Winter Clothing?

I am new to this sport, too. I have polled some people in the group I ride with and they say layers are the way to go. When you first go out, fleece and pants are necessary. As you heat up, you can strip off layers. When it gets really cold, though, I have read on some message boards that people who live up north wear ski pants and vests to ride.

I am a weenie when it comes to cold weather (spent most of my life in Middle GA and Middle TN!) so I am not going to spend a lot of money on biking clothes up front. I will get them as I need them. Look on Performancebike.com and Bikenashbar.com. They have excellent prices.

Arm warmers are a big help starting around this time of year, especially in early morning rides. Also a wind vest is a nice accessory. When it gets real cold I'll wear an Underarmour type shirt. When it gets real real cold it's time for the tights and a head balaclava. Don't forget your feet. Those same vented shoes which keep your feet cool in the summer cause a prett cold foot in the winter. You can spend the big bucks for booties or do like I did by going the cheap route and buying dress shoes "rubbers' (no not the Trojan kind, the Totes kind) from WalMart for 8 bucks. Buy them one size bigger, cut out a hole in the bottom for your cleats and you're good to go!

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by vladimir102
I just started riding in August here in Ga USA. Winter is aproaching and I have some questions about winter clothing. The lowest temp probably gets to 25-30 degrees F during the winter. I was wondering what is the best way to go while riding in cold weather. I have a short sleeve jersey, bike shorts, socks and shoes. Should I get a long sleeve jersey or arm warmers? Also should I get leg warmers or bike pants/tights? Any special socks or just double them? Is a stocking hat good for underneath my helmet? Should I put a fleece over my jersey or wear a heavier pant over my shorts? Thanks again for any help.

Vlad -

Having moved back to Atlanta, GA several years ago, I experienced the same questions you have. Fortunately, we live in an area where the temperatures rarely get really cold for any length of time.

Over the past several winters here, I've built up my arsenal of cold weather gear to deal with the changing temps. Usually in the Fall/Spring, I start out with arm warmers and knee/leg warmers so I can shed them as the day gets warmer...for the colder months (Dec. - Feb. - and even then the temps vary day-to-day), I usually layer my clothes by wearing a sports t-shirt underneath a long sleeve jersey (and on colder days, a jacket), along with bib tights and a cap for underneath the helmet, plus warm gloves. I've found that this usually keeps me warm enough for the longer rides - plus I can still shed some of it if the day warms up....

As they say here in the South - wait 5 minutes and the weather will change.

Hope this helps...

rlroadie