Winter riding gear

[foofighter]

I know it's a bit premature as we're experiencing triple digit temps...but I was curious what everyone puts on during the "colder" months in socal. I have bad knees from my younger years skateboarding etc are those knee wrap thingy effective?

Lemme know thanks!

[Chris]

I use arm and knee/leg warmers, and a thicker base layer. I only use a windbreaker if its super windy.

I get hot fast so I usually end up taking everything off

[Burner]

it's all about merino wool (smartwool, etc), warm when wet, breathes great... comes in lots of weights, and a lightweight one is usually warm enough 'round here.

keep a windbreaker/shell in my pack

[dubjay]

When it's a little chillier 55-65, knee warmers and a long sleeve jersey is usually good enough for me.

From 40-55, I add a windbreaker and maybe another inner layer up top, different gloves, and end up putting baggies over my toes (to avoid wind chill through shoe mesh on descents).

[guero]

Originally Posted by dubjay

When it's a little chillier 55-65, knee warmers and a long sleeve jersey is usually good enough for me.

From 40-55, I add a windbreaker and maybe another inner layer up top, different gloves, and end up putting baggies over my toes (to avoid wind chill through shoe mesh on descents).

what he said. leg/knee warmers to make a big difference. im glad rob let me borrow his extra set on our snow/sleet/hail holy jim to trabuco ride last year!

[dstepper]

I'm with Burner smart wool only way to go. Then Goretex in the snow/rain.

Dean

[TucknRoll]

socal winters? Uhhh shorts.

[g-dub]

The most I ever wore: Shorts, poly longjohn tee under jersey, light fleece over jersey, shell, thin poly beanie under the helmet for the first mile. I was plenty warm, peeled layers all the way. Wouldn't have minded something warm for the legs, but I already owned that other stuff for non-bikey use.

But that was kinda unusual...Usually get by with the poly undies under the jersey and the shell, and the beanie is easy to pack along just in case. Maybe for style points I'll just use armor as arm & leg warmers on those days I ride on the road because the trails are muddy. You know, when it like, rains...

[SAR_boats]

If you have bad knees then I would recommend something a little thicker that the standard knee warmers because if your knees get cold then the pain starts. You might look into some of the terry lined neoprene knee braces without the hole in front. They may get a bit stinky after a while but you can machine wash them. When it comes to body parts that are sensitive to cold it is better to be too warm and sweat a bit more than usual than too cold

[dubjay]

Originally Posted by SAR_boats

If you have bad knees then I would recommend something a little thicker that the standard knee warmers because if your knees get cold then the pain starts.

For something thicker than standard knee warmers, I end up wearing my 661 Kyle Straits

[jcampbell]

At the start of the year we were doing night rides up Maple and to the peak then back down to Motorway... getting ready for the Warriors events! OMG, I have never been that cold on a bike. I even brought ski gloves and it didn't help. Feet... frozen, hands... frozen, *&^%... frozen! Temps were in the 30's and 40's. Arm warmers are always in the bag, knee warmers get in there too when it gets a little closer to winter. I always have my shell with me, thats a must if your riding in the evening. It just helps on all the decents. Make sure you wear Jerseys over cotton t's at they will get wet and stay wet and you will freeze and decents!

[bjammin]

These are awesome. They have mesh behind the knee to avoid oversweat. I picked them up at Toeclip.com

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by TucknRoll

socal winters? Uhhh shorts.

I guess you don't get up into the San Gabriels...

[Winger]

We pretty much rode 2 night rides per week through the winter....typically up Blackstar, Maple Springs, or Harding.

On the coldest night I would wear:
Thick long fingered gloves
Arm Warmers
"Base Layer" undershirt
Thick long sleeved shirt
Regular riding shorts
knee warmers
wool socks
Plastic baggies over the socks, in the shoe
booties over shoe
Windbreaker on the descent
I also grew a beard to keep my face warm on the descents.

I bought a pair of leg warmers but I used them once and overheated.

In general it is all about layering. Most nights didn't need anything near what I listed...typically knee & arm warmers and some thin long fingered gloves.

[Pho'dUp]

For Nights:
Arm Warmers, Knee/Leg Warmers. 2 kinds, thinner ones and ones with fleece inside for when it gets really cold at night. That and a windbreaker with removable sleeves works for most nights.

On the really cold nights my toes start going numb in the Santa Anas. I'm gonna try baggies or those neoprene things "Footsies" this year.

For late afternoons/early mornings: My Longsleeve STR jersey is nice, or any other 3/4 sleeve or long sleeve jersey. Knee warmers.

Layering is definitely the way to go.

Armor also works for your legs too. Maybe I'll start bringing a thermas for some Hot Totties at the Flag before the luge this year.

[Evil Chocula]

Merino wool jersey's and knee warmers. Naturally wick moister, keep's you warm when its cool, cool when its hot, and doesn't smell after a few rides.

www.swobo.com

[PacMan]

Originally Posted by mechmann

allison has thermafleece knickers she likes, i don't have anything like that yet.

Be careful what you buy. "Knickers" are just "Capri pants" with a different name.

[Evil Chocula]

What a funny coincidence... thats the same exact outfit I wear for winter riding! People tell me the knot is totally "all mountain".

Originally Posted by PacMan

Be careful what you buy. "Knickers" are just "Capri pants" with a different name.

[Steven Jackson]

I usually lather myself in hot wing sauce (3-mile island flavor for longer rides) and drink a 5th of Wild Turkey on the way to the trail and fill my Camelpack with Bud Ice to stay warm out there.

[slowSSer]

Originally Posted by Steven Jackson

I usually lather myself in hot wing sauce (3-mile island flavor for longer rides) and drink a 5th of Wild Turkey on the way to the trail and fill my Camelpack with Bud Ice to stay warm out there.

now THAT's Funny!