My winter basics (going on 4 years of commuting):
That's honestly it for basics. I have a set of earmuffs that go around the back of my head because I find touques fall off or my hair lifts them off my ears, but ymmv.
There is not much to know, other than "layer up and go", maybe starting with a short trip or two to find your limit and what you need to wear. I personally stay away from ice, snow and rain for safety reasons, but cold itself is not a problem.
You do not need high tech expensive gear either. The following keeps me very comfortable at around 20F, even if it is a bit windy
- Light/mid weight base layer
- Regular long-sleeve cycling jersey
- This jacket (very good, despite low price)
- Balaclava
- Thermal cycling tights
- These gloves (very good, despite low price)
I used to use shoe covers until I lost them, and they really helped. I can get by without them fine too in 20F. Coffee tastes extra delicious in the middle of the ride, but the first 10 mins after you leave the coffee place is coooollllld. But I really love it.
Proviz Men's REFLECT360 Outdoor Jacket, Silver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BYVS2MQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_8fdTFbK96PSJA Winter, spring, or fall: being seen is key. It’s probably not the most technical, but layered with a down vest it’s usually all I need.
I live in Minnesota and have a 5m/8km ride to work. For the last couple of weeks the ride home has never been above 0f/-17c and these inexpensive barmits have been a lifesaver. I added a cheap barplug to increase stability. I only wear some Seirus Innovation Hyperlite gloves underneath and doubt I will need my old winter gloves ever again. The best $25 I ever spent. I bought the large size to give as much room as possible. Never had a problem with taking my hands in and out while riding.
Definitely understandable.
To answer your question, I have two layers: first, this scarf, which you can see poking over my nose. It’s very ”breathable“ and doesn’t get wet easily from my breath.
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Then, outside that, I have this ski mask. It’s made of fleece and quite warm, but would probably get wet without the first scarf.
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Then I also have anti-fog ski goggles over that, not pictured.
I have this one. I ride home in the dark on roads that are rural and poorly-un lit. Cars do actually give me more space since the sunset become early enough that it is dark out when I go home. If you are riding in an urban environment, I don't think it would do much good.
Looking forward to seeing how it does in the snow tomorrow!
I've been running these guys for years. Not the most exciting lights, but they work well. IMO a good brightness for this usage.
My irritation with them is that the attachment is fiddly and often can't be maintained when recharging.
I was just browsing for an improved alternative, but didn't come up with much.
I like mtb googles. Dual lens with pass through venting in the lens, clear (no tint since I used them for commuting in dawn/dusk time). I’m using some cheaper 100% goggles (strata). Sometimes it helps to remove some of the goggle frame foam for more ventilation if you fog.
Buy lenses with built in anti-fog coating and try as best as you can to keep it intact. Treat with anti-fog spray after the built in anti-fog coating has lost it’s effectiveness. I got these https://www.amazon.com/100-Goggle-Vented-Replacement-Lens/dp/B009W9QLKS/
Make sure your face mask if you wear one, doesn’t blow hot air up in to the bottom of your goggles too. You can tape those vents shut if needed to adjust.
I wear a face mask similar to this when the temps drop. What I have found is the need for the holes for the nose & mouth for my breath to escape. This aids in preventing my glasses fogging up. I also wear a separate beanie style hat, goggles & a neck gaiter. I realize they sell this setup (excluding goggles) as 1 piece but I find by having separate pieces I can use them individually as needed based on my comfort needs.
Hope that helps!
Highly (highly) recommend lobster-style wind proof gloves. Better warmth than 5-finger gloves, and much more control than mittens.
Especially if you are a fast rider, or also need for an ATV. They really stop the wind-chill numbing your hands.
In the colder months, wear a thin pair of e.g regular merino 5-finger gloves inside them. Good enough for riding fast in -20C weather
I like the kind with the hose, so the Chapin 10000 is great as it’s 1/2 gallon and fits fine in a pannier: https://www.amazon.com/Chapin-10000-2-Gallon-SureSpray-Multi-pupose/dp/B000E2EZC8
Note that you pretty much can’t find it in stores… the smallest you can usually find at Home Depot etc is 1 gallon, which are great, but take up a ton of room in your bag.
There’s also smaller ones that are more like spray bottles with a pressure pump on them.. but I tried those and missed the hose. :-)
You could use wind pants. I use a pair of Body Wrappers Dance Pants from Amazon. I’ve hiked hundreds of miles in them and they hold up pretty well. Plus they’re super cheap.
I live in Minneapolis, and I have these, the neoprene ones that you linked. I've ridden in single digit temps with them, and I think they work quite well! They don't really provide warmth, but are a great set of windbreakers. I wear gloves with them when I ride, and have been pleased with the results. They're on deck for this coming winter!
Coldest ride this year = -13F for 9 miles.
I swear by these gloves, being the only set of gloves I have bought that actually keep my hands warm. My first set is in literal tatters after ~6 years of winter cycling and I replaced them with the exact same thing 2 months ago. I tried many different gloves before buying these.
I'm sure other gloves with the same style are comparable. With these gloves I've never seen a reason to purchase bar mitts. They are very stiff at first, but get more comfortable as they get broken in.
