What Cold Weather Riding Apparel is Best?

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Permalink Reply by ChicagoCyclist on January 3, 2018 at 3:21pm

As someone above stated, it's all about the feet/toes, hands, and face -- and it's really only the days/times when it's really cold (like, 20 and below) and/or when you're riding a long time (like more than an hour), that the cold becomes a major issue.  I find feet -- or rather toes -- the most difficult to keep warm (and I don't ride clipless, but with XL toe cages).  I have a pair of second-hand shearling lined boots, which are one size larger than my normal size, and I wear these with the thickest, "mountaineering" Icebreaker or Smartwool socks.  For hands, I like the warmest, thickest, leather-palmed "lobster" gloves that I can find / afford.  If you can find a pair -- I haven't ever succeeded in this -- with removable merino wool liners, that would be ideal!  Someday, maybe I'll try poagies, but the earlier comment about "signaling less when using poagies" got my attention -- for safety, it's very important to always let everyone know where you're going to go!  For the face/head, on the coldest days, I wear a balaclava, a cap over that, and a merino neck gaiter, as well as wrap-around sunglasses. My glasses almost always fog when I stop at a traffic signal.  Does anyone know how to prevent that?!  My wife wears a ski helmet with ear coverings and ski goggles. Expensive winter clothing is made/provided by Minneapolis companies like 45nrth -- http://45nrth.com/.  Google and you'll find LOTS of information on winter cycling gear.

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Permalink Reply by Argonne69 on January 3, 2018 at 3:33pm

Anybody ever consider or use a full face motorcycle or scooter helmet? Neck gator, balaclava, goggles, liner, it all adds up to a hassle to put on and take off, and once you're inside you start overheating rather quickly. I would imagine that a full face helmet would eliminate the need for everything except perhaps a neck gator.

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