Staying warm in the fall and winter riding seasons?

[Gochenour]

This is my first year of biking and I've been experimenting with trying to stay warm. Right now I have a full neoprene face mask, a long sleeve compression shirt under my jersey, gloves, and... shorts.

What are the most beneficial items that you would alll recommend adding to my fall/winter clothing collection first?

Thanks!

[Draggon]

What are the most beneficial items that you would alll recommend adding to my fall/winter clothing collection first?

If you haven't seen it already, there are a lot of ideas being generated in this current thread:

http://www.hmba.org/smf/index.php?topic=12243.0

[chuckdlou]

lots of zippers to regulate so you don't completely sweat out...wool wool wool...charcoal hand and toe warmers...blow your water back into the reservoir of your hydration pack between drinks so the hose doesn't freeze...

[David Kuehnen]

layers, lots of layers.


"Dry-weave/omni dri" or similar "wicking" layers against your skin and breathable yet windproof layers on the outside. 


Wool is your friend, especially in the sock department.


What always amazes me is how much i sweat in cold weather. 

[Fett]

My bottom line rule of thumb is keep the fingers and toes warm and dry and the rest is easy.  Wool socks, shoe covers.  I have never really needed more than a windproof tights, long sleeve base layer, jersey and windproof light jacket in conditions even down to the single digits.
Circulation is very important. If you can get a pair of cheap shoes that are a size bigger than normal to account for thicker socks, you will be happy. Constricting your feet will make them cold even with good socks and shoes. Lake Winter Mountain Bike shoes are fantastic, but pricey.
I use alot of chemical toe warmers in the winter.  Make sure to get the kind with adhesive on one side so they do not move.  Put them on top of your socks, inside of your shoes.

[slamnsam]

All good advise in the previous posts. I wore a under armour cold weather shirt 1 time at my first iceman race and found that to be a mistake, too constricting on your whole chest. A base layer shirt with front panel wind breaker fabric works great. Bar mitts are  good in real cold weather. And a hot cup of coffee when you get done is the best. Enjoy your first winter riding!!

[mtbikernate]

You may find that neoprene face mask to be too much for Indiana when riding.  I may wear something over my face at the trailhead, but all that hot breath through fabric over my face makes things worse by winding up as being both cold and wet.


Softshell gloves are very nice in winter.


I tend to wear the fewest layers over my legs.  some light insulation (usually a lightweight wool baselayer) and wind protection (usually a pair of hardshell rain pants) works.  Though I do think a better option would be the windproof tights.


Over my torso, I have a lot of options depending on how cold it is.  Wool or synthetic baselayers (I have a couple different weights of fabric as options) are definitely a component.  Later frequently followed by a fleece vest.  Sometimes a softshell jacket instead.


On the head, I have a few options, too.  I have a balaclava, but really never use it on the bike.  For bike use, it's usually a choice between a Buff, a Smartwool beanie, or a Mountain Hardwear beanie (sometimes the Buff will be used with one of the other options).  The MH one is Windstopper and VERY warm so it only comes out when it's super cold.  It has kept me comfortable down to -20F so far.  I have not experienced colder since I've owned the hat.

[Shark]

Moose mitts are great for keeping hands warm!!

[Zinjanthropus]

Is it just me or does anyone else get done riding and find their belly, sides, and the bottom half of their back are ice cold but the rest of the upper body and base of the spine are plenty warm? I have another 40lbs to lose and don't feel terribly cold in those same areas while riding. I always believed the comments about fat keeping you warm, but in this case perhaps blood flow doesn't reach the outer layer of skin fast enough to keep those surfaces an even temp with the rest of the body? I'd say historically, even outside of bike riding in the winter, my love handles can be cold while the rest of my body is warm to the touch, and it doesn't phase me.

Just curious if there's any reason for concern or any product found that combats this patchy variance in temperature. Don't go suggesting a girdle either. LOL  I can always do my own makeshift wrap but considering I heat up plenty on my own I'm hesitant to mess with adding to my overall warmth and increasing the risk of sweating.

I'll definitely have to revisit this topic next year as I'll be carrying less body fat and compare the experience to this winter.


~Yet another Dave