Cold Weather Riding #4: Temperate Torsos
Posted: December 9th, 2008 by Eric McKeeganAs we continue to work our way up the body, I’m going to cover the ins and outs of keeping your torso toasty.
Layers. You knew that already didn’t you?
I’ll cover two different systems that work well for me into the low twenties.
System #1
Let’s start from the inside out. A good base layer will help keep you dry and comfortable. This will be the 4th season I’ve been using the some discontinued long sleeve 100% wool lightweight zip top from REI. It has been ideal for me, withstanding repeated commutes without stinking, and feeling very cozy next to the skin. Similar items are to be had from SmartWool, Ibex, and Icebreaker and just to name a few.
As a bit of extra insulation I’ve added a Surly short sleeve wool jersey. In even colder weather I go with a long sleeve wool jersey. I’ve had the same Bontrager wool jersey for years, when it wears out I’ll be getting one of these or these. A fleece vest would work well here, but a dog ate mine. Seriously.
On top this is an Endura Softshell. It really is that bright. Makes me feel safer during those gray winter days. It is incredibly wind proof and well insulated for something that is so thin. Initially I was disappointed that this shell wasn’t waterproof, but now after using it for a year I realize it isn’t needed. It’s needs to be below freezing for me to wear this jacket, and the water repellent finish is easily able to deal with snow and road spray.
System #2
This is a Pearl Izumi PolarTec base layer. It is old, they use Ultrasensor fabric now. Lots of options for this type of baselayer out there, much less expensive than wool, needs to be washed more often.
Next up is a pretty thick REI Power Stretch half zip top. Not cycling specific, but a nice multi-sport cut, with a longer back and longer sleeves for full coverage on the bike.
The outermost layer is a Novara Express jacket. Great for cold rainy days where staying dry is key to a pleasant ride.
So that’s two different ways to skin the cold weather cat, at least for me. I seem fall on the warm side of the equation and rarely need to wear much more than what I’ve listed above, even when it gets into the teens and single digits. I usually have an extra layer and some arm warmers in my bag, just in case.
Some things to look for in a riding jacket:
- Pit zips—breathablity is all well and good, but nothing beats pit zips for ventilation when it is 38º and raining. Back vents can work well also, providing your back isn’t covered by a bag. Pit zips can also help on those group rides in the woods that involve a lot of starting and stopping.
- Windproof—Very important, particularly while on the road. It gets cold mighty quick when you create your own wind chill.
-  Bright colors—Safety, safety, safety. Good on the road, good in the woods during hunting season.
- Water resistant or water proof—Even on days when it isn’t precipitating, road spray from cars or back splash from puddles can end up soaking through. Waterproof is a bit more versatile, water resistant is often cheaper and more breathable.
It is pretty easy to develop a clothing system for riding given a few hundred dollars and a computer, a bike shop and/or outdoors store. Looking to stay warm for less? Here are a few ideas:
I’ve had a lot of luck at places like Gabriel Brothers. They sell closeouts and seconds cheap. Real cheap. Like $5 for a silk base layer. $20 for a soft shell. You get the idea. Thrift stores are another great response for things like wool sweaters, and lately there is plenty of fleece. I found a waterproof mountaineering shell for less than $10 that I’ll wear when it is REALLY cold. If nothing else it offers a bit more padding when the inevitable crash on some unseen ice occurs. Bike shops often have end of season cold weather closeouts. I heard the interwebs is a good place to find sale items too, might be worth looking into. Although they seem to be disappearing, the Army/Navy store can be another good resource.
Keep that core warm and it will help keep everything else warm too.
December 15th, 2008 at 12:57 am
[...] Some tips for new riders… 14 12 2008 There was snow on Mount Diablo, this morning. That’s not common in California… so many of us are ill-equipped. I launched onto my trainer in order to get a sweat going, and have been inside most of the day. I can see that lots of other people are thinking about getting suited up for winter riding, as well. Dirt Rag is all about the wool. [...]
December 22nd, 2008 at 3:40 pm
I would warn against using a waterproof layer, unless you need to because of rain. Even the membranes in many kinds of softshells are not breathable enough. This causes condensation build up wich is a big problem in winter. My prefered solution is a windresistant layer, such as a thin microfiber windbreaker of softshell without membrain.
On a MTB ride there is little wind and much exertion so clothing should be very breathable and not very windproof..
The big problem on the road is the windchill vs the heat generated, so I allways make sure to wear a layer with a windproof/windresistant front and a thinner, more breathable layer on the back. A great solution for this is the Craft pro zero baselayer with windstopper, at least if your arms don’t get to cold.
In most weather I’ll wear a well ventialted skihelmet, or a windstopper fronted skullcap/balaclava.
In cold weather(around zero) I like to wear my full face helmet, with the mouthguard taped shut and a small shield on it to raise it to just below the level of my ski goggles. This keeps the windchill off my cheekbones and nose but allows easier breathing and snot-management than a facemask. Add some pure vaseline to any exposed skin.
December 24th, 2008 at 8:44 am
[...] the staff here at Dirt Rag have already covered a lot about proper cold weather riding gear (like jackets and footwear) for the high latitude areas where the dropping mercury effects our kit choices. But [...]
December 29th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
If your going to hit the trails in the winter months i really really recommend bringing some extra layers in your pack. On a ride a few years ago a friend broke his derailure and we had to hike out in rain with the temps in the low 30’s. We had to hike a bike for 5 hrs and the sun while we still had another 3 hrs to go. We both ended up with mild hypothermia. It could have been a lot worse if there had been a broken bone or something like that. I now carry an emergency mylar blanket, an extra set of base layers, a fleece jacket and water proof matches on all backcountry rides from fall through spring and it doesn’t way much to carry the extra gear.
January 30th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
[...] Eric McKeeganIn this, the fourth installment of our series on cold weather cycling, Eric shares his approach to layering and offers budget minded tips for keeping the upper body warm this winter. Read it…. [...]
February 17th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
[...] There was snow on Mount Diablo, this morning. That’s not common in California… so many of us are ill-equipped. I launched onto my trainer in order to get a sweat going, and have been inside most of the day. I can see that lots of other people are thinking about getting suited up for winter riding, as well. Dirt Rag is all about the wool. [...]