Winter Commute: What do you wear?

Arequipa

Hi!
I hope you are all well!
I will be commuting through the Autumn and Winter this year.About 20km each way to work.
Generally I wear thicker socks, standard bike shoes, full length bibshorts, a thermal long sleeve, a winter jacket, gloves, skullcap and fleece neck scrarf to just below my nose...

This keeps me quite warm... but on really cold days the initial 5-10 mins at 7am can be a shock to the system!

What do you guys wear on your Winter Commute?
Any special gear or tricks to stay warm?

I appreciate the feedback!

A

Raam

Arequipa wrote: »

Hi!
I hope you are all well!
I will be commuting through the Autumn and Winter this year.About 20km each way to work.
Generally I wear thicker socks, standard bike shoes, full length bibshorts, a thermal long sleeve, a winter jacket, gloves, skullcap and fleece neck scrarf to just below my nose...

This keeps me quite warm... but on really cold days the initial 5-10 mins at 7am can be a shock to the system!

What do you guys wear on your Winter Commute?
Any special gear or tricks to stay warm?

I appreciate the feedback!

A

Bibtights ;-)

jive

Neck warmer which can go up around your ears. Once I’ve that bad boy on I could cycle in the nip

engiweirdo

Two pairs of underpants, two pairs of socks, woolen pants, vest, shirt, Aran jumper, Tweed blazer, oh and a good winter coat.

smacl

A pair of neoprene overshoes are a must for me in very cold weather.

mloc123

Arequipa wrote: »

Hi!

This keeps me quite warm... but on really cold days the initial 5-10 mins at 7am can be a shock to the system!

The problem is... if you are warm for that initial 5-10 mins you will be overheated for the rest of the trip

Alanstrainor

On properly cold days I'll be wearing my Gabba2 with normal jersey underneath. I just wear normal padded bike shorts, I never find my legs get cold tbh. They're doing all the work. I have mid thickness gloves, neck warmer and cap too. Overshoes are a must imo, the air blows right through my shoes, which to be far is a good thing for a lot of the year, but covers are very much needed at 5 degrees and under.

Plastik

One of the best bits of kit I ever bought for year-round winter commuting was a pair of Northwave Fahrenheit shoes. And good mudguards. Would not be without either.

Arequipa

Mloc, I find even in cold winter weather... the first 10 mins is tough going and very cold...but then I warm up a bit...
But I rarely overheat..It can be a hard balance to keep though..

Any of you try a balaclava?!.....For winter cycling?!

coward

Arequipa wrote: »

Any of you try a balaclava?!.....For winter cycling?!

I use a Nike hood.. almost like a balaclava! I don't like my nose or mouth covered as it just gets wet from moisture in your breath. With the Nike yolk you can pull the front bit down past your mouth or even to under your chin if it's too warm. My favourite bit of gear in winter!

magicbastarder

whether you wear a backpack or not can make a sizable difference to your core temp.
i would regularly commute (with a backpack) in a lighter top than i'd use out on a leisure spin - armwarmers would be the difference here too.

mr spuckler

smacl wrote: »

A pair of neoprene overshoes are a must for me in very cold weather.

I got these last year and find them to be the dogs b0llocks!

I've poor circulation to my feet and it was only on really cold days that my feet were cold, this despite me wearing my normal SPD shoes year round.

ford2600

magicbastarder wrote: »

whether you wear a backpack or not can make a sizable difference to your core temp.
i would regularly commute (with a backpack) in a lighter top than i'd use out on a leisure spin - armwarmers would be the difference here too.

We have pretty sophisticated biology to maintain core temperature, I doubt very much a backpack or not will effect it.

Feeling cold is a part of a negative feedback loop to motivate us to do something about it, well before our core temperature drops. If you are not shivering uncontrollably, your core temp hasn't dropped(from memory Lewis Pugh's core temperature barely dropped when swimming a mile in subzero seawater and dropped afterwards when he got out and was in a hot shower- I don't know where probe was:eek:)

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(05)67833-6/fulltext

A tiny piece of cloth on your face/neck isn't doing anything for your temperature but it can do a lot to how cold you feel if it keeps a cold wind off a skin "thermometer".


