Don’t let the cold weather stop you from training. Admittedly, I’m a wimp when it comes to cycling in the cold. I would rather be cycling when it is 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit; however, I try not to let the cold stop me unless the conditions are dangerous. There is just something about getting out there and enjoying the outdoors.
Here in the Charlottesville, VA area, our record low was recorded at -10 degrees Fahrenheit in 1985. That’s way too cold regardless of wearing the best of the best in cold weather gear, but our average lows in the winter are in the 20s and 30s. This is much more realistic and doable with the right clothing.
Recently, one of the guys in a cycling group I was riding in emailed a very helpful handout on what to wear at different temperatures. I loved this handout. I saved the handout to an easy-to-find place on my phone. So, when it is time to bike, I simply check out the handout and match my clothes. Simple, but genius. Below, I outlined the details.
| Temp. (F) | Hands | Feet | Head | Torso | Legs |
| 70 | Fingerless gloves (Optional) | Light socks, shoes | Helmet | Jersey | Shorts |
| 60 | Fingerless gloves | Light socks, shoes | Helmet | Jersey with base layer | Shorts |
| 50 | Fingered gloves | Light socks, shoes | Helmet | Long-sleeved jersey or arm warmers | Shorts, leg or knee warmers |
| 40 | Fingered gloves | Medium socks, booties or toe covers/shoes | Helmet, headband | Long-sleeved jersey or arm warmers, vest | Lined tights |
| 30 | Insulated gloves | Medium socks, booties, shoes | Helmet, headband | Long-sleeved jersey or jacket | Lined tights |
| 20 | Fingered gloves, pogies | Heavy socks, winter shoes | Light windproof poly hat, helmet | Long-sleeved based layer, thermal jacket, shell | Lined tights |
| 10 | Fingered gloves, pogies | Heavy socks, winter shoes | Light windproof poly hat, helmet, mask, neck gaiter | Long-sleeved based layer, thermal jacket, shell | Lined tights |
| 0 | Insulated gloves, pogies | Light poly socks, heavy socks, winter shoes | Light windproof poly hat, helmet, mask, neck gaiter | Long-sleeved based layer, thermal jacket, shell | Lined tights |
Definitions
Fingerless gloves: padded summer riding gloves
Fingered gloves: padded-fingered riding gloves
Insulated gloves: warm-fingered winter gloves
Pogies: mitts that fit on your handlebars
Booties: an insulating layer that fits over your shoes
Light poly socks: thin sock that absorbs little moisture
Medium poly socks: medium socks that absorb little moisture (e.g. wool)
Heavy poly socks: heavy sock that absorbs little moisture
Winter shoes: loose-fitting shoes with no venting, with ample room for movement
Tips
This information has made my choices so much easier, especially when getting ready for those early morning rides. The less thinking in the morning, the better.
Before getting out there and riding in the cold, there are also a few tips to keep in mind.
- If you are warm to the point of sweating, remove a layer. Once you soak through your clothing, it will not effectively keep you warm.
- Your ride may span through a variety of weather changes, so be prepared. Consider a thin shell for the first 30 minutes to break the wind chill. Base layering that keeps you dry and helps with circulation is a good investment.
So, get out and enjoy. With the right gear, you can have an incredible winter or cold-weather ride.