How We Dress for Pedal People
Here is some information by Pedal People on how they dress for the weather.
Alex:
Here is some of my experience in riding all year long here in Northampton, Massachusetts for Pedal People. The brand names here are ones I have experience with, but others may work as well. Temperatures are in Fahrenheit degrees. ~Alex
Rain
- Fenders are essential.
- In the summer above 60 degrees, I wear swim shorts, Teva sandals, a non-cotton T-shirt and a rain jacket.
- In the winter I wear light boots with Neos overshoes (see below) and a full waterproof rainsuit such as one made by Columbia. Under this suit I'll wear bike shorts or, if the rain is very cold, light pants. I'll start with a non-cotton T-shirt and a sweater on top but usually will have to remove the sweater to not overheat. The cold rain on the rainsuit and regulating layers is usually enough to keep me from overheating. If I end up sweating then the system fails because I'll just be wet under the rainsuit from my own sweat. I put my helmet over the rain hood. This helps keep the rain out of my eyes. I use waterproof mittens that I only use for rainy weather, as the waterproofing tends to wear away and I try to minimize the wear.
- In the spring and fall I sometimes have to find a balance between these two systems. I still need to work on this time of the year, as it's too easy to overheat with the winter system, and too cold for the summer system.
- I recently bought a rain cape (they call it a poncho) from the Center for Appropriate Transport and so far I like it very much. It works very well in low speed, low wind conditions. I think it would be difficult to use for doing Pedal People work though.
Cold – above freezing
- Fenders are essential.
- Neos waterproof overshoes (www.overshoe.com) have worked very well for me. They keep the slush and water off and keep my feet warm. I use the "Adventurer" model. Last I checked (11/16/08), the cheapest source was www.leisure-home.com for $65 including shipping.
- I use mittens with an outer shell and adjustable inner liners. Usually only one liner is needed for above freezing weather.
- Above about 35 degrees I use “180s”, an earmuff that fits around the back of my head and doesn't interfere with my helmet.
- Below 35 degrees I use a balaclava, made of a thin windproof fabric and covers all of my head except my eyes, nose and mouth.
Cold – below freezing
- Fenders are often still needed due to salt on the roads. Occasionally they can be a detriment, if you're dealing with wet snow that builds up between the fender and the wheel.
- Uninsulated overshoes, boots and two pairs of socks work down to about 10 degrees. Below that I need insulated overshoes or my feet get a little chilly. I wear bike shorts in cold temperatures to add an extra layer of insulation and to keep everything close to my body (this is particularly a male concern).
- I use mittens with an outer shell and two inner liners below about 25 degrees. A rag wool mitten works great as one of the liners.
- I adjust my balaclava up to cover everything but my eyes below 15-20 degrees. Goggles are only necessary if it's snowing or the temperature is below 5-10 degrees. To prevent goggles from frosting over, put them on outside after they've had a chance to cool down, and avoid breathing up onto them.
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