what do you wear when cycling in cold weather?

fguihen

I do a bit of hiking so i know the key is layers. hiking i have a baselayer, a light fleece and a light goretex jacket. This is fine for a 4 hour hike as its light, but as long as im moving im warm, and i can put the fleece on if i get cold.

I dont know what to get for cycling though. Im collecting my bike from cycle superstore tomorrow and need to know what to get.

Are shorts ok or will my legs freeze in cold weather?
Will my standard (non wool) baselayer, flece and goretex jacket be ok, or should i get a specific cycling jacket?

do i need any other gear ( hat, gloves etc) for cycling in winter?

I dont want to get loads of gear, and then be too hot when out cycling but dont want to freeze either.

ROK ON

As an example on a cycle today I wore base layer, jersey and winter cycling jacket. This approximates what you seem to describe wearing while hiking.
I wear full length cycling tights, wool socks, shoes and overshoes.

You will be cold in shorts.
On very cold days I add a buff, hat, full fingered gloves and my Assos airblock cycling jacket.
Rain jacket in the wet.

Also glasses stop your eyes watering in the cold or while descending.

Jawgap

For me it's

Hands - full finger gloves, plus liners if it's really cold;

Upper body - l/s jersey and windproof jacket, plus base layer when the temp drops right down

Legs - base layer and longs - you see people in shorts at this time of year, I think they're nuts!

Feet - socks and shoes obviously and neoprene overshoes

Head - helmet and a beanie when it gets proper cold, glasses always.

xoxyx

You will need a rain- and wind-proof jacket. I swear by my Patagonia one - it's lightweight but very warm, and you can put some extra layers on underneath if need be. Just make sure the wind can't get to you.
Then, you'll need gloves. It's freezing outside(!) and with your hands gripping the steering, they're right in the path of the wind, and it's not like you can put them in your pockets to warm up.
Finally - your legs will be freezing in shorts unless you have very, very hairy ones! So, invest in a pair of rain proof trousers! Naff, I know. But, having been caught in a major rain shower on a bike with my legs in front of me protected by nothing, I got drenched. You can get rain proof trousers that just look like tracksuit bottoms and you can put them on over your ordinary clothes.

biomed32

gloves: full fingered from aldi, but considering changing to a less bulky set (functunality i found poor on sat cycle)

Body: cantubury cold base layer, nike dry top, aldi high viz light windproof rain jacket

legs: tights, aldi

feet: new balance runners (dont have cleats but hope to get them in the near future), thin socks and an outer thick sports sock, overshoes if wet

Head: fleece underarmour beanie and a helmet

there are plans to purchase another base layer and a winter jersey!!!

petethedrummer

fguihen wrote: »

Will my standard (non wool) baselayer, flece and goretex jacket be ok, or should i get a specific cycling jacket?

As the weather is now, you'd be grand up top with that, you might end up being too warm if you start going hard.

fguihen wrote: »

do i need any other gear ( hat, gloves etc) for cycling in winter?

Do you not already own a woolly hat? use whatever hat you have. Same for gloves, any pair will keep you warm once its not raining.

I would say its important to get good thick socks. Your feet don't move much and if they get cold its a nightmare trying to heat them up.

fguihen wrote: »

I dont want to get loads of gear.

Then hand the bike back.

DePurpereWolf

Is this for commuting or for sport?

Beasty

It was a bit chilly (and foggy in North County Dublin) for this morning's commute. Temperature was around, or just under, freezing, but wind speeds were low. I managed to get away with bib-tights, base layer, Assos windproof top, "winter" socks, windstopper gloves, warm hat under the helmet and overshoes - just kept telling myself that if I pushed harder I'll get warmer - 10 minutes into the ride I was feeling quite cosy, and had built up quite a sweat by the time I arrived at work

Only problem was the glasses fogged up when I stopped at lights

seamus

I'm particularly tolerant of the cold and I warm up quite quickly, so I have trouble figuring out what to wear. In previous years I went for heavier stuff - jackets or fleece tops, but that actually makes life a whole lot more difficult. So far this year I've been going for lighter stuff, so:

Full-finger (windproof) gloves
Leg warmers under shorts
long-sleeve base layer top under short sleeve jersey
Glasses (changeable lenses)

When it gets colder, I'll be putting on overshoes too.

