Make sure to cover your extremities. Decent gloves and a hat to cover your ears. Then a couple of cheap warm layers and a windproof outer layer. You'll be good to go
I just bought XXL ski gloves for my commute to my new job starting the 3rd, 9mi commute each way. Snowboard jacket, snowboard/ski snow pants with long Johns underneath, a fleece under jacket, thick beanie, tight fitting goggles, long socks to pull up as far as possible so nothing is exposed. Plus headlamp if riding in the dark. My shift will be 5:15pm-4:00am, an Amazon fulfillment center employee. Bike path and back roads 95% of the way, with two little bits of busy roads that a headlamp is much needed for!
Yes!! This is truly the way. I'm looking forward to a nice commute this winter, it's already colder here riding home for the last 2 weeks from my soon to be old job - I've test run my combination and it's chefs kiss
The thing specific to wool is that it does contains a microbioma, and sharing wool clothes is not always ideal. If you share it with someone near to your family you're probably OK as most of your family already share most of their microbioma of the skin, but for clothes that you don't know who used it, you risk to get allergy symptoms or mess your skin microbioma.
But ofc it depends in if that even matters to you or not.
You lose about 75% of your heat out of your neck an head. So,a,full helmet or a windproof cycling cap and neck gaiter will work.
Balaclava's work too,,but some people fins them claustrophobic.
The only reason this is close to true is just because it is usually bare skin. You radiate body heat relatively equally from all your exterior. Covering your face and neck will make a difference, but only if you already have well insulated the rest of your body.
You have more surface blood vessels in your neck and head than other parts of the body, especially the Cartiod and Jugular.
Big veins and arteries right at the surface.
Did you have the winter liner for the xnito? I'm considering getting that helmet as a year-round option, since I want a helmet with NTA8776 rating, and don't think I can give up the integrated warmth I get out of the ski helmet I currently use.
I'd recommend 32 degrees base layer (sometimes found at costco), a fleece jacket, and a cycling windbreaker jacket.
The base layer will help wick sweat away from your body (you don't want to be sweaty because the cold air will make you even colder, potentially life threatening). The fleece jacket will keep you warm while still keeping some comfort (some people prefer wool, but fleece works too) and the cyclists windbreaker will help block the wind from taking away the heat from your core. The windbreaker is best used with the wrists tightened down and zipped up.
These layers are best used if you can buy it in versions with the zipper down the middle vs throwing it over your head. That way you can unzip to release some heat and zip back up to retain it quickly.
Staying dry is the most important part. As soon as you are somewhat wet and come to a stop, you will feel the cold even worse than before. Avoid cotton t-shirts even though they are cheap (not the time for them in this situation)...finding a good base layer is important. The fleece jackets or wool jackets can be found second hand cheaply..or even off Amazon brand new. The windbreaker, I like the Baleaf one off Amazon because it works but also has a lot of pockets so I can fit a whole edc in just the windbreaker lol...
Agree with all these points — especially the base layer. I’ve ridden the last couple of weeks in temps around freezing. The cheap CostCo base layer works just fine. I have a slightly thicker than a wind breaker high viz bike jacket and a very old pair of lobster claw bike mittens (index finger is separated for braking). And I have a super old fleece hat that fits under my helmet. The only thing that gets cold are my toes.
The top E-bike users in the world in terms of durability, low cost, and wear, IMO, are delivery drivers (NYC etc). Everyone else chooses to ride, for them the bike is a work vehicle that they cannot not use. They go out in the shittiest conditions to deliver doordash. and they're not looking to blow the bank either.
So to answer your Q while skipping bespoke overprice stuff:
* Anecdotally, I've seen them with big oven-mitt looking things that are permanently attached to the bike handlebars, hands go in there, stay warm, but can come out easily to use phone, deliver food, etc.
* I've also seen them with improvised blanket looking things attached to the lower end of the bike that deflect wind and keep their legs / lap warm. Almost like bootleg soft motorcycle fairings. This might be limited to scooters.
I dont know the models, but:
[https://www.amazon.com/YTCYKJ-Handlebar-Windproof-Reflective-Snowmobile/dp/B0BDFT92YQ/ref=asc\_df\_B0BDFT92YQ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=635905269551&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6114839825771253982&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9004358&hvtargid=pla-1915451713137&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/YTCYKJ-Handlebar-Windproof-Reflective-Snowmobile/dp/B0BDFT92YQ/ref=asc_df_B0BDFT92YQ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=635905269551&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6114839825771253982&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9004358&hvtargid=pla-1915451713137&psc=1)
[https://www.amazon.com/Scooter-Leg-Cover-Motorbike-Universal/dp/B08BPJZNVS?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref\_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A36ADQYUVEA1KY](https://www.amazon.com/Scooter-Leg-Cover-Motorbike-Universal/dp/B08BPJZNVS?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A36ADQYUVEA1KY)
What's your current outfit? Do you wear headgear and scarves and thick socks?
Most of your heat is lost through your head and neck, chest and abdomen, and hands and feet, in that order. Focus on protecting those areas. More layers and thicker layers as needed.
Pick wool and synthetic fabrics are preferable over cotton because they wick away moisture faster. Keeping sweat and water away from your body will be key to staying warm.
Finally you don't get a cold from being cold, you get a cold from germs. ;-) Stay up on your shots
You’re right haha I wasn’t thinking straight but yes, I’m up on my shots!
And for my current outfit, I do beanie, sweater, sweatshirt, ‘winter coat’, and when it’s colder I’ll have leggings on under my pants.
I think warm socks makes sense though. I’ll look into that, thanks for your input!
Yes a scarf would do well. Also a gaiter works very well, to block wind coming directly down your neck, base layer, and heavy jacket. I’ll ride even down to negative Fahrenheit. Often times it’s a better ride when it’s so cold, the water/salt ice combo doesn’t occur, and it’s just compacted snow. My ride is only 20ish minutes.
Those should be enough layers… is your winter coat windproof? Wind proofing really breaks up the cold! And a fleece jacket instead of the sweatshirt might help. What’s under the sweater? Heat tech from uniqlo is really affordable or any other base layer synthetic or wool.
I was disappointed by my Makita heated jacket, I brought just the heated pads on eBay and stiched them into a thermal top, 5 pads on the back and 5 on the front, it works much better, but still not really worth the hassle.
Heated jacket is fairly worthless, but a heated vest that goes under a sweater + jacket is a game changer. You need to trap the heat. That's the only way it'll work.
