I have generally a cool and a cold set of gear that I wear and depending on the temps, I may mix the two.  I can ride with the cold set up in the low 30's for a few hours so this will pretty much cover the entire winter around here.

cool
- wool socks (defeet makes a nice thick pair)
- knee warmers (pearl izumi - REI)
- base layer (a thin wicking sleeveless or short sleeved layer for under jersey)
- jersey (I usually just wear a regular short-sleeved jersey)
- bib shorts (I wear bib shorts instead of bike shorts to make sure there is no gap around the waist)
- arm warmers (pearl izumi - RE)
- ear warmers (usually just a thin fleece band, but a skull cap would also do)
- full finger gloves (down to a certain temp I can wear regular gloves.  Some people like "mechanix" gloves that you can buy at lowes as they are a little warmer without being full cold weather gloves.

cold
- wool socks (same as above)
- shoe covers (same as above)
- full thermal compression leggings (under armor makes some cold gear.  These should run long to stuff into socks so there is no gap)
- jersey (same as above)
- bib shorts (same as above)
- full long-sleeve compression shirt
- good cycling wind breaker. (I like the type that I can remove the sleeves in case it warms up.)
- full balaclava (covers face and neck as well as ears and head)
- cold weather gloves (some use ski gloves, but you need something you can still manage the breaks and shifting with.)

Having lived and commuted by bike in Stockholm Sweden, I likely go deeper into winter than most people.  Literally, I have no thermal limit here in Charlotte and I've ridden my gear as low as -25C (-5F).

I have....

Gore Alp-X jacket
Craft Thermal Bibs
Northwave Celsius shoes
Ice Breaker wool socks
Multiple Headsocks in varying thicknesses/coverage
Multiple base layers (I like Canterbury base layers)
Gore Winter Gloves (normal and lobster)
Arm warmers
Knee/Thigh warmers
Goggles for mega cold
Rule #9

At freezing I'll go out only adding the Northwave shoes, a long sleeve base layer, knicker length bibs, and knee warmers that I can ditch when I warm up.  I might even throw in a bit of newspaper in the front of my jersey, roadie style.  Below freezing is when I start layering and adding in the real winter specific gear.  Many lightweight layers is key.

Sweat is the enemy of cold weather riding.  If you are soaked in sweat, it's below freezing, and you have to stop to fix a flat, you are in a world of trouble.  Layers should be easy to strip, jackets should have easily adjustable ventilation.

Trial and error is all I can recommend to you to find out what works best for you.  Ride somewhere with short laps like N. Meck so you can test and make adjustments.  You'll be amazed at how little you need after you warm up.

I too like Jason came from a cold weather environment.  Sweat is truly the enemy.  I find that windfront jackets and tights are the key.  The ability to vent/remove items is important.  Stopping while riding in frigid weather will kill you....

I generally wear a long sleeve base layer and a flannel with some thicker baggy's (I normally wear my DH shorts since they are thicker material) with some knee warmers. I generally don't ride if its much below freezing that being said. When the temp drops around there I add thick wool socks with my DH shoes since they are more waterproof and don't breath as much as my normal shoes, think riding gloves and my Bern snowboard helmet to keep the ears toasty. 

I find if I wear a jacket or something windproof I get too hot while riding so adding layers under the flannel is what I normally do.

People knock em' but flannel with a good wool base layer is the way to go.

RobP wrote on 11/04/14 at 2:45pm:


I Second Rob's notes for the body/legs however instead of a baclava I use a neck gaiter.  For me keeping the Neck warm will keep my head toasty and then also allows it to naturally vent if getting hot also.  The gaiter can be pulled over your face up over your nose if needed so it would server almost the same function as the baclava.  For the skull I use a skull cap that has ear covers.  Once I get going and warmed up most always the lightweight jackt/long sleeve comes off/skull cap comes off.  My jacket has removable sleeves and once the back/sleeves are off it vents well but still protects your core.  The whole idea is to wear a layered system so you can adjust to your needs as the ride progresses.  Too little and you get too cold, too much and you will sweat and then get cold.  I have a pair of fox dirtpaw gloves and they do well for me in the winter but are too hot in the summer.  Prior to that I was wearing a pair of mechanix for winter riding but they were pretty stiff/big so you didn't have the best grip.  That said, you will probably never have to replace one though compared to most other gloves.

Of course it depends upon the weather conditions, the forecast and the trip involved. 

Let me start by saying fashion isn't my thing. I don't like riding around looking like an advertisement for North Face or Under Armor. Most of the conditions I ride in are good and dry. So I generally don't need anything too heavy. In other words, no Pisgah epics in freezing rain.

Generally speaking in this area.. Good socks. )

Up top, it's hard to beat a cheap Hanes sweat shirt from Target over a muscle shirt, and a thin nylon shell to go over it. The sweat shirt is good for me because I tie it around my neck like a scarf when I peel. That's usually after about 10 minutes of riding. The thin nylon shell if needed will stuff anywhere. It usually stays in the truck.

On the bottoms, long underwear under my favorite shorts work well for me. A thin beanie type hat under my helmet if it's really cold. Full finger gloves of course. Around here almost any variety will do. 

If it's cold enough to need more than this, I have a thin down puffer I can replace the sweat shirt with. Right now, they have these in the Saddlebred variety at Belk for $40 (no hood). A similar one that says Patagonia on it sells for $200+ at your favorite outdoor store.

Another option for the single speed crowd out there..

Two pounds of British wool.

Toasty. : )

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