Like any training, you can make yourself better at dealing with the cold, but like intervals it probably won't be pleasant at first :pac:

http://wholehealthsource.blogspot.com/2013/08/more-thoughts-on-cold-training-biology.html

Its about studies on weight loss and brown fat activation but it gives a referenced description of the basic mechanism

We are much better at losing heat(primarily as there is a huge "free" to losing heat due to cooling effect of evaporation) than keeping warm/generating heating. In winter try not to fire up the cooling system is a good idea; either underdress a little or soft pedal

magicbastarder

Yeah, that was badly phrased. What I meant was you'll feel warmer with a backpack due to the extra insulation obviously. And if you're like me, you'll need one dedicated to the task as the sweat will rule out using it for much else.

07Lapierre

This year, If its really, really cold, i intend wearing nothing but bib shorts and cycling shoes and one of these:

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/tacx-neo-direct-drive-smart-trainer/rp-prod138157

Arequipa

HA haaa!

homer911

Last winter was my first commuting on the bike and I got chillblains from cold feet and hot showers

This year I've bought some neoprene shoe-toe covers that I'm hoping will make a difference
https://www.ebay.ie/itm/Women-Men-Anti-dust-Cycling-Shoes-Cover-Protector-Warmer-Half-Foot-Case-Black/192319029579

coward

coward wrote: »

Arequipa wrote: »

Any of you try a balaclava?!.....For winter cycling?!

I use a Nike hood.. almost like a balaclava! I don't like my nose or mouth covered as it just gets wet from moisture in your breath. With the Nike yolk you can pull the front bit down past your mouth or even to under your chin if it's too warm. My favourite bit of gear in winter!

Have an older version of the dhb balaclava, sits just under my lower lip so no problems breathing. Don't think I could commute between Nov and Feb without it.

davidsatelle100

Bibtights, shimano winterboots, warm baselayer, neck buff (maybe an aldi skullcap) and a commuter friendly Altura jacket.

silverharp

a neck warmer is the best 6 euros i spent, nothing else fancy beyond a base layer , its dublin not helsinki.

brownian

A skullcap can be very nice. Decathlon, Galibier, many other sources.

magicbastarder

i'm lucky in that i don't seem to feel the cold as much as most. i've never had an issue with a cold head, and usually shave it to a blade 1 or thereabouts. i don't own a coat, haven't worn more than two layers in many years.
the problem is that i can't deal with heat.

John_Rambo

Skinny jeans, a pair of vans, a Canterbury cold weather underaurmer top and one or two North Face flight series jackets. If it's very cold gloves and a neck gaiter.. if it rains I swap the jeans for a pair of cycling longs.

stecleary

hands, feet and head are the important areas.
I use DeFeet gloves
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/defeet-e-touch-dura-gloves-1/

Overshoes, not as thick or as heavy as the neoprene ones but defo do the job
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/northwave-h2o-winter-overshoes-1/

think i got my skull cap in halfords and a chea neck buff from pennys

Wishbone Ash

Jesus lads, you're over-thinking it. We live in a country with a mild climate and we're talking about a commute to work - not doing the Boards Evil Ride in January. Despite the general perception, it seldom rains here. Even if you do feel cold, you going to be at work/home probably within an hour at most - not as if you're going to spend the next 10 hours shivering on the bike!

A pair of winter cycling boots, a winter jacket, bib tights and gloves should do the trick. No need for those skull caps, neck buffs, ski masks, shoe covers etc.

Agree with magicbastarder on the backpack - I always feel warmer with it.

at1withmyself

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

. No need for those skull caps, neck buffs, ski masks, shoe covers etc.

