Dressing for winter

[VWScottie]

I hope this is the right forum to ask this in now, if not, sue me :)

Just wondering what extras some of you use when winter riding. I'm already looking into wool socks and gonna upgrade to the warmer Cannondale gloves I have seen, and maybe a baclava. When the temps go below 50, I wear my Pearl Izummi tights under my Pearl Izummi shorts. I have a Body Armor turtleneck that is the most wonderful thing I've ever worn while biking along with a Body Armor jacket. What do the rest of you do for your legs and upper torso?

[poison idea]

Sugoi winter tights are fantastic. wind proof/water resistant. warm as heck. I like izumi's till it gets real cold /sloppy

Balaclava-essential

Underarmor top

Lobster Gloves

Arm warmers -i got kevlar ones from the psych ward. Suprisingly arm and biteproof which is essential for riding in the zombie infested woods of pittsburgh.

Wicking socks under plastic bags under warmer socks. Ghetto, but warm and waterproof.

[Hand/of/Midas]

wool


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[AM Radio]

[QUOTE=poison idea;169661]
Arm warmers -i got kevlar ones from the psych ward. Suprisingly arm and biteproof which is essential for riding in the zombie infested woods of pittsburgh.

QUOTE]
Holy crap! I had no idea such an item existed. I gotta find me some.

[nogearshere]

make sure you layer the body and if you have a jacket try for one with lots of zips (arm zips are great) to regulate temperature. overheating will make you cold in the long run.

i second the lobster gloves...for me its hands and feet, if i keep them warm i am good to go.

[plume_mtb]

Layers is key. Material that breaths is key. Wool is your friend. A winter specific set of shoes is really nice. The Cannondale gloves run tight, just fyi and probably wouldn't be great for the dead of winter.

When it gets below 30 out I have a set of Garneau insulated pants that I love, you have to wear your chamois underneath it still. Any thing above 30 and I just wear knickers with insulated leg warmers. I have a nice adidas wind breaker that's packable and breathable. I've also added a sleeveless under shirt that makes wearing a normal jersey w/ arm warmers very doable in many conditions.

but... layers and synthetic materials that breath, and/or wool is the best advice I can give.

[1mystk]

i second the lobster gloves...for me its hands and feet, if i keep them warm i am good to go.

I agree with you Noggy, hands and feet for me too... I know I goofed at that Winter WoW race... should have had booties or winter riding shoes ... I did however have wool socks, but my feets got wet towards the end when I had to get off the bike to go pee ... not a good thing...

thank goodness this gal heats up like logs in a fire? not always a good thing ...I have overheated on a ride before both in the summer and in the winter ... I wear layers too... but I don't find the armpit zippies work for me... I still get warm...most of the heat comes off my back ...

I wear underarmour heat gear under underarmour cold gear and then a jacket over that, balaclava if super cold ... never tried the lobster gloves... hmm...

on the legs I wear coldgear underarmour... with my liner underneath... on the really cold days, winter riding pants from MEC... but I would love to try some water proof Sugois... goodness knows I fell a few times in the snow last year winter:D

[leebo]

In the winter , I use flat pedals and insulated hiking boots with wool socks.Great for cold and the hike-a-bike that sometimes comes with deeper snow. I use shin guards with the flat pedals. The pedals have sharp pins on them that are not flesh friendly. I'm also a fan of the wool/layering dress.

[Hand/of/Midas]

hands and feet it is.

hands= specialized sub-zero gloves, its cool cuz their 2 piece gloves so you can pull out of the shell for more intricate hand useage when needed.

feet=freeze to death right now. going to get specialized defroster shoes, really sweet.

[AM Radio]

feet=freeze to death right now. going to get specialized defroster shoes, really sweet.

I know it's more a roadie thing but has anyone used the aftermarket shoe covers with any luck?

Side note: I wanted to ride today on the cheap w/ some long underware and visited three stores and none of them had any for sale at all.........?

[myron]

I got some insulated Mechanic's wear gloves that seem great for moderate-cold. I wear standard mechanic's type in the summer, so it seems like a natural transition. Also Marino wool seems to be the shizzle for socks, for me at least.

[1mystk]

feet=freeze to death right now. going to get specialized defroster shoes, really sweet.

I'd be interested to know who else sports such shoes? any feedback?

[robcycle]

Once its in the thirties ...

