Really COLD and WET: what do you wear on your legs?

[Paul M. Hobson[_2_]]

I've got the upper body figured out. But once it gets wet AND too cold
for just short and leg warmers, I don't know what to do.

Are tights sufficiently warm? Do I need those loose, lined "rain"
pants? What do you prefer?

Thanks,
\\p
--
Paul M. Hobson
..:change the f to ph to reply:.

[bluezfolk]

On Nov 6, 12:58*am, "Paul M. Hobson" > wrote:
> I've got the upper body figured out. *But once it gets wet AND too cold
> for just short and leg warmers, I don't know what to do.
>
> Are tights sufficiently warm? *Do I need those loose, lined "rain"
> pants? *What do you prefer?
>
> Thanks,
> \\p
> --
> Paul M. Hobson
> .:change the f to ph to reply:.

Personally, if its to cold or wet for tights, I don't ride. Usually
in my area (Long Island NY) it dosen't get to wet and cold that often,
when it does I just rely on running to keep in shape.

Eric

[Peter Cole[_2_]]

Paul M. Hobson wrote:
> I've got the upper body figured out. But once it gets wet AND too cold
> for just short and leg warmers, I don't know what to do.
>
> Are tights sufficiently warm? Do I need those loose, lined "rain"
> pants? What do you prefer?
>
> Thanks,
> \\p

Cold & wet is the hardest to dress for. I like rain pants, I usually
wear unlined ones over tights. I find it more flexible to have separate
layers for waterproof & insulation. That said, when on fast rides, I use
rain knickers, sometimes with waterproof booties, to avoid the lower leg
flapping. For really slow rides, capes work well, but need fenders --
which are a big help in the rain no matter what you wear.

[Paul M. Hobson[_2_]]

> Paul M. Hobson wrote:
>> I've got the upper body figured out. But once it gets wet AND too
>> cold for just short and leg warmers, I don't know what to do.
>>
>> Are tights sufficiently warm? Do I need those loose, lined "rain"
>> pants? What do you prefer?

Peter Cole wrote:
> Cold & wet is the hardest to dress for. I like rain pants, I usually
> wear unlined ones over tights. I find it more flexible to have separate
> layers for waterproof & insulation. That said, when on fast rides, I use
> rain knickers, sometimes with waterproof booties, to avoid the lower leg
> flapping. For really slow rides, capes work well, but need fenders --
> which are a big help in the rain no matter what you wear.

I definitely have the fenders (on both bikes). I can see already I
didn't accurately convey my ignorance on how tights peform/work/are
meant to be used. Could you post a link to these rain knickers?

Are long tights warmer than or roughly "equal" to shorts + leg warmers?
Are they meant to be worn over shorts and leg warmers, alone, either way?

To put it another way (JAY BEATTIE and the PAC NW crew): What do you
wear on your legs over the winter when it's in the 30's (deg. F) and wet?

Work provides ample bike facilities, so changing isn't an issue.

Thanks,
--
Paul M. Hobson
..:change the f to ph to reply:.

[Ryan Cousineau]

In article >,
"Paul M. Hobson" > wrote:

> I've got the upper body figured out. But once it gets wet AND too cold
> for just short and leg warmers, I don't know what to do.
>
> Are tights sufficiently warm? Do I need those loose, lined "rain"
> pants? What do you prefer?
>
> Thanks,
> \\p

Wet sucks, but the cold is limited by the freezing point of water.

Around here, I don't think of it as ever getting too cold for shorts and
leg warmers, but I would recommend tights over looser rain pants.
Flapping is a drag, and can cool you off.

I used to have a set of semi-tight rain pants that were wind-stop
material on the front, and synthetic fleece behind that and on the back.

The problem was that in really wet weather and a 3-hour ride, they
waterlogged and sagged. It actually got hard to ride in them because
they were slipping down!

Before I went to loose pants, I would go to doubled layers: shorts under
tights, or knee warmers.

--
Ryan Cousineau http://www.wiredcola.com/
"In other newsgroups, they killfile trolls."
"In rec.bicycles.racing, we coach them."

