Thursday, May 17, 2012
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In continuing this series on winter riding, I want to be sure you have the principles of keeping warm and comfortable while engaging in your chosen mode of recreation or transportation. I will toss out some ideas on how to dress and what types of clothing are available. The tough part of writing this is that your style of riding is not the same as the next reader. How you need to dress for cold weather riding depends on the time you intend to stay out and the type of riding you do. Commuting and recreational riding styles can be quite different.
I also want to be careful not to give the impression that to ride in cold weather you have to have ‘cycling specific’ gear. As I said at the start of the series, you probably have what you need in your closet. I will make recommendations based more on fabrics, and will give some hints on how to equip yourself on the cheap.
Let’s talk about keeping your core warm. Layering, dressing in several light garments, is superior to just tossing on a ‘heavy’ or highly insulated coat. A thick coat would be fine if you are not doing any activity, or going out for a very short time.
Start with a good long-sleeve base layer (underwear). There are several good synthetics that move the perspiration away from your skin and still insulate when damp. If you ride at a brisk pace you can build up more moisture than the fabric can handle, so it will get damp. My favorites are lightweight wool (look for SmartWool or IceBreaker) and Patagonia’s Capilene. These are pretty expensive, but the performance is great. There was a DuPont fabric called Thermax; unsure if that particular name is still used, but it or its incarnations are very good too. Check the outdoor stores and on-line shops like L.L. Bean or Campmor for other suggestions. Avoid Cotton at all costs! Cotton absorbs and hold moisture, its fibers collapse, and it will actually chill you faster than not having it on.
The Insulating layer is next. I’d bet you have a wool sweater or shirt in your closet. Acrylic will do, but it cannot compare to wool overall. Fleece is also an option. If you need to find some garments, check out your local Goodwill. I have found decent wool sweaters and fleece pullovers and vests that have worked just fine for very little cash. But as noted before, if you hike, run or ski, you probably have some things that will work for cycling.
Finally the Outer Layer: This needs to be wind-proof and breathable. There are lots of big-name options, GoreTex, Tactel nylon, etc. Really, most anything will work here. There are some advantages to cycling-specific gear, like light weight, close cut, and the good stuff really does perform well. But again, this is not necessary for shorter rides or for getting started. Find a wind-blocking nylon shell that is not coated with a rain proof urethane and you are good to go. Good things to look for include a high collar, easy to operate zippers or Velcro on the pockets, and a bright color for visibility.
It’s good to have a variety of items for your insulating and outer layers. Some days a sweater and vest will be plenty, others you will need the full shell. Some days I wear the sweater, vest, and shell! Again, you will have to decide what works for you by experimentation and budget. Lots of options, some crazy expensive, some not so much. I have a great pair of insulated over-pants that work great for cold commutes: Goodwill, less than 5 bucks. The point is to not let cold weather stop you from riding.
Next up: Hands and Feet.
I also want to be careful not to give the impression that to ride in cold weather you have to have ‘cycling specific’ gear. As I said at the start of the series, you probably have what you need in your closet. I will make recommendations based more on fabrics, and will give some hints on how to equip yourself on the cheap.
Let’s talk about keeping your core warm. Layering, dressing in several light garments, is superior to just tossing on a ‘heavy’ or highly insulated coat. A thick coat would be fine if you are not doing any activity, or going out for a very short time.
Start with a good long-sleeve base layer (underwear). There are several good synthetics that move the perspiration away from your skin and still insulate when damp. If you ride at a brisk pace you can build up more moisture than the fabric can handle, so it will get damp. My favorites are lightweight wool (look for SmartWool or IceBreaker) and Patagonia’s Capilene. These are pretty expensive, but the performance is great. There was a DuPont fabric called Thermax; unsure if that particular name is still used, but it or its incarnations are very good too. Check the outdoor stores and on-line shops like L.L. Bean or Campmor for other suggestions. Avoid Cotton at all costs! Cotton absorbs and hold moisture, its fibers collapse, and it will actually chill you faster than not having it on.
The Insulating layer is next. I’d bet you have a wool sweater or shirt in your closet. Acrylic will do, but it cannot compare to wool overall. Fleece is also an option. If you need to find some garments, check out your local Goodwill. I have found decent wool sweaters and fleece pullovers and vests that have worked just fine for very little cash. But as noted before, if you hike, run or ski, you probably have some things that will work for cycling.
Finally the Outer Layer: This needs to be wind-proof and breathable. There are lots of big-name options, GoreTex, Tactel nylon, etc. Really, most anything will work here. There are some advantages to cycling-specific gear, like light weight, close cut, and the good stuff really does perform well. But again, this is not necessary for shorter rides or for getting started. Find a wind-blocking nylon shell that is not coated with a rain proof urethane and you are good to go. Good things to look for include a high collar, easy to operate zippers or Velcro on the pockets, and a bright color for visibility.
It’s good to have a variety of items for your insulating and outer layers. Some days a sweater and vest will be plenty, others you will need the full shell. Some days I wear the sweater, vest, and shell! Again, you will have to decide what works for you by experimentation and budget. Lots of options, some crazy expensive, some not so much. I have a great pair of insulated over-pants that work great for cold commutes: Goodwill, less than 5 bucks. The point is to not let cold weather stop you from riding.
Next up: Hands and Feet.
Category: Front News