What is a good cold wheather riding suit? - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

M_Palidin_2001 · 12-29-2007, 08:23 AM

I live in NE Ohio and will be using my bike a Breakpoint Next a 21 speed, split-frame as my personal major form or transportation now I need a good riding suit so that I don't stay sick. Because 2 layers just isn't warm or dry enough.

Jester of Fools · 12-29-2007, 08:23 AM

with out spending a couple of hundred on winter wear for biking I would recommend more than two layers. First layer cotton undershirt, then regular shirt then a sweater then a wind breaker or rain jacket. The added layers will help and the windbreaker is light enough to remove when you get too warm but also helps keep out wetness. For the hands I suggest spending twenty to thirty bucks on a good pair of cycling full finger gloves rated for winter. I use a pair from giant rated to -10 works great. For the face I recommend a face shield with a velcro in the back one size fits all this will leave your eyes uncovered but you face will stay warm. For the eyes I use a pair of sking googles with a tint and UV rated the glasses breath and will not fog up if they do apply rain x to them. For the legs loose fit paints and a pair of sweats or rain gear over them or better yet on cold days both. Feet wool socks and a pair of regular socks and if you have enough room get the thermal hands for hunting they last up to eight hours but initially can get very warm. Also carry a back pack with reflectors to help being seen with a change of clothes since your outfit will get wet from sweat or weather. Carry diaper wipes to remove any stink and if possible air out the riding gear at work or home before using them for the return trip. After a day of work putting on cold damp gear is never fun. Be sure to cary id, lights, spare tube, and inflation device or a patch kit and inflation gear. I ride with head lamps, mounted lights and blinking red reflectors on the rear of bike and back pack, two tubes, patch kit, and miniture pump for both presta and regular nipples. and a first aid kit for minor cuts and bruises, cell phone for incase every thing else fails. Ipod in one ear so I can listen to traffic and helps pass the time and I do not notice the cold so much with a good tempo going on. For the ride I can recommend the podcasts Cadence revolution, Pedal radio. two good beats to ride to. The parts that will always seem cold will be the toes and parts of the face. Ride safe and careful and last but not least wear colors other than black and white so you do not blend in with the surrounding objects. For the getting sick part eat breakfast I like oatmeal with raisins good energy food a daily dose of vitamin C like a pill or better yet a glass of OJ or even a glass of V-8 or both. If your commute is more than 2 hours one way take along a deluted sports drink 50/50 with water if less than 2 hours just a couple of bottles of water one in the back pack so it does not freeze.

McG · 12-29-2007, 08:24 AM

Layers are the answer.
First layer, Under Amour Cold Gear long sleeves and tights over your cycling shorts.
Second layer, fleece top, either Specialized or Pearl Izume. I don't need a second layer over my legs.
Third layer. Wind barrier. This is key to cold weather survival. I have a pair of wind pants and a wind breaker jacket by Specialized.
Winter full fingered thinsulate gloves.
Skull cap and balaclava under the helmet.
I have non vented shoes and wear wool socks, but you may want wind proof booties. I also move my toes a lot to increase blood flow to prevent cold toes.
Wrap around glasses keep my eyes from watering.

I can wear that down to 20 degrees.

EDIT: If someone finds cycling clothing made with Thinsulate, please announce it here!