Still toasty warm in general but not sweating. Thinking of investing in proper baselayer leggings as leg warmers tend to fall down when you stop at lights.

thebouldwhacker

I have a confession to make. The term 'cycling tights' bothers me... can they not be called cycling leggings or something similar? Surly the fit should not come into the name. Tights are what ladies wear and men wear when in drag... Just had to get that off my chest:D

Wears Tights:
A:




B:lady men



C: winter cycling leggings




Or we could all HTFU



l

Raam

petethedrummer

Raam wrote: »

That would make a lovely christmas card for/from a cyclist.

Raam

petethedrummer wrote: »

That would make a lovely christmas card for/from a cyclist.

That is actually a great idea!

blorg

Worth noting that shorts in cold weather is not a good idea, even if it feels OK to you you could be doing your knees damage.

dub_skav

blorg wrote: »

Worth noting that shorts in cold weather is not a good idea, even if it feels OK to you you could be doing your knees damage.

I've heard this mentioned on here before (possibly by you actually )

What actual damage can you do? Quite interested

Raam

dub_skav wrote: »

I've heard this mentioned on here before (possibly by you actually )

What actual damage can you do? Quite interested

muscle damage

lukester

This is a matrix suggesting what to wear according to the temperature and/or rain.

May be useful. (The original link seems to have evaporated)

groovyg

Just wondering what kind of socks to people wear? I went out yesterday and wore a light pair of socks and pair of sealskinz socks over them, my toes still nearly fell off with the cold. They went completely numb. Would it be best to wear overshoes as well?

Lumen

groovyg wrote: »

Just wondering what kind of socks to people wear? I went out yesterday and wore a light pair of socks and pair of sealskinz socks over them, my toes still nearly fell off with the cold. They went completely numb. Would it be best to wear overshoes as well?

Yes.

lukester

Somewhat relevant, my first pair of Sealskinz arrived yesterday (mid-thermals with Merino). Holy knickerbockers, they're thick- thick enough that I'm worried they won't fit inside my snug fitting shoes.

Beasty

lukester wrote: »

This is a matrix suggesting what to wear according to the temperature and/or rain.

May be useful. (The original link seems to have evaporated)

Bring on -18 degrees centigrade, then I can properly test my "cold" gear:D

el tel

Sat morning I wore bib shorts, bib tights and another pair of bib shorts on top of those. Also a mesh vest, arm warmers, short sleeve jersey and a long sleeve jersey. I got so cold in he first mile I stopped and put a rain coat on. Now I have the 'flu and my throat is killing me.
:mad:

Beasty

Raam wrote: »

muscle damage

Interesting that last winter I hardly noticed the cold in my thighs. However now I have a higher proportion of muscle (and not much fat) in them, I feel it is taking much longer to get them warmed up particularly on the morning commute.

Gavin

Eh ? Where were you cycling ?

Beasty

el tel wrote: »

Sat morning I wore bib shorts, bib tights and another pair of bib shorts on top of those. Also a mesh vest, arm warmers, short sleeve jersey and a long sleeve jersey. I got so cold in he first mile I stopped and put a rain coat on. Now I have the 'flu and my throat is killing me.
:mad:

Are you sure it's 'flu? Given you live at Castle Anthrax, there may be another explanation:)

Anyway, hope you are feeling better soon

petethedrummer

el tel wrote: »

Sat morning I wore bib shorts, bib tights and another pair of bib shorts on top of those. Also a mesh vest, arm warmers, short sleeve jersey and a long sleeve jersey. I got so cold in he first mile I stopped and put a rain coat on. Now I have the 'flu and my throat is killing me.
:mad:

