DB Burnaby

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Choosing the Appropriate Cycling Gear for Fall and Winter

Posted: Sep 21 2010 in Commentary

When choosing winter cycling apparel, keep in mind how cold the weather you'll be cyling in is. Choose apparel that is appropriate to the weather and that fits you well. Too many air pockets can make you cold, as can clothing that is too tight. Winter cycling can be a fun sport with the right clothing. Biking in winter can be comfortable with the right apparel.

Cycling Apparel for Winter:

1. Layer Layer Layer your clothing. Did I mention to layer? Welcome to Vancouver where well, folks, it looks like clear skies for the first 5 minutes of your early morning commute, but by mid-morning we’re going to see those low-hanging clouds and a 99% chance of rain. Then 5 minutes following, the skies will open up and let in that warm sunshine again.
   You're likely to warm up as you ride your bicycle, so it's nice to be able to take off a layer. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer on your torso. The base layer will be closest to your skin, so the material should not be cotton, as that will leave you cold and clammy as you sweat. Try fabrics such as silk, cashmere or synthetic fabrics. These shirts will be labeled or described as "base layers" to help avoid confusion. Follow this with a middle layer to insulate you and a waterproof outer layer. If it is not raining or snowing you'll remove the outermost layer. For outer layers try the convertible Pearl Izume Elite Barrier jacket, $160,  the Sugoi Versa $130 or the Sugoi Firewall 220 Zip jacket, $170.
   
   
   
   
2. Take care of your hands by wearing the correct gloves. You need your hands to brake and shift gears, and winter winds and rain can make them colder than when you're standing still. Look for gloves that insulate and protect to the appropriate temperature range.  Choose fabric you prefer, whether it's fleece, wool or another material, with a waterproof outer layer. Sugoi Firewall GT gloves retail for $60 and are a perfect fall/winter choice, giving you both wind and water protection.
   
                                                     
   
   
3. Purchase the correct gear for your feet. In particularly cold conditions, you'll want both sock and shoe covers. Sock covers are lined with a waterproof inner layer and help keep feet dry. Wear wool or synthetic wool socks, which allow your feet to breath. Be sure your shoes are not too tight with the thicker socks, or this will make your feet colder. Burnaby currently stocks Fox socks, $9/pr and Sugoi Resistor booties, $60 to keep your toesies dry and warm.
   
                      
   
   
4. Protect your head from the cold by wearing the right cap. You'll need a cap that you can fit under your helmet like the fleece lined, Sugoi SubZero Skull Cap, $28, Midzero Headwarmer $18 to keep your ears warm. And to keep you dry try the Sugoi Zap Headcover, $30.
   
                       
   
   
5. Protect your legs with cycling tights. These insulated tights will help keep your legs warm. For particularly cold days, pair these with a rainproof and windproof layer to keep your legs dry as well. If you feel you need an additional base layer, you can pair tights with synthetic long underwear underneath the tights. Try pairing the Sugoi Majik rain pants, $150 with the Sugoi Firewall 220 tights $140.
   
      
   
   
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