Winter-Proofing Your Workout: Cold Weather Cycling Gear

Giordana's toasty warm thermal cycling jersey.

This fall in the great northeast has been about 10 degrees warmer than normal. Still, those days are numbered as we move into winter. Now in previous years, I've been out riding on exceptionally warm days in both December and even January but those were rare occasions. If the cold weather has already locked you in, here's some ideas on getting out on the bike despite the cold.

Change up your cycling kit for a warm winter ride!

Choose Breathable Layers
You may want to switch out cotton for wool, silk or even synthetic base-layers next to the skin. This is because cotton gets wet from sweat and stays damp, chilling your core.  I like ultra thin silk underwear under my thermal jersey and a wool blend base-layer for especially cold days. Super Natural makes almost sheer, wool/polyester blend base-layers that are soft and very light against the skin. Even when you sweat, wool wicks it away while keeping you comfortable. See these warm under pieces at Super Natural online.

Wool-Polyester base layers are best at keeping you both warm and dry.

Bottoms Up-Thermal Cycling Bib Tights
I usually don't use base-layers on my lower extremities because my legs are doing the work during the ride. This allows me to get away with either thermal tights or even better, thermal bib-tights. Giordana Women's Thermal Bib Tights are made in Italy have a soft, brushed fleece lining. The fact that the bib-tights come up higher and cover more of your back make them a perfect cold weather companion. Whatever jersey you put on top, your backside will thank you for protecting it from the wind. Visit GiordanaCycling.com for both men & women's cold weather cycle-wear.  

Giordana Thermal Bib Tights

Keeping Your Head (Warm)
Let's face it. About 90% of your body's heat is lost from the head and neck area. If you have a vented cycling helmet, you can get a stretchy cover to go over top. This way you don't have to be uncomfortable trying to fit a beanie underneath. If it is exceptionally cold, I like to wear a very thin Gore-Tex Windstopper Balaclava which works under most bike helmets and covers both your head AND neck.

Gore-Tex Windstopper Balaclava

Additionally you can keep your ears warm while reducing wind noise with Cat Ears ear covers. These really work well on the road and keep your ears covered with a soft fleecy material. Simple but effective.

Cat Ears, ear covers.

Keeping Your Hands Warm
As soon as it gets around 50 degrees, I switch from no-finger to full fingered cycling gloves. I prefer leather palmed cycling gloves as the suede patches seem to grip better and insulate against road vibration. Giro Sport Designs makes full fingered leather cycling gloves in eye-catchy patterns that help keep you visible in traffic. Some people also like split mittens but I find them to be a little too bulky for steering and shifting. 

Giro Full Fingered Leather Cycling Gloves

Bring Along Something Warm to Drink
Rather than take along the standard issue frozen water bottle, you can think outside the cup and bring a thermos of something warm to drink. I've taken along hot cocoa, tea, coffee...whatever, just as long as it wasn't a chilled beverage. You can still bring along some water but having a thermos of something warm will help heat you from the inside out!

I pack some hot cocoa in my bottle cage. Here it's getting refilled!

Thermal Cycling Jerseys vs Jackets
I generally will prefer wearing a thermal cycling jersey with a light base-layer in temps of 50 degrees and below. However if there is precipitation like rain or snow, I will wear a breathable yet waterproof cycling jacket. I especially like the Portland Women's Jacket from Showers Pass. It is fully lined with a drop down extension for extra coverage in the rain/snow. Has stealthy zip pits and is fashionable enough to stop for a latte. I've worn this jacket in the rain and was fully comfortable. Check it out at Showers Pass online.

My Showers Pass Portland Jacket after a good soaking.

The Wrap
El Nino is giving us a temperate break so far but don't count on it lasting forever.  If you are like me and want to extend your cycling season, you may want to consider adding these pieces to your cycling wardrobe. I ride for both sport and transportation so the pieces should transition smoothly for you to be able to run errands without screaming "Spandex".  Really there's no need for that with cycle wear that is fashionable, contemporary and multi-functional.  Keep in mind that many of the tops, gloves and Balaclava can also be worn for other outdoor activities such as running/walking so it's a good investment if you like to workout, outside.

Try not to be this poor guy this winter.

Tips For Keeping Warm Outdoors

Having the right accessories such as these snowboarding gloves means warmer hands because you don't have to remove them to adjust your bindings.

Wintertime is always a challenge for getting outdoors. I have and love my Gore-Tex Hardshell Snowboarding Pants which have sealed full length zippers down the leg. These help with my skis or snowshoe boots so that I don't have to take them off needlessly.

Glove Love
The same thing with gloves. If you get a pair that are well articulated (read "fingered") you'll find that they can remain on while you adjust your snowboard or snowshoe bindings. Also, I use my Scott Snowboarding Gloves with my camera and to do other things that mittens won't allow.
Tip for Keeping Hands Warmer: Dry skin is really the bane of maintaining warmth. Try applying a good coat of either Vaseline Petroleum Jelly or Coconut Oil to your hands before putting your gloves on. Your skin will be very soft and your hands will stay much warmer.

Soup it Up
If you don't already have one, this is the time to invest in a Thermos or insulated container. They are reusable and can keep soup and or coffee piping hot for up to 8 hours! My favorites are made by Klean Kanteen who has also just come out with thermal food containers. I haven't tried them but their Wide Mouth Insulated containers come in 12, 16 and 24 oz which fits most of my soup and coffee needs. The larger container even holds enough soup for two.
Quick Hot Soup Tip: On the way out with no time to heat your soup? Put a cup of water in the microwave for 2 minutes. Add to your thermal container and add your soup if it's condensed. If not, leave the hot water in for about five minutes, then pour it out and add your cold soup. It will heat up enroute.

