so many 35 degree mornings that turn into 70 degree afternoons. That makes me favor versatile clothing on the bike, arm warmers, leg warmers, and a jacket with zip off sleeves. My favorite gloves are the Manzella Hatchbacks (http://www.amazingsocks.com/web-pid-MZMP2D128-Manzella-Mens-Hatchback-Convertible-Running-Glove-item.htm), which are not-too-thick gloves that convert into mittens by pulling out a fold-away finger cover. A chemical heat pack in this cover, but outside the glove fingers, does better at keeping my fingers warm than anything else I've tried, but still lets you pull the cover back and use your fingers individually when needed. Then when it warms up, with the finger cover folded away, these gloves don't get too hot.

Title: Re: Winter clothes question
Post by aikigreg on Aug 11^th, 2009, 11:22am

the only real thing I have to add to the conversation is WOOL. Stays warm even when soaked with sweat. I have a wool baselayer that's actually a rowing top and it's been the best piece I've ever owned.

Title: Re: Winter clothes question
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Aug 11^th, 2009, 3:44pm

Definitely breathable "layers"... You may be a little on the cool side, but at least you'll be dry(er)!

Remember, as the saying goes, "If you're warm and toasty at the start of the ride, you have too much on..."

There are some decent head wraps that have good ear coverage, and I have also used the earmuff type cover that wraps around the back of the head -- don't remember the brand.

As a side note, the only time I use tights or shorts with a chamois pad in them is when it's 45 or below -- certain areas of your body ARE somewhat presented to the wind when riding a 'bent...

Title: Re: Winter clothes question
Post by Hurricane Dan on Aug 11^th, 2009, 6:32pm

Velomobile with electric heater. ;D

Title: Re: Winter clothes question
Post by dgholmes59 on Aug 11^th, 2009, 9:57pm

As with my shoe question, I really appreciate you guys helping me out. Still kinda new at this Winter riding and trial and error only goes so far. I was considering leg and arm warmers but wasn't sure how people like them. Will be getting some now. I also like the idea of a vest. I have some winter gloves I bought last year, but I really like the look of the Manzella hatchbacks. I will be riding with a helmet cover and ear protection this year for sure as well. I am tired of my ears freezing. I have a very good list now, thanks.

Darrell

Title: Re: Winter clothes question
Post by Bud_Bent on Aug 11^th, 2009, 10:47pm

Darrell,

Before you invest too much in stuff for your ears and neck, try a thin lycra balaclava. It won't look thick enough to keep anything warm, but you will be surprised at how well one does, and when it warms up enough to take it off, it won't take up much space in your bag.

Title: Re: Winter clothes question
Post by Hull 697 on Aug 12^th, 2009, 12:39am

Bud_Bent wrote:

Spoken like a man with experience! Please sir, your source for this thin lycra balaclava? The one I have is too much and would melt me on a bike.

Title: Re: Winter clothes question
Post by Bud_Bent on Aug 12^th, 2009, 7:30am

Hull 697 wrote:

Spoken like a man with experience! Please sir, your source for this thin lycra balaclava? The one I have is too much and would melt me on a bike.

I started out with a thick one too, and soon passed it on to Rose. I can't recall for certain where my thin one came from. It may be a Nashbar Polypro (http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_165723_-1_201465_10000_201472).

Title: Re: Winter clothes question
Post by Patti on Aug 12^th, 2009, 8:06am

I adapted some of my ski accessories for winter riding. You can find thin lycra balaclavas at the ski shops, such as St. Bernards, Sun&Ski, Warming Hut, etc. They typically have them in different weights, so you can get a good idea of the kind you want before you buy. Fleece headbands are also very effective for keeping ears warm. You can find very thin ones that keep out wind and work well with a bike helmet. Also, I have a pair of CWX tights that have been really good for riding. They are warm, like regular tights, but designed to give extra support to the knees.

Title: Re: Winter clothes question
Post by evblazer on Aug 12^th, 2009, 8:53am

I really like the lycra hood one I believe I picked up at either dicks or cabellas in the hunting section.
Mine was that hunter orange color but here is a pic in white but you may get teased about being that good ninja from gi joe.
http://a712.g.akamai.net/7/712/225/20090806/www.eastbay.com/images/products/large_w/105031_w.jpg
It is one of those 5 in 1 headgear things that does the neck gator, hat, balaclava with nose covered, etc and really worked well in most.
It is very lightweight and packs very small.
Here is me wearing it in the old says back when I did brevets. Hm those are sandals I'm wearing ;D
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GIFgiCQnK-8/Sb5OO6Jrm-I/AAAAAAAAAVo/ZtnyNJw87wA/s400/HurricaneOrangeBalaclava.JPG

I find if I can keep the wind off I'll be fine. Anything that warms or keeps heat it too much is way too hot for me.

Title: Re: Winter clothes question
Post by dgholmes59 on Aug 12^th, 2009, 9:32am

Looking at this stuff on Performancebike website, the arm and leg warmers vary. Some are lycra, some have fleece and some are wool. Which ones are you guys using? Balaclavas also are polypro, wool and fleece. So polypro is the preferred?

Title: Re: Winter clothes question
Post by aikigreg on Aug 12^th, 2009, 9:57am

ok, just to show my inner geek - the White ninja is Storm Shadow - evil ninja. Snakes Eyes, who is all in black, is the G.I. Joe. They are foster brothers :)

Title: Re: Winter clothes question
Post by goatstick on Aug 12^th, 2009, 10:03am

You can still get silk balaclavas which I think work better for Tx changing weather than the others. I have one that is about 33 years old that I wouldn't trade for anything. It rolls up into a ball a little larger than a walnut, which is so small I've lost it tucked away in pockets several times.

Another thing I use a lot is a light, knitted neck gaiter. Most of the ones you see are a little too heavy and stiff and tend to get in the way. A neck gaiter tends to keep my upper chest and neck warm. With the gaiter and silk balaclava I can dress a lot lighter, often wearing just shorts, a wicking base t-shirt and a long-sleeved tshirt down to around freezing.

Title: Re: Winter clothes question
Post by dgholmes59 on Aug 12^th, 2009, 11:05am

goatstick wrote:

Found a silk one at Cabelas

http://www.cabelas.com/p-0005263900106a.shtml

Title: Re: Winter clothes question
Post by Opus the Poet on Aug 12^th, 2009, 3:34pm

My most important piece of winter gear is my polar fleece balaclava, fits under my helmet and keeps my glasses from fogging down to about 40F, below 40 I have a foam baffle I stick on top of the chinbar that really keeps my lower face warm and my glasses clear. Those of you not wearing full face helmets may want to think about one for the winter, they're the BOMB in cold weather with a 'clava. And if it ever gets really cold you can put duct tape over the vents and get another inch or so insulation.

Also if it gets really cold I can tuck the tails of my 'clave under my jersey to keep me warm all the way to mid chest. And I second the wool jersey keeping you warm even when wet, combine one with a breathable windproof outer layer like Goretex (I used to use one of the cheaper imitations) and you also have a winner down to about 30F, lower with more layers.