[Peter Cole[_2_]]

Paul M. Hobson wrote:
>> Paul M. Hobson wrote:
>>> I've got the upper body figured out. But once it gets wet AND too
>>> cold for just short and leg warmers, I don't know what to do.
>>>
>>> Are tights sufficiently warm? Do I need those loose, lined "rain"
>>> pants? What do you prefer?
>
> Peter Cole wrote:
>> Cold & wet is the hardest to dress for. I like rain pants, I usually
>> wear unlined ones over tights. I find it more flexible to have
>> separate layers for waterproof & insulation. That said, when on fast
>> rides, I use rain knickers, sometimes with waterproof booties, to
>> avoid the lower leg flapping. For really slow rides, capes work well,
>> but need fenders -- which are a big help in the rain no matter what
>> you wear.
>
> I definitely have the fenders (on both bikes). I can see already I
> didn't accurately convey my ignorance on how tights peform/work/are
> meant to be used. Could you post a link to these rain knickers?

I make my own. I cut off bottoms of rain pants to make "rain shorts"
(warm weather), or cut them below the knee & add velcro. Being very
tall, sometimes I just get too short long pants and wear them as knickers.

> Are long tights warmer than or roughly "equal" to shorts + leg warmers?
> Are they meant to be worn over shorts and leg warmers, alone, either way?

I like "4-way" stretch fleece for my heavy tights (Polartec). I find it
has a very comfortable range and holds little water. Much warmer than
typical leg warmers. I always wear tights over bike shorts, then perhaps
rain knickers over that. I never bother with leg warmers any more, I
have several pairs of tights in various thicknesses and lengths
(knicker/full).

http://mysite.verizon.net/~peter_cole/ice5.jpg

I've tried "breathe-able" pants (Gore-tex, Activent) without much luck,
they're expensive and tend to wear out fast in the seat. I just buy
cheap ones now and expect some condensation.

[[email protected]]

On Nov 6, 10:26*am, "Paul M. Hobson" > wrote:
> > Paul M. Hobson wrote:
> >> I've got the upper body figured out. *But once it gets wet AND too
> >> cold for just short and leg warmers, I don't know what to do.
>
> >> Are tights sufficiently warm? *Do I need those loose, lined "rain"
> >> pants? *What do you prefer?
> Peter Cole wrote:
> > Cold & wet is the hardest to dress for. I like rain pants, I usually
> > wear unlined ones over tights. I find it more flexible to have separate
> > layers for waterproof & insulation. That said, when on fast rides, I use
> > rain knickers, sometimes with waterproof booties, to avoid the lower leg
> > flapping. For really slow rides, capes work well, but need fenders --
> > which are a big help in the rain no matter what you wear.
>
> I definitely have the fenders (on both bikes). *I can see already I
> didn't accurately convey my ignorance on how tights peform/work/are
> meant to be used. *Could you post a link to these rain knickers?
>
> Are long tights warmer than or roughly "equal" to shorts + leg warmers?
> Are they meant to be worn over shorts and leg warmers, alone, either way?
>
> To put it another way (JAY BEATTIE and the PAC NW crew): What do you
> wear on your legs over the winter when it's in the 30's (deg. F) and wet?
>
> Work provides ample bike facilities, so changing isn't an issue.
>
> Thanks,
> --
> Paul M. Hobson
> .:change the f to ph to reply:.

you need to look at the fabic materials- polypropolene, thermax and
such. Each have their own properties advantages and disadvantages.
Polypropolene is great when wet and form fitting; it can get too hot
though. Themax tights are fairly good for rainrides; they are slicker
than polypropolene so if you wipe out in a curve you might find
yourself sliding along the wet pavement. polypro will shred more and
might chaff a bit too; but if you are going out for a few hours you
want to be warm, because if you are wet but warm you'll be ok, but
cold and wet forget it; especially if you have a mechanical or out in
the boonies

[landotter]

On Nov 5, 11:58*pm, "Paul M. Hobson" > wrote:
> I've got the upper body figured out. *But once it gets wet AND too cold
> for just short and leg warmers, I don't know what to do.
>
> Are tights sufficiently warm? *Do I need those loose, lined "rain"
> pants? *What do you prefer?
>

In the PNW, and in gloomy Scandinavia you can have parts of the year
where it's time to just get a transit pass and thermos. ;-) At least
in the midwest it freezes so you can ice bike.

