@ascentale @ai6yr @bikenite A4: Rain _plus_ wind gets harder. Those temperatures aren't scary to me and rain is okay but add in wind and I'm not going further than the shops, if that.

THAT SAID

layers are always the answer. layers plus a wind-blocking outer layer, particularly for torso and arms. Something where you can velcro the sleeves tight and get gloves around. Also, protect your neck, so has to be something that goes up under your chin.

#BikeNite

@ascentale @ai6yr @bikenite A4 for context, I live in Portland, OR, and my commute is 12 miles each way on an e-bike.

My full kit of rain gear is rubber hunting boots, Showers Pass rain pants, a Proviz cycling jacket and gloves, and recently a rain cape.

If it's cold (below 40) I'll wear warm underlayers and a balaclava. If I'm going to work, I'll change at the office (we have locker rooms).

Overkill? Maybe.

But an hour in the rain is a long time.

#bikeNite

@ascentale @ai6yr @bikenite #BikeNite A4:
I maintain that biking should be enjoyable, so there is no shame in deciding it's too unpleasant to ride. That said, I find riding enjoyable even in iffy weather.
Rain pants, warm wool socks, waterproof shoes, and a good rain jacket help. Fenders on your bike help reduce splashing.

Showers Pass is a well regarded brand for foul weather gear, though pricey. I have a pair of rain pants from them that just look like normal pants.

@ascentale @ai6yr @bikenite A4: I was out on a sunny ride yesterday, 37˚ when we started, low 40’s when we ended. I got overheated because there were hills.
With rain it’s a whole nother situation. The trick is to stay dry, because once you get wet, and the wind hits you, it’s all over.

I don’t have one, but I think Cloverhood has the best solution, at least for short trips around town.

https://cleverhood.com/products/rover-rain-cape-2

@ascentale @ai6yr @bikenite

I have a short commute but make it twice per day (around a lunch break). Currently I’m using an Outdoor Research twin jacket, some highly generic rain pants, and waterproof mittens (think skiing).

I was securing an elastic rain cover over my panniers until I fastened it incorrectly and it blew off on the ride home (oh well).

Most days this is enough for me.

@ascentale @ai6yr @bikenite

Lol, where I live that is very warm winter weather!

But it's what we're having right now too, because we haven't really got into the cold weather yet 😂

What I wear:

Two layers polarfleece or wool on my legs. Thick polarfleece, not the thin stuff

Tank top, long sleeve tshirt, plus one or two polarfleece/wool on the top

Scarf or neck warmer

Hat that covers my ears, with a brim to keep the rain out of my eyes

Thick wool socks, and winter shoes sized to fit them

I don't generally wear gloves at this temperature, but you can. Also wrist warmers are very nice, when it's not quite cold enough for gloves! They keep from getting a draft up your sleeves, and add a surprising amount of comfort. You can make them by cutting the wrists off old sweaters or tshirts, or the tops off of old socks. Or you can sew a little tube out of a scrap of polarfleece

I don't wear rain gear. I just leave a little early or late, to ride at a time when the rain is not coming down hard. Fleece and wool are warm when damp, and I can take off an upper layer when I go inside. The inside layers are dry!

We don't get multiple inches of rain in a day though. That's kind of a different thing if you really do want to ride in it

(I can't imagine getting hypothermia at those temperatures! I guess if you wore cotton, got completely soaked, were just sitting or standing outside in the rain, not moving... Then maybe it would be possible. You'd have to put a lot of effort in, to get cold enough to even shiver, realistically)

@ascentale @ai6yr @bikenite

I have been dealing with the rainy season here on Vancouver Island; a bit chillier, but probably not quite as much wind as you were avoiding.

My current best kit is work-type long johns, Mountain Hard Wear rain pants, base layer top and medium weight top, an Endura rain cycling jacket.

Fenders, waterproof boots, inexpensive riding gloves, cheap ski goggles for wind.

The most effective of these has been the fenders, second the cycling jacket.

@ascentale @ai6yr @bikenite #BikeNite A4. I feel like I answer this at least once a month, but I live in Northern New England, and I've been car-free for over 4 years. I'm going into my 5th Winter on a bicycle.

I wear Lands' End Squall series waterproof insulated outerwear, a motorscooter helmet with a full face shield, waxed leather wool-lined UGG boots, and leather motorcycle gauntlets with a squeegee on one finger to clear my face shield.

@ascentale @ai6yr @bikenite A4: I feel like I need to save my guide to dressing for the elements and have it chambered, because my current uniform has worked pretty universally for me.

The first and most important thing isn't what *you* are wearing, but your bike: Full coverage fenders for cold foul weather is an absolute necessity.

After that, my Cleverhood keeps me dry from above. An extra John strap I keep in my saddlebag threaded through the loop in the back keeps it from flapping up and exposing me.

What my actually clothes are under that is just my standard winter riding kit:

Chelsea boots: I ride in Blundstones. They're just easy, and fairly water resistant, especially if you keep up with leather maintenance.

Gaiters: Mine are Italian military surplus. My boots and ankles are typically the only things at risk of getting wet with the fenders and the rain cape, and it has to be pretty bad for me to actually put these on. They keep the bottom of my pants dry, and keep stuff from getting into my boot.

Work pants: I invested in two pairs of Fjallraven trousers. They last forever, and are one of the few sets of pants I haven't worn out through cycling.