I'd not be doing my winter commute without the skull cap and overshoes. It rains a bit more on the west coast!!

Gerry

I always wonder if a lot of people prefer boiling in a bag to being just about right temperature wise. Witness the amount of folks cycling in the "heatwave" with multiple layers on.. But I know that some people do find it difficult to keep warm in winter..
Currently depending on temp I'll either have my normal summer setup of jersey and bibshorts plus a base layer, if it's near freezing I'll go with jersey plus endura winter jacket, and aldis finest thermal pants. Need to get new shoe covers as my feet are suffering with the cold.

Arequipa

Thanks for the replies... I popped into Pennies today and got a few hats, gloves and thermal socks... cheap as chips!!

the world wonders

Throwing in a recommendation for http://www.wiggle.com/dhb-extreme-weather-neoprene-overshoe/ , they'll keep your feet warm for hours. If it's light rain they'll keep your feet dry too, but heavy rain will start leaking in after about 15 minutes.

Order a few sizes larger as they seem to run small.

Wishbone Ash

at1withmyself wrote: »

I'd not be doing my winter commute without the skull cap and overshoes. It rains a bit more on the west coast!!

Sorry I should have clarified that, if you're commuting daily, it's worth getting a pair of winter cycling boots so no need to use overshoes. Boots are much warmer and more waterproof than shoes+overshoes. Also, if stopping regularly at lights/junctions, overshoes tend to wear away quickly.

silverharp

for me feet arent a problem, im still wearing sandals and normal socks, stops me feeling like im going to overheat. im guessig feet dont get the wind chill in the way hands do

magicbastarder

passed a few lads this morning in shorts; i was happy enough in by bib leggings, but slightly overdressed up top, thought the temp was going to be in the 2-4C range but it was up about 6-8C i think.

Gerry

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Sorry I should have clarified that, if you're commuting daily, it's worth getting a pair of winter cycling boots so no need to use overshoes. Boots are much warmer and more waterproof than shoes+overshoes. Also, if stopping regularly at lights/junctions, overshoes tend to wear away quickly.

Any recommendations on the winter boots?

John_Rambo

silverharp wrote: »

for me feet arent a problem, im still wearing sandals and normal socks, stops me feeling like im going to overheat. im guessig feet dont get the wind chill in the way hands do

Really?

Wishbone Ash

Gerry wrote: »

Any recommendations on the winter boots?

I use the Shimano Gortex and I'm going into my 3rd winter on them. I haven't used any others so I can't compare but several club mates have the Northwave ones.

Gerry

Im on my second pair of Shimano spd shoes , I think they are fantastic so I'll look up some Shimano boots, thanks

Wishbone Ash

Gerry wrote: »

Im on my second pair of Shimano spd shoes , I think they are fantastic so I'll look up some Shimano boots, thanks

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/shimano-mw7-gore-tex-mtb-spd-winter-boots-aw17/rp-prod138004?

AndrewJRenko

John_Rambo wrote: »

Really?

You can never find the fashion police when you need them

steamsey

Upper body
Decent quality t-shirt or shirt that wicks away moisture
High vis rain jacket
Base layer if it's really freezing
Seal skinz water proof gloves - only got them recently, seem to be brilliant including easy to take on and off during the commute if I need to

Lower Body
Normal jocks, leggings, loose fit cycling shorts
Decent socks are a big one for me - woolie boolie are great but pricey
I also got these 2.5mm neoprene bootie things that go over your toes, inside the shoe. Keep feet and especially toes really toasty where they used to get pretty cold - highly recommend - https://www.amazon.com/Meister-Thermal-Neoprene-Booties-Cycling/dp/B00QW10XIA

cdaly_

John_Rambo wrote: »

Really?

SPD sandals year round for me. Sealskinz waterproof socks in the winter, multiple socks in the cold, barefoot in the summer.

