Cold weather riding, whats your problem and solution?

[Mercury]

Hi all... I started this thread for people to come in and share advice about what they did to stop the cold from making them irritated while trying to ride.

First let me explain what I wear now so you all know:

1. Joe Rocket alter ego 2.0 textile jacket (fully loaded with pads and all)
2. HJC-cl max helmet
3. Some (they are not that good - alpine stars is the name) ST-1 Large / 10
4. Tee-shirt
5. Jeans


I noticed a few things this brisk morning on the way in to work

This is the parts that appear to get cold first: In order of coldness and annoying ness

1. The spot right below the helmet on my neck - I could wear one of those cotton neck thingy's - was wondering what you all do for this spot - helmet is shut and jacket is up all the way - air still gets in there.
2. Arms - Maybe its time for a heated liner to go inside my joe-rocket?
3. Fingers / hands - I love joe-rocket gear - how do the nitrogen gloves look to you folks?


If all of the above stays warm then I am pretty good to go - but if it gets real cold from what I remember this is what goes next:

4. Legs - Maybe time for alter-ego pants from joe - rocket?
5. Last but not least - BOOTS - anybody have any warm boots and do they like um?


Any advice is greatly appreciated.

I heard a lot from riders to wear those latex gloves under the heavy gloves - will stop the wind from getting in.... but i tried this and it made my hands sweat badly - actually made them colder.


thanks in advance, Ken

[BamaMike]

I have added Shift waterproof insulated gloves to my collection and they worked well in the 51F chill this morning. Other things that I plan to get before the temps drop into the low 40s in the mornings are

1) Neck gaitor
2) First Gear 'Thermo' Rain/Riding Suit
3) Windshield
4) Hand deflectors

[Thunder Lizard]

OH, it's an easy 4-step system around here....
1- Move the snow shovel outta the shed. Not only are you going to need it, you need that spot for the bike.
2- Put the bike in the shed, observing all the smart winterization tips.
3- Call for an appointment with therapist to combat separation anxiety, the "winter blues", and bike withdrawal.
4- renew that NetFlix membership.

[Mercury]

I just completed the necessary steps... I got rear ended bike is done prolly for the winter

im ok though and very thankful for it

kenny

[davehayward1@ya]

I went on e-bay and looked at "snowmobile suits"
Bought one for $25.00 plus shipping
Fits over whatever I want to wear and feels great!!

[kc6wfs]

Welcome to Widder Enterprises
I love my stuff!!!

[CycleDude]

My cold weather problem is the F-in' salt all over the roads. Don't have a solution for it!

[N3FOLN3FOL]

For me, I worry about front in the morning. Not so much worried about cold air - thanks to Gerbings gear. This Fall, I plan to purchase a heated liner in addition to my heated gloves.

I hope winter this year will be similar to last year's winter. Ride safe.

[Pippi250]

Originally Posted by davehayward1@ya

I went on e-bay and looked at "snowmobile suits"
Bought one for $25.00 plus shipping
Fits over whatever I want to wear and feels great!!

What a good idea. I'm going to check out the suits. I know your probably wondering why someone from San Diego would need cold weather gear. I'm just a wuss. If I could get my down stay puff jacket under my leather or tex jacket I would! I ride home from work at 3:30 am, it's a bit nippy around then.

[Pippi250]

Turtle fur neck gaitor totally rocks. I've taken that thing snowshoeing and snow camping at high elevations. Can use as a cap, but probably not under a helmet.

[Saki.Girl]

i am going to look into one of those Neck gaitor

[Rsmith]

I've got the Joe Rocket "Sonic" leather, the Joe Rocket Ballistic 5.0 over pants, and pair of all weather leather gloves with an insulated lining. All this has seemed to keep me pretty warm thus far except for the neck area. I'm also looking for some kind of neck gaitor as well. Now if it will just stop raining I'd be all set.

[squeezeNease]

Hey CycleDude, I am from Edison, NJ and just bought my bike on september 1st. So, do you ride in winter or just store your bike?

Sri

[kc6wfs]

Originally Posted by Pippi250

Turtle fur neck gaitor totally rocks. I've taken that thing snowshoeing and snow camping at high elevations. Can use as a cap, but probably not under a helmet.

I have one and use it during the winter cold. It ROCKS!!!!
Yes u can use it under the helmet if it's the full beenie ninja type...

[newtobikes]

i have bought a neck warmer looks like a cotton tube about 1.5 ft long and it keeps the neck nice and warm. plus you can put it over your chin with the helmet strap over the top. my cousin said he had heard that people cut the sleeve of an old jumper and pull that down over your head till it sits on your neck. if it gets very cold i will be raiding my wardrobe for a suitable jumper to de sleeve

[dropdfocus]

I picked up a Turtleneck brand fleece "neck sock" from my local ski shop. I only spent like $10 or less for it. I was riding home from college classes and decided I had enough of the cold neck syndrome... Some how I came up with the idea of going to the local ski shop and checking out what they had. The owner informed me I was one of very few motorcycle riders to come to them looking for cold weather gear. This kinda surprised me seeing how they deal in cold weather sports equipment. Seems almost like a given that you'd check out a shop like that.

As for the rest of the gear I wear an Alpinestars P1 leather jacket w/ vest liner (add sweatshirt if really necessary), Arizona jeans w/ mid-thickness cotton long johns & mid-thickness cotton long sleeve shirt, Thinsulate lined mechanic's gloves, wool socks w/ Hi-Tec Magnum boots.

[Pippi250]

When you get cold enough, you will find very creative ways to keep warm. I went to REI and got glove liners that have some heat reflective stuff in them and a pocket to put hand warmers. I haven't used the warmers yet, but the liners are working out great. Sporting goods stores sell those warmers in different sizes, including for your feet. Some have sticky on the back so you can put them exactly where you want. Drug stores sell these therapeudic heat packs that lasts for hours. Some stick and others wrap around your torso. Good for long rides, camping, stick them in your sleeping bag, etc...

[a99miata]

don't know about problems but the solution is Gerling's liner!! best thing I did for riding year round. electrics!!

[kc6wfs]

Originally Posted by a99miata

don't know about problems but the solution is Gerling's liner!! best thing I did for riding year round. electrics!!

+1000

[Capt. Redbeard]

I ride everyday with the temps btwn 45 and 95F. Ride gear is basically the same; Full face helmet, jacket with removable liner and vents, chaps and boots. Depending on the temp I add a thick or thin balaclava's, and a neck gator if needed. I use soccer socks as well. They are tall enough to go over my calf and stay up. The only problem are gloves. I have three pair of "winter" gloves and the metallic liners. My fingers still get cold dispite all my efforts and I am thinking electrics may be the only answer.