[dsotm]

I'm new to road riding so bear with the newb question. When I have done mountain biking I haven't worn long riding pants even in cold or wet weather (e.g. 40 degrees and raining). Due to the higher speed of road biking, are tights necessary or just preferable. In other words will I be able to feel my legs after 1.5 hrs in 30 degree weather at 20 mph or so? If so, where is a good place to start looking, bear in mind I'm on a rather tight (no pun intended) budget.

thanks

 

[James]

You'll want something with a wind-stopper fabric in there as well, which will really help with the cold.
I will say though, that spend a bit more if you can afford it, it will really pay off in the end. If you have lycra shorts already, you can save some money and get some tights without a chamois, and just wear the shorts under it.
I used to ride in non-winter clothes, but you get back and you're just chilled to the bone, can't even get in the shower for at least an hour while you warm up, it's bad.
I have some great Peal Izumi winter tights, and I just got a pair of some Descente "coldout" (winter fabric) knickers that are pretty great. And a windproof mid-weight base layer, long-sleeve too, so I'd look at getting a good mid- or heavy-weight base later too.

 

[dsotm]

Thanks, I was figuring a wind/rain shell, two different weights of tights, winter gloves, and a heavy jersey with zipoff arms would cover pretty much anything. Sound about right?

 

[James]

Don't forget the base layers would be the only thing I would add to that. A mid-weight or heavy-weight, maybe with a windstopper fabric. The wind is what gets you when it's that cold out.
Do you have shoe covers as well? Winter socks and gloves? Might want to think about something for the face too. I have a Pearl balaclava, but not everyone likes that. I think Heidi rocks a neck gator that you can pull up. But make sure you at least have a beanie that covers your ears as well.

 

[dsotm]

It probably won't get that cold here for more than a handful of days, probably the worst case in most winters. I'll probably, be dealing with 40s most of the winter, but it's pretty unpredictable. Thanks for the advice, I'll see what I can muster with what cash is available and I'll try quizzing some local riders.

 

[Wumpus]

Two other items:

Thin earwarmers -- It has to be pretty cold/wet for me to wear a beanies as I found them pretty hot. The balaclava comes out in the low 30s as it also provides neck protection -- the pearl one I have is pretty thin(not fleece).

A vest -- packs small so it can go in your jersey pocket. Provides a little extra protection if the weather turns.

 

[Wumpus]

This thread has some good info too -- http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?t=209516



Steap and cheap is starting to blowout some nice wool jerseys.

 

[JRogers]

I echo the suggestion of a pair of tights w/o a chamois. I've had a set of mid-weight Canari tights forever. They have nylon over the shins and thighs for wind protection, which is nice (knees have no nylon for flexibility).

For NJ weather, I don't think you'll need 2 sets of tights unless you get really cold or something. I got by in NJ, VT and CT with one set of tights and knee warmers. My legs never get that cold- upper body, feet, hands, face and ears are always the problem. Warmers are a good option for shorter rides and ones where tights would be too hot after a few miles.

Wumpus has good suggestions. I do use a beanie when it gets cold, but it's a really thin Smartwool one that covers my ears and doesn't make it too hot.

Good gloves and good socks are a must. If your feet get cold, you can add more/thicker socks (wool is a must), start with the tricks (eg taping over the vents in your shoes) or buy booties.

 

[dsotm]

I just forgot to change my location. I'm in KY at school. KY acts like the upper south about 60% of the time and the mid west 40% of the time. It could be anywhere between never getting below 40, to 10 for a week (I've seen both in three years). The beanie is a good idea since I have a shaved head.
Thanks for the advice.

 

[oldfart]

Actually you should have been keeping your knees covered on the mountainbike too at those temps. I always cover the knees with knee wormers or more if it's colder. I'll wear light knee covering from about 60-65F and down. Racing is different. Always race in shorts unless it's really cold and then just for the start. Thing is no one is biomechanically perfect. We all have slight or maybe more than slight leg length discrepencies, crooked feet etc. When you are yonug muscles and ligaments are soft and stretchy and you can get away with stuff that won't always lead to an overuse type injury. But when muscles and ligaments are cold, everything gets tight so what was a minor misalignment becomes a major deal. Do yourself a favour and keep the muscles and ligaments covered up and warm.

 

[pumpkinator]

screw looks. i wear long johns and two jerseys, regular sport ankle socks under cycling socks, boxer briefs under shorts and a beanie under the helmet for winter riding.

gotta do watcha gotta do.

 

[sanjuro]

Don't forget, the big thing about winter biking is that mountain biking is slower and more sheltered from the wind than road biking.

You might be trudging up a singletrack doing 7mph thru the trees.

On the road, you typically average 15-25mph on open roads. You could easily be riding against the equivalent of 40-50mph winds.

You will need some kind of tights, although lycra shorts and leg warmers do the job for temps over 30.

 

[OGRipper]

To me there is a big difference between 40 degrees and 30 degrees. I haven't worn full length tights since I moved to SF 12 years ago - it sometimes gets into the upper 30's but the most I ever need are knee warmers/knickers.

If you are on a budget, don't ride in the very cold very often, and want to keep your clothes versatile, just get a set of leg warmers to wear under shorts or knickers. Tights can get pricey and you might not need them all that often. When I lived in Boston I had some good wool winter tights but I always overheated unless it was down in the 20's.

 

[sanjuro]

To me there is a big difference between 40 degrees and 30 degrees. I haven't worn full length tights since I moved to SF 12 years ago - it sometimes gets into the upper 30's but the most I ever need are knee warmers/knickers.

If you are on a budget, don't ride in the very cold very often, and want to keep your clothes versatile, just get a set of leg warmers to wear under shorts or knickers. Tights can get pricey and you might not need them all that often. When I lived in Boston I had some good wool winter tights but I always overheated unless it was down in the 20's.

Knickers should just be called SFWear.

I have a great pair of Blackbottom bib tights. Unlike most bibs, these tights go up the front and leave your back exposed, which works great to protect you from the wind.

I have worn them once since moving from Connecticut.