Fall/Winter Cycling

mlove351

I live in NJ and summer is soon coming to an end...bummer..this year really started getting serious about riding so was curious to know what you avid cyclist do when the weather becomes a bit of a challenge with the following:
- road cycling,
-suggested gear
- training
- suggestions on trainers/rollers..


Thanks in advance for answering

CLL1001

I don't have any advice but I'm interested to see the responses here. I'm in the same boat as you, I've been getting pretty serious about cycling and I'm also in NJ! Today was an awesome, crisp fall like day...was so bummed I couldn't get out on the bike today oh well, tomorrow's supposed to be nice too...

ghost15026

Understand your body will heat up fast. Thick clothing is a no-no. You start off cold for the first 10-15 minutes but you should be fine if dressed right. It's about layering lighter layers and knowing that wind and water are bad (including sweat and wind from movement). Gear should let you easily dress down/up (i.e. layering). It's also helpful when it lets you adjust to changing temps mid-ride. Think about a chilly 45F morning that warms to 60F by noon (like here this morning).

A good windbreaking *cycling* jacket is crucial. Spend the money. Get a convertible jacket that has removable arms. One that can be stuffed in a jersey pocket is handy. The jacket doesn't have to be thick, just windproof and optionally waterproof/resistant. I use a Pearl Izumi Elite Barrier Convertible jacket. It does all of the above.

Extremities are where you'll feel the rest of the chill. Think fingers, toes, ears. Long-fingered gloves, or glove liners under existing fingerless gloves. Long-fingered windbreaking gloves with liners later on. Merino wool socks for the feet. Shoe covers to help with the lower temps. Shoes are vented unless they're winter shoes. Garneau T-covers should do fine. I avoid the booties.

A windproof skull cap to go under your helmet and cover your ears. Pearl Izumi Barrier skull cap. Unfortunately, helmets are vented too.

Lined leggings and a merino wool baselayer top to handle lower temps.

There's no training involved. You get out there and ride. If an appendage starts to freeze then something is wrong. Frostbite is no game. Once your water bottle freezes its time to get on the indoor cycle. That or start drinking booze from your bottle (not recommended)

Trainers/rollers - don't bother. Too many catches/issues with them. Get an indoor spinning bike. Pick up a refurbished gym bike for $400-$600 on Craiglist. Lemond Revmaster maybe. Move your couch and put it in front of your TV. You sit on that to watch TV from now on.

I learned everything from Google and freezing my a** off.

jeffreyjording

I don't do much cycling below 40°. I do wear Under Armor or Nike cold weather tights. Also a long sleeve cold weather Jersey. Dress in layers that you can easily take off as you warm up. Last year i bought a nice recumbent exercise bike. It sits in the family room by the TV. I also am hating to see the summer go. 2700 miles YTD. Shooting for 3300. Going tomorrow.:-)

primal_cupcakes

The good thing is that fall is primo cycling weather. Hopefully we can log some serious miles before the weather turns icy :-) I bike in the winter as much as possible with the aid of layered technical clothes, good gloves and a microfleece earwarmer/headband thing. When it's snowing/icing I don't really ride, unless it's mild. Then I use my old mountain bike to get around because it has fat tires with good tread.

primal_cupcakes

derp. double post.

traceytwink

I've just bought most of my winter gear, got waterproof gloves, silk gloves to go inside, arm and leg warmers, something for my neck called a minky, and shoe covers, got all my base layers jackets etc from last winter when I just started out all I need now are some socks to sort out the cold toes can anyone recommend good ones that will help me suffered last winter and don't want to repeat it this one ????

composite

Firstly forget rollers, just ride outside. Sure the weather may be bad but go ride anyway. It's always better riding than not riding.

As a general rule I'll always start a ride 1 layer light. When I leave the house my goal is to feel cold, this way by the time I'm riding I should be at a comfortable temperature.

Don't think about water proof jackets keeping you dry. Think about them keeping you warm and comfortable. They don't soak up the rain like a wind proof jacket will but the water proof jacket that keeps you totally dry from rain will make you wet from sweat. Of course you are free to choose which is more preferable.

I wear water proof winter boots with water proof socks. I also have water proof gloves. I find that they all work fairly well to keep me dry but really heavy rain will always get through. Biggest problem is actually the rain running down your legs into the tops of the socks and boots. These items don't heat up your core like a waterproof jacket will (not sweaty) but will keep those extremities warm.

I wear a buff around my neck and a buff around the top of my head to keep my ears warm. This is a must for me as if my ears get cold I get annoyed very quickly and it ruins a ride for me. Most things I can put up with but cold ears isn't one of them.

