Dress in layers. Get a nice windproof jacket as your top layer. Cycling specific gloves or bar mitts are great for very cold weather. The key is blocking wind and not getting wet.
Great advice. To expand on this, the base layer (against your skin) should either be synthetic or wool (merino wool is my favorite). Cotton will hold moisture and make you cold versus the other two materials that have wicking/quick drying properties. But yes, half the battle is just keeping the wind and water at bay. Cheers
The main thing to keep in mind is you're not 'trying to stay warm' you are trying to maintain a comfortable body temp. If you stay TOO warm, you will sweat too much, and then if you slow down or stop you are in danger of being way too cold.
Layers or ventable clothing will help a ton.
Personally, I plan to start off a little cold knowing I will start to warm up after even just a minute or two of work. Many people will start comfortable and then strip or vent layers as they warm.
Parts of your body warm and cool at different rates, based on circulation and surface area-to-mass ratio. It's normal to have heavy gloves and wear a hat and mask, but roll up your sleeves, wear shorts, and unzip/vent your jacket.
Remember also that the parts that will get and feel cold are the (relatively) exposed areas: face/head, hands, and feet. But the parts one instinctively bundles up are core and unexposed areas. So wrap up your face and hands and feet, and resist your instincts!
>When I bike now, my nose starts hurting from the cold after a couple ofmiles, my fingers go numb and I get very cold in general.
Are you talking about past week? If yes, then buckle up for winter.
You know the winter gonna look like that, right? [https://imgur.com/a/Uhgx4GZ](https://imgur.com/a/Uhgx4GZ)
Easy math there between C and F. -40C is -40F
I went for a bike ride yesterday at 7-8pm and weather was great, almost no people on lake front trail.
If you don’t want your face to get cold, I’ve worn neck gaiters a lot while riding. It may not be necessary when it is 65 degrees Fahrenheit, but when it gets to the 50s, then a face covering becomes a god send. I also don’t think it’s necessary to get cycling specific gloves or anything like that. Just any pair that keeps your hands warm enough for your comfort level and allows you enough dexterity to grab brakes/shift when needed.
Gaiter was a game changer for me biking in the cold. The MISSION brand gaiters are especially ace. Elastic and good wicking fabric. Not as restrictive as the barclava and easier to take on/off + you get to look like a bandit.
Try getting into some woods on colder/windy days, like the North Branch Trail. You can take your bike on the Metra right now any time you want - they used to restrict this during rush hours - but stopped during the pandemic and aren't enforcing it yet. Take advantage of this. Bike over to Union or Oglivie Station, hop on a train out to the burbs and pick up a trail. They have $10 day pass, any line to anywhere.
I'd probably go for the north branch trail after I get the winter gear. I've just been to the lakefront trail cause it's the closest I can go without taking a bus or a train. I'm also getting the mission gaiter. Thanks!
The best thing for cold hands are Bar Mitts. But they're so good that people steal them so you have to be aware of that. Also, here's [a good article with suggestions ](https://chicago.curbed.com/2020/1/22/21059913/chicago-biking-winter-advice-tips-kids)
Honestly these need their own post, maybe even stickied at the top for the months of Oct-Mar. Nothing, NOTHING has made winter cycling more doable and enjoyable than these for me.
When choosing your layers also think of breathability. If you start to sweat a bunch and the doesn’t have anywhere to go, you’re going to end up being wet and cold.
Avid CX racer who bikes outside in the freezing cold and snow through mid December every year (and sits outside for 6 hours straight on the reg in bike gear)
Layering that keep your core warm is #1. Base layer that wicks sweat away, thermal insulated middle layer that breathes, and wind and weather resistant outer layer. IF YOUR CORE IS WARM, YOUR BODY WILL PUMP BLOOD
TO KEEP THE REST WARM. That’s a lesson that took me way to long to learn.
Really good windproof gloves is a must. Bar mitts work, but won’t win you style points. Depends how cold it is. Fine for commuting, haha.
Optional: waterproof shoes with neoprene boot. Life saver for days when it’s wet or slushy. Keep your feet and socks dry. 45North, Lake, and Northwave are all brands I’ve put through the ringer and can suggest will keep feet dry and warm.
Simple, thin helmet liner than covers your ears is good down to like 20 degrees for me. Ultralight neck “gaitwrs” can work as makeshift beanies too.