In my opinion, a good setup with a heated vest will bridge the gap between acoustic bike and eBike in terms of clothing required. If what you are wearing is not enough for even riding an acoustic bike, then a heated vest will not be enough. But if you wear what you would wear while riding an acoustic bike, and then you add the heated vest to compensate for your lack of body heat generation due to less exertion on an eBike, you should be good.
edit: Also, you need a good one that produces a lot of heat. For reference mine runs a 10k mAH battery bank from 100-0% in about 2 hours.
Mine: [https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0C8TS7HM2/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1](https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0C8TS7HM2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1)
Layers are worthless if you're not generating much body heat while pedaling though. That's what the heated gear is for.
I agree if you're pedaling at a decent cadence, layers are more important. But if you're hardly pedaling or not pedaling at all, the heated gear starts to shine. As mentioned above, base layer + heated vest + sweater + windbreaking outer layer is best.
This is what I was coming to say; work harder and your core will be plenty warm. Then just pogies for your hands and boots for your feet. At 40F you're not going to get frostbite.
Yeah it sounds kinda like a wise ass answer, but kicking assist down to 2 from 3 on flat ground increases my core temp. You can still tune it so you're not a sweaty mess showing up to work.
Just get those hand warmer things and put them in your shoe/gloves. Those jackets aren't made for riding and won't really do much, besides proper clothing and exercise your core should be warm anyways. I added a DC-DC converter and can run 200w motorcycle heated gear...it costs hundreds. Really though the hand warmers are all you need if you're pedaling and have proper clothing. Layered so you can adjust heat, base layer for soaking up sweat and something blocking the wind on the outside.
Much will depend on whether you’re pedaling or just using a throttle. If you’re pedaling, you’ll eventually warm up from inside due to the exercise. So it’s always best to be a little chilly when you start out. If you’re comfortable when you start, you’ll be miserably overheated 10 minutes in.
I’m in Colorado. I’m an older, thinner female who’s a bit of a weenie when it comes to being cold. My most vulnerable body parts are hands, ears, feet, and face. If those are warm, I’m good. Here are my tricks:
1. Bar mitts and thin gloves. My bar mitts are from Rockbros. They’re great.
2. A thin windproof cap that covers your ears worn under your helmet. Mine is from Pearl Izumi but lots of brands have them now
3. Wool socks and Goretext waterproof boots (lightweight hikers work great for me. I found Tevas on sale a few yrs ago; they’re amazing)
4. The face was the hardest for me but the proliferation of masks due to Covid has been a useful here. A wool Buff is good. Or a Grace Folly face mask. I have cold- and exercise-induced asthma so warming air before breathing it is critical. My favorite face gear is a Cambridge vented face mask.
5. As others have said, a base layer is important. I prefer wool. Don’t go bulky. What you need is wind protection. It serves two functions: keeps the windchill out and your body heat in. Even down to nearly 0 degrees, I don’t need anything more than a wool base layer and a regular long sleeved cotton tee under my Bike Lane Uprising uber-reflective hooded jacket. Under my Gore Jersey, I don’t need anything more than a thick wool base layer.
6. Pants are the least critical for me but then I almost never have to deal with much moisture. I ride in my everyday pants (women’s “hiking” pants from Outdoor Research or Kuhl) until about 25 degrees. For anything colder or wetter, I love Kuhl’s Klash pants. Or you could just put rain pants over everyday pants. They’d work the same as a windbreaker jacket - keep the wind out and your body heat in.
Oh, and the eyes! Sunglasses until about 40 degrees. Then padded sunglasses (sometimes called motorcycle glasses or goggles) down to about 25 or 30. Anything colder and I put on actual goggles. Motorcycle goggles fit better under bike helmets than ski goggles do and the straps are thinner.
Always happy to help a fellow bicyclist! My first winter, I was desperate for tips. I'm heading into my 6th winter and feel way more confident but every year around this time I end up having to do some experimentation. And acclimate to the cold again.
Several thin layers. Base layers, or as we called them in my day "lohn johns". Wool blends are better than cotton. Polyester is okay if you don't mind the texture.
Signed~
Someone that works outdoors year round.
a medium duty rubberized rainsuit over your normal coat and pants etc... the rubber will completely block any wind, and it's wind chill while moving that really makes it feel colder
Rain gear! Jacket, pants, waterproof work gloves, balaclava. Nice insulating layers underneath, be it down or fleece. Almost too warm when I get to my destination.
Wait for a sale. I got mine just last week for $40 with 10000 mah battery included.
With black Fri coming up, I think a sale should come.
Note, make sure it fits snugly. If it does, you can feel the heat. If not, you won't feel much,
It's for women.
LEAPSEE Heated Vest Women with Battery Pack Included, Lightweight Polar Fleece Womens Electric Vest, Heated Jackets for Women https://a.co/d/hZW7teC
Anyone that dosnt come with its own battery, you can get one for like $30 and then buy your own power source (maybe $40) I clean windows for university's and such so I'm outside and wet a lot. It's very much worth it
Put an Amazon bubble bag down inside the front of your jacket to break the wind. Or better yet, Reflective foil bubble wrap. Let the rest of of your body breath the sweat out. You can cut smaller pieces for where you have direct wind contact if needed.
Spend the money on quality (not name brand) gloves and socks.....
Then buy 6 star rated ski gloves.
Then Dr Scholls 100% acrylic socks inside shoes or boots that do not cut off your circulations. (Do not buy their compression socks).
Keep feet, hands and chest warm, everything else will take care of itself.
40F isn't really that cold. What's the minimum temperature in winter you'll need to deal with?
Electrically heated garments would be overkill for above-freezing temperatures. Just get better insulated gear and wear layers.
When I was commuting to work in -10F weather, I'd have:
Feet: Winter boots (with a spare set of shoes at the office), warm socks.
Legs: Long-underwear, jeans, thinly insulated wind-proof snow pants
Torso: t-shirt or a long-sleeve cotton shirt, sweater, winter coat
Head: Scarf or neck warmer or balaclava, a toque (or two on windy days)
Hands: Heavy winter gloves (snowmobile gloves are a gold-standard)
Also if you've got snow on the ground and it's sunny, do not forget sunglasses. Snow blindness is no joke.
First it is "I want an ebike so I don't sweat" and now it's I can't afford to sweat. Ride an ebike in the summer and a traditional bicycle in the winter! As any winter sports person knows, if you are cold, get a better hat. I use insulated snow board helmets with insulation and ear covering.
