Bike Jerks

November 5, 2009

Every now and then I get emails from folks asking me about cold weather riding, and this morning it was 40 degrees so I figured today would be a perfect day to document what I (as the average rider) wear at this temperature. As the temperature drops I'll post clothing for more weather ranges, but what I wore today is pretty typical for fall apparel.

*note: I know I look dumb, when you're on the bike for an hour and live in Minnesota you don't buy expensive riding clothes from hipster companies to avoid looking like a dork. You just wear whatever works. (although if any of those hipster companies wanted to hook a kid up I'm certainly open to that)

Just so you're aware of all the variables my commute is about 15miles each way, it's enough to warm up and cool down as my gloves, socks, and back get sweaty.

Typically I'll start the ride off a little chilly (don't overdress) and by about mile 5 I'm good and warm

Head: Grovecraft wool hat made from recycled (re-used) wool

at this temp a lightweight wool hat is the ticket, any warmer and I wear a headband over my ears made from t-shirt material.

Torso: two long sleeve wool Nike jerseys and an old Pearl Izumi vest

Trek closed out their Nike wool jerseys a few years back and I snatched a bunch up for really cheap, one wool jersey is sweet, but when you layer it with another it suddenly becomes pretty wind resistant and way warm. I'm a huge vest fan, this one is made by Pearl and is nice because it doesn't have an elastic waist. If it's warmer than 40 I'll wear one with a mesh back

Legs and Feet: Dickies cutoff into Knickers, leg warmers, Sock Guy Magnum thickish wool socks (high density not fluffy), regular shoes and toe warmers

in place of leg warmers I will sometimes where a thin sock layered by a soccer sock.

Gloves: Six Six One Transition gloves

great from about the mid forties down to high 20's, have a snot wiper and are my favorites

So yeah that's my outfit for 40 degrees. I'm a dork and it's always fun to look at the temp in the morning and curate (what's up bitches) an appropriate outfit