Post by administrator on Jan 8, 2007 12:27:43 GMT -8
Hello All,
I thought I would share some of my cold-weather tips for how to dress.
Now, I have ridden through about 10 years of winters, and during that time, I have tried many combinations of clothing to stay warm and dry.
I am going to share what I finally came up with.
My riding gear for the months of say, November through March is about the same.
Remember, it is best to start feeling a bit cold. You want to minimize sweating in the cold weather.
Head: Balaclava for below zero, Craft Skull Cap with Windstopper for 0-20, and a Pearl Izumi Microsensor Headband from 20 until I need nothing over my ears. I have my trusty Oakley M-Frames, because they fit over everything and dont slip, and my Giro E2 MTB Helmet, I wear this for raod or mountain during the winter because I like the fit.
Torso: Craft Windfront Base Layer. This is THE BEST base layer I have ever had, and I wear it every day. It is an outstanding piece, it wicks moisture well which keeps me feeling dry, and the windfront chest keeps me warm. Then, for 10 and below, I wear a Squadra SRV Club jacket, this thing is the warmest thing I have ever worn, and it has to be pretty d**n cold to use it. For 10-35, I wear a Squadra SRV fleeced long-sleeve jersey and an SRV Team Vest. This combination works great in most cold weather because it allows me to stay warm, but still allow excess heat to escape, so I dont get too hot. I am not very worried about being wet here, as long as I stay warm.
Legs: 2 things: Shorts and a pair of fleece-lined windfront tights. This works great, your legs stay warm, and the windfront helps keep your legs from getting soaked.
Feet: DeFeet Woolie Boolie socks, every-day apparel for the winter. Whatever shoes, and top it off with Potenza Neoprene booties. These things are great, $25 retail, and they keep my feet warm and pretty darn dry. They also fit over about any shoe, including bulkier MTB shoes.
Hands: Have 3 pair of gloves: lightweight, midweight, and heavy-weight. For 0 and below, Pearl Izumi Am-Fib Lobsters, for 0-25, SixSixOne Storm Plus Gloves, and for 25-45, Pearl Izumi Gavia's. Remember, keep your hands and feet warm and dry, and have choices depending on the weather.
Overall, this selection of clothing allows me to ride in about any weather, and layering is the key. Its better to have 3 or layers than 1 or 2 bulkier items. A light vest is an invaluable addition, as it really works well to block wind and elements, but can also be easily tucked in a jersey pocket if necessary.
I am not a big fan of waterproof jackets, I dont think they do a good enough job of letting perspiration wick out of the material, leading to feeling very hot and sweaty underneath. Waterproof for the feet and hands, though, is great!
I thought I would share some of my cold-weather tips for how to dress.
Now, I have ridden through about 10 years of winters, and during that time, I have tried many combinations of clothing to stay warm and dry.
I am going to share what I finally came up with.
My riding gear for the months of say, November through March is about the same.
Remember, it is best to start feeling a bit cold. You want to minimize sweating in the cold weather.
Head: Balaclava for below zero, Craft Skull Cap with Windstopper for 0-20, and a Pearl Izumi Microsensor Headband from 20 until I need nothing over my ears. I have my trusty Oakley M-Frames, because they fit over everything and dont slip, and my Giro E2 MTB Helmet, I wear this for raod or mountain during the winter because I like the fit.
Torso: Craft Windfront Base Layer. This is THE BEST base layer I have ever had, and I wear it every day. It is an outstanding piece, it wicks moisture well which keeps me feeling dry, and the windfront chest keeps me warm. Then, for 10 and below, I wear a Squadra SRV Club jacket, this thing is the warmest thing I have ever worn, and it has to be pretty d**n cold to use it. For 10-35, I wear a Squadra SRV fleeced long-sleeve jersey and an SRV Team Vest. This combination works great in most cold weather because it allows me to stay warm, but still allow excess heat to escape, so I dont get too hot. I am not very worried about being wet here, as long as I stay warm.
Legs: 2 things: Shorts and a pair of fleece-lined windfront tights. This works great, your legs stay warm, and the windfront helps keep your legs from getting soaked.
Feet: DeFeet Woolie Boolie socks, every-day apparel for the winter. Whatever shoes, and top it off with Potenza Neoprene booties. These things are great, $25 retail, and they keep my feet warm and pretty darn dry. They also fit over about any shoe, including bulkier MTB shoes.
Hands: Have 3 pair of gloves: lightweight, midweight, and heavy-weight. For 0 and below, Pearl Izumi Am-Fib Lobsters, for 0-25, SixSixOne Storm Plus Gloves, and for 25-45, Pearl Izumi Gavia's. Remember, keep your hands and feet warm and dry, and have choices depending on the weather.
Overall, this selection of clothing allows me to ride in about any weather, and layering is the key. Its better to have 3 or layers than 1 or 2 bulkier items. A light vest is an invaluable addition, as it really works well to block wind and elements, but can also be easily tucked in a jersey pocket if necessary.
I am not a big fan of waterproof jackets, I dont think they do a good enough job of letting perspiration wick out of the material, leading to feeling very hot and sweaty underneath. Waterproof for the feet and hands, though, is great!