I get questions all the time from people about cycling. Got this one today from one of my local customers here in NC.
“A clothing question for you. Today I rode in about 45 degree weather. I wore bike shorts with Pearl Izumi leg warmers and my lower body was quite comfortable. Still having issues with what to wear on top. Today I wore a wicking short sleeve tee shirt, a long sleeve bike jersey, and a Gore Tex jacket. I was comfortable riding but was pretty sweaty when I finished. I don’t think I am supposed to get that warm. If I don’t wear the jacket my chest is too cold from the wind. If I had a top of the same material as the leg warmers I think I would be more evenly comfortable. What am I looking for?”
What clothing to wear is always a challenge.
I suggest that you create a log that shows what you wore on a given day and temperature. There is a lot of personal preference to what you wear and how warm you like to be but here are some basic guidelines.
In cold weather the last thing that you want to to get really sweaty. If you get sweaty its then very easy to get a chill. Wearing too many clothes is the biggest mistake most riders make when they are riding in cold weather.
If you are not cold for the first few minutes of your ride you are probably wearing too much. (if you hate being cold at the beginning of the ride then just wear your wind shell for the first 10 minutes and then stop and take it off.
- Think in layers: Start with very thin moisture wicking base layers and build up from there depending on the temperature. The more layers the better, you can always shed layers as you get into your ride.
- Don’t over do it: You probably need less than you think you do. If in doubt put an extra jacket or shell in your jersey pocket for back-up if you get cold on the ride.
- Build your wardrobe: At a most basic level you should have all of these items. These should all be cycling specific if possible.
- Thin short sleeve base layer
- Thin long sleeve base-layer
- Thin long sleeve jersey
- At least 1 merino wool jersey
- Leg warmers (brushed Lycra inside or wool)
- Arm warmers (brushed Lycra inside or wool)
- Neoprene Toe covers
- Full booties
- Smartwool socks
- Thin wind resistant shell
Personally on a 45 degree day , I would wear my short sleeve base layer, bib knickers, long sleeve base layer , mid weight long sleeve jersey, toe covers, and my thin non- wind proof gloves. Yes I am cold for 5 minutes but am comfortable for the rest of the ride.
What do you wear during your ride? What is your favorite piece of clothing?
First a fine article, i have the same problem on a much hotter climate and i think its a very personal thing. if i am not wearing enough layers i get sick.
Question about socks: i read another article that its better to have regular thin socks even in cold weather with Shoe cover, since you mention wool socks i am curious.
Guy
Thanks
It is very personal, but if your body is overheating that’s not a good thing. Your clothing should not be static. What I mean that no matter the temp you will likely be adjusting your layers or zippers as you get into your ride. I have found that really nice technical cycling gear helps regulate temperature. For example some of the jackets have vents on the back and under the arms to help regulate your temperature.
Your question about socks. I completely agree that a thin sock with the appropriate cover/bootie is the best way to go. That way you wont change the fit of the shoe. I mentioned wool sock because of their superior wicking properties. There are some very very thin wool socks available. Wool works because if it gets soaked you feet will still stay warm. cant say the same for other materials.
My two personal favorite pieces of cold weather gear are my Icebreaker long sleeve merino baselayer and my Swobo wool knickers. These two pieces are on me for just about every ride between october and April. The knickers in particular are thicker wool with a lining and they help keep my knees and thighs warm, without requiring more than a thin pair of tights underneath. Keeping the extra layer off the bottom helps with heat control for me.
One other thing I make sure I do is take a spare hat with me. If it’s warmer, I start with a Pearlizumi beanie, and when it gets colder, I have a thin goretex beanie that I wear. Switching hats helps control the amount of heat that leaves through the top of my head, and it also allows me to have a spare in case one gets too wet.
Great input. Unfortunately i forgot to include anything about your head. Thanks for pointing that out. Thanks
When you talk about a shell jacket, is this a nylon windbreaker?
When I refer to a shell, I am generally referring to a thin windbreaker. They come in many different materials, nylon, goretex, etc. My favorite shell is made of a very thin material tactel and balls up into the size of your fist. You defiantly want a cycling specific shell as they are cut so that it fits properly when riding. If you are not riding in the rain then skip the goretex shell. They are pricey and don’t seem to breath quite as well.
This help?