Wool socks: I wear Darn Tough knee highs in the winter, hiking socks in the summer.

Wool tights: I don't have a good brand recommendation here, I wear seconds that I got for free through work almost a decade ago, and I am not looking forward to figuring out what to replace them with.

Flannel button down some times a t-shirt: I could do better here. Flannel is cotton, and this is the biggest hole in my armor. I have gotten a little chilled if I over-exert myself and sweat too much on my commute, but that's something I can regulate fairly well at this point.

Thrifted Aran sweater: Wool is the theme, if you haven't noticed already, and this sweater does a very good job of keeping me warm while also keeping me cool once I get moving.

Thrifted wool overshirt: It needs to be *very* cold for me to put this on if it's actively raining, as it gets very hot under the rain cape, and getting too sweaty or stopping to take it off will hurt me more than being cold at the start of the ride. The overshirt is a tight enough weave that it cuts wind very well and also keeps you fairly dry up to a light rain on its own. If it's cold enough to be snowing, this is my outer layer.

Wool neck gaiter: Mine's from Surly. I'll wear a bandana over that if I need a bit of help cutting the wind around my neck.

Wool cycling cap with ear flaps: Self explanatory.

God help me, this whole cozy-core woolen vibe gets capped off with a set of Pit Vipers to keep the cold tears to a minimum.

I do have a thermal puffer that I keep in my saddle bag as a "just in case" that I use very seldom.

If it's very cold (cold enough it's likely not raining) I will use some hand/foot warmers. I seal them in an airtight bag when I get to work, and a set usually lasts for a week of winter commuting for me.

This set up has gotten me to work dry and comfortable every day for years, and I don't change into dryer clothes once I get to work, because I don't have to. That being said, if I get somewhere and then have to spend any time outside not biking, I'm typically pretty cold. It's not an outfit for standing around!

#BikeNite

@ascentale @ai6yr @bikenite

A4. Rain cape, goggles, helmet cover, a gaiter to cover mouth if needed, fenders on bike, waterproof panniers.

Oh, full fingered gloves, too. The bike water resistant overgloves can be pricey. I found work gloves of the right type work pretty well.

#BikeNite

@ascentale @ai6yr @bikenite A4. Heavy rain? I try to avoid at all costs, but a rain cape, generally. About same with cold and regular proper rain.

Light rain or less and I'll put on a wool sweater or a wool vest and deal with being a little damp. I don't personally consider 40s/50s to be very cold, frankly about ideal temperatures. It depends a bit on how long I'll be out, but in general wool is good at keeping you warm even when wet.

#BikeNite

@ascentale @ai6yr @bikenite if it's warm enough, just embrace getting wet and bring a change of clothes with me. Otherwise, just full layers of waterproof stuff: jacket, pants, gloves, and hiking boots.

I've liked the pair of Gore gloves. Been using hiking rain pants but they are worn out so in the process of researching biking rain pants. But really, use what you got until you figure out the details you care about, then find the right specialized thing for you.

@ascentale @ai6yr @bikenite

Q4
#Bikenite
I make sure I have enough layers to stay warm. Wool jumper plus windproof layer is good. Scottish rain gets through most clothing. If I'm going to be indoors at the other end for a while, I'll cycle fast to keep warm and take dry layers to change into at the other end. Also keep a close eye on the forecast - going early or waiting a few minutes can really help

One essential for me is knitted wrist-warmers. Keeps the draught, and most of the rain out

@ascentale @ai6yr @bikenite A4 depends how fast you ride and how hot you get. If I’m pootling about a good fully waterproof breathable jacket and trousers and whatever you like underneath to keep warm works. For faster sporty riding water repellent bib tights and a lighter waterproof jacket with a base layer and thermal jersey (merino is good for both). Good waterproof gloves or mitts and overshoes also. The latter only works if you change at the and of your ride (I carry or leave a set of normal clothes in/for the office). I have a soft shell jacket which is great for really cold weather, but it isn’t water resistant enough for really heavy rain.

I have some goretex cycling shoes, but they don’t like really heavy rain which ends up entering via the neoprene cuff and soaking my socks. They end up full of water LOL. There are probably better designed ones.

Full mudguards/fenders with flaps really help as much of the water comes from the road. #bikenite

@ascentale @ai6yr @bikenite we actually had tiny amounts of snow and sleet in London this week

Disgusting ride.

I suffer hugely from cold hands /toes /Rainaud's . I use heated gloves but always end up breaking them or losing parts. Got an eBay search currently for this year's pair - got a week's tour in Europe in New Year so will need them.

Layers.
Kit that is actually waterproof
Overshoes

**Most important** Dry kit thoroughly after each ride (or carry spare for ride home)

@ascentale @ai6yr @bikenite

A4. 25km commute (17 miles) here, so just over an hour. I only stop when it drops below freezing.

My go to is a Windproof thermal soft shell jacket on top with layers under. I currently use a Siroko J1 and an Altura Nighvision long sleeve jersey (not Windproof) in a larger size over the top when it's dark, or a rain cape over the soft shell in the rain. I layer up to suit under the soft shell to suit the temperature

https://www.siroko.com/p/j1-soulor-winter-cycling-jacket-men-maroon

https://www.altura.co.uk/collections/nightvision/filtered?page=1&filter_pf_pt_product_type=Cycling+Jersey