[Brian Huntley]

On Nov 6, 10:11*am, Peter Cole > wrote:
> Paul M. Hobson wrote:
> > I've got the upper body figured out. *But once it gets wet AND too cold
> > for just short and leg warmers, I don't know what to do.
>
> > Are tights sufficiently warm? *Do I need those loose, lined "rain"
> > pants? *What do you prefer?
>
> > Thanks,
> > \\p
>
> Cold & wet is the hardest to dress for. I like rain pants, I usually
> wear unlined ones over tights. I find it more flexible to have separate
> layers for waterproof & insulation. That said, when on fast rides, I use
> rain knickers, sometimes with waterproof booties, to avoid the lower leg
> flapping. For really slow rides, capes work well, but need fenders --
> which are a big help in the rain no matter what you wear.

My latest ones (silicone treated nylon outer shell) have a mesh lining
that not only keeps it from sticking to your legs, but seems to
improve their warmth in cold weather. Not too too hot in medium
weather either, though definitely not summer weight.

They're hiking pants, not bike specific. In the dead of winter,
they're usually on sale.

[Helmut Springer]

Paul M. Hobson > wrote:
> I've got the upper body figured out. But once it gets wet AND too
> cold for just short and leg warmers, I don't know what to do.

How cold? Below freezing WET typically isn't much of a problem.


> Are tights sufficiently warm?

Obviously depends on tights and your comfort zone. There are
thicker material (often marketed as Super Roubaix or similar) and
windstopper ones, which for me work fine. If long and heavy rain
soaking them is an issue you might look for tights with waterproof
frontside.

If you keep your upper body and feet warm, legs typically aren't so
much of a problem.

--
MfG/Best regards
helmut springer panta rhei

[Ryan Cousineau]

In article >,
"Paul M. Hobson" > wrote:

> > Paul M. Hobson wrote:
> >> I've got the upper body figured out. But once it gets wet AND too
> >> cold for just short and leg warmers, I don't know what to do.
> >>
> >> Are tights sufficiently warm? Do I need those loose, lined "rain"
> >> pants? What do you prefer?
>
> Peter Cole wrote:
> > Cold & wet is the hardest to dress for. I like rain pants, I usually
> > wear unlined ones over tights. I find it more flexible to have separate
> > layers for waterproof & insulation. That said, when on fast rides, I use
> > rain knickers, sometimes with waterproof booties, to avoid the lower leg
> > flapping. For really slow rides, capes work well, but need fenders --
> > which are a big help in the rain no matter what you wear.
>
> I definitely have the fenders (on both bikes). I can see already I
> didn't accurately convey my ignorance on how tights peform/work/are
> meant to be used. Could you post a link to these rain knickers?
>
> Are long tights warmer than or roughly "equal" to shorts + leg warmers?
> Are they meant to be worn over shorts and leg warmers, alone, either way?
>
> To put it another way (JAY BEATTIE and the PAC NW crew): What do you
> wear on your legs over the winter when it's in the 30's (deg. F) and wet?

I actually wear knee warmers, long thermal socks, and shorts. When it's
really miserable, I wear two pairs of shorts.

That's because I'm too cheap to buy a set of bib tights in a fall/winter
weight, which is what I'd really recommend for those conditions.

I should say that I don't seem to get really cold below the waist,
though. I pretty much can't imagine wearing more than a set of tights
with shorts under them in any above-freezing conditions, rain or no.

HOWEVER, I would also mention that figuring out my gloves and my shoes
(and socks) has made way way more difference in those conditions than
worrying about pants.

In short, I use neoprene "kayaking/cycling" gloves, which stink like a
wet dog and keep my hands warm (if not always dry). After years of bad
experiences with neoprene booties, I bought the cheapest winter cycling
boots I could find, and I am so happy I could write operas about them.

For socks, I prefer thick thermal synthetic socks. I haven't tried thick
wool. My boots are sized to accept thick socks. I have used thick cotton
socks, and they're okay, but I would recommend synthetic or wool.

Again, all these choices are very much oriented at my riding, and my
standard bad case scenario is 3-4 hours in a pacific northwest
rainstorm, something we call "the club ride." Every Saturday there isn't
a cyclocross race, year round.

Basically, cycling tights are what all my club-mates use on these rides,
except for those just using leg-warmers. In my opinion, a fairly long
leg-warmer will suffice, though as I said, on really cold days I'd
consider a second layer of shorts. I actually have some slightly goofy
Under Armor boxer-briefs that are ideal for this*.

*I bought these hoping for something a little more comfortable for
normal daily use than my other preference, cotton boxer-briefs. They are
more comfy, but they suffer from Synthetic Stink Syndrome, rendering
them marginal for non-sporting purposes.