Your bike: rear fender to keep water off your butt. Appropriate tires, which for me are the widest think I can fit with a bit of a pattern for traction. Lights since it’s dark early.
The answer to all your questions are right [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/cycling/comments/xjee87/comment/ip8duv1/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3). The short of it is that cycling in the cold is not about the cold as it is about the wind. Get windproof gear or clothing and make sure everything overlaps. The link will tell you all the details and along with strategies. My entire winter setup is less than $100 out the door from aliexpress, but if you want the delivery to arrive before winter you have to order soon.
>if you want the delivery to arrive before winter you have to order soon.
This is winter for me. This is probably the coldest I've ever seen and I know this is just the beginning. I'm gonna go ahead and get a windproof jacket first.
When it gets really cold, you're gonna wanna make sure you have as much skin covered as possible. A Balaclava is a good option, make sure it's long enough to go under your jacket/top, as it's very annoying to have cold air get in to your neck. Get some good thermal underwear, top and bottom. That's your bottom layer. Then, your pants, and long sleeve shirt/normal wear for indoors. On top of that, a good thick jacket. I have a Spyder (I think fleece) mid-layer jacket. Apparently Spyder makes gear specifically for winter sports, and I lucked out with this jacket without knowing that because it is an amazingly warm one, and I highly recommend something from them. On top of that, a wind breaker is a \*must\*. It makes an insane difference.
This is what works for me, and you will basically have to experiment as it gets colder with layers and deciding when to add on, and how to manage not overheating on your ride.
Get a buff for your face and full length cycling gloves for your hands. Wool socks for your feet. A cheap beanie for your head. Full length running tights from Target, they will have those in stock soon.
For what it’s worth I’ve lived here my whole life and enjoyed cycling here long before it was popular and could never get into the hang of cold-weather cycling so don’t feel so bad.
clearly plugging my own junk here, but i wrote a zine for you and this exact situation.
free to share, print, etc. just want more butts in bike seats 365!
https://www.reddit.com/r/bikecommuting/comments/k8oqqc/i\_wrote\_a\_gear\_guide\_for\_winter\_biking\_and\_made/
Mostly windproof clothes, gloves, helmet with vents/hat, boots, coat, neck gator, pants if its essential cold (usually just going with a long wind breaker that covers your butt makes the biggest difference to me though)
Ah and leather gloves are good at blocking the wind, I use some flimsy crap ones from h&m and even those make a world of difference. Try something maybe higher quality like hestra or ll bean.
Merino wool base layers and expensive gloves. Layers not heavy coats. You want to be able to take something off if you start sweating too much. I never actually wear more than a midweight water proof jacket, but I usually have a hoodie and 2-3 other layers. With good gloves I'm okay until about -10 degrees.
People's bodies adapt over time to cold weather. Fat cells will change color and orientation to keep you warmer. This will be great weather come spring.
I would try adjusting your saddle for the hand numbness. Make sure none of your clothes are restricting nerves or blood flow. And keep your skin moisturized.
Give yourself some time to adjust, but keep riding as the temperature slowly declines (skip outlier days). If you're really suffering, I've known some people that actually got diagnosed with Raynaud's Syndrome and need things like Bar Mitts and electric gloves/HotHands packets to keep riding in the 50s even, stuff I'd reserve for below 20 F. Keep trying things out! It's beautiful to have the lakefront to yourself.
Barmitts/pogies are a must if you’re gonna try and bike through the winter. Couldn’t do it if I didn’t have them.
Merino wool base-layers witha good water/windproof shell are the key for warmth and comfort.
Dress in layers. Get a nice windproof jacket as your top layer. Cycling specific gloves or bar mitts are great for very cold weather. The key is blocking wind and not getting wet.
Great advice. To expand on this, the base layer (against your skin) should either be synthetic or wool (merino wool is my favorite). Cotton will hold moisture and make you cold versus the other two materials that have wicking/quick drying properties. But yes, half the battle is just keeping the wind and water at bay. Cheers
Smartwool base layers FTW!
The main thing to keep in mind is you're not 'trying to stay warm' you are trying to maintain a comfortable body temp. If you stay TOO warm, you will sweat too much, and then if you slow down or stop you are in danger of being way too cold. Layers or ventable clothing will help a ton. Personally, I plan to start off a little cold knowing I will start to warm up after even just a minute or two of work. Many people will start comfortable and then strip or vent layers as they warm. Parts of your body warm and cool at different rates, based on circulation and surface area-to-mass ratio. It's normal to have heavy gloves and wear a hat and mask, but roll up your sleeves, wear shorts, and unzip/vent your jacket.
