Winter Cycling..........how do you keep warm ?

[Dave7]

The situation....................
This is my first year for winter cycling (I want to keep cycle-fit over winter).
I have always suffered bad circulation as I have Reynauds.
As an 'old fart' I feel the cold even more.
Today I did an 18 miler and wore.............

• 3 base layers plus a wind-proof top..........body was warm
• long johns plus running leggings........legs were OKish
• Ordinary socks............feet were blocks of ice ..........will try thermal socks next time
• Thermal skull cap............OKish.......will try a snood next time
• Wind-proof gloves.........hands were like toast

So.....................
3 base layers seems extreme.............what is the alternative ?
Are thermal socks the answer to VERY cold feet.
Is a snood the answer to a cold neck & face ?

 

[clid61]

Merino wool socks from go outdooors and some overshoes. once the extremities get cold the rest follows!




















q

 

[Milkfloat]

When it is crazy cold I have been known to wear thin liner socks, waterproof socks and then neoprene overshoes. After a few miles it only seems to be my feet that get really cold the rest of my body is fine (although a dripping nose is a guarantee).

 

[nickyboy]

Just cycle faster to keep warm

Actually, to keep feet warm on really cold days (like Sunday was in Cheshire) I wear Sealskins socks and neoprene overshoes. I managed three and a half hours (the first hour of which was in the rain) and my feet were OK. Even if it's not wet the overshoes help keep the windchill down

Edit : Milkfloat beat me to it

 

[rideswithmoobs]

Craghoppers hat, kneck buff up over ears, mouth and nose.
Cycle top with bibbed leggings over top.
Endura coat
Endura 3/4 Baggie shorts over leggings (because I don't like the nuts on show look)
Normal socks and overshoes.
Toasty today.

 

[nickyboy]

Craghoppers hat, kneck buff up over ears, mouth and nose.
Cycle top with bibbed leggings over top.
Endura coat
Endura 3/4 Baggie shorts over leggings (because I don't like the nuts on show look)
Normal socks and overshoes.
Toasty today. View attachment 110841

Where is that? I'm originally from Crag Bank, Carnforth so it feels like I should know it

 

[raleighnut]

Try some winter cycling boots, I've got a pair of Diadora 'Chilli' that are really good in cold weather, bit pricey though.

 

[rideswithmoobs]

Where is that? I'm originally from Crag Bank, Carnforth so it feels like I should know it

Ah not far then, it's on way into arkholme looking over in the direction of Kirkby Lonsdale. I cycled down crag bank on Friday and out to Silverdale and Arnside

 

[ianrauk]

Yesterday's ride in the country, started off in minus 2°

Sealkinz socks (not only waterproof but also nice and toasty in cold temps)
DHB Roubaix Bib Longs
Spesh Base Layer Vest
Shutt VR Merino LS Jersey
Shutt VR Winter Jersey
Nightvision Winter gloves.
Buff for the neck and face
For the head, a buff and a cycling cap.

In fact I was just a little bit too warm. I could have done without the vest at least.

However, as you suffer from Reynauds, that is a whole different ball game.

 

[andyoxon]

Like some of the others here for feet: sealskinz 'waterproof' socks & neoprene overshoes... The sealskinz because they tend to trap the heat more; in heavy rain they'll eventually fill with water (from the top around leg), but at least with overshoes too, feet should be OK. A sort of 'wetsuit' effect.

Also wear a buff, to stop wind down collar, and keep some rain out. http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-reflective-buffr/

Inexpensive Lidl synthetic base layer shorts/vest - work really well.

 

[rideswithmoobs]

Yesterday's ride in the country, started off in minus 2°

Sealkinz socks (not only waterproof but also nice and toasty in cold temps)
DHB Roubaix Bib Longs
Spesh Base Layer Vest
Shutt VR Merino LS Jersey
Shutt VR Winter Jersey
Nightvision Winter gloves.
Buff for the neck and face
For the head, a buff and a cycling cap.

In fact I was just a little bit too warm. I could have done without the vest at least.

However, as you suffer from Reynauds, that is a whole different ball game.

Just took a look at that Shutt stuff, very nice and like the styling but bit too pricey for my pocket. Very nice though

 

[mark c]

I use thermal socks and Neoprene overshoes, and sometimes two pairs of socks if its really cold.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Yesterday:

3 season climbing socks.
DHB toe protectors over Shimano MT43 SPD shoes
Endura FS260 bib.
Altura winter longs.
Helly Hansen short sleeve top with cheap Tenn short sleeve cycling top over that.
Cheap £50 Altura waterproof jacket with side vent zips wide open and front zip open about 12".
Buff in beanie mode under my helmet to keep ear tips warm.
Louis Garneaux full finger waterproof gloves.
Glasses - cost £25 and are terrific. Don't mist up, do the job and at £25 if they hit the deck I'm not going to have an Oakley Meltdown.

Was freezing cold at around 2C (ok so not technically freezing cold but you know what I mean) and tbh on the final few miles run in to base I had to roll up the arms of my jacket to dump some heap (very effective!). Rest of the time I was perfectly comfortable and tbh I would rather run cold than hot if I had to choose.

All cheap but effective stuff - not wanting to pay more as if I have an 'off' none of the above are mega bucks to replace.

As an aside when I got home and stripped off I felt warm all over but my stomach felt very cold to the touch - I have no idea why that would be the case.

 

[Dayvo]

Go to a hot country and cycle there.

 

[nickyboy]

The one rule you need to remember is don't wear a buff. Cos buffs is ghey