Fleece Balaclava, fleece windstopper gloves (with wool liners if its really cold), long sleeve wicking undershirt, short sleeve jersey over top, THICK wool/alpaca sweater, if its REALLY cold a fleece vest over that. Performance shorts, Performance tights, misc. synthetic shorts that don't snag on the saddle, if its really cold a pair of jeans. For the feet: Woolie Boolies if its cold, Blazes if its really cold, and alpaca liner socks if its really cold. Oh, and cardboard in the shoes if its really cold.

-Rob.

[nogearshere]

I know it's more a roadie thing but has anyone used the aftermarket shoe covers with any luck?

i dont know what your tolerance to cold is, given what y'all consider winter, but i did not have luck with booties up here...

booties do a fine job protecting the tops and sides of the shoes but even the best ones offer little to no protection for the sole. so if you are trudging in the white fluffies (snow gets packed in under said cover then melts) or it gets uber cold (and the soles let in a wicked draft), save your pennies for a set of proper winter shoes (hi-tops rock once more) or a set of thermal (foil) insoles help keep your soft underbelly toasty.

[K-Man]

Agree that the shoe/bootie cover thingys are a waste of money.

I know, coz years ago I tried them and while they kinda/sorta work while you're pedaling, as soon as you have to trudge the bottoms get destroyed. Pretty soon they bottom part that holds them onto your shoe becomes totally roached.

Covers may be acceptable if you are only commuting on clear streets or riding where there is little trudging involved. But not for more rugged use.

[rockyrider]

I think shoe covers were invented for California or Florida for the rain. They keep your shoes dry, but they don't keep feet warm.

[mudslinger]

I'd be interested to know who else sports such shoes? any feedback?
I purchased a pair of Shimano shoes last year for a hundred canadian. Insulated and waterproof with GoreTex. Not the stiffest of soles though.
Sure beats wearing booties.

Giro also makes shoes like this, but as of last year were not imported into canada.
Hope this helps.

[rockyrider]

Northwave has a new line this year that are Goretex lined, my LBS just brought them in.

I expect my Lake's will last a good while so I'm not in the market for new toasty warm boots for a while.

[VWScottie]

Sugoi winter tights are fantastic. wind proof/water resistant. warm as heck. I like izumi's till it gets real cold /sloppy

Thanks, found them for sale on REI and let Santa know :)

[Nick Verstain]

There are a few good cold-weather MTB shoes out there. My Lake's have stood up to a lot of icy slush and wind. The key is to not cram a lot of layers into the shoe. You need a little space to form a pocket of warm air and to let your toes wiggle.

I bought some Patagonia mtn climbing knickers a few years back and they provide great wind and water protection. Underneath, I wear tight wool cycling knickers (by Ibex) when its cold but not wet. If wet, some Boure' cold-weather tights go under. In really bad conditions, I wear REI all-weather pants that are wind-and-water proof as well as fleece lined.The best feature is a velcro ankle strap that keeps wind and wet from getting inside.

If I'm going out all day, I cram a Moonstone down sweater into my CBack Mule. The stuff sack is about the size of a water bottle. The jacket is great for those group buzz stops by the side of the trail or the chilly chore of putting bikes back in the truck bed when the ride is done.

Never hurts to put 4 or 5 of those hand-sized chemical heat packs in the CBack or jersey pocket. There's nothing worse than trying to make a trailside repair with freezing hands.

We ride year round, so you gotta take care of yourself and the bike in tough conditions. But its such a good feeling when you've finished a great ride in weather that kept everyone else indoors.

Sorry I missed the Punk Enduro. The mud pics looked great.

[Marticus]

In November and early December, I usually wear a thicker UnderArmour and a regular jersey. I have a pair of mid-weight Specialized gloves that I wear with knit glove liners. On my legs, I wear runners tights with a pair of baggies over them, and on my feet I wear two pairs of socks -- a thciker wool pair over a regular pair of bike socks. When the temperature really drops, though, I throw on a Pearl Izumi jacket (which I can't wear in any temperature above 25 degrees because it's just too warm), and swap the running tights for wind-tech lined tights and throw on a skull cap under my helmet. I don't have winter shoes, so I have a pair of neoprene socks that I wear, and I swap the gloves for the greatest gloves I've ever owned -- a pair of Belweather gloves that are warmer than my snowboarding mittens (seriously -- my hands are usually sweating like crazy after I wear them.)

