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Obviously there are a number of challenges.
When cycling in really cold weather, I found
a ski-mask or balaclava to be quite helpful
in keeping my face from freezing. If it is
made of some wicking material that is good.
If it is water resistant, then even better.
But I have covered my bike helmet with
either a plastic shower-cap, or with saran
wrap using double-stick tape. This keeps
the head dry and stops too much airflow
through the helmets vents. Since my helmet
is covered with Scotch-lite reflective tape,
I want to keep any covering transparent
so that I maintain enhanced visibility when
riding at night. I also have a blinky at
back of helmet as well as on back of bike.
Single-points of failure are not cool, when
easily avoidable.If you are cycling for fitness, you will likely
be pushing yourself, even in adverse weather.
You also need to stay dry. Something waterproof
yet breathable is essential. GoreTex used to be
the standard, but there are now materials
available that while still waterproof, offer superior
breathability. I can't afford these however.That cold dry air, can be most punishing for
your lungs and sinuses and/or throat. I've
heard good report of a 'rebreather' that captures
warmth and moisture when you exhale, and
warms and moisturizes air you breath in.
I generally can't afford this either.I killed two birds with one stone. I used a
3/4 to 1 inch diameter soft plastic tube,
to lead from underneath my winter coat
at my back, over and around to my mouth.
I could breath in the air my body had warmed
and moisturized. This also enhanced the
'breathability' of my not so breathable winter coat.If I ride enough for fitness in cold, I will likely
figure out some way to incorporate this into
a face mask and put in some butterfly type
valves to control the airflow.My simple technique was just putting the end
of the tube in my mouth, and breathing in
through the mouth, and out through the
nose. But I am weird ...My feet would get cold. I tried lots of stuff
including battery operated thermal socks.
In the end the thing that worked best was
multiple layers of socks, some of which were
wool (closest to skin) and also using some
space socks (which have metallized fibers to
reflect heat). The space socks were neither
closest to skin, nor the outermost layer. Since
they never come into contact with anything
except other socks, I feel no need to wash
the space socks. One note about space socks
and related space gloves ... while good at
reflecting heat, they offer absolutely no
barrier to airflow. You need to have some
windproof outer layer for the space things
to be effective.Keeping feet dry is essential to keeping them
warm. It is hard to get waterproof cycling
specific footwear with SPD or clips or whatever.I've tried plastic bags underneath regular
cycling shoes. It is hard to get enough layers
into the shoes to provide enough insulation to
keep warm. If by some miracle your feet do
stay warm enough, then when the plastic of
the bag doesn't breath, your feet start to sweat,
and then by rides end, feet are cold again.I wound up using regular pedals (or possibly
with rat-trap type toe clips) and some waterproof
felt-lined well-over ankle boots.Hands can get cold too. I have used a number
of different things. For extreme cold weather,
I like the lobster claw type of mittens. By
keeping two fingers together you share some
warmth, yet have more mobility than with
pure mittens. I've also used waterproof
ski-gloves ... while the material is waterproof,
if I ride in rain, it turns out the seams are NOT
waterproof. Hands got cold and wet. ouch.Always want to keep your base layers as wicking
and breathable. If you start to feel too warm,
it is often easy to unzip your jacket or coat.
If you don't have enough insulation to begin
with, you may not ever have a comfortable ride.
Few are the times I have worn too many layers.
Often are the times I could have used one or two
more with no problem.Even though it is cold, do not forget to hydrate.
I would start out with a water bottle filled with
very hot water. By the time I needed some, it
would have cooled enough to drink. Usually I
would finish before it would freeze or go empty.Everyone is different. What worked for me, may
not work for you. Don't be afraid to experiment,
but don't trust your life to anything not proven.
Do your experiments on shorter rides closer to
home, where if it should prove unsatisfactory,
you are in no great danger. Always take a spare
tube and pump and tire-levers. A decent multi-tool
and knowing how to use it, can make the difference
between riding home and walking home.I know from personal experience, that physical
exhaustion, effectively lower my IQ 10-30 points
or so. So I force myself to be extra careful and
cautious when exhausted. If I might normally
look twice before crossing, I will look three times
instead. I also make a habit of trying to think
ahead.posted over 3 years ago | Report
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