This is actually a real issue with e-bikes — if you’re not working hard enough o keep your core temp high in the cold you’ll need a lot more layers. I have been keeping the assist on low when the temp drops to make myself work harder and thereby generate more heat. Not sure this will continue to work when temp drops closer to zero…
You need clothing and as others have said: high quality base layers.
Imo you want snug, insulated clothing around the areas you lose the most heat and that is your crotch, armpits, and head.
On top of that though, building up a bit of cold tolerance 👍🏻
You can get the heated USB powered vests off AliExpress for < $50. It'll take a couple of weeks to get here but they are okay. Quite honestly, good gloves and a cap under your helmet are more helpful for staying warm. Don't use the throttle and pedal more to stay even warmer.
I live and ebike in new England and I am good with a thick down coat. And pogies for my hands, warm boots, and my multi sport helmet with winter liner (like a ski helmet). that is it. Not terribly hard to get all the parts and so worth it.
The secret is layers:
Top: t-shirt - fleece jacket - waterproof windbreak
Bottom: Long johns - jeans - waterproof overpants
Head: Balaclava - helmet
Hands: gloves
The good thing about layers is that you mix and match them depending on the season or the weather.
Of course, we are talking pedal assist here. If you are not doing any physical work, you will get cold fast.
In Ámsterdam I see a lot of people wearing jackets like this on their bikes
https://www.primark.com/en-us/p/essential-funnel-neck-puffer-jacket-charcoal-991068821716
Don’t get the heated jacket, just wear a few layers tucked in and you’ll be good. I went with a tidewe heated jacket for $100. It’s nice and warm but the usb cable broke in a few months.
You need layers of clothing, and make sure the base layer is NOT cotton as that will not keep you warm it just traps sweat. Look up ski clothing, when it's really cold I wear ski trousers as they keep my legs nice and warm, easy to get over boots and you can wear them without looking like a road worker in bright orange or something. Make sure your neck is wrapped in a neck tube and good gloves.
Thermal underlayers! You can get a pack of 3 for like $30.
I do therms, work clothes, a sweater, jacket and winter pants and I will be sweaty sometimes coming in.
I biked all last winter, exactly what I wear depends on the day and how much I want to change at work. But at the 40F range it’s not a lot extra. I have a cheap down filled jacket that is rated for +5 to -5 Celsius and can work as a mid layer. I wear it over the normal shirt I’m wearing to work. Over that I have the cordura motorcycle jacket I wear most of the year ( except hottest part of summer). The down close to the body is breathable but holds heat well in the winter and the motorcycle jacket as an outer shell cuts wind really well. It’s also water resistant and works against snow quite well.
I also have a pair of winter motorcycle gloves that I wear. Basically thinsulate lined gloves with knuckle and palm armor. Those are new this year, I rode with a pair of winter cycling gloves last year though unless it got really cold (well below zero C) and then I switched to some heavy winter work gloves I have. But I’d rather have the armor and these are hold up well down to sub zero temps we have had so far.
My helmet isn’t breathable, it’s a solid outer shell so no wind, and it has a bit of a lining, but I wear a rockbros winter cycling cap underneath. Again thinsulate lining. Covers the ears, etc.
Solid boots, although they aren’t specifically winter boots, with a wool sock underneath. I have a range of wool socks so I just adjust the weight based on temp.
That’s it for temps in your 40F range. If I need to I’ll add a waffle knit Henley base layer instead of a T-shirt under my long sleeve flannel button up. If it gets much colder I can add long underwear under my pants, or I have a pair of fairly light and cheap snow pants I’ll throw on over my work pants.
The majority of stuff isn’t bike specific, so it’s all just clothes I have anyway for the weather we get here, and being outdoors in it. None of it was super expensive. I only added the motorcycle jacket late last winter, in the coldest months even just wearing a thin rain shell over the down mid layer was plenty warm.
Layers something like a thermal at the base a warm middle like a sweater and something ideally warm but most importantly wind breaking as the top layer.
A good pair of gloves and some hand warmers
Highly recommend Pogeys (or however they are spelled) for your handles. They make a night and day difference for your hand temperature, because it prevents the wind from getting to your hands. On the -30 Celsius days I’ll still wear my heated gloves, but down to -15 or so they are enough as is.
https://bikepacking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2021-45nrth-cobrafist-pogie_1-2000x1333.jpg
Use layers to keep yourself warm. Long underwear, shirt and pants, sweater, and then a long coat or a rainjacket depending. Dress like you're going hunting (Minus the blaze orange). I also double up on gloves a lot in really cold weather (a pair of those stretchy gloves and then ski gloves over those). The most important thing is, if you live somewhere with a lot of rain, is to have the exterior stuff be rain resistant. Once the water soaks into the clothes Unless you have an interior cab to your bike it's gonna be cold.
Why do people keep getting laugh for temperatures they don't feel -that cold-. Like ok, fine if 40F is not cold for you, but it is for OP. That's all, you don't need to make the statement that isn't cold for you.
In addition to ordinary warm clothing, coats, gloves, etc., like I would wear if I'm walking around outside, for ebiking in the cold I wear a balaclava. So my ears and whole face are covered.
Also, I do this even in the summer heat, but it probably helps even more in the cold- when ebiking, I always have riding goggles on. In the summer, they basically act as a windshield, protecting my eyes from bugs and debris, along with strong wind. But in winter cold, they also protect that portion of my face- which is the only one not covered by the balaclava- from cold.
I just bought XXL ski gloves for my commute to my new job starting the 3rd, 9mi commute each way. Snowboard jacket, snowboard/ski snow pants with long Johns underneath, a fleece under jacket, thick beanie, tight fitting goggles, long socks to pull up as far as possible so nothing is exposed. Plus headlamp if riding in the dark. My shift will be 5:15pm-4:00am, an Amazon fulfillment center employee. Bike path and back roads 95% of the way, with two little bits of busy roads that a headlamp is much needed for!
I ride about 10 miles each way to work and I’m usually a little sweaty. Today I rode in and it was 42. I wear my work cloths which include a T-shirt and long sleeve button up shirt and I wear a windproof jacket I got from Sam’s. I was pretty sweaty today.
Are you pedaling too or just using throttle? I’d recommend pedaling more. My bpm is usually around 130-140 so if you are comfortable with it just pedal a little harder.