For really cold conditions I may go with full length tights and over shoes over my winter boots but that's extreme.
Another extreme one are hot pogs. These are like huge mittens that attach to the handle bars that you slide you hand into but I sue these for winter night riding and snow riding.

Scudder76

Worth mentioning... I change out my saddle bag to the largest option about this time of year, so that I can layer up, and have somewhere to stash as I go.

scott091501

See I'm a fan of trainers in the winter. If you get one with a reliable power profile (higher end fluid trainers from Cycleops, Kurt Kinetic, or a computrainer) than you can control your rides much better and make measured progress. My subscription to Trainer Road is especially helpful in the winter.

StephenKTHill

I planned on posting this same topic today. I live in Texas, still in the upper 90s and occasional 100, but come October/November it should get down some.

scott091501

I planned on posting this same topic today. I live in Texas, still in the upper 90s and occasional 100, but come October/November it should get down some.

Supposed to only get into the upper 80s for my race in Galveston this weekend. Psyched!!!!

StephenKTHill

I planned on posting this same topic today. I live in Texas, still in the upper 90s and occasional 100, but come October/November it should get down some.

Supposed to only get into the upper 80s for my race in Galveston this weekend. Psyched!!!!

Oh man that is awesome! Good luck and keep us updated with results!

MDLNH

Up here in NH it's already getting colder and with less day-light now, I'm have already put some of these into my riding -

- Save my longer rides for the weekends - Less people on the roads and so hectic for time/schedule availability.
- Dress/Layer as if its 10-15 degrees warmer out. Have clothing that can be opened (zipper/button) for better cooling or heating.
- Early morning or late night rides - Reflective gear, Bright colors (avoid red or orange - blends in with changing leaves) & Bike lights.

*When the snow and ice hit the ground - I head indoors for Spin, usually 2-3 times a week. I will also increase my swimming schedule (indoor pool) to balance out the always on-going strength training (via CrossFit).

Good Luck & Stay Safe !!!

jacksonpt

i put the road bikes away and stick to mountain biking.

But more to your question... the biggest thing for me is wind. I don't care too much about the cold, but wind/wind chill can be a *****!

Spatialized

Road cycling: I'm on the road everyday commuting, still try to ride at leat 1 weekend a month in the winter, it's not that bad.
Gear: layers, synthetics close to skin, wool
Training: get out and ride
Trainers/rollers: I'm not that much of masochist. I figure to get enough cross-training shoveling snow.

I commuted all last winter, temps ranged from -4F (before windchill) to 60F (!). I just had to play with layering to get it right and end up comfortable when the temps drop and weather turns. I found that be leaving the house and starting off feeling cold was about right as 15 minutes down the road I was plenty warm. It's harder with snow since you're working harder when it's fresh powder. Good lights are a must - be seen! I run studded tires from the 2nd storm until late March/early April which gives me great traction. There were a couple of times where I regretted being out, usually due to poor planning (I've gotten better at reading weather maps now) or storms that were worse than forecasted. I find it a challenge to myself to be out in the winter on a bike, somedays it's very refreshing - those clear, crisp bluebird days, others it's crazy - blowing snow and sub-zero temps, but I love it all. YMMV, it's not for everyone.

In addition I meditate on rule #5 and rule #9 daily...helps me through the worst of it.

mdstamand

For reference, I live in Vermont so winters here are real, not just cold weather with occasional snow flurries like some call winter. When it is 0-10 degrees outside cycling clothing needs change. Toe covers and skull caps don't always do enough for me. I wear a good pair of cycling shorts under full length tights (no chamois in the tights, just my preference) over them. I wear heavier, wool cycling socks and booties over them. Booties really help to keep the slush, snow, ice and of course salt/sand out of your shoes. My winter booties are a bit heavier than my summer 'rain" booties. Tape over the vent holes in the soles of your shoes to add wet/cold protection but don't be surprised if your feet eventually get a bit wet.

If you cross country ski then you already have a pretty good idea of how to dress.

I wear a winter weight pair of cycling gloves (mine our made by Louis Garneau) I often wear a full face balaclava made of either wool or neoprene depending on the amount of wind and cold. Wind is a real killer in freezing temps. Wind block is key, particularly on the head an face. I've suffered frost bite on my cheek bones due to improper care when riding. I wear a wind blocking skull cap even under my balaclava. Ride 20 mph or greater in freezing weather and it can feel like someone is drilling a hole in your forehead if you don't have proper wind blocking.

For my upper body I'll wear a base layer of either smart wool or a mid weight tech layer from someone like Patagonia, a long sleeve jersey and a winter cycling jacket. (I have one each of Pearl Izumi Elite and Louis Garneau). Clothing is lighter and thinner than one might think for winter weather and you will be a bit chilly/cold when you first get on your bike but will warm up after you ride for a bit.