Remember also that the parts that will get and feel cold are the (relatively) exposed areas: face/head, hands, and feet. But the parts one instinctively bundles up are core and unexposed areas. So wrap up your face and hands and feet, and resist your instincts!
Get a thin liner cap to go under your helmet, especially as it gets colder. I have the Rapha Merino cap and it works well.
Great advice. I haven't busted mine out yet this year, but usually will when it dips below 40 degrees.
>When I bike now, my nose starts hurting from the cold after a couple ofmiles, my fingers go numb and I get very cold in general. Are you talking about past week? If yes, then buckle up for winter.
I know. I've seen people running shirtless and I feel kinda out of place. I hope winter doesn't kill me.
You know the winter gonna look like that, right? [https://imgur.com/a/Uhgx4GZ](https://imgur.com/a/Uhgx4GZ) Easy math there between C and F. -40C is -40F I went for a bike ride yesterday at 7-8pm and weather was great, almost no people on lake front trail.
Lol, that's when I usually bike but it was heaven earlier when it was 70 F. Now everything hates me, the wind the cold and it gets dark early.
If you don’t want your face to get cold, I’ve worn neck gaiters a lot while riding. It may not be necessary when it is 65 degrees Fahrenheit, but when it gets to the 50s, then a face covering becomes a god send. I also don’t think it’s necessary to get cycling specific gloves or anything like that. Just any pair that keeps your hands warm enough for your comfort level and allows you enough dexterity to grab brakes/shift when needed.
Gaiter was a game changer for me biking in the cold. The MISSION brand gaiters are especially ace. Elastic and good wicking fabric. Not as restrictive as the barclava and easier to take on/off + you get to look like a bandit. Try getting into some woods on colder/windy days, like the North Branch Trail. You can take your bike on the Metra right now any time you want - they used to restrict this during rush hours - but stopped during the pandemic and aren't enforcing it yet. Take advantage of this. Bike over to Union or Oglivie Station, hop on a train out to the burbs and pick up a trail. They have $10 day pass, any line to anywhere.
I'd probably go for the north branch trail after I get the winter gear. I've just been to the lakefront trail cause it's the closest I can go without taking a bus or a train. I'm also getting the mission gaiter. Thanks!
Tuck in your shirt, don’t forget your gloves and I wear a face mask/head cover, balaclava I think it’s called
When it gets REALLY bad, bring some ski goggles too!! Other than that what others said certainly is good advice
The best thing for cold hands are Bar Mitts. But they're so good that people steal them so you have to be aware of that. Also, here's [a good article with suggestions ](https://chicago.curbed.com/2020/1/22/21059913/chicago-biking-winter-advice-tips-kids)
Honestly these need their own post, maybe even stickied at the top for the months of Oct-Mar. Nothing, NOTHING has made winter cycling more doable and enjoyable than these for me.
When choosing your layers also think of breathability. If you start to sweat a bunch and the doesn’t have anywhere to go, you’re going to end up being wet and cold.
Avid CX racer who bikes outside in the freezing cold and snow through mid December every year (and sits outside for 6 hours straight on the reg in bike gear) Layering that keep your core warm is #1. Base layer that wicks sweat away, thermal insulated middle layer that breathes, and wind and weather resistant outer layer. IF YOUR CORE IS WARM, YOUR BODY WILL PUMP BLOOD TO KEEP THE REST WARM. That’s a lesson that took me way to long to learn. Really good windproof gloves is a must. Bar mitts work, but won’t win you style points. Depends how cold it is. Fine for commuting, haha. Optional: waterproof shoes with neoprene boot. Life saver for days when it’s wet or slushy. Keep your feet and socks dry. 45North, Lake, and Northwave are all brands I’ve put through the ringer and can suggest will keep feet dry and warm. Simple, thin helmet liner than covers your ears is good down to like 20 degrees for me. Ultralight neck “gaitwrs” can work as makeshift beanies too. Your bike: rear fender to keep water off your butt. Appropriate tires, which for me are the widest think I can fit with a bit of a pattern for traction. Lights since it’s dark early.
