Weather Riding: The Three Important Things

There is no such thing as bad weather, only poor clothing choices.

So we’re starting to deal with cold riding.  (It was 26 flippin’ degrees on Sunday morning!!)

Let’s review the basics.  If you want to stay warm and comfortable on the bike, there are three things that your clothing must do for you.

Block Wind

Trap an insulating layer of air

Transport moisture away from your body

There.  That sounds simple enough.  But the problem is that these three essentials tend to conflict with each other.  For instance, really effective wind blockers tend to not be too breathable, and thus they tend to trap moisture.

Stuff that traps air close to the body helps keep you warm, but if it traps moisture you will get cold.  And so on.

This is where the combination of technical fabrics and layering come in.

I’m going to go out now and try it.  I’ll be back later to report.

Okay!  I’m happy to report that the whole layering thing still works.  Yes, I started out overdressed, but I was carrying a bag, and was able to shed the extra stuff.  (More on that later.)

Is all that fancy “Bicycle Specific” stuff really necessary?  The answer is, emphatically, YES!!  There are a couple of reasons for this.  First off, cyclists move in ways that folks in other outdoor activities don’t.  We are largely stationary from the hips up, but our legs must be in constant motion, with minimum restriction.  Second, cyclist move.  We generate our own windchill.  Runners have different problems.  For them, it’s often difficult to shed heat.  For us, not so much.

Examine a good high quality cold weather riding jacket.  Notice that it likely has panels on the front that are wind blockers, but the rear panels are made of softer, fuzzy type fabrics.  This is to allow it to breath, without losing heat to impact wind.  We find similar touches throughout the wardrobe.  The good stuff costs more, but there are reasons for that.  Honest, your running sweatpants and such won’t work as well.

Layering Made Simple: 

• Base Layer:  Polypro or other wicking layer.  (Not cotton!!!)
• Mid Layer:  Micro fleece to trap insulating warm air.
• Top Layer:  Wind shell.

(There’s that “Three Important Things” from the title.)

When it gets really cold out, we just double up on the layers.  We begin with the base layer, and double it, then add mid layers as necessary.

Finally, a few notes on the technique of dressing for cooler weather, and for riding in it.

Principles:

• It’s not as cold as you think.
• Keep your head warm
• Dress so that you are a little bit cool when you get on the bike
• Be prepared to make clothing “adjustments” along the way
• You will be slower in the cold
• Get descents over with quickly
• Don’t restrict circulation

And two useful hints:

1)   Get dressed in stages.  Don’t put all your cold weather clothing on at once, while inside a heated building.  If you do, you will start sweating, and then you will chill very quickly when you go outside.  Instead, pull on the base layer, and possibly a mid layer top, then move into the garage (where it’s cooler) to complete putting on the mid layer.  Take your bike outside, and then finish putting on the outer layers.

2)   Sunlight helps you, clouds make it feel cooler, and night riding cooler still.  At the same temps, you need less insulation on a sunny day than on a cloudy one.  Wind chills you more too.  Always allow for the current conditons.

Do use a skull cap or balaclava.  Something like 70% of your body’s heat loss is through the head, and helmets are designed to help you lose heat.  When it gets really cold, think about blocking the forward vents on your helmet.  You can do this with a helmet cover,or by applying duct tape over the vents.  (Remember, Winter riding is about riding and surviving, but not about looking cool!)

If you are warm when you first get on the bike, you are overdressed.  As soon as you start riding, you will make more heat, then sweat.  Then you chill.  If you’re not sure, carry some extra clothing with you.  You can always put it on if needed.

Consider the time of day.  In the morning, temps are rising.  You may need to stop and make a clothing adjustment as the day warms.  In the late afternoon, temps are falling, again, you may need to stop and add a layer.  Expect a sharp drop in aparrent temp about a half hour after sunset.

In colder weather, always carry four chemical warmers with you.  You can activate them and use them to warm hands and feet.

Wear looser shoes.  Thick socks, inside tight shoes, will restrict circulation, and then your feet get really cold.

Do a lot of testing!  Keep your initial cold weather rides short, 10 to 15 miles.  These distances allow you to test various gear combinations.  They are long enough for you to make a determination about whether you have over or under dressed, but if you’ve made a mistake, you aren’t far from home, and you won’t be in too much trouble.