Staying warm

[j20nyh]

Apologies if this has been asked 1000x before but what's the best way to stay warm whilst riding in the winter?

I've currently only got a running top, padded undershorts and some cotton shorts i wear over the top and on my last ride I noticed how cold I was when I got home.

 

[byegad]

Longs will make a big difference and layer up to keep warm. So in freezing weather I've got waterproof longs, with other longs underneath below the waist and a waterproof top (Breathable!) with a layer or two under it above the waist. Long gloves and a woolly hat with a helmet liner underneath keeps me toasty as I ride the icy roads. Having three wheels under me means I can ride when two wheels would be iffy!

Others will wear much less but I hate being cold and would rather be too hot given the choice.

 

[Arjimlad]

I put some old unpadded Altura Winter Cruiser tights on over normal cycle shorts, wear winter jerseys and a winter jacket - either Aldi's softshell or a Mountain Warehouse waterproof one on top. A buff keeps the ears warm and good socks and overshoes keep the feet warm.

Gloves range from fingerless cycling gloves for summer, full finger MTB style gloves, Aldi winter gloves to Aldi ski gloves for when it's below about 4 degrees !

 

[vickster]

Don't get wet, that's the killer for me!

If dry, merino baselayer (good non itchy one), thermal jersey, Nightvision jacket if cold enough

Two pairs of legwear, longs - do not let knees get cold!

Two pairs of socks, adequate gloves, buff, ear band

 

[evo456]

Time to get acquainted with Merino Wool base layers, long sleeve thermo jerseys, windproof gloves, thermo leggings, a buff for the head/neck and a light wind/water proof jacket. Overshoes for the feet to block wind and rain. Should see you through most cold weather

 

[j20nyh]

I'm not planning on riding in wet conditions to be honest.

What's the advantages of a merino base layer? Would this be sufficient? http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/canterbury-long-sleeve-baselayer-cold/rp-prod24040

 

[vickster]

Merino = warm and cool, and importantly doesn't get stinky like synthetics (don't need to wash after every ride)

 

[Dogtrousers]

We're all different, but my advice is: Spend your cold weather budget on good warm gloves and winter cycling boots. Then just stick some extra layers on the rest of you. Forget the skin tight cycling look. Go for the baggy scarecrow look.

And don't forget that your muscles warm up quickly while on the bike, so on a cold but sunny winters day you may need to strip some of those layers off.

 

[outlash]

As others have said, Merino baselayers are superb. TBH I use long sleeve Merino shirts (IIRC they were from Decathlon sold as yoga tops) and they'll be in constant use during winter. Layers are the watchword, a baselayer, thermal top (I used these during my first winter's cycling as they're pretty decent for the money: http://www.tenn-outdoors.co.uk/mens-winter-weight-cycling-race-jersey--long-sleeve--blackyellow-s), bib longs/shorts with roubaix lined leg warmers, gloves, headcover (snoods work well or a buff) and overshoes would be a decent start and should cover you for most temperatures. Stay away from anything cotton related, if you start to sweat when it's cold in cotton it's not pleasant at all.

You may find as you go on that you prefer riding slightly cold or toasty warm and buy kit to suit that, most of my bike clothing is geared towards the colder temperatures because when it's warm it's easy, shorts & short sleeved top .


Tony.

 

[Milzy]

Keep on summer gear but drink Brandy or Whiskey instead.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Pedal a bit harder

 

[RedRider]

Good shout from @outlash regarding Decathlon merino. I bought a baselayer in store fro the ski-ing section at the weekend for £22 and have been wearing it the last couple of days. It seems as good quality (if not slightly better than) the longsleeved cycle-specific Endura baa baa baselayers I've had before and was somewhat cheaper. I can't find the exact same thing online but it's similar to this.
If you're feeling flush the Finisterre merino baselayers look nice.

 

[Accy cyclist]

I'm not a fan of black cycling gear but as we know,black attracts the sun's rays.So maybe black worn with a bit of high viz on cold sunny winter days will help.

 

[Cycling2Live]

I'll add a +1 for merino wool base layer. Soft, warm and wicks away moisture. A windproof jacket will be a great help especially if it's made from material that allows it to breathe and let's the moisture out. Depending on how cold it is, leg warmers or lined pants, make sure the leg is tight enough not to get caught in the chain if you don't use a chain guard. I like to wear a neck warmer of merino wool, the kind you pull over your head. I can unzip my jacket a bit if it gets too warm and still protect my neck. I can also pull it up over my mouth & nose if I need to. Shoe covers will help keep your toes warm as will a winter shoe.

 

[slowmotion]

I have been given a couple of supidly expensive top-of-the range merino vests. They are great if you don't get too warm. When I sweat they feel hatefully ichy. I now wear a Helly Hansen vest that has a laminate of synthetic fabric next to the skin and a merino outer. Yes, it smells after a ride, but at least I feel comfortable. On really cold rides I wear the merino above the Helly.