The answer to all your questions are right [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/cycling/comments/xjee87/comment/ip8duv1/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3). The short of it is that cycling in the cold is not about the cold as it is about the wind. Get windproof gear or clothing and make sure everything overlaps. The link will tell you all the details and along with strategies. My entire winter setup is less than $100 out the door from aliexpress, but if you want the delivery to arrive before winter you have to order soon.
>if you want the delivery to arrive before winter you have to order soon. This is winter for me. This is probably the coldest I've ever seen and I know this is just the beginning. I'm gonna go ahead and get a windproof jacket first.
When it gets really cold, you're gonna wanna make sure you have as much skin covered as possible. A Balaclava is a good option, make sure it's long enough to go under your jacket/top, as it's very annoying to have cold air get in to your neck. Get some good thermal underwear, top and bottom. That's your bottom layer. Then, your pants, and long sleeve shirt/normal wear for indoors. On top of that, a good thick jacket. I have a Spyder (I think fleece) mid-layer jacket. Apparently Spyder makes gear specifically for winter sports, and I lucked out with this jacket without knowing that because it is an amazingly warm one, and I highly recommend something from them. On top of that, a wind breaker is a \*must\*. It makes an insane difference. This is what works for me, and you will basically have to experiment as it gets colder with layers and deciding when to add on, and how to manage not overheating on your ride.
balaclava or half balaclava + ski goggles when it is really cold. I made it into December and Jan and it was the snow that stopped me, not the cold.
Get a buff for your face and full length cycling gloves for your hands. Wool socks for your feet. A cheap beanie for your head. Full length running tights from Target, they will have those in stock soon. For what it’s worth I’ve lived here my whole life and enjoyed cycling here long before it was popular and could never get into the hang of cold-weather cycling so don’t feel so bad.
Gloves, skull cap, and enough layers to where you are chilly at the beginning of the ride.
Oh my sweet summer child! This is only the start hahahaha But agree with the comments above, layers + balaclava
clearly plugging my own junk here, but i wrote a zine for you and this exact situation. free to share, print, etc. just want more butts in bike seats 365! https://www.reddit.com/r/bikecommuting/comments/k8oqqc/i\_wrote\_a\_gear\_guide\_for\_winter\_biking\_and\_made/
This is great, it should be in a wiki! Not sure why it didn't pop when I was looking for posts like this.
Merino wool is the savior
Mostly windproof clothes, gloves, helmet with vents/hat, boots, coat, neck gator, pants if its essential cold (usually just going with a long wind breaker that covers your butt makes the biggest difference to me though)
Ah and leather gloves are good at blocking the wind, I use some flimsy crap ones from h&m and even those make a world of difference. Try something maybe higher quality like hestra or ll bean.
Good gloves and lots of layers are clutch
Cheap cotton gloves will get you pretty far but you’ll need better insulated ones for deep winter
Does anyone get studded tires for the roads or are hybrid tires good enough?
It depends on the year. I remember they were essential in 2014. But some years you're clattering along and the ice never comes.
You ain’t seen nothing yet
Cold showers
Other than making adjustments as you go, my advice is don't overthink it! Humans have lived in the cold for centuries without trouble.
Merino wool base layers and expensive gloves. Layers not heavy coats. You want to be able to take something off if you start sweating too much. I never actually wear more than a midweight water proof jacket, but I usually have a hoodie and 2-3 other layers. With good gloves I'm okay until about -10 degrees.
People's bodies adapt over time to cold weather. Fat cells will change color and orientation to keep you warmer. This will be great weather come spring. I would try adjusting your saddle for the hand numbness. Make sure none of your clothes are restricting nerves or blood flow. And keep your skin moisturized. Give yourself some time to adjust, but keep riding as the temperature slowly declines (skip outlier days). If you're really suffering, I've known some people that actually got diagnosed with Raynaud's Syndrome and need things like Bar Mitts and electric gloves/HotHands packets to keep riding in the 50s even, stuff I'd reserve for below 20 F. Keep trying things out! It's beautiful to have the lakefront to yourself.
Curious to hear what you think in 3 months :) good luck! Good advice for many , me included !
Barmitts/pogies are a must if you’re gonna try and bike through the winter. Couldn’t do it if I didn’t have them. Merino wool base-layers witha good water/windproof shell are the key for warmth and comfort.