Cycling and Running winter gear essentials?

Tough one, as everything in triathlon seems to be price a bit, well, insanely...

The things that I use for both in REALLY cold weather are my lobster gloves (my hands get cold more easily with each year), a full face balaclava out of which I've cut the mouth (but it comes over my nose and, more importantly, my cheeks - without this I'd get frostbitten cheeks, since I have a supermodel's high cheekbones).  I hate using the balaclava, but when it gets down around zero F (actual or effective), it extends the time I can spend outside considerably.

The other thing I'll use in both are some mid-weight smartwool socks.  On the bike, these help (under quilted boot covers, but I need them to keep the cold from coming up from below) and they are perfect for REALLY cold runs, for me.

I also use my windproof, space blanket type lining jacket in both.  The layers beneath it are different for running and riding, but it cuts the wind (which is what kills me down around zero) for both.

Of these, the jacket was the most expensive, followed by the gloves.  I think cheaper mittens would work on the run, but I don't feel safe riding with just mittens, and gloves aren't warm enough for ME on the really cold rides (so, mittens will keep you running longer than gloves on the bike, but it's a cheaper solution, as most mittens and gloves are way cheaper and more generally useful than the lobster ones).

I've been tempted to wear my windproof winter pants running, but I just can't bring myself to and just put tights under a pair of sweats...

Hope that helps - it's tough to get all the gear for tri, and even tougher to manage it all year round if you get cold weather…  Good luck and enjoy the sport!

Matt

The Under Armour Cold Gear base layer is the best thing I've ever bought for cold weather running.  You could wear that with nothing else down to about 40 degrees, then layer a bit on top for colder weather.   I also like Smartwool socks.

I'm in FL and it's not consistently cold here, but we do get down to freezing for periods of time in Jan and Feb. 

As far as "cross over" gear that I use for either running or cycling:

Fitted tech-fabric base layer shirt that I can wear under either a long-sleeve running shirt or bike jersey.

Tights that can be worn running or on the bike (I wear shorty socks most of the time, so also have a couple pairs of longer ones that cover the gap between my shoes and tights.) 

Thin knit gloves that can be work for running or riding.  The pair I have are actually sold as "bike glove liners" designed to be worn under fingerless bike gloves.  For running I find that inexpensive cotton gardening gloves work well.

Arm warmers that can be worn with short sleeve bike jerseys or for running.  (Living in FL, it's hard to justify buying long-sleeve bike jerseys that are only going to be worn a few days a year).

Light weight nylon wind vest that can be used for either running or cycling.

Skull cap that I wear under my bike helmet. 

Mark 

I thought I would offer my two cents since I commute by bike year round.  Temps can get into the teens in the mornings.  

I am a big fan of shopping the local thrift stores for athletic gear.  I've scored nearly new Pearl Izumi, Under Armour, Terry (women's cycling brand), Mountain Hardwear, Patagonia, REI, and other high quality brands for about 1/5 of the  original cost.  And there is nothing quite like finding a nice merino wool sweater for $5.

My list of winter riding essentials:

• Lobster gloves w/ liner
• Neoprene shoe covers
• Base layer
• Good wind breaking jacket - a bit heavier that a running jacket
• Mid-layers consisting of technical clothing and/or merino wool sweaters from local thrift shops
• Winter tights (also purchased from local thrift shops)
• Wool socks and on very cold mornings thin stockings (women's knee-high type)
• Beanie or balaclava (this is essential to me in temps below 35F)

I like the wool for my riding since there are a few points where I have to wait for some long lights and I can cool down significantly.  I warm right back up with my wool layers.  Prior to discovering this, I would get a chill from damp layers that I couldn't warm up from and be pretty frozen by the time I got home.

My list of winter running essentials

• Beanie
• Winter tights
• Base layer
• Mid-weight vest
• Lightweight running jacket w/ pockets to put gloves in when I warm up
• Lightweight gloves

this is a nice cycling jacket for a killer deal

http://beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=494626&posts=22&page=1

I use it for cold weather running as well.  

It's hard for me to really contribute since it doesn't get that cold around here, but I have ridden in the snow and below 30's up at Mt. Charleston.  I don't have any extreme cold weather gear since it's not needed but I believe in layers.

For running, I have a light pair of fleece gloves and hat/beanie.  Some long sleeve lululemon running shirts and pants.  I also have some target long fleece pants and fleece hoodies.  I have no "issue" running in basically sweats (but prefer fleece/poly - no cotton).  If it gets really cold, I have a nylon shell.  I just put on layers as needed plus I can take them off if I get hot.

For riding, I have some decent gloves and beanie for under my helmet (cold fingers and torso bother me most and can ruin a ride).  I have knee warmers and arm warmers that I use in conjunction with my normal jerseys.  I have a couple lighter jackets and a nylon vest/shell.  I never needed tights and don't mind having exposed legs (knee warmers if it get's really cold).  Again, more layers let's me pull them off as needed.  Getting wet/sweaty on cold days is the worse so I try to always stay a LITTLE on the cold side.  I never want to get too warm and sweat through my clothes.