Bike Winter Kick-off (just in time for the 40's)

It looks like we have some proper Bike Fall* weather on the way. . . just in time for next week's Bike Winter kick off/sticker release event!  Come on out next Thursday to the Billy Goat on Madison to meet veterans of all season cycling and folks hoping to tackle their first Bike Winter this year. Pick up (or share) tips and get inspired to get involved.   And, get the first peek at this year's sticker! Thanks to all who designed and voted. Event info here:  http://www.thechainlink.org/events/bike-winter-kick-off-workshop-an...

 

*I usually bust out the gaitors (ear coverings) when the temp gets below 55. What's your cut off?

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Permalink Reply by Joe Sak on September 12, 2011 at 5:33am

I started shopping today.

 

I want to ride all year 'round. I'm looking for opinions on the best gloves and pants right now.

 

I think I have the rest covered:

 

-- two shirts, a hoodie and my goretech has worked in the past

-- kroop's goggles

-- PlanetBuff Merino Wool Shamir

-- wool socks over normal socks with tretorn shoes

 

I plan on buying a bern brentwood helmet with the winter insert.

 

I also want to build up my beater starting this weekend.

Permalink Reply by Gin on September 12, 2011 at 5:53am

Hi Joe--

 

Some people swear by lobster gloves, which you can get at bike shops. I do a mitten/glove combo and glove liners. The key is that it's windproof. http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___91891

 

I like silk undershirts and long johns  for lighweight, non-stinky warmth.

 

Does your jacket have pit zips?

 

 

Permalink Reply by Tiberculosis on September 12, 2011 at 6:06am
Yay Winter (no offense Autumn)! 30's is when I normally start to adjust my clothing. I'll wear shorts (knickers) with thermals down to the 20's. Longer the route more I can dress down. My feet and hands are total wimps though, definitely dress them warmer in the 50's and below.
Permalink Reply by Melanie K on September 12, 2011 at 6:31am
I usually don't break out the winter stuff until it hits around the 30's; the 40's I start to wear a jacket and maybe some light gloves, but only use a head band around my ears. I pull out the balaclava when it gets into the mid-30's.   My hands get the brunt of the pain in winter- I guess that is just a fact of life for biking in winter and I have yet to find the perfect combination, although I am considering trying the lobster gloves people keep raving about.  I don't really have any special regular clothing except for maybe long johns in winter under my regular pants.
Permalink Reply by Meg Matthews on September 12, 2011 at 6:35am
Gin, I can't make this event but have no clue where to start for the winter here! Do you have more events coming up?
Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on September 12, 2011 at 6:39am
Well, there's always the Bike Winter website.

Meg Matthews said:
Gin, I can't make this event but have no clue where to start for the winter here! Do you have more events coming up?
Permalink Reply by Ash L. on September 12, 2011 at 6:39am

I have a pair of lobsters but I don't love them. I made the mistake of getting a pair in my size (ordered online) and I feel like they are too constricting on my fingers. If I had more wiggle room I could flex them enough to stay warm. I also cant fit anything but a very thin silk layer underneath so I'm normally sidelined on days below 15.

 

If you get a pair make sure to go up a size.

Permalink Reply by Meg Matthews on September 12, 2011 at 6:42am
Thanks, Kevin. I didn't know they had a website, what with being new. I'll check it out!

Kevin C said:
Well, there's always the Bike Winter website.

Meg Matthews said:
Gin, I can't make this event but have no clue where to start for the winter here! Do you have more events coming up?
Permalink Reply by Gin on September 12, 2011 at 6:45am

Ash's advice goes for shoes too--you gotta be able to wiggle those extremities.

Meg--yes--there will be lots of chances to meet up with wintry-minded folk. Will you be at this week's Critical Lass? You could pick brains there. I will be there, I think. Here is our how to page: http://bikewinter.org/howto

 

Permalink Reply by Liz on September 12, 2011 at 6:52am
I've scored the best deal on gloves and water resistant pants at TJ Max.  As long as you don't care about color there's a large assortment to choose from.
Permalink Reply by ad on September 12, 2011 at 7:04am

I've found Craft lobster gloves to be the best for me for temps under freezing.  Windproof and waterproof (considering the temps you'll wear them at).  A bit cheaper than Pearl Izumi lobsters.  Roscove Village Bikes sells the Craft brand for a reasonable price.  I found the size I usually wear in a glove fit me fine and even allows a thin baselayer glove to be worn as well, but your results may very. 


Joe Sak said:

I started shopping today.

 

I want to ride all year 'round. I'm looking for opinions on the best gloves and pants right now.

 

I think I have the rest covered:

 

-- two shirts, a hoodie and my goretech has worked in the past

-- kroop's goggles

-- PlanetBuff Merino Wool Shamir

-- wool socks over normal socks with tretorn shoes

 

I plan on buying a bern brentwood helmet with the winter insert.

 

I also want to build up my beater starting this weekend.

Permalink Reply by Michelle S on September 12, 2011 at 9:08am
For many years, I've bike commuted from mid-March to mid-October, and was feeling pretty proud of myself. This year, my goal was to continue until Thanksgiving. You're all making me think my goal is too wimpy. Hmm, winter biking? Hmmm....

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