--
Ryan Cousineau http://www.wiredcola.com/
"In other newsgroups, they killfile trolls."
"In rec.bicycles.racing, we coach them."

[[email protected]]

On Nov 6, 9:39*pm, Ryan Cousineau > wrote:
> In article >,
> *"Paul M. Hobson" > wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > > Paul M. Hobson wrote:
> > >> I've got the upper body figured out. *But once it gets wet AND too
> > >> cold for just short and leg warmers, I don't know what to do.
>
> > >> Are tights sufficiently warm? *Do I need those loose, lined "rain"
> > >> pants? *What do you prefer?
>
> > Peter Cole wrote:
> > > Cold & wet is the hardest to dress for. I like rain pants, I usually
> > > wear unlined ones over tights. I find it more flexible to have separate
> > > layers for waterproof & insulation. That said, when on fast rides, I use
> > > rain knickers, sometimes with waterproof booties, to avoid the lower leg
> > > flapping. For really slow rides, capes work well, but need fenders --
> > > which are a big help in the rain no matter what you wear.
>
> > I definitely have the fenders (on both bikes). *I can see already I
> > didn't accurately convey my ignorance on how tights peform/work/are
> > meant to be used. *Could you post a link to these rain knickers?
>
> > Are long tights warmer than or roughly "equal" to shorts + leg warmers?
> > Are they meant to be worn over shorts and leg warmers, alone, either way?
>
> > To put it another way (JAY BEATTIE and the PAC NW crew): What do you
> > wear on your legs over the winter when it's in the 30's (deg. F) and wet?
>
> I actually wear knee warmers, long thermal socks, and shorts. When it's
> really miserable, I wear two pairs of shorts.
>
> That's because I'm too cheap to buy a set of bib tights in a fall/winter
> weight, which is what I'd really recommend for those conditions.
>
> I should say that I don't seem to get really cold below the waist,
> though. I pretty much can't imagine wearing more than a set of tights
> with shorts under them in any above-freezing conditions, rain or no.
>
> HOWEVER, I would also mention that figuring out my gloves and my shoes
> (and socks) has made way way more difference in those conditions than
> worrying about pants.
>
> In short, I use neoprene "kayaking/cycling" gloves, which stink like a
> wet dog and keep my hands warm (if not always dry). After years of bad
> experiences with neoprene booties, I bought the cheapest winter cycling
> boots I could find, and I am so happy I could write operas about them.
>
> For socks, I prefer thick thermal synthetic socks. I haven't tried thick
> wool. My boots are sized to accept thick socks. I have used thick cotton
> socks, and they're okay, but I would recommend synthetic or wool.
>
> Again, all these choices are very much oriented at my riding, and my
> standard bad case scenario is 3-4 hours in a pacific northwest
> rainstorm, something we call "the club ride." Every Saturday there isn't
> a cyclocross race, year round.
>
> Basically, cycling tights are what all my club-mates use on these rides,
> except for those just using leg-warmers. In my opinion, a fairly long
> leg-warmer will suffice, though as I said, on really cold days I'd
> consider a second layer of shorts. I actually have some slightly goofy
> Under Armor boxer-briefs that are ideal for this*.
>
> *I bought these hoping for something a little more comfortable for
> normal daily use than my other preference, cotton boxer-briefs. They are
> more comfy, but they suffer from Synthetic Stink Syndrome, rendering
> them marginal for non-sporting purposes.
>
> --
> Ryan Cousineau /
> "In other newsgroups, they killfile trolls."
> "In rec.bicycles.racing, we coach them."- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

I wash everything after the ride, especially a rain ride, I jump into
the shower with all my stuff on and peel off in the shower warming up
and getting rid of the grime at the same time. I find a nice mild
"suddsy" shampoo like pert, works great washing the stuff and getting
rid of any smell without damaging the synthetics.

[Dennis P. Harris]

On Thu, 06 Nov 2008 07:26:21 -0800 in rec.bicycles.misc, "Paul M.
Hobson" > wrote:

> To put it another way (JAY BEATTIE and the PAC NW crew): What do you
> wear on your legs over the winter when it's in the 30's (deg. F) and wet?
>
> Work provides ample bike facilities, so changing isn't an issue.
>
In SE Alaska, we usually wear heavy tights that are fleeced on
the inside, with a rainsuit when it's horizontal 37 degF rain.