You were probably sick before you started.

ednwireland

sunday had 3/4 bib shorts, tights, aldi winter socks pro endure h20 overshoes.
base layer, long sleev jersey, aldi winter training jacket, motorola cap underneath helmet for 1 st hour (ex max sciandri pick up off side of road after tour of britan satge in the late 80's) warm as toast (shame i was knackered)

beasty you dont get colds from getting cold, you already had it

Lumen

ednwireland wrote: »

beasty you dont get colds from getting cold, you already had it

aaaaah, but

....researchers at Japan's National Defence Medical College have shown that exposure to cold air enhances the activity of "suppressor macrophages" - large white blood cells which actually depress immune system functioning. The mechanism underlying this negative change may involve hydrocortisone (cortisol), a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to cold stress which tends to "turn down" immune system activity. This somewhat perverse macrophage behaviour may explain, at least in part, why "getting chilled" during a workout seems to increase your risk of getting ill...

edit: the research in question is possibly this

Beasty

No I didn't (unless you know something I don't:D)

ednwireland wrote: »

beasty el tel you dont get colds from getting cold, you already had it

Fixed that for you

ednwireland

Lumen wrote: »

aaaaah, but

....researchers at Japan's National Defence Medical College have shown that exposure to cold air enhances the activity of "suppressor macrophages" - large white blood cells which actually depress immune system functioning. The mechanism underlying this negative change may involve hydrocortisone (cortisol), a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to cold stress which tends to "turn down" immune system activity. This somewhat perverse macrophage behaviour may explain, at least in part, why "getting chilled" during a workout seems to increase your risk of getting ill...

edit: the research in question is possibly this

smartarse (actually i did read that your supposed to avoid contact with people after excersise to minimise infection risk , somewhere , no going to look for it)


for those cold dry days lidl next week

http://www.lidl.ie/ie/home.nsf/pages/c.o.20091116.index

ski gear is always rubbish when its wet

Raam

Anyway, it's not really cold at the moment, and nor was it at the weekend. Least not in Dublin where I was cycling. Big girls blouses.

bbosco

groovyg wrote: »

Just wondering what kind of socks to people wear? I went out yesterday and wore a light pair of socks and pair of sealskinz socks over them, my toes still nearly fell off with the cold. They went completely numb. Would it be best to wear overshoes as well?

Always with the overshoes. Even if it's not that cold, you're never too far away from a nice rain shower in this country and nothing saps the fun out of a spin like wet feet.
Good winter socks make a big difference too. I have a couple of pairs of DeFeet Wool-e-ators (merino wool mixed with lycra) and I recently picked up these and they coped with the hail/rain storm the weekend before last pretty well.

On the general point about what to wear, I find that it's rare in this country that I need to bring out the really heavy duty winter stuff. I have a really good Castelli winter jacket which I hardly ever wear because it's rarely cold enough. I went up Sally Gap last winter when it was impassable with snow and ice and was too hot in just that and light base-layer. It's the extremities that need protecting mostly, although I have a problem with cold hips sometimes.
Those lightweight hats for under your helmet are very useful too.

richiemack

Anyone have any joy with the Aldi winter jacket? I wore it at the weekend and when I came home it was wet inside, not sure if it was sweat/condensation, toying with getting a proper w/proof for the winter, any suggestions

ednwireland

i have one and find it grand keeps me warm i sweat a lot anyway so everythings damp when i get off anyway, shoulda seen the state of my clothes after i was chainsawing on saturday aft, everything was soaked in sweat (was wearing pull protective gear boy that stuff is warm)

thebouldwhacker

If you wanna stay dry from outside moisture this will work.....




If you wanna stay dry from internal moisture, this will work... (hmm who does this look like????)





