Cold Weather Riding

[kanga]

The question comes up about this time every year, so I just posted this on our OTBMBC boards, so I'm X-posting here as well. I'd invite others to add to it or comment on it.

We're blessed with year-round riding here in So Cal. But one of the problems with winter riding in the San Gabs and Verdugos, CNF, and most places, is that you're doing a steady, long climb (read: warm to hot), followed by a steady, long descent (read: cold with extra windchill). It means carrying gear up the hill, but if your prepared it's some of the best riding. Trails are less crowded, the dirt is tacky and grippy, dust is down (if it will ever rain, that is).

Layering is always your best, most flexible option. You'll be peeling layers as you climb, so it gives you the ability to regulate your temp a little better.

I'll usually start the winter night rides with a regular long-sleeve jersey and a windbreaker or rain jacket on top, shorts with leg warmers on the bottom. While waiting around for the start, a big jacket that you can peel off right before you ride is helpful.

For the climbs I usually end up peeling off the outer layer shortly after starting (rain jacket or windbreaker) and climb in a regular jersey. Leg warmers that can be removed (or slid down to your ankles) while riding work really well. If you have knee warmers, those also work well for the climb; cold knees tend to hurt under load (especially after the years of abuse I've given mine!) and usually you won't need to remove them. It's quads and calves that get hot, knees stay cold.

Bring a change of clothes for the descent. I like to ride back down in a long-sleeved fleece top, something like a mid-weight capilene or other synthetic, with a rain jacket or windbreaker over that. You'll want to change out of your sweaty wet jersey as soon as you get to the top. Synthetics insulate well, even when wet and are fairly light weight. Long-legged winter tights that are lined are best for downhill in the cold, unless you have good leg warmers that you can pull up (I gotta get me a pair of leg warmers!).

For shoes and feet, it depends how vented your shoes are. Some people bring a change of socks (a thicker, warmer pair) though I can usually get away with plastic shopping bags. Put your socked foot inside a plastic bag and then in your shoe. It stops the wind cutting through your shoes and freezing your toes.

Long fingered gloves, including a change of gloves for the downhill (wet sweaty gloves at 30mph are very cold). There are winter riding gloves out there, but you can get a lot of warmth out of a pair of synthetic liner gloves worn under a regular pair of gloves.

For head/face/ears, when it's really cold I use a neoprene ski mask under my helmet. A skull-cap under the helmet, or even just a scarf or plastic bag to keep the wind from cutting through your head, and you'll be able to enjoy the ride, no matter how cold it is.

Preparation is everything, and winter riding can be thoroughly enjoyable as long as you're prepared.

Any additional thoughts?

[dstepper]

Very good advice. I like Smart Wool and have next to skin jersey, tights, stocking cap and socks. I also use Pendleton wool outerware then full Goretex and neoprene booties if it rains. Good quality wool is the way to go because you can stay warm even if you get wet and don't have to put on the Gortex in the snow or light rain.

[kanga]

Originally Posted by dstepper

Very good advice. I like Smart Wool and have next to skin jersey, tights, stocking cap and socks. I also use Pendleton wool outerware then full Goretex and neoprene booties if it rains. Wool is the way to go because you can stay warm even if you get wet and don't have to put on the Gortex in the snow or light rain.

Smart Wool makes some great products, and wool is a great material, hot or cold, and works more as a temp "regulator" than an insulator. Old woollen jerseys are great if you can find them. Bionicon also has a line of merino wool riding gear coming out next year that I'm looking forward to trying.

[MTBMaven]

RE merino wool products, I have found Icebreaker to be of better quality than Smart Wool. I have a long sleeve shirt and zip neck sweater from Icebreaker, as well as a short sleeve shirt from Smart Wool. The Smart Wool shirt is not nearly the quality of the Icebreaker. I have found some good deals on Icebreaker from online retailers like Steep and Cheap.

The wicking, heat regulation, and stinkproof qualities of wool are amazing.

[Endo Verendo]

I'd rather it be really cold than on the cusp like it is now. We went through quite a bit of temperature changes on our Sulli ride last night. Mid 60's on Bayliss but dropped to what felt like the low 40's in the canyon. Hands were freezing. Hit a few pockets of hot air on the steep climb out, 60's on the ridge, and returned to the glacial air back in the canyon. It was tshirt temps back at the cars. Needless to say there was much de-layering/layering during the ride.

[sdyeti]

have a change of clothes waiting for you in the car. When we used to do our night winter rides in Mass. the temps would be anywhere from 10-30 degrees. WE'd get back to the car and strip...all sweaty/wet clothes off (even though it's painful in chilly air), then put dry clothes on. Keeps your core from getting cold.

Even did a ride one January when the windchill was -40F. Crazy? Yes. Cold? You bet. But it was one of the most memorable rides I've ever had. Our crew even made it into the newspaper for it.

[kanga]

Originally Posted by sdyeti

have a change of clothes waiting for you in the car. When we used to do our night winter rides in Mass. the temps would be anywhere from 10-30 degrees. WE'd get back to the car and strip...all sweaty/wet clothes off (even though it's painful in chilly air), then put dry clothes on. Keeps your core from getting cold.

Even did a ride one January when the windchill was -40F. Crazy? Yes. Cold? You bet. But it was one of the most memorable rides I've ever had. Our crew even made it into the newspaper for it.

Doesn't sound crazy to me .

That's one big difference here...at least where I do most of my night rides in the San Gabs and Verdugos, you aren't wet and sweaty at the end of a ride, if you change your clothes at the top. Most of our night rides are all downhill back to the car, so there's not too much sweating going on. One exception would be Brown/Prieto, which has a few short climbs and a 1 mile flat/rise back to the car at the end.