Michigan rider checking in. #1 tip i have is tucking your shirt into your pants. Get a face mask that you can tuck into your collar as well and get tall socks. You dont need fancy gear just need layers.
* Merino wool baselayer: $40
* Cheap fleece sweater midlayer. If it is way below freezing you can wear 2 fleece sweaters: $15-$30
* **Shell jacket /Ski jacket. Recommend a good looking one that you use all winter, not just when biking: $50-$150**
* Rain pants, also keeps away wind: $20
* Buff / scarf: $8
* Wind and rain proof mittens: $15
* Cheap bike hat/benie/cap that covers the ears: $10
* Homemade pogies / bar mitts: $0
* Safety goggles or ski goggles: $15
You could opt for a quality second hand ski jacket. $50 should get you a more than decent one.
Layers :D
No but for real, polyester tshirt, polyester fleece, decent windstopper/waterproof jacket, gloves that combo well with the windstopper to cover your wrists.
For legs a thermal layer under jeans will probably do or swap jeans with waterproof pants.
If you commute by bike often you probably already have the jacket and pants.
What's with all the heated clothing posts lately?
Minnesota rider here. Get a good fleece mid layer and a windproof shell/jacket! I've also found insulated bibs to work wonders to keep your stomach and waist from getting hit with that frigid wind. And a bib is easy to take off when I get to work, better than long underwear(but when it drops below 0F here I'm definitely wearing thin long johns, pants, and an insulated bib.
All this should be easy to find thrifting! Sierra trading post has tons of cheap fleece and windbreakers/shells.
I found 3 things are needed:
* Layers of coats (i wear a sweatshirt, followed by a cotton hoodie, followed by a jacket (outer layer should be other than cotton, to keep the wind out)
* Long finger gloves. Don't have to be heated or anything. Just long fingered.
* Knit cap. Very important! You lose a lot of heat through your head.
With those three things I'm very comfortable down to 40°f.
Now if you need to go much colder than that, then probably other things might be needed.
This is what I do that's worked well enough down to 18°F (-8°C) weather.
Head: balaclava, low-fog safety goggles, helmet.
Torso: wicking t-shirt, work-shirt, thermal undershirt, lined shirt that's almost like a jacket but looks like it should be worn like a shirt but is too hot to do so normally, winter coat.
Hands: gloves. (I need better gloves)
Legs: pants, rain pants (that act like a windbreaker. stuff works like magic.)
Feet: sometimes an extra pair of socks.
Today was my ride to work in the cold and I was decently warm in just a normal hoodie, Colombia puffer and tube scarf the only thing I need to change was even wearing sweatpants my legs were cold so I’m thinking getting some loose ski pants to throw over my work pants
Get a couple of large padded envelopes A4 or bigger cut a hole for the grip to go through and then you stick your hand in the envelope and hold the grips. Will keep your hands way warmer than just gloves. Cost - very little maybe even free if you look around
I’ve tried about 80 pairs of gloves for bike and RC driving and the Mechanix regular and arctic worker gloves are the most comfortable and lets your fingers still be usable
Also you can use a phone touchscreen with them on
Handlebar mitts help a ton. Linked some below but there are a lot out there so shop around for what you need and what's in your budget. Also, you can find some cheap stuff at second hand stores. If you're just worried about temp and not rain a good windbreaker over even just a light down/down alternative jacket or vest can be enough. If that's not in the budget don't underestimate the power of layering. Undershirt, long sleeve shirt, sweater, jacket, windbreaker will keep you plenty warm. Go buy some cheap snow pants that you can take off once you get to work and you're good to go.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bike-Handlebar-Mittens-Windproof-with-Reflective-Bar-Oxford-Cloth-Mitts-Thermal-Gloves-for-Cycling-Motorbike-Autumn-Winter-Road-Bikes/2871924467
Lots of layers and find something to keep your face warm. Balaclavas are a great option, but I usually just use an old covid cloth mask and a beanie. Also turn down your assist if your bike isn't too heavy.
I used to do this [https://www.dickies.com/coveralls/long-sleeve-coveralls/48611.html](https://www.dickies.com/coveralls/long-sleeve-coveralls/48611.html) with a blanket on my lap when I rode a scooter in Chicago's winters. If you are pedaling, maybe some of those shorts for skiing?
As a kid my grandmother would make me tie plastic bags around my feet (socks) and then put boots on. She also tucked newspaper into my snow suit and jacket. Worked like a charm tbh.
Get a proviz fleece lined reflective coat. I wore mine commuting in the rain jn the Puget Sound region. It helped with driver visibility of me in the rain, as well as kept me warm (sometimes too warm for my liking).
Under 50, you may end up spending more on layers just to stay warm.
I saw no one mention it, but a hot water bottle in the shape of a scarf and another one that you can put next to your tights, fill it with warm water when leaving home, fill it with warm water from the break room at work when leaving, should be plenty warm at minimal cost
I ride down into the teens in slacks and a button up as the base with the following: Windproof coat, neck gaiter, ear muffs, gloves, wind cover on my helmet, and nylon warm-up pants as an over layer.
I reguarly ride about an hour a day commuting It may be something to save up for next year but milwaukee has a really good heated sweater mine is going on its 3rd year now but it needs to be worn just over a base layer or it has less effect. Winter ebiking would be a lots less enjoyable without it and nearly umbearable under -5c. Layers/balaclava/wind breaker would be cheaper but if you lose heat your body will take away from your extemeties to heat your core so even colder toes and fingers. Insulated gloves/boots should help too
Get yourself a pair of lobster tails gloves so much better then gloves
https://preview.redd.it/1rblnrfilw0c1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=137993fdc3f7d2b8d092bdbcea35bc2f2d086229
Thriftstore windbreaker and thriftstore sweatshirt.
Make sure to cover your extremities. Decent gloves and a hat to cover your ears. Then a couple of cheap warm layers and a windproof outer layer. You'll be good to go
I just bought XXL ski gloves for my commute to my new job starting the 3rd, 9mi commute each way. Snowboard jacket, snowboard/ski snow pants with long Johns underneath, a fleece under jacket, thick beanie, tight fitting goggles, long socks to pull up as far as possible so nothing is exposed. Plus headlamp if riding in the dark. My shift will be 5:15pm-4:00am, an Amazon fulfillment center employee. Bike path and back roads 95% of the way, with two little bits of busy roads that a headlamp is much needed for!