If you want both you'll need this

Harrybelafonte

Pair of old plus four type shorts this morning, ankle socks, t-shirt, hoody, Altura rain jacket and gloves this morning, but CRC delivery here now so add leggings to that from now on. You Dubliners seem either very wussy about the cold or overly macho. I'm sure that statement puts me in one of those categories too.

fguihen

DePurpereWolf wrote: »

Is this for commuting or for sport?

This is for both cycling to work( short distance) and also for fitness.
I used to go jogging 3 times a week to keep fit and moderately trim, but a back injury cuts out impact pursuits such as running ( when running/jogging you are putting 8 times your weight in pressure on your joints and back! who knew?).

So Im planning on doing 2-4 cycles per week that will last somewhere between 1-3 hours each. This should help me stay trim and allow me to keep my ability to walk and bend!

From what has been said so far, this is my plan:

1. base layer. i have a few of these for hiking. if your standing still you can get a small bit chilly in them but as soon as you start moving they are great.

2. light fleece. il have this in a back pack in case it gets very cold.

3. light goretex jacket. its not very heavy but is quite comfortable.


I haven't sorted out bottoms yet. when hiking i wear army surplus combats. I dont think they would be great for cycling, but conversely, tights/leggings( or whatever you want to call them) are not my thing. so im going to see about getting tracksuit bottoms(non cotton so as not to hold water). I am quite short so even short mens tracksuit bottoms are crazy long on me so il have to shop around and find a pair that come close to fitting, or shop in the kids dept!

il also pick up a set of base layer bottoms for under the tracksuit.

Footwear, will be heavy wool socks, assics runners and a pair of those over shoes things cyclists generally wear.

Sound like an ok setup to start with?

petethedrummer

fguihen wrote: »

You all approve or disapprove?

No, this bit......

fguihen wrote: »

but conversely, tights/leggings( or whatever you want to call them) are not my thing. so im going to see about getting tracksuit bottoms(non cotton so as not to hold water). I am quite short so even short mens tracksuit bottoms are crazy long on me so il have to shop around and find a pair that come close to fitting, or shop in the kids dept!

Get proper cycling tights with a pad in the ar5e and wear them under cycling specific shorts. e.g. These or any of these. Cycling shorts have a reduced seam around the crotch. Your sensitive area will thank you. I wear 3/4 lengths for my commute.

strummer_ie

petethedrummer wrote: »

No, this bit......



Get proper cycling tights with a pad in the ar5e and wear them under cycling specific shorts. e.g. These or any of these. Cycling shorts have a reduced seam around the crotch. Your sensitive area will thank you. I wear 3/4 lengths for my commute.

With the Altura Attack 3/4 length, do they keep the aul knees warm ?
Or do you just wear them with long tights ?

fguihen

so the recommendations are:

tights ( roughly 60 quid a pair, need 2-3 pairs to get me through a week).
waterproof shorts ( 80quid a pair, need 2 pairs i guess if i dont want to be smelly)

Thats not far off 300 quid. thats a lot of money these days. everyone cant have that money to throw around, how do folks without access to the best gear survive?

petethedrummer

strummer_ie wrote: »

With the Altura Attack 3/4 length, do they keep the aul knees warm ?
Or do you just wear them with long tights ?

I don't have those ones specifically, I have altura 3/4 lengths but not those water proof ones. I would say they are better than uncovered knees but not as good as tights. I only wear them for when I arrive in work.

I'm not advising them as a way to keep warm, more for the OP if he's not comfortable being seen in public in just lycra. Tights and MTB shorts is a much better soluton than tracksuit bottoms. You'll look more daft in the tracksuit bottoms.

Podginho

I found that so far the ALDI winter jacket is doing the job.. when i was in portugal i go knocked off my bike by a ferrari, helmet came in handy

petethedrummer

fguihen wrote: »

so the recommendations are:
tights ( roughly 60 quid a pair, need 2-3 pairs to get me through a week).
waterproof shorts ( 80quid a pair, need 2 pairs i guess if i dont want to be smelly)

No any MTB or Baggy cycling shorts, there are much cheaper ones in the second this link: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=1524&CurrentPageIndex=0&SortExpression=PRICE_ASC

Scroll down a bit. One advantage of being either small (or very large) is that there are far more bargains available online in your size.I can get away with one pair of the MTB shorts per week. What you wear under absorbs most of the sweat.

