For those of you considering commuting (or those of you that already started) you're probably wondering what the heck to wear when it's 53 outside in the morning. I know I was asking myself that this morning!
Truth is, it's somewhat different for everyone. But here's what I did and my notes to myself about how well it worked.
My usual morning riding gear, trail riding shorts with liner and Sun King riding jersey. Regular riding socks.
Added to that were leg warmers, the usual stretchy Lycra type. Throw a very light windbreak over the top and put on a bike cap under my helmet. And BTW it's dark out. Full-on dark, it's time to break out all my lights and reflectors.
Temperature was 53, gusty winds to my back or left most of the ride.
RESULTS: Felt comfortable but a regular pair of riding gloves could've been nice but not needed. No shoe covers needed. Could've used the arm warmers instead of the jacket but my midsection might have chilled a bit. It's not so much the temp as the wind chill.
That's my go-to wardrobe for 50+ weather. Also keep in mind I have to ride home in 70+ weather so I can simply leave the jacket and leg warmers in the backpack.
What did YOU wear today?
-pearl izumi thermal cycling jacket
-Terry long tights (for fall weather)
-smartwool ankle socks
-full fingered thermal gloves
-sugoi skull cap (head is most important)
-helmet
-headlight
-small backpack
It felt great at 52 degrees and wind gusts up to 25mph.
regular socks
fox bmx shoes
smart wool long sleeve shirt
buff
wool riding cap
thin gloves
I believe it was around 45 degress earlier this week for my 6 mile ride in. I felt good, it takes a few to get used to the chilly commutes.
-long-sleeve thermal jersey
-wind-breaker shell (ended up wadding it into it's pouch about halfway through as it warmed up)
-full-fingered gloves
-calf high socks
I should have put on the boot covers, as my toes are still somewhere on the Monon around 106th St, but otherwise I was I think I was okay without legwarmers. Any colder, and I would have thrown them on, too.