Comments on: Commuting 101: Bike Clothes For All Weather

By: Dave

Dave — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 15:47:45 +0000

Couldn’t agree more. Many people ask me “Aren’t you cold?” and are of the opinion I should wear more clothing. The British seem to be obssesed with bundling up, just because there’s a few clouds, a slight breeze or the mercury dares approach 50 from above. Thankfully, I’m old enough to make my own clothing decisions.

By: Dave

Dave — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 15:45:04 +0000

Couldn’t agree more. Many people ask me aren’t

By: Ab belt

Ab belt — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:16:15 +0000

Ab belt…

going to read more…

By: RainCityCyclist

RainCityCyclist — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 06:48:08 +0000

I have 2 Pearl Izumi Zepphyr jackets. I’ve had each for about 6+ years and they continue to do everything I need. Having 2 wasn’t intentional, but as the result of a sale and gift, I’ve got two. I rotate and it allows them to get dried out and/or washed when needed without any interruption with my daily gear. I do lust after some of the hot new jackets, but here with the Seattle weather, these work fine. For winter commuting I wear a longsleeved jersey (either PI, brushed poly or fleec-lined poly if colder) along with full bib tights, partly fleece-lined, and a skull cap under my helmut. I often get pretty soaked but it generally works well.

By: CaptCanuck

CaptCanuck — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 02:57:18 +0000

DeFeet Woolie Bullie Socks – awesome!
Rocky Goretex oversocks
Work boot insulated foot beds (foil on bottom, felt on top side – perfect for SPD shoes)
Insulated bib tights (bibs rock!!!)
Good wool or synthetic base layer is key
Jackets with venting pitzips
Snowboarder fleece necktub/lycra skull cap designed for under helmets
Snowboarding gloves with the tear resistant rubberized material in the palm and fingers, Overmittens if its really cold (lobster claw style)

By: steven danaher

steven danaher — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 03:48:30 +0000

I keep a couple of pairs of pocket chemical handwarmers in my repair kit for emergencies. If I breakdown (flat tire, busted chain, brake problems, etc) I will be sweaty and dressed way too light to be safely standing around for very long.

As soon as you know you have to stop for a while, open a handwarmer and place it inside your baselayer in the center of your chest. (there is tape is your repair kit right?)

This works because:

Natural body thermoregulation gives priority to warming vital core areas (heart and brain) by slowing blood flow to extremities.

Handwarmer gives the extra boost of heat to keep this vital area warm

Your hands and feet will be warm since there is more blood flow to those areas.

Jumping jacks help too!

I also used this trick when working construction in college to stay warm outside down to ~10 deg F, wind ~15 mph without having to dress like the little brother in “A Christmas Story”

By: Bicycle commuting « Half Pint Pixie

Bicycle commuting « Half Pint Pixie — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 15:43:13 +0000

[...] blogs and websites dedicated to every possible aspect of bicycle commuting, from choosing a bike, clothing and equipment, to doing your own repairs and even instructions on the best way to fold a tire to [...]

By: bergjm

bergjm — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 13:55:42 +0000

Stan.V – I use the disposable warm-up packs under my toes alot during the winter months. I ride year round and they help.

The other item I found that works really well, but is pricey, are the Lake MXZ300 (MXZ302 this year) winter cycling shoes. I have had mine for a few years now, and they really help. I have ridden below 10F, for over an hour, with these and the chemical toe warmers. This year it looks like Lakes is finally offering a wide size. I have a wide foot, so I ordered one size bigger (MXZ300), and I should have probably gone 2 sizes bigger. I wear thinner wool socks or if it is really cold I wear a pair of Seirus Stormsocks with the shoes. It has to be below 20F to use the Seirus Stormsocks socks, otherwise my feet sweat and that is counter-productive. A couple of years ago Lake started offering a road version of this shoe, CXZ300 (301 last year), but I have no experience with them. I would think the MXZ302 would be better for commuting since they have some tread on the bottom. If you look around, you can find these shoes for $160 to $250. Bikeman.com has some of the earlier models at a decent price. They are expensive, but for winter riding, they are worth it in my book.

By: Stan.V

Stan.V — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 16:58:49 +0000

Quinn, Mark-
Also, a couple of disposable warm-up packs sold everywhere around here (Toronto, Canada) for $2 can save your commute in unexpected colds if placed on inside of your wrist/ankle just under glove elastic band or socks. I even found some reusable hot packs sold in scuba store for $8, that are activated by clicking a little metal plate inside the bag. They are amazing to see, and are re-cycled by boiling.

By: Quinn

Quinn — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 05:25:20 +0000

Mark-

Thanks for reminding me of a clothing/temp regulating tip, Probably 8 yrs ago in Mountain Biking, One of the best ways to cool off is to expose your forearms.