I have a weird problem with my extremities, though -- typically, they get really cold and I find that if I stop and let them warm up for a few minutes, they won't get cold again. That's pretty much true except for my right foot. My right foot always freezes again, and then it's extremely painful when I get back to my car (almost comical -- I'm standing there in agony waiting for it to warm up. If anyone saw me, they'd think I'm insane.) I thought it was my shoes -- maybe I had a hole or something like that, but that's not it. I've tried everything short of winter shoes at this point. I guess I'll need to try that. I don't know. But it's just odd because it's the only part of me that has any problem -- I can stand the cold everywhere else. My right foot just kills me. Weird, huh?

[tryandgetme]

yup, it was a 3 wool sweater day today...we jumped from fall weather straight to the -15 and colder weather totally skipping the slush...I'm glad, that simplifies things. Don't need to waterproof stuff.

[Nick Verstain]

Marticus' one cold foot problem could be a balance problem. Perhaps you're putting more of your weight on one pedal, which could be restricting blood flow to that foot. Or maybe you're ratcheting that shoe too tight. Easy solution, get balanced. Or put a small pocket-sized chemical hand warmer in that shoe.

[robcycle]

Easy solution, get balanced. Or put a small pocket-sized chemical hand warmer in that shoe.I would put it around the top of the calf, on the inside. The popliteal vein and artery run right there, so you will be heating the blood going to your foot and the cold blood returning to your body.

-Rob.

[plume_mtb]

You know I've been doing a lot of road riding lately, a lot more than trail but I've been really cold the last few times I've been out. I notice that when I layer up I'm too hot on the climbs, and too cold on the descents. Keep in mind I'm in NC so the weather here, even in the winter, is very mild. Still we have to dress warmer than usual.

I decided to pull the trigger on a really nice Louis Garneau Jacket (I'll have to find the name of it) and it's absolutely perfect. The other day was hovering in the 40s, low 40s on the mountains to almost 50s downtown - the weather and temp fluctuates so much here it's really hard to get a read on what to wear. Factor in the wind chill and it gets really tricky, So... I bought the jacket and simply wore my short sleeve jersey underneath it. I was skeptical about being warm enough so I did bring another layer w/ me just in case.

Here's what I found: when I started the ride with a gnarly climb I simply unzipped the jacket almost all the way open and was very comfortable on the way up. There was one or two times when I almost thought it was too much but all I had to do was wait until I got to the top. Once near the summit I quickly zipped up the jacket and was nice and warm. It was really the perfect piece of clothing that I was lacking. Now if it gets into the 30s I'll have to layer a bit more, but it was nice actually being able to regulate body temp for once on the road.

I doubt I'll use that jacket much for off-road use, or at all, but I thought that I'd share that when you get these in-between days getting a jacket like this that not only breathes but keeps you warm when you need it seems to be the way to go. Also, the cycling specific cut is much more enjoyable than my "athletic" shell that I use when it's warmer.

So, maybe it's not all about layering, at least on those tweener days.

[FishMan]

just looking at them it looks like the Specialized Defroster shoes there are more of a 3 season boot. There are several other "winter" riding shoes that you will need to use a bootie with for the real cold, Diadora for example.

I am running the Lake winter boots. They are awesome. I ride in them for commuting (as low as -4 F) and snowbiking. I can wear them and a smartwool style hiking sock for short rides (1 hour) as low as 0F comfortably, probably more like 20 F for longer rides, but I sweat like a pig and my toes are chronically very cold in general. When my feet get chilly I put some chemical toe warmers in and I can ride forever like that.

As for booties, you need to look for a pair that have a sturdy underside. I would always have problems with the toe of the bootie being pushed up when I walked, exposing my toes to the cold. As for the bottoms wearing out, try not to walk so much, you're supposed to be riding a bike!

For my torso I really like to have a windbreaker for an outer layer. I start rides wearing it so I'm not too cold and then take it off when I warm up. If I get chilly later or have to stop its a good way to keep the chill at bay. Sometimes I'll use a windproof vest instead just to keep the chest warm.

I have a Pearl Izumi Gavia jacket which is pretty good but doesn't breath quite as well as I would like. No pit zips either, but my awesome wife is installing some for me as I type this!

