That’s right, write down what you wore and when. You don’t have to document what you wear daily (see: my personal neuroses), but it is helpful to know if your warm pair of tights will keep you warm on a very windy 2 hour ride or if you will need more layers.The point is to write down what you wore so you will know what to wear again on a similar day. Include what the temperature, wind speed, and sun were like; how long and how hard you rode (easy, moderate, or hard is plenty); and how warm/cold you were (including specific body parts). I found that tracking this for roughly 5 degree increments in weather has worked great. Keep this list handy—maybe even in your training log—so you can refer to it each season.
Above 50, I usually just wing it with what I wear, though, when I lived in Florida people wore long, thick everything at 55 degrees, so track the temperatures that are meaningful to you. Keeping a log starting with 70 degrees and everything cooler will make sure you know when to don everything from arm warmers to Iditarod attire.
Below is a short version of my cold-weather-cycling clothing log. I hate riding outside much below 40 so no options are listed for that. This list may also give you some ideas of items to put on your wishlist, if you haven’t done that already.
50 degrees
- helmet
- cycling cap
- sunglasses
- 2 jerseys
- light-weight, short-sleeve base layer (optional)
- wind vest (vented back)
- arm warmers
- long fingered gloves
- bib shorts
- knee warmers
- socks, regular cycling ankle socks
- shoes
- booties or shoe covers (if ride is >30 minutes)
45 degrees
Option 1. Warm outfit for longer, easy-moderate intensity ride in sunny weather; have to temperature manage using zippers.
- helmet
- skull cap (helmet liner hat)
- sunglasses
- long sleeve base layer (light, light/med. weight)
- jersey
- jacket
- long-fingered glove (lightweight)
- bib shorts
- knee warmers
- tights, light weight
- socks, regular cycling ankle socks
- shoes
- booties
45 degrees
Option 2. For short rides (<60 minutes)
- helmet
- skull cap (helmet liner hat)
- sunglasses
- base layer, tank top
- 2 jerseys
- 2 pair arm warmers
- windvest
- long fingered glove, lightweight
- bib shorts
- knee warmers
- tights, light weight
- socks, regular cycling ankle socks
- shoes
- booties
Upper 30s
- skull cap
- sunglasses
- long sleeve base layer, light weight
- long sleeve base layer, light/med. weight
- jersey
- jacket
- long-fingered, warm, wind-proof glove
- bib shorts
- knee warmers
- bib tights, med/heavy weight
- wicking socks
- shoes
- booties
- Note: toes a little cold after 2 hours; controlled temperature/sweat using zippers