This. Dress like a skier but with cheaper layers.
Yes!! This is truly the way. I'm looking forward to a nice commute this winter, it's already colder here riding home for the last 2 weeks from my soon to be old job - I've test run my combination and it's chefs kiss
and if u dont have gloves use socks ez to do and can make headband for ears with tieing socks together or cutting them
This is the way
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Base layers are great for the cold, but I don’t know if I would buy underwear from a goodwill…
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The thing specific to wool is that it does contains a microbioma, and sharing wool clothes is not always ideal. If you share it with someone near to your family you're probably OK as most of your family already share most of their microbioma of the skin, but for clothes that you don't know who used it, you risk to get allergy symptoms or mess your skin microbioma. But ofc it depends in if that even matters to you or not.
You can reuse underwear?
A cheap full face helmet made a world of difference for me. Felt like I was in a sauna compared to my xnito
You lose about 75% of your heat out of your neck an head. So,a,full helmet or a windproof cycling cap and neck gaiter will work. Balaclava's work too,,but some people fins them claustrophobic.
The only reason this is close to true is just because it is usually bare skin. You radiate body heat relatively equally from all your exterior. Covering your face and neck will make a difference, but only if you already have well insulated the rest of your body.
You have more surface blood vessels in your neck and head than other parts of the body, especially the Cartiod and Jugular. Big veins and arteries right at the surface.
Did you have the winter liner for the xnito? I'm considering getting that helmet as a year-round option, since I want a helmet with NTA8776 rating, and don't think I can give up the integrated warmth I get out of the ski helmet I currently use.
I'd recommend 32 degrees base layer (sometimes found at costco), a fleece jacket, and a cycling windbreaker jacket. The base layer will help wick sweat away from your body (you don't want to be sweaty because the cold air will make you even colder, potentially life threatening). The fleece jacket will keep you warm while still keeping some comfort (some people prefer wool, but fleece works too) and the cyclists windbreaker will help block the wind from taking away the heat from your core. The windbreaker is best used with the wrists tightened down and zipped up. These layers are best used if you can buy it in versions with the zipper down the middle vs throwing it over your head. That way you can unzip to release some heat and zip back up to retain it quickly. Staying dry is the most important part. As soon as you are somewhat wet and come to a stop, you will feel the cold even worse than before. Avoid cotton t-shirts even though they are cheap (not the time for them in this situation)...finding a good base layer is important. The fleece jackets or wool jackets can be found second hand cheaply..or even off Amazon brand new. The windbreaker, I like the Baleaf one off Amazon because it works but also has a lot of pockets so I can fit a whole edc in just the windbreaker lol...
Agree with all these points — especially the base layer. I’ve ridden the last couple of weeks in temps around freezing. The cheap CostCo base layer works just fine. I have a slightly thicker than a wind breaker high viz bike jacket and a very old pair of lobster claw bike mittens (index finger is separated for braking). And I have a super old fleece hat that fits under my helmet. The only thing that gets cold are my toes.
The top E-bike users in the world in terms of durability, low cost, and wear, IMO, are delivery drivers (NYC etc). Everyone else chooses to ride, for them the bike is a work vehicle that they cannot not use. They go out in the shittiest conditions to deliver doordash. and they're not looking to blow the bank either. So to answer your Q while skipping bespoke overprice stuff: * Anecdotally, I've seen them with big oven-mitt looking things that are permanently attached to the bike handlebars, hands go in there, stay warm, but can come out easily to use phone, deliver food, etc. * I've also seen them with improvised blanket looking things attached to the lower end of the bike that deflect wind and keep their legs / lap warm. Almost like bootleg soft motorcycle fairings. This might be limited to scooters. I dont know the models, but: [https://www.amazon.com/YTCYKJ-Handlebar-Windproof-Reflective-Snowmobile/dp/B0BDFT92YQ/ref=asc\_df\_B0BDFT92YQ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=635905269551&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6114839825771253982&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9004358&hvtargid=pla-1915451713137&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/YTCYKJ-Handlebar-Windproof-Reflective-Snowmobile/dp/B0BDFT92YQ/ref=asc_df_B0BDFT92YQ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=635905269551&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6114839825771253982&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9004358&hvtargid=pla-1915451713137&psc=1) [https://www.amazon.com/Scooter-Leg-Cover-Motorbike-Universal/dp/B08BPJZNVS?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref\_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A36ADQYUVEA1KY](https://www.amazon.com/Scooter-Leg-Cover-Motorbike-Universal/dp/B08BPJZNVS?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A36ADQYUVEA1KY)
The handlebar mittens are called Pogies, googling around with that word should help with your search results
I’ve only ever seen them called handlebar mittens, tons of them under that name online Amazon
High quality clothing: base layers, jackets, socks, etc. best return you will get.
What's your current outfit? Do you wear headgear and scarves and thick socks? Most of your heat is lost through your head and neck, chest and abdomen, and hands and feet, in that order. Focus on protecting those areas. More layers and thicker layers as needed. Pick wool and synthetic fabrics are preferable over cotton because they wick away moisture faster. Keeping sweat and water away from your body will be key to staying warm. Finally you don't get a cold from being cold, you get a cold from germs. ;-) Stay up on your shots
You’re right haha I wasn’t thinking straight but yes, I’m up on my shots! And for my current outfit, I do beanie, sweater, sweatshirt, ‘winter coat’, and when it’s colder I’ll have leggings on under my pants. I think warm socks makes sense though. I’ll look into that, thanks for your input!
No problem. Try adding in a scarf too if you're going for a commuter look. :)
Yes a scarf would do well. Also a gaiter works very well, to block wind coming directly down your neck, base layer, and heavy jacket. I’ll ride even down to negative Fahrenheit. Often times it’s a better ride when it’s so cold, the water/salt ice combo doesn’t occur, and it’s just compacted snow. My ride is only 20ish minutes.
Those should be enough layers… is your winter coat windproof? Wind proofing really breaks up the cold! And a fleece jacket instead of the sweatshirt might help. What’s under the sweater? Heat tech from uniqlo is really affordable or any other base layer synthetic or wool.
Around 40F a cheap fleece under a windbreaker works for me.
Heated jackets etc aren't very good IMO
I just bought one. An IHood. So far, I like it. Just bought one for a friend for her birthday.
It needs to be snug on you. If it isn't, you'll barely feel it but if it is, you will.
