Cycling Sisters

Here are some of my tips for clothing while cycling. I expect that there will be LOTS of postings in this category since everyone has their own style and opinions on the topic!

1. WEAR WHAT IS COMFORTABLE: for some people this is street clothing, for others it's the full complement of lycra and GoreTex.

I personally find that bike shorts are a wonderful thing, but I know many, many cyclists who ride in jeans or skirts with no trouble. Mt. Borah makes bike short liners that you can wear under just about any regular pant or skirt if you want to avoid the Spandex warrier look (something that is truly scary looking on my big *ss!). For cooler weather, bike tights can be a functional option. I have a pair of microfleece pants that I wear over tights that are the bomb during the wintertime. They make me look a bit like a black version of the Michelin Tire guy, but I picked them up at a closeout for just $15 and they have provided me with snuggly warmth for two years now.

2. DRESS FOR THE WEATHER. Technical fabrics (CoolMax, GoreTex, Olefin, Ring-spun Polyester, Polarfleece, etc) are designed to make you comfortable by being engineered to deal with specific conditions. There are a bazillion different bike jerseys out there for your selection. Generally, tech fabrics are good for what they are designed for; some fabrics have multiple uses (eg. GoreTex is for rain but also for wind protection).

Earthy fibers can also be fabulous, if you use them properly. Cotton is a staple for warm weather rides, but once wet it takes a long time to dry off. It is absolutely *wrong* for cold weather rides. It will make your skin clammy and can lead to hypothermia. Choose wool or silk instead, since they won't lose their heat insulating properties when damp.

3. Learning how to EFFECTIVELY LAYER is key for riding year round. Smart cyclists layer. I always plan on riding cold for the first 5 minutes or so in the winter; that way I'm not ready to keel over from heat stroke once I get going and warm up. The goal is to be able to thermoregulate by adding or subtracting layers. In the cooler months, having a windbreaker tucked into a pannier is a great tip. You never know when the weather will suddenly switch on you.

A jacket with pit zips is a wonderful thing. You can unzip to vent excess heat once you get going. Some hi-tech cycling jackets also have arm vents and chest vents. A really terrific cycling jacket is a good thing to invest in. You will have it for years and it can make a *huge* difference in your comfort when riding. There are lots of things you can cheap out on in cycling (thrift store sweaters are a staple of most winter cyclists!), but a fabulous cycling jacket is something to think about putting some money into.

Arm warmers and knee warmers are great. You can remove them easily, or add them when you need them, and they don't take up a lot of space to carry.

4. PROTECT YOUR EXTREMETIES. Extremeties are very important when you ride in extreme weather. Windproof gloves or mittens are a necessity. Some people will need even heavier protection for feet and fingers. There are lobster claw gloves and Pogues that cover your handlebars/hands that can really keep you toasty in winter. Any Walgreens sells little chemical hand warmers that you can buy in the cold weather months. You open the package, massage the "tea bag" for a couple of seconds to get it well oxygenated, then tuck it into your mittens. They work great for several hours.

Keep your feet layered as well. Wear a thin pair of socks covered by fleece or wool socks in really cold/wet conditions. Wear shoes or boots that are a size too large. This allows for tiny pockets of air between layers and for good blood circulation. Both are essential for foot warmth. Another great product are Neos. These are wonderful shoe covers that keep your feet dry and windproof in severe conditions (sort of like those things your grandpa wore over his shoes in the winter). Finally, those chemical hand warmers mentioned above are also available for the feet.

I find that in very cold weather my nose and facial mask area freezes something terrible. I think this has to do with my eyeglasses being metal and conducting the cold into my skull. I use a neck gaiter make from neoprene (wet suit material) and microfleece. It works great to cover and doesn't mess with the fit of my helmet. Another cyclist favorite is the balaclava. Balaclavas are great for covering the face and head in cold weather (think ski mask). I also love earmuffs when the weather isn't as terrible but is still cold. Walgreens sells some that go around your neck rather than over your head--they are cheap ($3) and again, won't alter the way your helmet fits.

Tip: don't wear earrings when riding in cold conditions. They will freeze your ears!

Dealing with wind and windblown snow can be tough. In addition to the balaclavas and face mask options, consider using a pair of ski goggles. Amber lenses are best for low-light conditions as they improve contrast. Ski goggles can be a godsend for cyclists. They protect much of your face and are designed to be fogproof. Be sure whatever pair you buy fits your face when your helmet is on (most do, as competitve skiers wear ski helmets). If you wear glasses, be sure you buy a ski goggle that is designed to fit over them. You can often get ski goggles very cheaply at the end of winter or at discount stores (like Marshalls).

Now, here is my weird experience. While my fingers and face can turn into popsicles, my body core is a furnace during the winter. I actually ride through all but the most horrible cold wearing a _windbreaker_! Given, it's the final layer over a jersey or sweatshirt (polyester or fleece, thank you) and underlayers, and it's completely windproof since it's made out of technical fabric--but it's all I wear on the outside. For really slow rides (like Critical mass), I wear my regular winter coat. I also always have a very light windbreaker stashed in my seat bag. There are times when I get cold and I just add that super lightweight jacket, and it's enough.

Places to buy bike clothing:
•www.terrybicycles.com <---great bikes, too
•www.title9sports.com <---great for sport bras
•www.teamestrogen.com<---carries specialty, too (plus, pregnancy, etc) and also has a great forum for women cyclists
•www.trashycat.com
•www.rei.com
•www.piermontbike.com <----discount/closeouts
•www.sierratradingpost.com <----discount/closeouts
•www.performancebikes.com
•www.kozyscyclery.com
•www.junonia.com <---plus sizes

Army/Navy/Military Surplus stores

Camping stores