Here’s some clothing recommendations for cycling in cold weather and rain. The goal is to keep cycling comfortable and fun, so I’m inclined to keep doing it even when it’s ideal conditions. This stuff will get me down close to around 40-45F and/or in the rain; below that it’s hard to keep my feet warm in cycling shoes. Keep in mind I live in coastal northern California, so these recommendations are not for riding in snow or even below freezing.

This is adapted from an email I wrote up for a friend of mine who is just getting into cycling and training with us for for ALC8.

Skull Cap
The ones Performance carries just don’t cut it. Make sure to get one that covers your ears; goes a long way in keeping you warm.

I found that the Novarra one fit the bill (REI house brand) and Addy loves it. $19.50 at REI.
The best one i found and the one I use is made by Gore. It’s thicker and more impervious. Made from Windstopper, which is used in many soft-shell jackets. $33 at REI.

Thermal base layer shirt (long underwear).
This should be made of merino wool or a synthetic performace fabric to wick moisture away from the skin. It should be very close fitting to under a jersey, and I recommend one with a “zip T-neck” (1/4 zip high neck) but you can get a crew neck instead. Also, when you’re trying things on, remember that the fit of these isn’t necessarily made for cycling so you want to get one that has arms and torso long enough that they don’t ride up when you’re in position.

I got one made by Smart Wool, Addy got one from LL Bean. They’ll run you $35-75 for synthetic and $60-80 for wool (wool is oh-so-much more comfy). Go to REI, Sports Basement, LL Bean, etc. Performance sells one or two cycling-specific cold weather base layers, but I’m skeptical. Most brands offer several weights (micro, light, mid, heavy); I recommend either light or mid-weight; depending on how much insulation you need. Addy and I both prefer mid-weight wool.

SmartWool Midweight Long-Sleeve Zip-T – Men’s
Wicked Warm Wool Underwear, Quarter-Zip, Women’s

Long Sleeve Jersey
It should have pockets in the back. Winter long sleeves are thicker and can be slightly fleecy. I recommend one with a full length zipper – this allows you to regulate your temperature. If anyone can recommend one that is made for tall, skinny folks with long arms please let me know. The nicest I’ve found with a close fit in the torso so far is the Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Thermal, but the arms aren’t quite long enough.

Shell
This should be water proof and wind-proof, but having venting or pit zips helps the vapor to escape and aids in temperature control. I prefer pit-zips to vents were ever possible; this allows me to really seal myself off from the wind when temperatures drop. Wind-proof vests or jackets that convert to vests? These seem pretty silly to me; a vest isn’t going to keep any wind out. You’ll get year-round use from a cycling shell that is lightweight so you can roll it up and stuff it in your jersey pocket if it warms up. When it gets really cold I wear my Marmot soft-shell. Your shell should have a drop tail to cover your butt when you’re in the rain; again, bend over and stick your arms out to make sure nothing rides up. A rear pocket comes in really handy. Most shells have reflective piping or reflective fabric for safety – this is a good thing.

Tights/Knee Warmers/Leg Warmers
You’ve got a few ways to go here:

  1. Full-length tights (no chamois) over cycling shorts (with chamois) – some people prefer this option because it gives them the versatility of knee/leg warmers, but no chance of slippage. Seems a bit awkward to me to have tights on over my bib shorts.
  2. Cycling tights or knickers (with chamois) – most comfortable option for cold weather, but doesn’t give you the versatility of knee/leg warmers. Full length goes to the ankle; knickers stop below the knee.
  3. Knee Warmers or Leg Warmers, used in combination with cycling shorts – i prefer this option because i can take off the warmers and stuff them in my jersey when it gets warm (very handy when you’re starting your ride in the early morning). The drawback for some people is slippage – knee/leg warmers are held up by pulling the bottom of your shorts over the top of the warmer but over time they can work their way out from under the short and you have to pull them up (happens more often when you’ve got really skinny legs like i do). Knee warmers make knickers out of your shorts; leg warmers go down to the ankle.

Each of these items are usually available in regular and winter-weight versions. I went with winter-weight knee warmers and they do not keep me warm enough when temps dip toward 40F. Addy wears kicker cycling shorts and leg warmers she made out of old wool socks – pretty cool. I think we both wish we had a pair of full length fleece cycling tights for the coldest/wettest days. Instead we just don’t ride then.

Shoe covers and socks
Don’t mess around with silly toe covers; they don’t do squat. Go for a full neoprene water-resistant/proof shoe cover with wool socks. Even with them, do not expect to stay dry in a downpour or warm when temps are near freezing, but they’re really the best option you’ve got if you want to continue wearing your road shoes (there are mountain bike boots which are supposedly pretty toasty). Avoid the Performance ones that have a rubber sole and make you cut out holes for your cleats; that’s just silly. Booties should be built to accommodate exposed cleats and heel.

We got these by Louis Garneau at Performance for $24 a pair. They’re ok, but my feet still get cold. I’m inclined to try one of these:
Pearl Izumi AmFIB Bike Shoe Covers
Sugoi Resistor Bike Booties

Wear wool socks that will fit comfortably in your cycling shoes. I’ve read people have good results from riding with their shoes only loosely tightened in cold weather; haven’t thought to try this yet. Performance offers many options for wool cycling socks, but if your shoes allow wear whatever wool socks you’ve got.

If you’re still cold, these come highly recommended.

Gloves
Full finger (or claw), windproof, water-resistant/proof gloves. Ski gloves work well. There are many cycling gloves to choose from at Performance and REI, and if they don’t work out for you you can take them back and upgrade. However, from what Addy and I have tried, I’m inclined to go straight for the jugular and get heavily insulated claws. Something like this:
Sugoi Firewall Z Bike Gloves – Men’s
Craft Thermal Split Finger Glove
Endura Pincer Gloves

Happy riding!