12/31/2020
So it’s cold, windy, rainy, and you are trying to decide if you want to ride. Well, I am going to help you out and you will no longer have any excuses.
Rain-This is an easy one. Starting from bottom to top.
Get yourself a pair of waterproof/wind proof overshoes. These will help keep your socks & shoes dry and wet cold feet really stink
Rain pants/Jacket-I would suggest Bike Specific pants from a company such as Castelli or Showers Pass. I use Showers Pass. My jacket of choice is the dhb Aeron ultralight. Most dhb products can be found at online bike shops such as jensonusa, chain reaction, and bike 24. You want to look for pants and jackets that have at a waterproof rating of at least 20,000mm H20. Rain gear at this level and higher will provide protection in heavy rains, wet snow, and high pressure.
Gloves-need to be waterproof and windproof. Sealskins and Castelli gloves are the brands I would recommend. Good price, warm, comfortable, and great at blocking the wind.
Rain cover for your helmet, fenders if you want. I don’t use them. Front and back lights at least 600 lumen on the front and 100 on the back. Finally, slow down. Roads get real slick. The last thing you want to do is fall off your bike going around a corner.
COLD——this is a relative term for people. One person is cold at 50 degrees and another is tooling around in shorts.
Layering is the way to go when riding in the cold weather. It is easier to remove a layer than not having it at all. I have been riding where the weather has changed 35-40 degrees during the ride. For the purposes of this post, we will be layering up for a ride with the temperature at 32 degrees
Head warmer, something to cover your ears is a must. It’s amazing how cold you get with ears flapping in the wind.
Neck gaiter is a riders choice.
I usually choose 4 layers when it comes to my upper torso. First mid-weight (200gsm) merino wool shirt. Next, a lightweight (120gsm) shirt, usually short sleeve. Third layer is a LS cycling Jersey and finally a top notch jacket. Don’t skimp on the jacket. I use a Castelli Alpha RoS jacket. It is rated for temperatures down to 25 degrees.
For the legs, THERMAL, THERMAL, THERMAL is the word here. Castelli, Craft, Specialized, Pearl Izumi, or Giro. You really can’t go wrong with any of these companies.
Gloves-see above. Also some silk glove liners are a godsend
Wool socks, and some toe covers under your overshoes will keep you toasty on the coldest days.
Well, I hope this helps!! Please let me know what your go to gear is for riding in the cold