You want tights with shielded fronts, that can allow vapor
wicking on the back side. In particular, for males, we want
tights with some kind of windproofing in the crotch.

My heavyweight winter tights are unpadded; I have padded
undershorts to wear under them.

For really cold weather under 20 degF, I wear rainpaints with
velcro cuffs over fleece pants.

[[email protected]]

On Nov 6, 12:58*am, "Paul M. Hobson" > wrote:
> I've got the upper body figured out. *But once it gets wet AND too cold
> for just short and leg warmers, I don't know what to do.
>
> Are tights sufficiently warm? *Do I need those loose, lined "rain"
> pants? *What do you prefer?
>
> Thanks,
> \\p
> --
> Paul M. Hobson
> .:change the f to ph to reply:.

For me, snowboard pants. Comfly fleece liner, plenty warm, wind and
water proof. My bigger problem is when it's not cold enough for
those, but wet and cold enough I don't want to wear my normal stuff.
Normal rain pants are not so comfy.

[[email protected]]

On Nov 7, 1:46*am, (Dennis P. Harris)
wrote:
> On Thu, 06 Nov 2008 07:26:21 -0800 in rec.bicycles.misc, "Paul M.
>
> Hobson" > wrote:
> > To put it another way (JAY BEATTIE and the PAC NW crew): What do you
> > wear on your legs over the winter when it's in the 30's (deg. F) and wet?
>
> > Work provides ample bike facilities, so changing isn't an issue.
>
> In SE Alaska, we usually wear heavy tights that are fleeced on
> the inside, with a rainsuit when it's horizontal 37 degF rain.
>
> You want tights with shielded fronts, that can allow vapor
> wicking on the back side. *In particular, for males, we want
> tights with some kind of windproofing in the crotch.
>
> My heavyweight winter tights are unpadded; *I have padded
> undershorts to wear under them.
>
> For really cold weather under 20 degF, I wear rainpaints with
> velcro cuffs over fleece pants.

a lot of respect is due to a cyclist in alaska, however I would've
expected the "really cold weather" statement to occur in refrence to
minus 20 deg (c or f, makes no difference), I try to avoid thinking
"really cold", especially when stuck in it. question; are you riding
a road bike or mtb ?

[Dane Buson]

Ryan Cousineau > wrote:
>
> I should say that I don't seem to get really cold below the waist,
> though. I pretty much can't imagine wearing more than a set of tights
> with shorts under them in any above-freezing conditions, rain or no.

You are me and ICMFP.

> HOWEVER, I would also mention that figuring out my gloves and my shoes
> (and socks) has made way way more difference in those conditions than
> worrying about pants.
>
> In short, I use neoprene "kayaking/cycling" gloves, which stink like a
> wet dog and keep my hands warm (if not always dry). After years of bad
> experiences with neoprene booties, I bought the cheapest winter cycling
> boots I could find, and I am so happy I could write operas about them.

Are those the Exustar cold weather shoes?

> For socks, I prefer thick thermal synthetic socks. I haven't tried thick
> wool. My boots are sized to accept thick socks. I have used thick cotton
> socks, and they're okay, but I would recommend synthetic or wool.

I'll heartily recommend some thick wool socks for winter riding. I nede
to keep an eye out for some deals on them. I picked up five pairs a
while back and some are starting to look threadbare.

--
Dane Buson -
"And the next time you consider complaining that running Lucid Emacs
19.05 via NFS from a remote Linux machine in Paraguay doesn't seem to
get the background colors right, you'll know who to thank."
(By Matt Welsh)

[Tom Keats]

In article >,
"Paul M. Hobson" > writes:

> To put it another way (JAY BEATTIE and the PAC NW crew): What do you
> wear on your legs over the winter when it's in the 30's (deg. F) and wet?

Okay, to answer the question in your subject line
as well as the above question, in terms of riding
around town in street clothes: a pair of cheap,
knee-high hiking gaiters c/w both zipper and
velcro closures.

The rain cape (thanx again, Zoot!) keeps my upper body
and upper legs dry. The gaiters keep my lower legs dry,
they don't get too hot or too cold, and they keep trouser
cuffs out of the drivetrain. They're easily donned or
doffed, and comfortable enough to forget they're there.

To keep my shoes dry I have strips of inner tube
wrapped around my toeclip cages (along the tops,
down the fronts, and along the bottoms, with the
sides left open.) Something similar could probably
be cobbled together for PowerGrips. You'd be
surprised by how well this system works, without
fussing with overshoes or booties or dealing with
ventilation problems. You could wear cotton sports
socks if you wanted, and they won't become soaked
by rain.