I was disappointed by my Makita heated jacket, I brought just the heated pads on eBay and stiched them into a thermal top, 5 pads on the back and 5 on the front, it works much better, but still not really worth the hassle.
Heated jacket is fairly worthless, but a heated vest that goes under a sweater + jacket is a game changer. You need to trap the heat. That's the only way it'll work. In my opinion, a good setup with a heated vest will bridge the gap between acoustic bike and eBike in terms of clothing required. If what you are wearing is not enough for even riding an acoustic bike, then a heated vest will not be enough. But if you wear what you would wear while riding an acoustic bike, and then you add the heated vest to compensate for your lack of body heat generation due to less exertion on an eBike, you should be good. edit: Also, you need a good one that produces a lot of heat. For reference mine runs a 10k mAH battery bank from 100-0% in about 2 hours. Mine: [https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0C8TS7HM2/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1](https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0C8TS7HM2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1)
They do provide a little bit of extra warmth that makes me comfortable in the cold but not much difference that good layers would do
Layers are worthless if you're not generating much body heat while pedaling though. That's what the heated gear is for. I agree if you're pedaling at a decent cadence, layers are more important. But if you're hardly pedaling or not pedaling at all, the heated gear starts to shine. As mentioned above, base layer + heated vest + sweater + windbreaking outer layer is best.
Turn down your assist! Seriously though, it works!
This is what I was coming to say; work harder and your core will be plenty warm. Then just pogies for your hands and boots for your feet. At 40F you're not going to get frostbite.
Yeah it sounds kinda like a wise ass answer, but kicking assist down to 2 from 3 on flat ground increases my core temp. You can still tune it so you're not a sweaty mess showing up to work.
Long johns. Run you less than $20. You can always take them off when you get to work.
Just get those hand warmer things and put them in your shoe/gloves. Those jackets aren't made for riding and won't really do much, besides proper clothing and exercise your core should be warm anyways. I added a DC-DC converter and can run 200w motorcycle heated gear...it costs hundreds. Really though the hand warmers are all you need if you're pedaling and have proper clothing. Layered so you can adjust heat, base layer for soaking up sweat and something blocking the wind on the outside.
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Well, it’s currently 40, and will drop to low teens in the next few weeks. But good list of suggestions!
You will 100% need some sort of face covering for that or it won't be fun. Riding glasses and one of those tube scarves maybe.
Go to a thrift store, my brother.
Much will depend on whether you’re pedaling or just using a throttle. If you’re pedaling, you’ll eventually warm up from inside due to the exercise. So it’s always best to be a little chilly when you start out. If you’re comfortable when you start, you’ll be miserably overheated 10 minutes in. I’m in Colorado. I’m an older, thinner female who’s a bit of a weenie when it comes to being cold. My most vulnerable body parts are hands, ears, feet, and face. If those are warm, I’m good. Here are my tricks: 1. Bar mitts and thin gloves. My bar mitts are from Rockbros. They’re great. 2. A thin windproof cap that covers your ears worn under your helmet. Mine is from Pearl Izumi but lots of brands have them now 3. Wool socks and Goretext waterproof boots (lightweight hikers work great for me. I found Tevas on sale a few yrs ago; they’re amazing) 4. The face was the hardest for me but the proliferation of masks due to Covid has been a useful here. A wool Buff is good. Or a Grace Folly face mask. I have cold- and exercise-induced asthma so warming air before breathing it is critical. My favorite face gear is a Cambridge vented face mask. 5. As others have said, a base layer is important. I prefer wool. Don’t go bulky. What you need is wind protection. It serves two functions: keeps the windchill out and your body heat in. Even down to nearly 0 degrees, I don’t need anything more than a wool base layer and a regular long sleeved cotton tee under my Bike Lane Uprising uber-reflective hooded jacket. Under my Gore Jersey, I don’t need anything more than a thick wool base layer. 6. Pants are the least critical for me but then I almost never have to deal with much moisture. I ride in my everyday pants (women’s “hiking” pants from Outdoor Research or Kuhl) until about 25 degrees. For anything colder or wetter, I love Kuhl’s Klash pants. Or you could just put rain pants over everyday pants. They’d work the same as a windbreaker jacket - keep the wind out and your body heat in. Oh, and the eyes! Sunglasses until about 40 degrees. Then padded sunglasses (sometimes called motorcycle glasses or goggles) down to about 25 or 30. Anything colder and I put on actual goggles. Motorcycle goggles fit better under bike helmets than ski goggles do and the straps are thinner.
Thank you for introducing me to Bike Lane Uprising! Ordering a jacket and maybe some other goodies too.
Always happy to help a fellow bicyclist! My first winter, I was desperate for tips. I'm heading into my 6th winter and feel way more confident but every year around this time I end up having to do some experimentation. And acclimate to the cold again.
Several thin layers. Base layers, or as we called them in my day "lohn johns". Wool blends are better than cotton. Polyester is okay if you don't mind the texture. Signed~ Someone that works outdoors year round.
a medium duty rubberized rainsuit over your normal coat and pants etc... the rubber will completely block any wind, and it's wind chill while moving that really makes it feel colder
Rain gear! Jacket, pants, waterproof work gloves, balaclava. Nice insulating layers underneath, be it down or fleece. Almost too warm when I get to my destination.
Wait for a sale. I got mine just last week for $40 with 10000 mah battery included. With black Fri coming up, I think a sale should come. Note, make sure it fits snugly. If it does, you can feel the heat. If not, you won't feel much,
Which brand did you get?
It's for women. LEAPSEE Heated Vest Women with Battery Pack Included, Lightweight Polar Fleece Womens Electric Vest, Heated Jackets for Women https://a.co/d/hZW7teC
Electric vest
Which brand do you recommend?
Anyone that dosnt come with its own battery, you can get one for like $30 and then buy your own power source (maybe $40) I clean windows for university's and such so I'm outside and wet a lot. It's very much worth it
Thanks. Is there generally enough info from just the vest to know what 3rd party battery and charger to get?
You would just get a high quality portable phone charger
[My budget winter gear list](https://www.reddit.com/r/cycling/comments/fayp40/budget_winter_gear/)
Dont buy clothes. Pedal and generate heat
Put an Amazon bubble bag down inside the front of your jacket to break the wind. Or better yet, Reflective foil bubble wrap. Let the rest of of your body breath the sweat out. You can cut smaller pieces for where you have direct wind contact if needed. Spend the money on quality (not name brand) gloves and socks..... Then buy 6 star rated ski gloves. Then Dr Scholls 100% acrylic socks inside shoes or boots that do not cut off your circulations. (Do not buy their compression socks). Keep feet, hands and chest warm, everything else will take care of itself.