Eventually the wrist strap portion tears, but they remain usable. I replaced them when the internal casing starting tearing. That was after thousands of very cold miles in WI winters.
Check out a mask with a heat exchanger. I got one and it’s been great the last few day (also in Minnesota).
Here’s what I got and it’s designed by a MN company: Balaclava with Detachable Heat Exchanger Face Mask, Winter Ski Mask, Ergodyne N-Ferno 6970,Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0091CC38A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_WX7C35BY29E6F73WMQCS
This under your helmet and a pair of ski goggles is amazing!
Balaclava with Detachable Heat Exchanger Face Mask, Winter Ski Mask, Ergodyne N-Ferno 6970,Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0091CC38A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_ZD3VJSCRMJGD2XCXTV2N?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Maybe try looking for ice fishing gloves, i just layer up but next time i lose my gloves I'm going to give it a try, much cheaper than gloves specifically for cycling. A fellow bike messenger friend told me about these ones:
Palmyth Magnetic Leather Ice Fishing Gloves Convertible Mittens Ski Gloves with Thinsulate 3M Warm for Cold Weather and Winter Men Women Photography Snow Shooting https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CC55BSL/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_2NSYR1F1HM2CFNQEG6EZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Mountain Hardware Bandito's were my favorite fingerless with mitten but they were discontinued last year, found these on amazon and they're both dry & warm:
Pogies all the way I own two sets of 45nrth ones and I own a set I ordered off Amazon for way cheaper then the 45nrth ones and they work amazing. I agree they are ugly but be able to wear a light pair if gloves or no gloves in freezing temps is amazing and keeps you from sweating.
MoGee Muffs Bike Hand Covers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B093KF4KGV/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_V9XMKFRMVVWCX8FAHK4N?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
If you don't currently own this balaclava, you could try to find a different model to make sure it lasts. I'm currently looking for a better one than the one I currently own I stumbled upon this model, which seem to fix a lot of issues I have with mine: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0091CC38A/ref=as\_li\_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=coldbike-20&camp=15121&creative=330641&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B0091CC38A&linkId=2170bec001954f27767ed0cb66172e48&th=1
I generally find it's the wind that makes things feel really cool. So windproof layers pay in gold. No brand scuba gloves, 5mm or greater in neoprene. You can get e.g. zcco ones on Amazon for about 18usd. For head, a windproof balaclava such as the below, with beanie of choice over the top, maybe a hoodie over top of that.
Balaclava Ski Mask - Winter Face Mask for Men & Women - Cold Weather Gear for Skiing, Snowboarding & Motorcycle Riding Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019F18TX4/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_MXY3035MYP0Q7ZJ55SGN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
ZCCO 5mm Neoprene Diving Gloves,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08224NR2P?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
That's interesting, because our climates aren't all that different. Your temperatures are a little cooler and we have a little more precipitation in the winter (and a lot more in the summer), based on https://weatherspark.com/y/252/Average-Weather-in-Anchorage-Alaska-United-States-Year-Round. It must be a cultural thing of accepting that roads won't be perfectly clear in the winter there, whereas we put in a major effort and consider it a moral failure if it's not down to bare pavement within hours of when a snowfall ends. Or maybe the sunlight hours in the winter are part of it--the combination of sun plus salt might be how things actually get melted here.
This 12oz. CamelBak insulated travel mug fits perfectly in my bottle cages. I use it to bring coffee to work on my morning commute. The insulation is average/adequate and not super amazing, but my coffee is still hot after a couple of hours. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HGTQ933
I have used one of these for a couple of years now for coffee while fat biking. The finish hasn’t held up the best with my aluminum cages, but it works.
Travel Kuppe Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Cycling Sports Water Bottle
I ride everyday with the chariot in the winter and what I did was find a car seat cover that opens at the bottom. It installs like it would on a stroller and they’re waterproof on the outside. My kid absolutely loves it - it’s a bit like being in your blanket during the ride! this is what I had inside the chariot
I have a pair of these, and find they work really well overall for both riding and working outside (to a limit). Unfortunately they don't seem to have very many choices in size. https://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Izumi-AMFIB-Gloves-Medium/dp/B06X1CYBCC/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=pearl%2Bizumi%2Bwinter%2Bgloves%2Bcycling&qid=1613959507&sr=8-6&th=1
Maybe something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Hybrid-Weather-Cycling-Cycling-Gloves/dp/B086RJBHX5 but at those temps perhaps somewhat more insulation is needed.
This type of gloves is great for winter orienteering etc where you occasionally need the precision of five finger gloves and running keeps your circulation going.
Army Cold Weather Military Trigger Finger Hunting https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0182SZE98/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_DZBJTCAKQYN6V0GNG2RB
Bought these from a recommendation on here. Solid. You can find them cheaper and in size medium.
Stashing it against my skin, or with only 1 layer between skin and the phone works for me most of the time, but sometimes moisture can be an issue if you start to sweat a little.
I now have a powerbank/handearmer that I carry. It'll keep your phone warm and also be useful for warming your hands and stuff.
