Winter gear redux

[imploded]

I figured I'd share some rants and raves with my winter gear selection. I just returned from a 13 mile road ride. A few caveats:

+ My gear needs to be multipurpose, road and mountain.
+ I have a strong tolerance for cold
+ I'm a big guy (6'2" 250)

Outside temp was 27F when I left my house, sun was shining, mild wind.

http://www.pearlizumi.com/product.php?mode=view&product_id=512&type_id=1&spo rt_id=5&category_id=9&color_code=021 Pearl Izumi Cyclone Gloves. A-. Great product, fits well, hands stay resonably warm given the weight and dexterity afforded by these gloves. The gauntlet could be a little better designed; the tags dig into my wrists.

http://www.pearlizumi.com/product.php?mode=view&product_id=531&type_id=1&spo rt_id=5&category_id=11&color_code=021 Pearl Izumi AmFIB Shoe Covers. B-. Good product, a bit of a pain to get on, not really very warm, but is great offroad. Warm and waterproof offroad, great for colder, wet rides.

http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Product.aspx?top=5&prod=878&cat=57&viewAll=False Mountain Hardware Power Stretch Helmet Liner. A+. I love this thing. Very warm on and off the bike, very comfortable, lots of heat retention in this little package. I like it so much, it has become my de-facto winter hat.

http://www.telarun.com/manzella/balaclavaac425ts.html Manzella Thermolite Balaclava. B. This item serves double duty (motorcycling and cycling), and works very well with my helmet liner. However, the shape is a little awkward (no nose coverage but covers the mouth), which stinks when you want to have a drink. It is not designed for cycling, however, and my score does not reflect that.

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000& productId=47914435&parent_category_rn=4500831&vcat =REI_SSHP_CYCLING_TOC Novara Stretch Fleece Long-Sleeve Bike Jersey. B+. Well designed, comfortable, keeps warmth in. However, the sleeves bind up very easily, and this can make the fleece uncomfortable. I usually spend 2 or 3 minutes getting the sleeves all aligned right after putting it on, but it just feels wasted. Nice big zipper pocket in the back. I paid $48 for mine at an REI sale.

http://www.sugoi.com/consumer/product.aspx?sectionStyleID=7103&color=BLK Sugoi SubZero tight. A. Great product, excellent build quality, sizing is about right, however if you are on the fatter side (like me), you'll find the legs are a little long for your build (an XL would probably fit my inseam better). Very warm, even without any windblocking. Great product on the road and dirt. Doesn't get the A+ because I still have to wear a chamois under it; Sugoi does not make a SubZero with the Ricaro2 system built in.

I'm pretty happy with my gear selection; I have found slapping some gaffers tape over the toe and side foot vents on my Specialized road shoes, in addition to my AmFIB's, kept my feet that little bit warmer.

I think at temps below today (27F), I'll need windblock on the road. I managed quite well, but when I got home I was a little frosty. I think in the low 20's to teens is when you just have to have windblock.

I'll report back after my studs come back from BadDNA, and compare the offroad performance in like temps.

Cheers,

-Andrew

[heckler]

Thanks for the review!

I agree with both of the products I am familiar with: the balaclava and gloves in particular.

I rode to work yesterday, ~20 degrees- with studs, on the Minuteman Bike Path. (long, but different story :o ). My feet were the only cold part on me, wearing Nashbar neoprene booties. Might just be too tight. The super light balaclava kept neck, ears, cheeks and chin super warm. I don't see the need for any more insulation on the head. Drinking is a pain if the mouth is covered. (duh). The PI gloves were perfect!

My tights: Performance windblock or somesuch were actually way too hot with their layer of neoprene up front. Beats the hell out of cold knees though.

My jacket is a very thinly insulated OLD Bellweather with wind front. Again, with the wind block they are great and almost negate the need for insulation.

The downside of the windblock in my case is that I was SOAKED when I got to work. Very quickly got chilled. I could see a serious problem on the trails if I had a lng mechanical to deal with.

The path was so bumpy that I chose to ride the road home :(. It was warmer by then!