Wrapping Up the Season?

[Andrew Deane]

Ah! Those wonderful cool mornings! What a pleasure it is to cycle to work these days. But, the occasional rainy morning and the inevitable chill are on my mind...

I'm interested in what people wear over the fall, winter & early spring, both for daily commuting and for training rides. I've read that long tights should have braces (suspenders) or they should be the bib variety, as they tend to ride down as you ride along. Also, what fabric do people prefer, and why? Can one buy a single pair of long tights that'll "do it all"? Any preferred makes?

I'd also be interested in info on booties (lycra or neoprene)?

I bought a cap for under the helmet last year, and was surprised at how efficient it was at keeping Jack Frost out of my hair. Long fingered gloves were a must, too, December through February.

What about a rain jacket for training? Light and packable in a back pocket. Any recs? Do you need to splurge on Goretex? Again, your wisdom (and hard-earned lessons) would be immensely useful.

Thanks,

 

[Wolfman]

Am hoping to keep going through the winter, so hopefully no wrapping up other than more clothes.

I've read that long tights should have braces (suspenders) or they should be the bib variety, as they tend to ride down as you ride along.

At the moment I'm using summer tights but am carrying my arm warmers and leg warmers. The leg warmers haven't been necessary for me so far, but a few of the guys were using them on descents a couple of weeks ago. I imagine that they're essential on top of mountains now.

For serious winter, I have some long fleecy Pearl Izumi tights without a bib and experienced no problems with them slipping last year. They were very warm.

I also have some PI overshoes, which do a reasonable job of keeping you warm. On really cold days I was putting those feet warmer things from conbeni's into my shoe in addition to using the overshoes - this only improved things slightly however, so I might consider upgrading my overshoes to those which have a leather bit surrounding your toes this year. If I win the lottery I suppose I could splash out on some SIDI in-shoe heaters but they seem a bit extravagent

http://www.sidiusa.com/toaster.html

For the upper body, I heard the Adidas CP rain jacket is pretty good

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/clothing/jackets/product/adistar-cp-rain-jacket-11881

though I have a Pearl Izumi which I bought simply because the shop had it in, and it was on sale. If there is little chance of rain I also have a lighter Shimano accu wind-break which is sufficient.

For winter, I have an Adidas long sleeve jersey which is both warm and an effective wind break. Combined with a long-sleeve undershirt this is an extremely comfortable combination on the really cold mountains.

I also used a fleecy muffler as well, to keep my chin and teeth warm.

I actually quite enjoy the extra challenge that cycling in winter poses - much more so than the summer, which my body is simply not accustomed to.

lee

 

[TOM]

budget booties

I'd also be interested in info on booties (lycra or neoprene)?

Thanks,

quite inexpensive AND very effective! (the blue half-shoe cover pulled over the home-made neoprene is just for the looks...)

http://vlaamsewielrenner.blogspot.com/2007/12/otarumi-recordmore-mental-strategies.html

 

[Phil]

I'm interested in what people wear over the fall, winter & early spring, both for daily commuting and for training rides. I've read that long tights should have braces (suspenders) or they should be the bib variety, as they tend to ride down as you ride along. Also, what fabric do people prefer, and why? Can one buy a single pair of long tights that'll "do it all"? Any preferred makes?

I have a pair of tights that go over your regular shorts and yeah, they do ride down and snag on the front of the saddle. They feel kind of bulky, too, like wearing diapers. In Kanto, anyway, I don't think you need two layers around your hips area, so leggings are the way to go. Quite a bit cheaper and much more versatile.

I'd also be interested in info on booties (lycra or neoprene)?

Last year I covered my shoes with old snowboarding socks, but that looked so terrible I can't really recommend it.

What about a rain jacket for training? Light and packable in a back pocket. Any recs?

I just grabbed a random Cannondale shell jacket they had in my size at the shop, but I actually really like it as it's super thin and light and easily packs into its own very small pocket without complicated folding. When stowed it goes into a jersey pocket no problem.

Something like this:
http://www.cannondale.com/clothing/05/aw/model-6M05.html

Unless you're commuting to a place where you have to look presentable, I don't think you need a full-on Goretex style waterproof. I know I'd never use one because I couldn't be bothered to carry it anywhere.

As you've probably read many times, the key with winter riding is thin layers and versatility, so you can adjust on the fly. If I head out in the morning comfortable, I know that in half-an-hour I'll be too hot. Especially if you're climbing long hills and descending again, you really need to be able to shed or don layers as needed--and those layers need to be compact enough that you can carry them in your pockets.

 

[Philip]

 

[Pucci]

I really enjoyed that ride! On the winter garment subject you will note that I am wearing a 10 year-old helmet with less ventilation. When it get's that cold the super-ventilated Giro goes into storage. Makes a big difference.

 

[Andrew Deane]

Thanks!

Thanks all for your info. Sounds like I'll need two different pairs of winter tights - one for commuting and another for training rides. Time to buy the wife some flowers before asking for a bigger allowance this month.

Think I'll leave the arctic cycling for the Polar wearers...

Cheers,