Cold Weather Gear: TBL Guide to Winter Cycling Fashion

The calendar says it's Wednesday, but it feels like Tuesday since Monday was a day off (my first in quite some time) and I spent the day riding my bike and thinking of my brother and sister-in-law who are en route back from deployment. Extra special Veteran's Day indeed.

That's also why this blog is coming 24 hours later than usual. It's "Tuesday" for me. Or at least that's what we're going with. Deal with it.

Before we talk about winter cycling fashion, a quick update on events this week:

11/21: Green Grill Out

Time: UPDATE 13 NOV – POSTPONED ONE WEEK TO 11/21 4PM
Location: The Bike Library

11/16–11/17: Bikepacking Trip to Jordan Lake

Time: 2 PM
Location: Meet at The Bike Library
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Guide to Cold Weather Cycling Gear

All of this is, as it always is, just my opinion. There are TONS of articles out there about this exact topic.

When I was a little kid, my dad used to tell me "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing." This is especially true for biking.

There are kind of three tranches of "cold weather" in my mind:

• Chilly (50F-65F)
• Cold (30F-50F)
• Freezing (15F-30F)

If it's below 15, I typically don't ride unless I must (in the case of bikepacking, for example.)

Chilly (50F-65F)

This is simply long sleeve weather. There are a variety of garments (like a gillet or knee warmers) that will help you stay warm. Covering your neck with a Buff is also a great idea!

If you're going for a more casual ride like Espresso Express, a heavy long sleeve (flannel perhaps) and pants work just fine.

Remember, when it's chilly, you want to be a little bit cold before you hop on your bike. Once you start pedaling, you'll heat up quickly. Don't be too wooby before you take off or you'll be a sweaty mess before you know it!

Cold (30F-50F)

Cold is when you'll want to start covering your hands as well. Getting a good set of gloves will be key here.

Also, getting a nice cycling jacket and full leg warmers will do a lot to keep the heat in. Finally, a winter cap is great to prevent the cold air from blowing you back into your warm house where you just rolled out of bed and am I sure I even want to be riding outside right now? That Zwift sesh looks appetizing, albeit a bit boring.

For casual rides, a heavier coat can replace the cycling jacket but gloves and a hat are still good ideas.

Freezing (15F-30F)

This is where dedicated winter gear will be critical. In addition to everything from "Cold," you'll need shoe covers to keep your feet warm and potentially thermal bibs to keep... everything else warm.

Having a windproof base layer underneath everything also helps.

In the photo below, I am wearing a balaclava, a hat, a buff, a winter jacket, a jersey, a windproof base layer, winter gloves, thermal bibs, knee warmers, wool socks, and shoe covers. I was still freezing my butt off. But it was a glorious sunrise and a memorable bikepacking adventure. Speaking of which – come out and bikepack with us this weekend! See last week's blog post for more details and a map of the route.

See ya next week!