I've observed how, when shoes become soaked from
riding in the rain, the soaking begins at the
toe ends and uppers, and gradually seeps back.
Prevent the fronts of your shoes from getting wet,
and the rest of the (relative) dryness ensues.

I can attest shoes do /not/ have to be mummified
or suffocated in order to keep them from becoming
squishy on rainy day rides. Unless you have to
ride through very deep puddles.


cheers,
Tom

--
Nothing is safe from me.
I'm really at:
tkeats curlicue vcn dot bc dot ca

[Ryan Cousineau]

In article >,
Dane Buson > wrote:

> Ryan Cousineau > wrote:
> >
> > I should say that I don't seem to get really cold below the waist,
> > though. I pretty much can't imagine wearing more than a set of tights
> > with shorts under them in any above-freezing conditions, rain or no.
>
> You are me and ICMFP.

Heh. The unifying factor may not be genetics, but rather climate.

> > HOWEVER, I would also mention that figuring out my gloves and my shoes
> > (and socks) has made way way more difference in those conditions than
> > worrying about pants.
> >
> > In short, I use neoprene "kayaking/cycling" gloves, which stink like a
> > wet dog and keep my hands warm (if not always dry). After years of bad
> > experiences with neoprene booties, I bought the cheapest winter cycling
> > boots I could find, and I am so happy I could write operas about them.
>
> Are those the Exustar cold weather shoes?

Yes. The E-SM450. I have since bought a set of Duegi winter boots
(because, used, they were $5), but I haven't tried them yet.

> > For socks, I prefer thick thermal synthetic socks. I haven't tried thick
> > wool. My boots are sized to accept thick socks. I have used thick cotton
> > socks, and they're okay, but I would recommend synthetic or wool.
>
> I'll heartily recommend some thick wool socks for winter riding. I nede
> to keep an eye out for some deals on them. I picked up five pairs a
> while back and some are starting to look threadbare.

Thick wool socks are on my list to try. Anyone know where to find really
long ones in argyle patterns? Red, white, and black, if you can.

--
Ryan Cousineau http://www.wiredcola.com/
"In other newsgroups, they killfile trolls."
"In rec.bicycles.racing, we coach them."

[Tom Keats]

In article ]>,
Ryan Cousineau > writes:

> I should say that I don't seem to get really cold below the waist,
> though. I pretty much can't imagine wearing more than a set of tights
> with shorts under them in any above-freezing conditions, rain or no.


> HOWEVER, I would also mention that figuring out my gloves and my shoes
> (and socks) has made way way more difference in those conditions than
> worrying about pants.

Louis Garneau[tm] tights are wonderful for cold, wet weather.
Yeah, they get wet(ish) but they stay warm. But I'm such a
skinny bonerack, I have trouble fillin' 'em without wrinkles.
My bulging calf veins almost show through. I almost need
a belt for 'em. But I think they'd fit "normal" folx quite well.

> In short, I use neoprene "kayaking/cycling" gloves, which stink like a
> wet dog and keep my hands warm (if not always dry). After years of bad
> experiences with neoprene booties, I bought the cheapest winter cycling
> boots I could find, and I am so happy I could write operas about them.

At this point I simply must emit a few accolades for
Axiom "Hot Hands" full-fingered gloves. They're the
cat's pajamas AFAIC.

I absolutely despise bumflaps on cycling jackets/shells.

Neoprene is for diving, sailboarding and kinky sex.
Nothing else. Except maybe mouse pads and mudflaps.


cheers,
Tom

--
Nothing is safe from me.
I'm really at:
tkeats curlicue vcn dot bc dot ca

[Dennis P. Harris]

On Fri, 7 Nov 2008 09:19:07 -0800 (PST) in rec.bicycles.misc,
wrote:

> a lot of respect is due to a cyclist in alaska, however I would've
> expected the "really cold weather" statement to occur in refrence to
> minus 20 deg (c or f, makes no difference), I try to avoid thinking
> "really cold", especially when stuck in it. question; are you riding
> a road bike or mtb ?

i live in the alaska banana belt, the se panhandle to the west of
BC, where our marine climate means that it rarely goes below 0
degF. we do, however, get 60 knot winds when temps drop into the
lower +20s. i stop cycling when the wind is cold enough that my
cheekbones hurt. remember, chill factor is based on
temp+wind+moisture, and our higher humidity creates a higher
chill factor.

a ride a mountain bike. narrow tires don't work in snow or
slush. i don't bother with studs, although some riders have
studded MTB tires. i figure that if it's so slick that i might
fall over with the bike, i should stop riding, because it means
that drivers who are surprised to see a cyclist won't be able to
stop.

