Cold Weather Cycling
Cold Weather Cycling – As I write this entry December 11, 2012 winter here in Connecticut is off to a pretty mild start paralleling 2011 with almost no snow and daytime temperatures ranging from 30 – 45 degrees. As a guy who just started riding a bike again after a several year layoff this is a good thing. The problem though is I have been experiencing some issues finding the right combination of clothing to keep me from being freezing cold or so warm I end up getting soaked with sweat which is followed by a nice bone chilling cold.
I have found so far that cold weather cycling is a much different beast than mountain biking in the cold. Mountain biking, at least for me, is at a much slower pace yet with a higher energy workout and less of a breeze. Road biking on the other hand has me traveling at a higher speed so wind chill is now a factor. The road bike workout while still cardiovascular is not the full body workout that is mountain biking, not for me at least. Then there’s the roads I ride on. The larger, busier roads such as state highways are often cooler and breezier than the smaller secondary and back roads roads. The secondary roads on the other hand are typically a little more shaded or even a mix of sun and shade. All these scenarios lead up to the point of this post. It’s a pain in the butt determining the proper cycling clothes for the mild winter days from 30-40 degrees.
Now with the above in mind I set out to purchase some cold weather cycling clothing that will not only keep me warm in the winter but also wont break the bank cost wise. Cost is always a concern but in my case I am losing weight and plan on losing a lot more, so chances are whatever clothing I buy for this the 2012-2013 winter most likely will not fit me next winter or maybe ever again if I can help it. In reality I am hoping to get clothes that fit a little so they will either fit good later ot allow layering at a later point.
Today the first acquisitions on my search for warmth arrived.
Bellwether Element Men’s Long Sleeve Jersey
Bellwether Element Men’s Long Sleeve Jersey
After a few nights of reading reviews and speaking to an employee at an online I purchased the Bellwether Element Men’s Long Sleeve Jersey for $49 on sale which is about half off the regular price.
Pearl Izumi Elite Tall Wool Sock
Pearl Izumi Elite Tall wool Sock
Merino Wool socks are the best friend of a winter cyclists foot. For $10.99 I thought I would give the Pearl Izumi Elite Tall Wool Sock a shot.
Pearl Izumi Elite Softshell Glove
Pearl Izumi Elite Softshell Glove Top View
Pearl Izumi Elite Softshell Glove – Palm
The Pearl Izumi Elite Softshell Glove by most accounts are ideally suited for cold weather cycling in the temperature range we are discussing here.
Over the coarse of the winter I will be reviewing these items as well as others with a full write up to follow.