Safety over fashion is a key. Remember, winter roads are narrower due to ice and snow banks. Sand and salt on the roads are hazards. Snow banks make you harder to see when approaching intersections and drivers are not expecting a cyclist to be on the roads during the snow months so be very visible and alert. I use flashing lights in winter even during daylight.

My winter bike is equipped with studded tires that are wider than those on my summer bike. Studded tires are not required. I have a friend who rides on cyclocross tires which are good enough for our riding but extra care at icy intersections is required.

I am also a fan of trainers. I couldn't disagree more with the person who recommended you avoid trainers in favor of a gym style exercise bike. I sold my gym style exercise bike in favor of a fluid trainer. If you decide to get a bike trainer, buy a good fluid trainer, I have the Cycleops Fluid 2 and love it. I've ridden on a Kurt Kinetic Road Machine and actually like the feel of that a bit more. Both have lifetime warranties on the fluid chamber. Kurt Kinetics sealed fluid chamber with magnetic coupling is a great innovation and really works well. I've never trained on rollers so I can't speak for them. I also have an older aluminum frame bike that I've dedicated for use in my trainer. It is always in the trainer and ready to go for those days when time, mood or conditions dictate an indoor ride. I also enjoy the Sufferfest videos while riding indoors but will sometimes just spin while watching regular TV.

One more warning. If you have a carbon fiber bike your manufacturer will probably void your warranty protection if you clamp it in a cycle trainer. That is one reason that I use a dedicated bike (aluminum frame) for my trainer.

And I'll reference rules #5 and 9 once again.

blkpag1

I also use the trainer and rollers all year, but I started using them last winter to get some more ride time in (mainly due to lack of light during the week). I will say that while I hate the rollers, nothing has helped with my riding technique more. The rollers tend to show me where I need work on my spinning.

Desterknee

Tagging for future reference.

KANGOOJUMPS

I say bye bye to mine. for the winter.
I am in CANADA, too much snow.
but I like to change things up and do different things daily.

sillygoosie

Here in Colorado we have cold winters but tons of sunshine. If it's over 45 degrees I'll venture out. Like other have said, layers layers layers. I also have a spin bike that I use as much as I can tolerate it. I try to focus a lot on strength during the winter.

Wuggums

Bumping for reference. Looking forward to some winter riding, as long as I can avoid ice!

jacksonpt

I say bye bye to mine. for the winter.
I am in CANADA, too much snow.
but I like to change things up and do different things daily.

sounds like you need a fatbike!

verdemujer

I actually move to the gym where I pay a membership already and do spin classes. Unfortnately, my work schedule is such that I mostly only spin on the weekends. My husband is talking about buy a roller/trainner for the winter. I'll see how that works for him. I happen to like spin class as the music is always fun and being with folks pushes me more.

I have bought some more winter gear and have currently moved a spare bike to office storage place so I can ride at lunch time while at work. That will extend my season by a few months. But I know come the first snow, I'm done. Having lived in 40 below winters, I like my toes, fingers, ears and nose way too much to want to deal with wind chill frost bite from a bike ride.

I also tend to move towards more running at lunch during the winter. Winter forces me to explore other exercise options which keeps the boredom away.

mlove351

thanks everyone for the great advise.. very informative

ghost15026

Type "Winter Cycling" into Google. Click the "Images" tab at the top of the Google page.

That should give everyone a good idea of what we're discussing here. Plenty of pics/diagrams of cyclists loaded for bear. Definitely more so than I would tolerate for sure :laugh:

mikecurry74

I'm still riding, was cold yesterday but wasn't snowing. I'll ride until I can't - I think -5 will be my limit.

fredrjohns

In Minnesota times are getting less light at night hoping be a long fall ...
otherwise i don't have any issues with my Kinetic trainer!! Much rather
keep saddle time on my own road bike. I do plan on getting a trainer
rear tire though.

therealtonyg3

We are not far from you (Delaware) and we go cycling in the A.M. (around 4). My wife purchased some cold weather gear from Cabelas, but I am a bit partial to Under Armor. Anyway, today was the 1st day that we went cycling and it was around 45 degrees. The best thing to do is layer up. I wore a Pearl Izumi moisture wicking undershirt with a long sleeve jersey. On top of that was the long sleeve winter jersey. I wore my winter riding tights and some shorts over them (along with my Funkier riding shorts). The ride was chilly but bearable for the first five minutes, then after that I was warm. You will have to just try things out until you find what works best for you. Good luck!