cycling in cold weather

buzzy

How do you guys and gals cycle in the cool weather? I find that when I cycling in cool weather, I get a little cold no matter what clothes I wear. How can I stop this. I hate not being able to cycle in the winter.

maarten

what do you mean with cold weather?
Which temperatures approximately?
Wind, rain, snow?
if you give some more info its easier to give some tips

__________________
A winner is a loser who didn't quit!

buzzy

Sorry, I forgot to mention that. :-) Well this wenter it has gotten in the low teens and that is pretty cold for this region. But during the day, it ranges between 35-60 degrees. I find that rather cold. I do have a pair of tights, but that just doesn't seem to cut the chill. I guess I could try wearing two or three pair, but then that would be going a little far wouldn't it. I don't really ride it the rain because South Carolina drives have a hard enough time driving in good weather much less poor weather.

Duckwah

Get a jacket or vest with windstopper fabric in it.

I had one a couple of years ago and it was absolutely the best thing for riding in the cold. You can get them from camping stores, they look like a light weight polartec jacket but they have a windproof (and mildly water proof) membrane inside.

i don't know about tights, if its cold i generally don't worry about my legs unless its wet and then i solve the problem by staying home

buzzy

Thanks for the tip Duckwah! I will look for one and I agree with staying home if it's cold, but you have to try to make an effort even if you ride for 5 minutes and then come back home.

Lazarus-g

Buzzy I'm with duckwah - keep your chest warm !

The way I look at it your going to get cold no matter what, but if you keep your torso warm it never seems that bad. Good gloves and a good jacket are the must buys.

I never seem to have a problem with my legs , a thin pair of tights is all I wear, but feet are something I've never worked out how to keep warm. They go numb eventually so I wait till I get home for them to thaw out

I suppose the golden rule in keeping warm is to wear a hat but it's crash helmut for me (maybe there's one out there that's designed for winter weather, perhaps taping up the vents will hinder heat loss, actually I think I'll give that a go.)

Still don't let the cold stop you riding, just look out for ice on the shaded parts of the road, it stays there all day.

__________________
"Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of mankind." - H.G. Wells

maarten

I suppose you use fahrenheit which means 2 degrees celsius up to 15 degrees.

So For the 60 f a windstopper and long pants must be addequate.
for 35f the trick is layers better 3 thin layers then one thick. use several layers of underwear under your windstopper or heavier vest. If the cold on you chest is the problem there are special vest for this they only consist of a wind thight front side(the rest is a maze, they are excellent in stopping winds.
There is also underwear with chest protection.

Cold feet: make shure your shoes aren't too small and use covers.
Cold hands: ski gloves or a thin extra pair of gloves underneath your usual gloves.

Make sure your clothes are closed to the top at your neck open area's at your neck can result in air flows and considerable heat loss.

To cycle don't cycle near open wather(colder over there). Don't cycle in open feelds(colder windchill etc.). Maybe cycle in the forrest(always several degrees warmer between the trees.

Cyclists use massage cream witch delivers heat, you can use this on your upper legs and the top of your feet to heat them up.

__________________
A winner is a loser who didn't quit!

ant evans

Get to Ground Effect and get yourself a Frosty Boy.

http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/frosty.cfm

There is no substitute. I can't use mine when it's above zero degrees outside.... too hot. That's with nothing underneath.

Mmmm.

__________________
drivers = smokers

baldwin2002

I used to use a helmet cover and pastic wrap (for those concerned about weight) back in the early 90's. It worked just fine since all the holes were covered and body heat stayed in. I have not seen too many shops now a days that carry helmet covers. Maybe it is just me, I am re-starting to ride after 10 years off. Hope you like and try this cheap fix.

Renderdog

Cold weather riding tips...

Get your core temperature up before the ride by taking a very warm bath.

Booties and wool socks, glove liners under gloves, a scull cap or balaclava under your helmet (with a helmet cover), a turtleneck to keep your neck warm.

As others have posted, three or four layers provide enough insulation on the torso, use breathable fabrics on the base layers so your sweat doesn't cool you. On really cold days two layers of leggings, two pairs of shorts can help.

My parents live in nearby Hartsville and you're right about the drivers; I'd suggest getting one of those LED taillights.

JDub7

Another tip for you involves good old duct tape. One of the hardest areas for me to keep warm is my feet. I discovered that using duct tape to cover the vents in my shoes works nicely provided it is not too cold (i.e. below about 30 degrees). When the temperature really dips, it is probably better to go to a pair of the shoe covers you can buy from clothing manufacturers.

Geonz

Warm bath means WET, and all that evaporation.

If it's really cold (single digits Fahrenheit) I've hopped on the trainer for 8 minutes. THat's how long it takes outside for my inner furnace to kick in, too - so if it's chilly I know I'll be okay in a little while.
I like 3 layers on my legs, which don't get that cold but htey do just dry out and try to flake away. I'm careful not to do anything too tight 'cause that's the only time the footsies get cold (and I rotate my ankles more to keep circulation). Tights, light long-john type things and sweats on top work well. Long underwear, long T-shirt, sweatshirt, and two jackets will mean I'm sending heat out faster than the cold can get in.

__________________
Sioux Geonz, webmastress
http://www.resourceroom.net

cyclopath

Good advice that has already been given.

It isn't hard to layer and intially get warm. The challenge is to keep from sweating and getting chilled.

below 35F

Feet - smartwool socks, booties, and cozy feet (battery operated 6ml insert) These are the ONLY things I have found to counteract the ice cube factor that the cleat has on your feet. AFter a short time on the bike, the cleat becomes incredibly cold, transferring the cold upward from the bottom of your shoe. The sole of your foot has relatively no insulation. If your feet are cold, your ride is over.

Core - layering. good quality baselayer (preferrably one that unzips a bit), a long sleeve jersey with full zipper, and outerlayer jacket with full zipper and windblock. The full zipper is essential. Like I said, the key isn't getting warm enough, its not getting too warm. It is easier to thermal regulate, particularly when going up hills when you have the full zipper option down to the baselayer.

Legs - good quality baselayer (like undermour), and cold weather tights.

Face and Head - balaclava with light wicking skull cap underneath. I will take several light wicking layers to change in order to keep my head dry and warm.

Hope this helps

cyclopath

Good advice that has already been given.

It isn't hard to layer and intially get warm. The challenge is to keep from sweating and getting chilled.

below 35F

Feet - smartwool socks, booties, and cozy feet (battery operated 6ml insert) These are the ONLY things I have found to counteract the ice cube factor that the cleat has on your feet. AFter a short time on the bike, the cleat becomes incredibly cold, transferring the cold upward from the bottom of your shoe. The sole of your foot has relatively no insulation. If your feet are cold, your ride is over.

Core - layering. good quality baselayer (preferrably one that unzips a bit), a long sleeve jersey with full zipper, and outerlayer jacket with full zipper and windblock. The full zipper is essential. Like I said, the key isn't getting warm enough, its not getting too warm. It is easier to thermal regulate, particularly when going up hills when you have the full zipper option down to the baselayer.

Legs - good quality baselayer (like underarmour), and cold weather tights.

Face and Head - balaclava with light wicking skull cap underneath. I will take several light wicking layers to change in order to keep my head dry and warm.

Hope this helps