[RocketMan]

I'll second (or third..)the Lake winter shoes, with wool socks. Order the shoes one size larger. I just got them after so many years of cold feet, and they are VERY nice! Aside from my toes being warm, my feet and ankles are happy too, and well-protected......
SteveC

[mscotch]

I know it's more a roadie thing but has anyone used the aftermarket shoe covers with any luck?

Side note: I wanted to ride today on the cheap w/ some long underware and visited three stores and none of them had any for sale at all.........?

I've tried them some, they seem to help, but not a lot. I got them for free, so you know what they're probably worth, just like what every one everyone else in this post suggests.

[Hand/of/Midas]

just looking at them it looks like the Specialized Defroster shoes there are more of a 3 season boot.


A-town and i have been riding in pro carbon xc shoes in the snow without covers, so these will be at least 1.78 million% better. i dont go out very much, esp on the really cold days, yesterday was -20 windchill,screw that.
im going to EP some defrosters friday so ill let you know how they work out.

screw this winter stuff im moving to cali asap.

[Nick Verstain]

If its really cold and snowy, I switch to flat pedals and big-ass Sorel boots and thick wool socks. Otherwise, I apply a good coat of hot embrocation lotion on my feet, pull on some thin SmartWool socks and a pair of Rocky Gore-Tex inner booties and dive into my regular mtb shoes (I keep the top ratchet looser than normal ... you need some wiggle room).

I also keep some of those hot hand warmers in the CamelBak in case of a mechanical. Nothing worse than trying to work on ice cold steel with bare hands.

If it gets really cold, I shave some carbon off the frame and start a fire.

[LeeMcGough]

If you or someone you know is handy with wool (hey, it's breathable!), then this is a must have for those of us with dangly bits.

[manwebi]

Doh! That looks kinda itchy:eek:... unless it comes in a merino wool.:rolleyes:

[LeeMcGough]

Yeah, I think merino is the way to go. Breathable, and not scratchy at all. The pic is merely of a prototype:rolleyes:

[longhaultruker2]

If you or someone you know is handy with wool (hey, it's breathable!), then this is a must have for those of us with dangly bits.

i think that falls under tmi (too much info):rolleyes:

i don't wear any special bike specific winter gear...i jus put on my jersey under a hooded sweat shirt,and either my regular ridin shorts or that under sweats.since i run platform pedals and tennies,i jus wear "hi top" tennies in the winter,and a lil thicker gloves.......hey,it's how we did it "back in the day":p

[longhaultruker2]

see........

[tryandgetme]

where's all the white stuff!?

[rockyrider]

I think it was delivered to the wrong address. No one on the west coast ordered snow.

[tryandgetme]

I think it was delivered to the wrong address. No one on the west coast ordered snow.

yeah, I have a source in the mainland that said 6" shut VC down. suv curling anyone?

[longhaultruker2]

where's all the white stuff!?

we hadda little last week,and a little a few weeks ago,but we really haven't had much snow the last coupla years,just cold (not,like alaska cold,but fer us...:rolleyes:).i wouldn't mind a good 6-10" sometime before spring gets here...s'long as i can get to the trails;)

[sejo]

Rode yesterday in -45
Warm as a Beaver

[squall]

If you or someone you know is handy with wool (hey, it's breathable!), then this is a must have for those of us with dangly bits.


it looks kinda itchy

[longhaultruker2]

yer grips look a lil loose:rolleyes::p

[FishMan]

I would just like to point out that you don't have to kill a beaver to keep your hands warm in winter:

http://www.trails-edge.com/retail/te_shirts/amfbikemits.htm

because a beaver is a terrible thing to waste.

[Hand/of/Midas]

got some specialized defroster shoes, wore them messin around monster truckin snow piles for 20min. so far so good, once i put them to a few hours in the cold ill let you know how they fare.

[RacerK]

I'll second (or third..)the Lake winter shoes, with wool socks. Order the shoes one size larger. I just got them after so many years of cold feet, and they are VERY nice! Aside from my toes being warm, my feet and ankles are happy too, and well-protected......
SteveC

Fourth (?) the recommendation for Lake winter boots (http://www.lakecycling.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=MXZ302), with the thickest wool socks I can find, and also Lake's winter gloves (although I'm thinking of trying some pogies soon). I have a really hard time keeping my hands and feet warm, even if I'm sweating, and these are great for that.

[FishMan]

sorry, i didn't catch on to the rasta theme. My bad.