[Dane Buson]

Ryan Cousineau > wrote:
> Dane Buson > wrote:
>> Ryan Cousineau > wrote:
>> >
>> > I should say that I don't seem to get really cold below the waist,
>> > though. I pretty much can't imagine wearing more than a set of tights
>> > with shorts under them in any above-freezing conditions, rain or no.
>>
>> You are me and ICMFP.
>
> Heh. The unifying factor may not be genetics, but rather climate.

True true. But there is definitely a lot of variation in what people
wear. I tend to be the last person I see puttig on a
jacket/warmers/tights. But I know someone (smaller than me) who rides
in outfits I consider way too skimpy for the weather. But evidently she
just runs at a different (higher?) temp than everyone else.

>> > In short, I use neoprene "kayaking/cycling" gloves, which stink like a
>> > wet dog and keep my hands warm (if not always dry). After years of bad
>> > experiences with neoprene booties, I bought the cheapest winter cycling
>> > boots I could find, and I am so happy I could write operas about them.
>>
>> Are those the Exustar cold weather shoes?
>
> Yes. The E-SM450. I have since bought a set of Duegi winter boots
> (because, used, they were $5), but I haven't tried them yet.

I've been really happy with mine. Though I don't tend to wear them
about fifty degrees since they are pretty warm.

>> I'll heartily recommend some thick wool socks for winter riding. I nede
>> to keep an eye out for some deals on them. I picked up five pairs a
>> while back and some are starting to look threadbare.
>
> Thick wool socks are on my list to try. Anyone know where to find really
> long ones in argyle patterns? Red, white, and black, if you can.

Nope, I've been looking for some myself, so if you find any tell me.
Though I prefer greens and blues admittedly. I'm working on altering
some wool pants into knickers and the argyles would go well with them.

--
Dane Buson -
"Thou shalt ALWAYS cover thy ass."
-Slovotsky's Law #7

[Ryan Cousineau]

In article >,
Dane Buson > wrote:

> Ryan Cousineau > wrote:

> >> I'll heartily recommend some thick wool socks for winter riding. I nede
> >> to keep an eye out for some deals on them. I picked up five pairs a
> >> while back and some are starting to look threadbare.
> >
> > Thick wool socks are on my list to try. Anyone know where to find really
> > long ones in argyle patterns? Red, white, and black, if you can.
>
> Nope, I've been looking for some myself, so if you find any tell me.
> Though I prefer greens and blues admittedly. I'm working on altering
> some wool pants into knickers and the argyles would go well with them.

Since I wrote that plea, I think I've found the good stuff:

<http://www.woodsofshropshire.co.uk/shop/mens-socks/socks/argyle-socks-fr
om-pantherella/royal-red-long-wool-argyle-socks>

"Full calf" 70% wool argyle socks, in a variety of colors.

--
Ryan Cousineau http://www.wiredcola.com/
"In other newsgroups, they killfile trolls."
"In rec.bicycles.racing, we coach them."

[Dane Buson]

Ryan Cousineau > wrote:
> In article >,
> Dane Buson > wrote:
>
>> Ryan Cousineau > wrote:
>
>> >> I'll heartily recommend some thick wool socks for winter riding. I nede
>> >> to keep an eye out for some deals on them. I picked up five pairs a
>> >> while back and some are starting to look threadbare.
>> >
>> > Thick wool socks are on my list to try. Anyone know where to find really
>> > long ones in argyle patterns? Red, white, and black, if you can.
>>
>> Nope, I've been looking for some myself, so if you find any tell me.
>> Though I prefer greens and blues admittedly. I'm working on altering
>> some wool pants into knickers and the argyles would go well with them.
>
> Since I wrote that plea, I think I've found the good stuff:
>
> <http://www.woodsofshropshire.co.uk/shop/mens-socks/socks/argyle-socks-fr
> om-pantherella/royal-red-long-wool-argyle-socks>
>
> "Full calf" 70% wool argyle socks, in a variety of colors.