This is the one I have, but there are many competitors to check out. Only downside is it's extra bulk to carry, but it's got a lot of pluses. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07X22YMF5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_G6H71J8EW68TFQQ1NBX8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I don't like the idea, but I don't think it'll make you colder, just grosser feeling. FWIW I got a tip from one of the cycling subs a couple years ago and bought these: https://smile.amazon.com/Trigger-Finger-Mitten-Gloves-Liners/dp/B07M9LJ5C3/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=trigger+mittens+army&qid=1608159290&sr=8-2
Absolutely fantastic, they're a bit goofy looking but they're warm and comfy and dirt cheap.
These guys work like a charm: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GTH2WZQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This works for me down to about -15 C and a regular cycling helmet. Below that I'll switch to a heavily vented snowboard helmet.
【2020New】 Ski Goggles, Anti-Fog UV Protection Winter Snow Sports Snowboard Goggles with Interchangeable Spherical Dual Lens for Men Women & Youth Snowmobile Skiing Skating https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07JKLDBK9/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_qtavFbWQ4H0D6
I got these earlier this year and they've been great. Red was too flashy for me so I got the white frames, yellow tinted lens, clear and slightly dark for clear sunny days.
Experience is a wonderful teacher here so...
Start riding now/keep riding
Don't stop riding - be an every weather all conditions rider
Commute if you can or have a purposeful routine for regular riding - you might modify your route a bit for winter riding safety
Have fun riding - enjoying riding just to ride is an important part - slow down a bit, be safe, it isn't a race ( unless you find a local winter racing community )
check for a bike co-op or volunteer run bike shop or something like that in your area - they are good contacts for all weather riding, bike maintenance and repair, your local conditions, some even run classes or courses on winter riding - good folks to know.
You don't need a 'special' bike, but tires can make a difference, but everyone says 'so you have a fatbike?' when they find out I ride everyday all winter - no, my mountain bike is fine, but I have ridden 27x1.25 too on the pack or sidewalks - here (the cold part of Canada) sidewalks in the suburbs are free game in the winter for siding safely.
you don't need a single set of special clothing, but you need to adjust to the weather, layering and unlayering for 5 to 10°c increments, but as you are riding regularly and the weather gradually changes you figure it out. I wear my cleats with wool socks and sometimes my boots if it is really cold. I have thin gloves, thicker gloves, mittens and glove shells to mix and match. Think 'cross country skiing' gear to control for heat and moisture. You will definately dress lighter than you do for walking in the winter. You probably already have everything you need, start with that.
You can get Frostbike by Tom Babin from your local library. He has some videos and articles around too.
I just bought these pants on a recommendation from a couple buddies who wear them when fat biking in Wisconsin:
Also, I have these pants that I wear when it gets really cold. They are fleece lined and keep me plenty warm:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y322MP3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
For the top half i wear multiple base layers depending on conditions, as well as a windproof Specialized deflect jacket and am plenty warm. I rode in -20 F conditions last year and was plenty warm.
I have a bunch of these that I put on underneath my pants. Sometimes I put two on. I ride all year, winter averages around 20F and there is usually a week or two that is on average below 0F.
Anyone here wear glasses? I'm thinking of getting this https://www.amazon.ca/JULI-Goggles-Over-Glasses-Snowboard-Goggles/dp/B075HD653N/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1543099997&sr=8-1&keywords=otg+goggles but my prescription glasses are pretty wide, not sure if this would fit.
I've used this one for a few years now.
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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JQE90WK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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https://www.amazon.com/Gore-Bike-Wear-Cycling-Gore-Tex/dp/B00BHV3YJK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1513836410&sr=8-1&keywords=gore+bike+wear+gloves ? These should be GTX Active from Gore themselves.
I have a pair, haven't ridden them through water yet. They have a light insulating layer, but probably good enough for 40F on their own?. A little slippery though.
Something like this but maybe a little longer? Could buy two smaller ones for now, one for each wheel, and bridge the gap with some high quality waterproof tape.
A bit late to the party, but thought I'd offer some advice. Cycling gear can be extremely expensive, winter gear even more so. I started winter cycling in college. When I started, I just wore a lot of layers and my winter coat, gloves, etc., and then slowly worked my way to cycle-specific clothing as I could afford it.
A particularly cold day would be something like:
Long johns, jeans, second-hand snowboarding pants for waterproofing, if needed.
Long johns, long sleeve shirt, sweatshirt, winter coat, scarf.
Gloves with warmers, if needed.
Winter boots, regular socks, wool socks, throw in warmers if needed.
I would definitely suggest getting a pair of ski goggles. I use these guys. Cheap and effective.
I got studded tires for the first time last year, and I really like them, but they're not a necessity, I think.
On my chains and derailleur, instead of oil, I use DePont's teflon spray. It does not attract grim, and works pretty well for me.
Cheaper option - I've used variations of these for a while. Deceptively bright - got flashed by a car last week thinking I was a motorbike with full beam lights on. Charge over USB which I find handy too. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lezyne-Micro-Drive-Front-Light/dp/B008R5PFGE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1425421191&sr=8-3&keywords=bike+lights+lezyne They light up the road enough in most circumstances but wouldn't bomb through a dark wood relying on them.