But yes, a change of clothes at the car is always nice. When it's really cold, ugg boots feel pretty good for the drive home.

[Von-Skipp]

Good topic because it is especially getting cold here in Arizona, or atleast feels cold from living in extreme hot temps!

What do most roadies (mtn bikers too I guess) wear as a base layer under their jerseys?

I have some long sleeve Under Armour compression tops that I wear for running. On my last ride I wore that under my jersey, seemed to work pretty well and keep the wind off. The ride was in the 50-60's degrees and I was comfortable.

Under Armour also has their Cold Weather gear. I tried on the long sleeve compression top the other day. Felt really nice but the dude told me those are for temps 40 and below and he was sweating in that snowboarding. I didnt buy it thinking I would rarely ride when its that cold. Still might get one as I liked the material and its great for sweating in and keeping you dry.

I think I would brather wear a warm base layer than a windbreaker while riding.

[sdyeti]

When your high is over 120 and lows in the 50s, that's quite the temp drop I used to live in Mesa.

Originally Posted by Von-Skipp

Good topic because it is especially getting cold here in Arizona, or atleast feels cold from living in extreme hot temps!

[allison]

Originally Posted by Von-Skipp

I think I would brather wear a warm base layer than a windbreaker while riding.

I'm kind of looking for the same thing. But, I'm thinking either sleeveless or short sleeves for under jerseys.. I dunno? But, I don't always want to wear a windbreaker or jacket. So, definitely hints on base layers would be good. Not necessarily looking for wool.

[Von-Skipp]

This is the UA Cold Weather top I was talking bout. http://www.underarmour.com/shop/mens...ew/1000511-410

UA stuff is a little expensive, but the quality of material on their products is outstanding.

BTW, they do have a full womens section.

[mp3]

Originally Posted by Von-Skipp

Good topic because it is especially getting cold here in Arizona, or atleast feels cold from living in extreme hot temps!

What do most roadies (mtn bikers too I guess) wear as a base layer under their jerseys?

I have some long sleeve Under Armour compression tops that I wear for running. On my last ride I wore that under my jersey, seemed to work pretty well and keep the wind off. The ride was in the 50-60's degrees and I was comfortable.

Under Armour also has their Cold Weather gear. I tried on the long sleeve compression top the other day. Felt really nice but the dude told me those are for temps 40 and below and he was sweating in that snowboarding. I didnt buy it thinking I would rarely ride when its that cold. Still might get one as I liked the material and its great for sweating in and keeping you dry.

I think I would brather wear a warm base layer than a windbreaker while riding.

I like HH for baselayers for training and when I'm racing at night: http://www.hellyhansen.com/sport/ind...&contentid=167

[allison]

Originally Posted by Von-Skipp

This is the UA Cold Weather top I was talking bout. http://www.underarmour.com/shop/mens...ew/1000511-410

UA stuff is a little expensive, but the quality of material on their products is outstanding.

BTW, they do have a full womens section.

We have similar stuff to that. I've got one that is long sleeved, tight, and mesh back. Then we've got another set that is kind of fleece-y on the inside that we use for really cold biking or snowboarding under tees. I like their stuff also!

[sdyeti]

I have both the HeatGear and ColdGear tops from UnderArmour. I ride with the HeatGear top here from time to time...it is a thinner material but will still help hold in some heat. If it was really cold, I'd wear the ColdGear...the fabric is pretty thick. You can check mine out this weekend...just remind me

Originally Posted by allison

I'm kind of looking for the same thing. But, I'm thinking either sleeveless or short sleeves for under jerseys.. I dunno? But, I don't always want to wear a windbreaker or jacket. So, definitely hints on base layers would be good. Not necessarily looking for wool.

[genusmtbkr5]

Good thread, I've added to the sticky link;

http://www.socaltrailriders.org/forum/general-discussion/10596-links-stickys-search-here-general-info-stickys.html

[kanga]

My OP was meant to be a more general guide for some of the noob winter night riders, specifically for our OTB rides in the San Gabs.

Since we're getting into specifics, most of what I use has to be multi-purpose. I can't afford to have one winter wardrobe for riding, and one for snowboarding, one for spring whitewater boating, one for backpacking, etc... I have a collection of REI and/or pataguchi light, mid and expedition weight synthetic layers to choose from. Works for boating and snowsports, is pretty functional for colder rides, and I've had most of the same layers for ten years or more. It costs you at the outset but the returns in longevity are worth it, as is the case with most high quality outdoor gear.

[sdyeti]

My vote goes to Patagonia Capilene...

Originally Posted by kanga

My OP was meant to be a more general guide for some of the noob winter night riders, specifically for our OTB rides in the San Gabs.

Since we're getting into specifics, most of what I use has to be multi-purpose. I can't afford to have one winter wardrobe for riding, and one for snowboarding, one for spring whitewater boating, one for backpacking, etc... I have a collection of REI and/or pataguchi light, mid and expedition weight synthetic layers to choose from. Works for boating and snowsports, is pretty functional for colder rides, and I've had most of the same layers for ten years or more. It costs you at the outset but the returns in longevity are worth it, as is the case with most high quality outdoor gear.

[Jman]

Any one have some suggestions for a brand of those knee warmers? I did a road ride today with a Fox long sleeved jersey and shorts and the whole ride was a bit chilly, not cold per se but those knee warmers sound interesting as that might be just enough to keep the legs a bit warmer. Thanks.