Dress the Part & Layer Right
If you train or ride your bicycle during the winter months, try to get a few cycle specific pieces like a jacket and pants which block the wind. Gore-Tex Windstopper fabric is lightweight, non-bulky and can be layered with a Merino Wool undershirt like those from Bluey Australia. Please DON'T layer with cotton though. During the wintertime, cotton holds sweat instead of wicking like wool causing you to chill down and freeze. Wool or silk baselayers work much better. However one of the best cycle wear that looks like street wear would have to be the Portland Jacket by Showers Pass. Fully tricked out as a technical jacket, it won't stand out when you stop for that Latte or Cappuccino Mocha.

Showers Pass Portland Jacket is warm yet breatheable. Perfect for layering and riding in the rain or snow.

Showers Pass Waterproof Pants

Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can sneak up on us during the winter months especially. All the same, if you are dehydrated, you run an even greater risk of hypothermia. Try sipping warm or hot liquids during your hike, ride or run. This is where carrying some hot soup will actually do double duty. The broth will replace much needed water in your system while warming you from the inside out. Don't over-do the coffee though. Caffeine actually acts as a diuretic, causing you to lose even more precious moisture! Soup or even hot cocoa made with milk is more nutritious, keeping you warm and energized for the trek.

Stay hydrated by taking along extra water for the trip.

Showers Pass Portland Jacket Review

Showers Pass Women's Portland Jacket taking the east coast by storm!

ANOTHER RAINY DAY IN NYC: May is Bike Month so many people are taking to the roads by bicycle for the first time.  Really all is well and fun as long as the sun is shining but what happens in a downpour? I believe cyclists in Portland Oregon would know a thing or two about riding in the rain.  However the real proving ground is in New York City. That's because US cities such as New York, NY, Atlanta, GA, Boston, MA and Washington, DC have higher annual rainfall rates than both Portland, OR and Seattle, WA (which are often thought of as the rainiest cities). Surprised? I'm not because as I'm writing this... it's raining!

Rainy Rides
I'm going to be honest. I don't enjoy riding in the rain. My foldy has fenders and my sport-touring has a rear rack with a center shelf that helps but that's about it.  Still there are times when this aspect of cycling just can't be helped and riding in one of the nation's rainiest cities makes it inevitable.  I do carry a little folding umbrella in my Basil Elements Bicycle Bag for when I get off the bicycle and have to walk but other than that I have to admit up until now I haven't been seriously prepared. Just for a rainy day, there are a few things you should keep with you in your cycle bag:

1.) Plastic shower caps for your saddle and helmet.

Portland Jacket & Terry Skort.

2.) Extra set of dry clothes.
3.) Absorbent cloth or towel.
4.) A water-proof jacket

Portland Jacket
When I say water-proof, that's a bit different than "spritz" proof. Why? Well, on a bicycle you are often dealing with high winds and torrents of driving rain hitting you square in the face. The waterproof softshell fabric makes the Women's Portland Jacket feel and look like fabric. Other cool features include:

A drop down 3M reflective rear panel & stealthy reflective piping.

Hidden zip pits for venting

Chest pocket with audio port & hidden inside pocket

Zippered WeatherGuard cuffs

Adjustable fit-or-flare side gussets that allow for a more tailored fit.

My Spring-Summer Rainy Day Kit
The beauty of it is that it is made for cycling but looks fantastic for that stop in at Starbucks for a latte. It has a definite urban-chic vibe so you'll fit in anywhere. I paired my rainy day wear with a Terry Skort, which also has reflective accents for extra visibility in the rain. Now while the skort isn't water-proof, I've gotten into the habit of choosing quick dry fabrics or spraying on a little Atsko Permanent Stain & Water

Repellent.  Only one treatment is needed and it allows water to bead up and roll off leaving the fabric dry and breathable.


My Test Ride
This jacket received a trial by rain when my bicycle broke down, (the chain jammed) and I had to walk it home. Although it was quite a dismal 58 degrees, I was warm and dry the whole time. When I felt myself getting a little over-heated, was able to open the zip pits with only one hand. Prang! The back extending tail-flap is also genius for coverage and reflectiveness as cars could see me and stayed clear. Once I got home, I switched to another bicycle and took off again to complete my errands. Really the whole trip was extremely enjoyable even with the breakdown as I was not cold or sweaty underneath the coat.  This jacket could very well turn me into a rain-loving rider. Here it is below after being in the rain for about 45 minutes.

A very wet, (but I was dry), Showers Pass Portland Jacket in Pretty Plaid

The Wrap
What I like about the Portland Jacket is the adjustable fit that allows for freedom of movement while pedaling. The jacket also has a very soft lining, making it a bit warmer than most rain toppers. Yet the zip pits keep you from getting over-heated. The zippered cuffs work the same way and are tapered to keep rain from running up your sleeves. The high neck is also a comforting feature as you can zip it up all the way to keep the rain from running down your chest. Getting wet is extremely dangerous on a bicycle as it can bring down your core temperature even in above freezing weather. This is a substantial cycle jacket that keeps you snug as a bug but just happens to look fantastic off the bicycle too. Showers Pass but you don't have to get drenched until they do.