Presentation by Liz, notes by France
Liz gave a really thorough presentation on dressing for winter bike commuting from head to toe. Staying warm, staying visible and staying dry for winter biking was emphasized. She made a point of using what you have in your closet but also gave options for different shops like Target, Midwest Mountaineering, Thrifty Outfitters, Amazon, thrift stores, Repair Lair for newer, used or discounted gear. Having the option to have many layers and an outer shell versus less layers and a thicker coat, depending on how far your bike commute may be. You can get pretty sweaty from bike commuting, so having a place to change, like a nursing room, an empty room in the office as oppose to a bathroom or closet is ideal. Hanging up your clothes to dry immediately so that when you leave work you will have a more comfortable ride. Basically, wind protection, staying warm with wool or other sweat wicking clothes, warm torso versus legs, riding with a helmet, having charged bike lights, warm hands and feet for a more comfortable bike commute. For more details, check out the presentation notes below!
Click here for Liz’s Powerpoint presentation!
Head
- Wear helmet to keep warm and in case of falling.
- Cars are not looking for bikers in winter.
- Wear hat with wind protection, wool, fleece, hairs over ears to keep warm. Bern has insulated fleece helmet.
- BEST GEAR IS WHAT YOU’LL USE!
Eyes + Face
- Use amber and yellow lens ski googles to protect from cold and wind, it helps with flair from snow. Keep wind and precipitation out. Googles can cut out periferal vision. Safety glasses not as warm. To avoid googles from fogging up, create a seal with neck warmer. I use googles when it is 20 degrees or lower.
- Ski visor instead of googles, Gear West may have some.
- Try to keep airways warm and moisturized.
- Wear buffs when 25 degrees and fleece buffs for colder than 25 degrees.
- Breathe in your nose and out your mouth to prevent too much moisture.
- Columbia Omni heat does not collect moisture. Cold Venger Mask has valve structure, making it easier to breath in fresh air.
- Use Vasoline to moisturize. Vasoline in nose with q-tip to prevent nose bleeds.
Torso
- Wind proof and water proof outer layer, build up layers or thick coat with less layers.
- Longer coats great for winter biking, ‘cold butt syndrome’ is real.
- Pull over, quarter zip with fleece interior recommended.
- Do not use cotton as first layer, it traps in moisture if wet and will stay cold.
- More wet more cold, it’s a bad cycle.
- Synthetic, wool and silk wick away sweat.
- STAY AWAY FROM COTTON!
Hands
- Keep as warm as possible. Get blood moving to keep fingers warm.
- Lobster claw gloves are great, the more your fingers are grouped together,
- the more warm it will be. Bar mitts are great but expensive
- Layer gloves with liner, so when you have to take off gloves you stay warm.
- Protect against wind, ski gloves are a good option. Use hand warmers.
- Do arm circles if your hand start to get cold to get the blood moving.
Legs
- Your legs are moving so it doesn’t need as many layers.
- Fleece lined tights are recommended
- Layer: fleece pants/pants you’re wearing for the day/leggings
- Down skirt, extra layer for your butt because ‘cold butt syndrome’.
Feet
- Waterproof insulated boots with grippy treads
- Bring extra socks, just in case
- layer boots + pants, pull pants over boots, put rubber bands or velcro reflectors around ankles to keep from getting wet. Some pants have an elastic layer.
- Hand warmer in boots, on top of foot or the inside arches of your feet, whatever works for you.
Stay Dry
- Being wet and cold sucks
- Snow does not penetrate as much as rain. Use fenders.
- Put hood up and under your helmet to stay warm.
- Plastic bags over boots or inside boots over your socks.
- Don’t let sweat get trapped in skin
Staying Visible
- Drivers aren’t looking for cyclist in winter. Safety neon vest super visible.
- Pick a lighter colored jacket, more visible than black; avoid wearing all black, add color.
- Running clothes company sell light up vest!
- Put reflective tape on jacket/helmet/whatever.
- Bike lights -have charging ports at home and work.
- Don’t get stuck with dead lights in the winter.
Transitions
- Changing-use nursing rooms if it’s okay by HR. Usually it’s fine if you are changing in the morning and after work. Change in bathroom if it’s the only choice.
- Integrate your outfit with winter layers if you are unable to change.
- Wool sweaters and skirts with leggings.
- Fleece lined tights under jeans, also Prana sells flannel lined jeans
- Dry shampoo at work if sweaty.
- Hang your clothes to dry so your commute home will be more pleasant.
Where To Get Your Gear
- Grease Rag gear swap, your closet…
- Thrift stores (read tags and labels for fabric content)-Arc’s Value Village in Richfield, Salvation Army.
- Sporting goods store: REI, Backcountry.com, Thrifty Outfitters, Midwest Mountaineering
- Local bike shops for specific bike gear, like shoe covers, Lake or 45 North boots.
- Amazon- Read reviews first
- Repair Lair on Lake Street- Consignment and resale shop $15 minimum for repairs.
Other Tips + Tricks
- If you go outside and you’re warm right away, take off a layer, so you don’t get too hot.
- Wet hair: windy+cold=not good
- Get bus pass just in case.
- Get regular maintenance throughout winter.
- Carry a snack, your body burns more calories in the winter.
- Charge lights, batteries die faster in the winter. External battery chargers are very useful.
- NEO’s over shoes allow foot to move for better circulation.
- Get neoprene from JoAnn’s Fabric for DIY bar mitts.