Bicycling in cold weather is offputting to many dedicated spring and summer cyclists. Gearing up your bike for cold weather riding, including fenders for snow and rain, and maintaining your bike for optimal performance, is one area to address to help prepare you to ride year-round. The other piece is preparing yourself to stay warm and dry regardless of conditions on the road. Long underwear, thermal shirts and pants, waterproof jackets and pants, gloves, hats, balaclavas and boots or shoes are typical cold weather gear for cyclists.
Materials
Breathable fabrics that wick moisture away from your skin and dry easily are ideal for cold weather bicycling in snow, ice or rain. The Oklahoma Bicycle Society states that cyclists should never wear cotton or cotton blends next to their skin in cold weather for reasons of both comfort and safety. Cotton retains moisture, which can cause hypothermia. Wool is an ideal winter bicycling material because it doesn't absorb moisture and insulates even when it is wet. Wool is excellent for gloves, socks and base or top layers of shirts and pants. Silk balaclavas, base layers, glove liners and sock liners, though expensive and fragile, add comfort without bulk. Synthetic fabrics are also an option. For example, polypropylene has many of the same qualities as wool while being relatively inexpensive, so it is perfect for base layers of shirts and pants, glove and sock liners, head layers under a helmet, socks and tights. The website Bicycling Life recommends winter tights made of Capilene brand fabric.
Layering
Use wicking fabrics or wool for your base layer, the layer of clothing closest to your skin, to keep moisture from giving you a chill. Then put on another layer, again avoiding cotton. In extreme conditions, you may want two thin layers under a regular set of clothes. In wet, cold conditions, having waterproof outer layers is essential.
Considerations
According to Eric "BigHorn" Anderson's article for Chicago Bike Winter, the most important areas to consider for cold weather bicycling are the feet, hands and head. Both Anderson and Bicycling Life state that most cleated bicycling shoes are not warm enough for cold weather riding. Many riders switch to toe clips during the winter so they can wear warmer shoes. Neoprene shoe covers and wool socks may help clipless pedal riders stay with their clipless pedals throughout the winter.
Cost
You don't need special or expensive clothing to ride warmly during cold weather. The items and materials for comfortable and dry winter biking are available through outdoor equipment retailers, outdoor clothing stores, army/navy surplus stores, discount stores and thrift stores. Often, cycling-specific cold weather clothes are the most expensive. Whether you choose high-performance, inexpensive or second-hand clothes, make sure you have enough layers of clothing to allow you to adjust to different temperatures. If you choose cheap jackets and rain pants, select ones that can take a spraying of a waterproofing agent for added protection.
Expert Insight
Gloves should be both tough and inexpensive, the reason being that, in event of an accident, you'll brace yourself with your hands. Glove liners made of synthetic material or wool can warm up a durable outer glove layer. You can even use work gloves with liners from a hardware store. Consider using wristbands to cover the gap between your sleeves and your gloves while you ride.
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