Fian

This morning I took this out for the first time this year. Great for keeping the ears warm. No arm warmers though and still in autumn gloves. No need for teh really warm ones yet.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/roadr-100-neck-warmer-id_8402964.html

mathie

GAA shorts.
Underwear is optional (it seems)

rubadub

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

A pair of winter cycling boots, a winter jacket, bib tights and gloves should do the trick. No need for those skull caps, neck buffs, ski masks, shoe covers etc.

each to their own, I do not wear anything different on my feet, and very rarely wear a jacket. If my hands and head are warm enough I am comfortable. I have balaclavas, sometimes wear a second thin one on the first, and a hat, and thick "lobster mits" similar to these.


I wear a backpack on my front so that is like a partial jacket I suppose.

I had an old beanie hat that I cut the stitches out of and can use around my neck.

Wishbone Ash

Fian wrote: »

This morning I took this out for the first time this year. Great for keeping the ears warm. No arm warmers though...

No arm warmers this morning? Bare arms? :eek:

It was minus 4 degrees at Blake's Cross at 6am on my commute this morning.

Macy0161

Fleece Lined Jersey and Bibs, plus jacket this morning for me on the body. Belgian Cap for head, buff neck, and the Galibier Barrier Deep Winter Gloves (which weren't enough, judging by the fumbling locking the bike).

I really don't cope with the cold like Fat Macy used to!

Taxuser1

Cold today, frost on ground, roads were wet looking and wasn't taking any chances. Tyres deflated to 70 psi..

Thermal long sleeve vest, thermal jacket, overshoes, neckwarmer over ears mouth and nose. Would have worn 2 sets of leggings if I could have.

Diemos

Christ on a bike, I must run very warm.

Just SPD shoes (Shimano AM45, they are mountainbike shoes and slightly on the heavy side but I'm not racing anyone so they are grand)
Shorts
Nike running tshirt
A high vis shell (provis 360)
and light gloves (giro dnd)

By 3 km in I was rolling up the jacket sleeves to cool down.
I do also have a backpack, that seems to make a difference.

terrydel

coward wrote: »

I use a Nike hood.. almost like a balaclava! I don't like my nose or mouth covered as it just gets wet from moisture in your breath. With the Nike yolk you can pull the front bit down past your mouth or even to under your chin if it's too warm. My favourite bit of gear in winter!

I got a chuckle at the idea of someone called 'Coward' hiding behind a bally!

terrydel

The essentials for me in cold weather are decent socks (I like the merino bridgedale ones), an ice breaker skull cap (bloody love that hat, its superb), heavy shoe covers, and decent gloves (galibier barrier winter ones are great for the cold tho not really waterproof), along with a neckscarf to pull over the mouth.
I've skins skiing baselayer bottoms and top that I have years now, really good stuff and superb in winter. I find the bottoms under regular bib shorts to be better than full length tights.
With the decent baselayer, any jacket over that tends to be fine. Cold weather is fine once you warm up, its a cold northerly wind on top that really makes it unpleasant.

Ray Bloody Purchase

I have a hoodie on under my hi-vis and that's about it for adding on extra layers. I did find this morning that i got a bit cold when i repeatedly had to pull up at traffic lights.

I'd usually be a bit luckier with the sequences, but this morning everything was against me.

secman

steamsey wrote: »

Upper body
Decent quality t-shirt or shirt that wicks away moisture
High vis rain jacket
Base layer if it's really freezing
Seal skinz water proof gloves - only got them recently, seem to be brilliant including easy to take on and off during the commute if I need to

Lower Body
Normal jocks, leggings, loose fit cycling shorts
Decent socks are a big one for me - woolie boolie are great but pricey
I also got these 2.5mm neoprene bootie things that go over your toes, inside the shoe. Keep feet and especially toes really toasty where they used to get pretty cold - highly recommend - https://www.amazon.com/Meister-Thermal-Neoprene-Booties-Cycling/dp/B00QW10XIA

Normal jocks ...... really !! Jocks and cycling gear..... a major NO NO