Subject: RE: Bike Jacketpga_mike - 2008-10-11 3:16 PM
I should trust a guy from Idaho on cold weather gear, no? Are there a certain number of layers when you don't worry about wearing chamois bike pants anymore? I did buy some "knicker" bike pants, which felt great this morning in about 48* weather. I have a whole bunch of performance-type mock turtlenecks and some synthetic long undies. I use them for fly fishing Would you wear them for rides? I am worried about blisters in some sensitive areas. Broken bones, back spasms, road rash; These things I can handle! Blisters? Not so much!
Well, the guy from Canada agrees with the guy from Idaho. The quality base layers make all the difference. But I usually only ride until its -15 deg C or so.
I always put on the bike shorts (bibs in my case ) first so there is no issue with chafing or blisters in sensitive areas. Additionally, if it starts to warm up, you can easily remove layers and still be decent in public. Arm and leg warmers combined with a good vest works great when the ride starts early and gets warmer as you go.
Lots of my cold weather gear is not cycling specific, especially the base layers. My mockneck, tights, earmuffs, and even gloves are not cycling specific. However, a quality form fitting cycling jacket is well worth the investment.
Check out the winter riding setion of bikeforums.net for some specific recommendations.
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