Cold Weather Gear -- Starting from Scratch

[Shickdawg]

I hadn't planned on biking over Thanksgiving, but my crazy father-in-law really wants to ride the horse trails on his property. Being the good son-in-law, and already missing being out on my bike, I'll acquiesce. The problem is, we're expecting temperatures in the mid-30's during all three days he wants to ride, and I figure riding in a short-sleeved jersey and shorts will be somewhat chilly.

Assuming I am starting from scratch in terms of cold-weather riding gear, what's the bare minimum I need to stay comfortable for some trail riding -- no more than an hour at a time? I do have a couple good base-layer shirts from skiing, but they're very NOT windproof.

[tedsti]

If you just want to get through the day...

Good base layer long sleeve shirt, then layer on a fleece (cheap Old Navy ones work suprisingly well) or more thin layers. If you are riding trails in the woods, wind should not be a big problem. When you start hitting 3 or so layers, the wind doesn't cut through so bad. Just remember that cotton is bad.

Baggy shorts and some leg warmers. The leg warmers will cost you ~$40 but are a real good investment if you already have several pair of good shorts. I think mtb specific bottoms are more important than mtb specific tops.

Shoes - Good wool socks and put tape over the top of you mtb shoes to keep the wind out. This works for me down to 35 degrees at night.

Thin gloves - Mtb specific ones are better, but anything will work in a pinch.

Hope this helps, let me know if you need more info.

Ted

[transplant]

http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=12011

Kit,
Lots of good advice on this thread (ncluding some from me :banana: ) about prepping for winter. You can mix and match posts to come up with a good overall view of cold-weather riding. If you're dressed properly, it's just as fun as the other 3 seasons. I can't find it, but there's an even better thread around here about winter riding clothes and what to use. If anyone esle knows which post it is, put it here for Kit, please.

[Shickdawg]

http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=12011

Kit,
Lots of good advice on this thread (ncluding some from me :banana: ) about prepping for winter. You can mix and match posts to come up with a good overall view of cold-weather riding. If you're dressed properly, it's just as fun as the other 3 seasons. I can't find it, but there's an even better thread around here about winter riding clothes and what to use. If anyone esle knows which post it is, put it here for Kit, please.
Hmm. Looks like I didn't try enough variations in my searching before I posted..... Oops. Oh well. Thanks for the link.

[transplant]

There's one more thread in here about winter dressing that's even better than this one. I'll do a little digging and see if I can find it fer ya.

[transplant]

I think that link was originally under the "Riding Tips" thread. It's not there now. John L., can you bring back that thread? It was chock full of pure cold gear advice.

[noise_is_life]

Here's a thread I started last year specifically asking about wool, but there are some other suggestions in there.

http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=9710

[nigel]

hrmmm cold weather gear

road bike.....trainer......stereo....fan

Ahhhh yes its coming up damnit!


Oh yeah you meant like outdoor gear!