The cheapest way is to bike faster. You'll keep yourself warmer when you're pedaling along faster and as a bonus, you're home quicker.
40F isn't really that cold. What's the minimum temperature in winter you'll need to deal with? Electrically heated garments would be overkill for above-freezing temperatures. Just get better insulated gear and wear layers. When I was commuting to work in -10F weather, I'd have: Feet: Winter boots (with a spare set of shoes at the office), warm socks. Legs: Long-underwear, jeans, thinly insulated wind-proof snow pants Torso: t-shirt or a long-sleeve cotton shirt, sweater, winter coat Head: Scarf or neck warmer or balaclava, a toque (or two on windy days) Hands: Heavy winter gloves (snowmobile gloves are a gold-standard) Also if you've got snow on the ground and it's sunny, do not forget sunglasses. Snow blindness is no joke.
upvoted for the sunglasses
Pedal
First it is "I want an ebike so I don't sweat" and now it's I can't afford to sweat. Ride an ebike in the summer and a traditional bicycle in the winter! As any winter sports person knows, if you are cold, get a better hat. I use insulated snow board helmets with insulation and ear covering.
This is actually a real issue with e-bikes — if you’re not working hard enough o keep your core temp high in the cold you’ll need a lot more layers. I have been keeping the assist on low when the temp drops to make myself work harder and thereby generate more heat. Not sure this will continue to work when temp drops closer to zero…
Came here for this. Seriously folks, there's an easy way to stay warm on winter bike rides. Ditch the motor and climb some hills.
Geez we're so degenerated, we think the answer to how to regulate your body temperature is to buy a product...
Nonsense, he needs hand protection. Your core will stay warm from pedaling but your hands will still be uncomfortable and possibly windbitten.
Don't charge your battery =)
You need clothing and as others have said: high quality base layers. Imo you want snug, insulated clothing around the areas you lose the most heat and that is your crotch, armpits, and head. On top of that though, building up a bit of cold tolerance 👍🏻
Turn the e motor off and go full pasta powered. More effort = more warm.
Ride harder.
Pedal more, electric less.
Try using your pedals? Your body will keep you warm if you use your pedals
WallyWorld
Man I just rough it haha all of this sounds crazy to me. Good on yall not being a psycho
Those heated vests are also sold for far less on other marketplaces like Ebay & Aliexpress.
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Wind-proof jacket and pants. Think rain suit.
Snowmobile stuff. Helmet, suit, heated gloves, boots etc. A windshield would be nice.
You can get the heated USB powered vests off AliExpress for < $50. It'll take a couple of weeks to get here but they are okay. Quite honestly, good gloves and a cap under your helmet are more helpful for staying warm. Don't use the throttle and pedal more to stay even warmer.
Yeah if you artificially warm your core, your body won’t feel the need to heat itself as much.
I live and ebike in new England and I am good with a thick down coat. And pogies for my hands, warm boots, and my multi sport helmet with winter liner (like a ski helmet). that is it. Not terribly hard to get all the parts and so worth it.
The secret is layers: Top: t-shirt - fleece jacket - waterproof windbreak Bottom: Long johns - jeans - waterproof overpants Head: Balaclava - helmet Hands: gloves The good thing about layers is that you mix and match them depending on the season or the weather. Of course, we are talking pedal assist here. If you are not doing any physical work, you will get cold fast.
Same here in Seattle, thick groves seem do the tricky for me. Extra layer is optional, after 5 minutes riding, my body warm up
Layers of clothes helps a lot
3 Layers with a wind proof shell on top and cheap Home Depot Milwaukee carpenter gloves work for me. Legs stay warm by pedaling.
Thrift store all they way, I got a marmot jacket with a hood for $40 at goodwill and it’s really cozy. Very worth the investment .
In Ámsterdam I see a lot of people wearing jackets like this on their bikes https://www.primark.com/en-us/p/essential-funnel-neck-puffer-jacket-charcoal-991068821716
Don’t get the heated jacket, just wear a few layers tucked in and you’ll be good. I went with a tidewe heated jacket for $100. It’s nice and warm but the usb cable broke in a few months.
You need layers of clothing, and make sure the base layer is NOT cotton as that will not keep you warm it just traps sweat. Look up ski clothing, when it's really cold I wear ski trousers as they keep my legs nice and warm, easy to get over boots and you can wear them without looking like a road worker in bright orange or something. Make sure your neck is wrapped in a neck tube and good gloves.
Layer upon layer upon layer
Thermal underlayers! You can get a pack of 3 for like $30. I do therms, work clothes, a sweater, jacket and winter pants and I will be sweaty sometimes coming in.
I used to stick a hot water bottle in my jacket for short, very cold rides. Keeps your core very warm, provided you're insulated.
I biked all last winter, exactly what I wear depends on the day and how much I want to change at work. But at the 40F range it’s not a lot extra. I have a cheap down filled jacket that is rated for +5 to -5 Celsius and can work as a mid layer. I wear it over the normal shirt I’m wearing to work. Over that I have the cordura motorcycle jacket I wear most of the year ( except hottest part of summer). The down close to the body is breathable but holds heat well in the winter and the motorcycle jacket as an outer shell cuts wind really well. It’s also water resistant and works against snow quite well. I also have a pair of winter motorcycle gloves that I wear. Basically thinsulate lined gloves with knuckle and palm armor. Those are new this year, I rode with a pair of winter cycling gloves last year though unless it got really cold (well below zero C) and then I switched to some heavy winter work gloves I have. But I’d rather have the armor and these are hold up well down to sub zero temps we have had so far. My helmet isn’t breathable, it’s a solid outer shell so no wind, and it has a bit of a lining, but I wear a rockbros winter cycling cap underneath. Again thinsulate lining. Covers the ears, etc. Solid boots, although they aren’t specifically winter boots, with a wool sock underneath. I have a range of wool socks so I just adjust the weight based on temp. That’s it for temps in your 40F range. If I need to I’ll add a waffle knit Henley base layer instead of a T-shirt under my long sleeve flannel button up. If it gets much colder I can add long underwear under my pants, or I have a pair of fairly light and cheap snow pants I’ll throw on over my work pants. The majority of stuff isn’t bike specific, so it’s all just clothes I have anyway for the weather we get here, and being outdoors in it. None of it was super expensive. I only added the motorcycle jacket late last winter, in the coldest months even just wearing a thin rain shell over the down mid layer was plenty warm.
