Problem: Cold. Solution: Look more like a Super Hero.
by Clint Hosman on December 27th, 2007
With the weather having turned cold here in AZ at long last I though I would put the question out there to everyone what you all put on as far as clothing goes to keep training through the cold. I know there are some of you out there in the mid west and Northern California that have a lot colder weather then I do in AZ. I always have a hard time motivating myself to get out there and train when I know I will be freezing my Bizzals off for a couple hours. I will put this one stipulation on the discussion, no one can say “I get on the trainer and stay inside.” One of the main reasons I ride a bike is to show off to the world just how sexy I look in spandex so keeping my radical skinny body hidden in the house is not an option.
My first strategy has always been to start with a good base layer as pictured, I am striking my best Assos pose, to add a bit of European drama to the chat. This year I have been digging my new threads from Pearl Izumi. I have been using their product religiously for the last couple years and have found that they strike a good balance between price and quality. This year I have been using a couple items none stop. First as my base layer I have been throwing on the EKG Long Sleeve and Short Sleeve Crew. These things work great and they are not manufactured in some Asian sweat shop which I think is way cool.
The other two super cool things I have been using this year from Pearl are their Woolie Seamless Arm Warmer and XC Wool Sock. I have an inherent love of all things wool so when I say the new Woolie arm warmers I had to get them. However when I did get them I was presently surprised because not only are they warmer then all the other arm warmers I have ever had but they actually stay on my arms through out the ride. Maybe it is just a problem with us skinny XC guys but my arm warmers have always fallen off my scrawny arms. These babies stay up the whole time though and I love it.
So with these new additions to my wardrobe I typically adjust what I am wearing for the temperature. In any thing around the high 40s to low 50s I put on a base top and regular shorts with the long wool socks on the bottom. Then I cover it with a jersey and my arm warmers. Anything low 40s to high 30s I will jump to knickers long socks base layer but then skip the jersey and go right to the wind breaker/jacket. Typically it doesn’t get a whole lot colder then the high 20s here in phoenix in the winter but if it does I just double up on layers.
I know some of you have to have secrets to keeping warm so let’s hear them.
December 28th, 2007 at 11:20 am
Well, personally, I find the ‘Pedal-Faster’ method works for me… haha
December 28th, 2007 at 3:13 pm
i wax my nuts and wear a wool thong under my spandex cycling uniform.
December 28th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
Emma, “peddling faster” creates this thing called “wind chill.” I guess “free riders” just don’t go fast enough to experience it.
I am taking the opposite approach by letting all my body hair grow out in the hopes that my sack will create its own little fur coat.
December 28th, 2007 at 10:15 pm
Honestly I go pretty much what you have there, but with shoe covers, something under the helmet and over the ears, light windbreaker and full fingered gloves. Money for coffee if needed to warm up once you get to where you’re going. Or if you live in wisconsin like me skip all of that and get out the xc skis and enjoy.
December 30th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
Sedrik, once again you make me fall out of my chair laughing. As for my cold weather solution… i stay in bed.
December 31st, 2007 at 9:04 am
Sedrik Your my new super hero waxing your nuts? Did you use “Nads Aussie Hair Removal” at home? Clint you should just ride naked, and get a Guadalupe miural tatoo on your back, so you know someone has your back.
January 3rd, 2008 at 5:57 pm
layers seems to work well… I use Pearl Izumi winter clothing, arm and leg warmers, shoe covers and a glove liner… If you forget, or don’t have shoe covers, just put your feet in plastic shopping bags, then cut off the excess… that will keep the wind from blowing onto your skin if you have mesh shoes…
January 4th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
you need a warmfront dickie for your waxed nuts!