Commute in low 40s deg F

Hi Warner, it sounds like you were a little more comfortable than I might have been in similar circumstances. My problem are my hands and feet. They get cold, then numb, easily. But I'll try to find ways to keep going.

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Yeah, extemities are always the killers. Here are a few (rather pricey) solutions to keeping warm and dry:

Water/wind proof pants:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=25952&estore_ID=1863




Gloves:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/sub_cat.cfm?subcategory_id=1141




Shoe covers:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=17716&estore_ID=1034

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=24407&estore_ID=1034


I just went onto the Performance website for these, but they can be found any number of other places, too.

Warner
 
Thanks for the links. I'll figure out how to keep my hands working, one way or another.

But those boot covers look like a must-have. $30.00 aint' so bad if they do the job.
 
Thanks for the links. I'll figure out how to keep my hands working, one way or another.

But those boot covers look like a must-have. $30.00 aint' so bad if they do the job.

After getting to work with wet shoes AND socks today, I'm tending to agree with you...Hehehe. I think they'd stop most if not all of the wind as well and would be surprisingly good at insulating your feet from the cold. I may look into those, myself. I THINK that I have a pair of polyprop. pants somewhere from when I used to speedskate.....and if I do, I'll start wearing those. It looks a lot less dorky than tucking my sweatpants into my socks! Hahaha!

Warner
 
In a few weeks, I plan on winterizing my motorcycle and motorized bike. I like the heated seats, mirrors and general protection from the elements that a modern car offers. :)
 
If you get the bicycling-specific cold weather clothing, you can go riding comfortably in temperatures well below freezing. I used to go in 15-20F and the only part of me that got cold was the only part that wasn't covered, and that was the tip of my nose.

Those clothes cost a fair amount of money though.

----

I'd think on a motor-bike you would have cheaper clothing options, since you (presumably) aren't pedaling and sweating as much.

Basically you want all-synthetic or wool clothes, do not wear ANY cotton stuff at all, not even cotton socks or cotton underwear. The cotton absorbs sweat and gets cold.
~
 
For those planning to ride through the winter, please be very very very *very* careful if you have ice and snow.

About 25 years ago in Minnesota I owned a Honda moped. It was a lovely little bike that I rode to work and when winter came I, being a Minnesotan, never thought twice about continuing to ride.

Well, one morning I wasn't cautious enough and went down while trying to stop on the ice at a light. The car behind me barely -just *barely*- managed to stop before hitting my head as I lay there trying to get my trapped leg loose. I don't know which of us felt the sicker from the experience, but I trembled a fair long while.
 
yes, good advice.

I doubt if I'll ride when there is any snow/ice build up on the roads. I'm considering studded tires, but I'm pretty sure the cagers will make it far too dangerous anyway.
 
I also plan on riding mine through the winter. I'm in west TN so we don't get a lot of snow or ice during the winter, it just gets cold. I only have a short commute so I also won't need a lot of winter gear to wear. A good coat, gloves, and something for the head should do me just fine. I do however have to get some fenders on my bike so I can ride when it's a little wet out.
 
You might consider some kind of over-alls as well. They'll keep you warm and protect from road rash. Two birds with one stone.

And fenders are a good idea. I've gotta get some on my bike.
 
Thought I would toss this into the ring: http://www.foxwear.net/index.html

I haven't bought from this guy yet, but I plan on it. This guy defines service. Everybody raves about his clothes. To order, you basically call him up, he has you take some measurements, and then consults you on what would suit you best in terms of fabric and fit. Then, three weeks later, your clothes show up with an invoice. As an internet vendor, it blows my mind that he doesn't take cash up front, but I can respect it. I'm willing to bet that his personal touch keeps people from ripping him off.

Since I don't envision myself exerting much energy this winter, I'm not too worried about the base layers. There's not gonna be a lot of sweat. But I'm very interested in the rain pants, one of the jackets, and some of the smaller articles.
 
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