What To Wear In Winter

[nez]

moderators, have we found a glitch? What happened to Andrew_s's post above happened to mine, so I deleted it.

[andrew_s]

Mine, I just pressed the wrong button (keyboard), and posted a partial post, so I edited it.

[foxyrider]

The core of my winter kit is a decent pair of thermal bib tights, depending on the temp/weather everything else can change but will typically be a thermal base under the bibs then a short sleeve jersey, the top layer(s) will be either thermal or wind/wet proof. Gloves go from thin long fingers to thick ski gloves/mitts, head gets a fleece headband under a 'beanie' - i have a silk balaclava but its rare i need that. On the feet its winter cycling boots with normal socks to avoid constricting blood flow, if its so cold i need more i have Goretex over spats but i didn't even resort to that when riding in the Alps in December.

Some of the kit varies but i've stayed pretty toastie for the last 6/7 winters with this combo, the previous 30 odd years have seen me go through full on Michelin man, through awkward all in ones and everywhere in between.

[slowster]

If anyone has a surefire way of cosseting cold-sensitive feet when the temperature drops below ~8 deg C I would like to hear about it. I have tried merino socks, overshoes, hiking boots, chemical foot warmers but still get numb, cold feet after less than hour when cycling.

However, I never get cold feet when hill walking in winter, presumably because the constant twisting and squeezing of the feet promotes blood circulation.

I suggest you look at boots that are made for casual wear and standing around in the snow, referred to as snow boots by some manufacturers. They are designed to keep the feet warm in spite of the wearer not exerting themselves and thus not generating as much body heat as a hillwalker etc. They are also lighter than proper walking boots, which makes them better suited to cycling. Typically they are a fabric type boot (not leather) with a waterproof membrane and Primaloft or similar insulation, and are often made for the North American market (and consequently are not so readily available in the UK).

For example: https://global.llbean.com/shop/Mens-Ult ... ml#start=1 (note that US footwear sizes differ from the UK sizes).

Obviously riding a bike creates its own windchill, and a constant flow of cold air over the outer surface of the boots is the big problem. Years ago I used to put my waterproof overshoes on in very cold weather, even though it was dry, because the fabric acted as a barrier between the wind and my footwear.

[rotavator]

[/quote]
Back home, more recently, I've become a convert to SPD sandals (no socks), which similarly don't restrict the circulation, and, with a bit of contemplation of rule 5 and my inner ruggedness, have extended their wearing conditions to "anything above zero". I was even moved to comment on arrival at the pub on one occasion, in 2 to 3°, how warm my feet had felt.
[/quote]

Hmmmm...an interesting idea but I don't think I will it! Snow boots sound more like it.

[nez]

Mine, I just pressed the wrong button (keyboard), and posted a partial post, so I edited it.

Perhaps I did the same, I suppose. Coincidences do happen. Cheers

Anyway, what I wanted to post before sidetracking myself was, ‘two pairs of gloves.’ When the weather is cold and wet and you’ve had enough, a second dry set of gloves to change into is just sublime.

[Mick F]

Layers and a warm hat.
I have a couple of thicknesses of outer tops and wear the appropriate one for the expected temp.
Also have a Paclite Goretex waterproof top which stuffs into a back pocket for when it's required.

Gloves are Sealskins - waterproof and windproof.
Shoes and socks and long thick bib-tights.

[puffin]

This thread has been gold dust, many thanks for all the contributions. Here's to a much better winter of cycling! Thanks again.

[Mike Sales]

Not too much. I like to feel a bit chilly before I get warmed up.
Sweating is a good way to get cold.
I learned this in the winter hills, when I used to wear a sweater or two, with backup in the sack.

[Stradageek]

If anyone has a surefire way of cosseting cold-sensitive feet when the temperature drops below ~8 deg C I would like to hear about it. I have tried merino socks, overshoes, hiking boots, chemical foot warmers but still get numb, cold feet after less than hour when cycling.

You have my sympathies having suffered for many years. I've now solved the problem thus:

The aforementioned mega-tog socks inside oversize Northwave winter cycling shoes AND with the addition of full length chemical foot warmers when it's really cold. The foot warmers last for many hours of toastie riding

Keeping the 'core' hot is also essential and when everything fails (before I found the foot warmers) I got off the bike and pushed for a 3 minute walk every hour.

PS getting cold feet (in shoes that aren't over tight?) at +5°C suggests you may have Reynards syndrome?

[mjr]

I've nearly always got quick drying cotton next to my skin

There's an oxymoron if ever I heard one!

Often sold for "hot yoga" or for wearing in hot countries. This ain't your teatowel-like gig t-shirts. Keep on denying yourself comfort if you want. All the more for me!

I forgot to mention the merino beanie worn inside the waterproof hood, and the toe covers in freezing weather.

[geomannie]

Or you can follow the advice in suggested in the Beginner's Guide to Bicycling & Bike Maintenance, published in 1980. I rather like it.

[NUKe]

always work on the three layer system.
1 base layer needs to get the sweat away from the skin
2 middle layer is for warmth
3 outerlayer is the weather proofing wind proofing for cold but dry days, waterproof for wet days

for me the base layer is usually a running top or old summer cycling shirt,
2 is generally a long sleave cycling shirt, or an old jumper, the old crew neck lambs wool are brilliant for this
3 either a boardman race cape wet warm , a soft shell jacket for the colder days

legs I have various combinations but the best I have found are cold weather bibs that are softshell fronted or tights under shorts
feet winter shoes or overshoes if riding Cleats. Hiking boots for flats

[Oldjohnw]

Just back from a 20 mile ride. Frosty when I set off.

Long sleeved high collar merino top (Alpkit) and fleece (Ayacucho)
Buff.
Merino boxers (Alpkit) and shorts (Rohan) plus merino pull-up leggings(dub)
Wool socks.
Thin fleece gloves and fingerless cycling gloves over.
Dub sleeveless windproof vest.
Warm as toast.

[ANTONISH]

It's interesting how much specialised clothing is available now.
In the fifties we hadn't much choice.
Usually a thick jersey with a sheet of newspaper under if it was very cold, plus two's, long socks and a cape if it rained.
Modern material base layers didn't exist - I had a Greenspot nomad jacket for long rides in the winter - a lot of people wore US army surplus combat jackets - even donkey jackets were worn.
Some used spats for rain but I can't remember any warm overshoes.
I still carry a sheet of newspaper - it's an effective windbreak and can be very welcome on those treacherous spring days when it starts mild and progresses to bitterly cold.