This is my second year of year round commuting and have found that winter 
riding can be fun and warm.   I found I can bike until the actual temp reaches 
>5 below zero at that point my bike gets too hard to pedal due to the constancy 
of the grease/chain/hubs.  My commute is 8 miles and  I am usually drenched in 
sweat by the end of my ride. 

Gear:

Bike is a 1990's Trek MT bike.  Tires are studded Kendas.  Added a fender and 
two good lights.  Most of my clothing is not biking specific but just winter 
gear I had on hand.

40-30
Torso:  Long sleeve shirt, Biking Jacket
Legs: Wind-stop biking pants.
Feet: Wool socks and biking shoes
Hands: Biking Gloves
Head: Hat, and Ski Goggles

30-20  
Torso:  Long sleeve shirt, and light jacket (wind proof) 
Legs: Thermal underwear and Wind-stop biking pants.
Feet: Wool socks and boots
Hands:  Rugged wear mittens
Head: Neck Snuggie, two hats, and Ski Goggles

< 20-0  
Torso:  Long sleeve shirt, thermal long sleeve shirt, and light jacket (wind 
proof) 
Legs: Thermal underwear and Wind-stop biking pants.
Feet: 2s Wool socks and boots
Hands:  Rugged wear mittens
Head: Neck Snuggie, two hats, and Ski Goggles




________________________________
From: India Rose Viola <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Thu, January 28, 2010 12:34:19 PM
Subject: [Bikies] Winter Gear List- For Fun & Learning

I [mostly] LOVE winter biking.  The paths are less crowded, I can wear my geeky 
gear without hesitation, and I get to be outside almost every day throughout 
the winter without suffering from the cold.

I bet there are as many ways to stay warm on a bike in winter as there are 
riders. Over the past 15 years I have cobbled together my winter biking gear, 
with "outfits" for each ~10-20 degree increment, and smaller accessories for ~5 
degree increments.  Some gear works better than others, some I can't live 
without.  I am interested in finding out what items other winter riders have 
sought out, created, or stumbled upon that they think are essential.  It's fun 
to find out that "Hey, I don't have to wear tinted goggles at night!" (yup, 
that one took me a while), or, "Oh, there are helmets that can keep my head 
warm without wearing a hat".  

I am pretty stoked that I can ride down to windchill of -30 or so without 
feeling cold.  Some of my gear is hand-me-down, some new, and all in all I know 
I look like a nut- but I'd rather be a comfy nut than cold.
And I'm always looking for something lighter weight, warmer, or just plain 
smarter.  

Here is a short list of my fave items- What are yours??

Studded tires (Kenda Klondike)- I honestly don't know how I rode through the 
winter without these.
Windproof (Windstopper) tights (Mountain Hardwear)- not bike-specific, but 
awesome nonetheless
Snowsport Helmet that covers my ears... ah simple, one-layer warmth
Clear ski goggles
And it's not "winter"gear per se, but I recently got a very lightweight mesh 
reflective vest at Movin' Shoes (made for runners, Nathan brand) that I wear at 
night for added safety.  I got an XL, it's adjustable, and I can wear it over 
my winter coat.  

-India

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