Here are cheap Tights: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=237&CurrentPageIndex=0&SortExpression=PRICE_ASC


Also Cyclelogical has a couple of bargain boxes at the moment. Most of the stuff is either Large or Small. so you might find something there if you don't wanna shop online.

fguihen

petethedrummer wrote: »

No any MTB or Baggy cycling shorts, there are much cheaper ones in the second this link: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=1524&CurrentPageIndex=0&SortExpression=PRICE_ASC

Scroll down a bit. One advantage of being either small (or very large) is that there are far more bargains available online in your size.

Here are cheap Tights: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=237&CurrentPageIndex=0&SortExpression=PRICE_ASC

I can get away with one pair of the MTB shorts per week. What you wear under absorbs most of the sweat.


Also Cyclelogical has a couple of bargain boxes at the moment. Most of the stuff is either Large or Small. so you might find something there if you don't wanna shop online.

great stuff. thanks for this link. Il have a look for some standard MTB shorts. one more question regarding tights, there are many pairs at the end of that link. can you recommend what ones i should be looking at for irish winter weather? Also, I have a very short leg, so even a small will be too long. can you just hike them up around your knee, or do you need to get them turned up?

Lumen

fguihen wrote: »

waterproof shorts ( 80quid a pair, need 2 pairs i guess if i dont want to be smelly)

I'm not sure I've ever washed my Gore waterproof shorts. They just don't get dirty.

petethedrummer

fguihen wrote: »

can you recommend what ones i should be looking at for irish winter weather? Also, I have a very short leg, so even a small will be too long. can you just hike them up around your knee, or do you need to get them turned up?

You could try 3/4 padded tights and they might go down most of the way or as far down as the top of your socks. I won't recommend a specific pair as I don't want to be held responsible if you die of the cold. And my idea of comfortable may not be your idea (I tend to prefer cheap shorts with minimal padding).

What I generally do is.
1. Reasonable Cold: Lycra Tights with pad (+ baggy shorts for commute).
2. Very Cold: Lycra shorts with pad + non padded thermal bib tights on top (+ baggy shorts for commute).

There are so many permutations that my solutions won't work for someone else. And there will be trial and error. I will say that its important to wear cycling specific stuff around your nether regions, if you are doing decent distances.

One last thing, some of those baggy shorts, such as these, will include a removable padded liner. You could try those with hiking thermals. It might work if the seam around the crotch isn't too large on thermals and your commute isn't too long. I personally cant stand those padded liners but they might be fine for you.

petethedrummer

Here are padded underpants/liners:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/dhb_Earnley_Padded_Under_Shorts/5360021960/

But you'll graduate to full lycra. It gets us all eventually.

petethedrummer

Lumen wrote: »

I'm not sure I've ever washed my Gore waterproof shorts. They just don't get dirty.

How are they working out? I've been tempted to get waterproof shorts.

ednwireland

gotta get these, very carrera-esque remember those lycra denim look shorts

Lumen

petethedrummer wrote: »

How are they working out? I've been tempted to get waterproof shorts.

Fine. They're not as comfy as regular shorts (slight sensation of wearing a carrier bag) but when it's significantly wet they're great for commuting, as the water just runs off and the road crap wipes away. I'm not too keen on storing wet clothes at work and clambering into them at the end of the day.

Obviously taking spare shorts to work is a reasonable alternative, albeit with more washing.

It's getting a bit cold for shorts now though.

petethedrummer

Lumen wrote: »

I'm not too keen on storing wet clothes at work and clambering into them at the end of the day.

I'm sold. I don't have proper drying facilities.