Hmmm, I do hate to ship from England if I can help it. But the only US
retailers I can find are *much* more expensive than shipping the bloody
things across the pond.

Here's a different brand for $35 per pair, instead of 13.50 GBP.

http://www.customshirt1.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=2725000L

--
Dane Buson -
"Baseball has the great advantage over cricket of being sooner
ended." -George Bernard Shaw

[Ryan Cousineau]

In article >,
Dane Buson > wrote:

> Ryan Cousineau > wrote:
> > In article >,
> > Dane Buson > wrote:
> >
> >> Ryan Cousineau > wrote:
> >
> >> >> I'll heartily recommend some thick wool socks for winter riding. I nede
> >> >> to keep an eye out for some deals on them. I picked up five pairs a
> >> >> while back and some are starting to look threadbare.
> >> >
> >> > Thick wool socks are on my list to try. Anyone know where to find really
> >> > long ones in argyle patterns? Red, white, and black, if you can.
> >>
> >> Nope, I've been looking for some myself, so if you find any tell me.
> >> Though I prefer greens and blues admittedly. I'm working on altering
> >> some wool pants into knickers and the argyles would go well with them.
> >
> > Since I wrote that plea, I think I've found the good stuff:
> >
> > <http://www.woodsofshropshire.co.uk/shop/mens-socks/socks/argyle-socks-fr
> > om-pantherella/royal-red-long-wool-argyle-socks>
> >
> > "Full calf" 70% wool argyle socks, in a variety of colors.
>
> Hmmm, I do hate to ship from England if I can help it. But the only US
> retailers I can find are *much* more expensive than shipping the bloody
> things across the pond.
>
> Here's a different brand for $35 per pair, instead of 13.50 GBP.
>
> http://www.customshirt1.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=2725000L

They look very nice. But I prefer the black-white-red pattern of the
Pantherellas.

--
Ryan Cousineau http://www.wiredcola.com/
"In other newsgroups, they killfile trolls."
"In rec.bicycles.racing, we coach them."

[Dane Buson]

Ryan Cousineau > wrote:
> Dane Buson > wrote:
>> Ryan Cousineau > wrote:
>> >
>> > Since I wrote that plea, I think I've found the good stuff:
>> >
>> > <http://www.woodsofshropshire.co.uk/shop/mens-socks/socks/argyle-socks-fr
>> > om-pantherella/royal-red-long-wool-argyle-socks>
>> >
>> > "Full calf" 70% wool argyle socks, in a variety of colors.
>>
>> Hmmm, I do hate to ship from England if I can help it. But the only US
>> retailers I can find are *much* more expensive than shipping the bloody
>> things across the pond.
>>
>> Here's a different brand for $35 per pair, instead of 13.50 GBP.
>>
>> http://www.customshirt1.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=2725000L
>
> They look very nice. But I prefer the black-white-red pattern of the
> Pantherellas.

I like them better myself, I was pointing out another (much more
expensive) option. Mainly because it was the only other thing I found.
:-/

--
Dane Buson -
I can just imagine Land Rover building a spaceship. Presumably the booster
rocket would flicker a bit and then leak oil.
-- Peter Corlett

[Jay[_2_]]

> wrote in message
...

a lot of respect is due to a cyclist in alaska, however I would've
expected the "really cold weather" statement to occur in refrence to
minus 20 deg (c or f, makes no difference), I try to avoid thinking
"really cold", especially when stuck in it. question; are you riding
a road bike or mtb ?

AK is a big place, with significant climate difference within.

When I think of AK, I think of Sarah what's-her-name.

[IceMan]

On Thu, 27 Nov 2008 19:26:05 -0600, "Jay" > wrote:

>
> wrote in message
...
>
>a lot of respect is due to a cyclist in alaska, however I would've
>expected the "really cold weather" statement to occur in refrence to
>minus 20 deg (c or f, makes no difference), I try to avoid thinking
>"really cold", especially when stuck in it. question; are you riding
>a road bike or mtb ?
>
>AK is a big place, with significant climate difference within.
>
>When I think of AK, I think of Sarah what's-her-name.
>

Sarah "who's nailin'" Pailin is the Govenor...she probably resides in
the state captial which is Junea, FAR from the rest (real?) Alaska. I
lived in AK for three years and nobody in the interior consided Juneau
a part of the real Alaska. It's was too far south with the ocean to
help moderate the temps.