Cheap thermals, a wind layer, good socks, good gloves, decent hat, a neck covering like a gator, pedal more. I’ve riden in negatives happily.
Layers something like a thermal at the base a warm middle like a sweater and something ideally warm but most importantly wind breaking as the top layer. A good pair of gloves and some hand warmers
Highly recommend Pogeys (or however they are spelled) for your handles. They make a night and day difference for your hand temperature, because it prevents the wind from getting to your hands. On the -30 Celsius days I’ll still wear my heated gloves, but down to -15 or so they are enough as is. https://bikepacking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2021-45nrth-cobrafist-pogie_1-2000x1333.jpg
Use layers to keep yourself warm. Long underwear, shirt and pants, sweater, and then a long coat or a rainjacket depending. Dress like you're going hunting (Minus the blaze orange). I also double up on gloves a lot in really cold weather (a pair of those stretchy gloves and then ski gloves over those). The most important thing is, if you live somewhere with a lot of rain, is to have the exterior stuff be rain resistant. Once the water soaks into the clothes Unless you have an interior cab to your bike it's gonna be cold.
Odier bike handle mitts are the best. Even below 40F, with a thin set of gloves your hands will stay cozy warm.
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Why do people keep getting laugh for temperatures they don't feel -that cold-. Like ok, fine if 40F is not cold for you, but it is for OP. That's all, you don't need to make the statement that isn't cold for you.
In addition to ordinary warm clothing, coats, gloves, etc., like I would wear if I'm walking around outside, for ebiking in the cold I wear a balaclava. So my ears and whole face are covered. Also, I do this even in the summer heat, but it probably helps even more in the cold- when ebiking, I always have riding goggles on. In the summer, they basically act as a windshield, protecting my eyes from bugs and debris, along with strong wind. But in winter cold, they also protect that portion of my face- which is the only one not covered by the balaclava- from cold.
I just bought XXL ski gloves for my commute to my new job starting the 3rd, 9mi commute each way. Snowboard jacket, snowboard/ski snow pants with long Johns underneath, a fleece under jacket, thick beanie, tight fitting goggles, long socks to pull up as far as possible so nothing is exposed. Plus headlamp if riding in the dark. My shift will be 5:15pm-4:00am, an Amazon fulfillment center employee. Bike path and back roads 95% of the way, with two little bits of busy roads that a headlamp is much needed for!
I ride about 10 miles each way to work and I’m usually a little sweaty. Today I rode in and it was 42. I wear my work cloths which include a T-shirt and long sleeve button up shirt and I wear a windproof jacket I got from Sam’s. I was pretty sweaty today. Are you pedaling too or just using throttle? I’d recommend pedaling more. My bpm is usually around 130-140 so if you are comfortable with it just pedal a little harder.
you won't "get a cold" from being cold, you get it from coming in contact with the cold virus.
Hand/feet warmers? They're very cheap at Costco and they last for hours (you can use the same pair going in and coming back).
Michigan rider checking in. #1 tip i have is tucking your shirt into your pants. Get a face mask that you can tuck into your collar as well and get tall socks. You dont need fancy gear just need layers.
Being cold does not cause you to catch a cold, so you don’t have to worry about that part 😊
You can't get a cold from being out in the cold. It's a virus.
Just wear multiple layers and keep your hands & head covered
You won’t catch a cold from the cold. But if you want to stay warm try layers and hand warmers under the layers
* Merino wool baselayer: $40 * Cheap fleece sweater midlayer. If it is way below freezing you can wear 2 fleece sweaters: $15-$30 * **Shell jacket /Ski jacket. Recommend a good looking one that you use all winter, not just when biking: $50-$150** * Rain pants, also keeps away wind: $20 * Buff / scarf: $8 * Wind and rain proof mittens: $15 * Cheap bike hat/benie/cap that covers the ears: $10 * Homemade pogies / bar mitts: $0 * Safety goggles or ski goggles: $15 You could opt for a quality second hand ski jacket. $50 should get you a more than decent one.
Layers :D No but for real, polyester tshirt, polyester fleece, decent windstopper/waterproof jacket, gloves that combo well with the windstopper to cover your wrists. For legs a thermal layer under jeans will probably do or swap jeans with waterproof pants. If you commute by bike often you probably already have the jacket and pants.
What's with all the heated clothing posts lately? Minnesota rider here. Get a good fleece mid layer and a windproof shell/jacket! I've also found insulated bibs to work wonders to keep your stomach and waist from getting hit with that frigid wind. And a bib is easy to take off when I get to work, better than long underwear(but when it drops below 0F here I'm definitely wearing thin long johns, pants, and an insulated bib. All this should be easy to find thrifting! Sierra trading post has tons of cheap fleece and windbreakers/shells.
I found 3 things are needed: * Layers of coats (i wear a sweatshirt, followed by a cotton hoodie, followed by a jacket (outer layer should be other than cotton, to keep the wind out) * Long finger gloves. Don't have to be heated or anything. Just long fingered. * Knit cap. Very important! You lose a lot of heat through your head. With those three things I'm very comfortable down to 40°f. Now if you need to go much colder than that, then probably other things might be needed.
$50 puffer jacket and probably get a puffer vest if you are not warm enough
This is what I do that's worked well enough down to 18°F (-8°C) weather. Head: balaclava, low-fog safety goggles, helmet. Torso: wicking t-shirt, work-shirt, thermal undershirt, lined shirt that's almost like a jacket but looks like it should be worn like a shirt but is too hot to do so normally, winter coat. Hands: gloves. (I need better gloves) Legs: pants, rain pants (that act like a windbreaker. stuff works like magic.) Feet: sometimes an extra pair of socks.
Today was my ride to work in the cold and I was decently warm in just a normal hoodie, Colombia puffer and tube scarf the only thing I need to change was even wearing sweatpants my legs were cold so I’m thinking getting some loose ski pants to throw over my work pants
Heated jackets can easily be broken. The wires inside aren’t that durable. Layer up as mentioned and you’ll be good to go
Wool is best, imo
I'd combine gloves, some kind of neck/face covering (balaclava), and something to break wind like jacket and rain pants.
Get a couple of large padded envelopes A4 or bigger cut a hole for the grip to go through and then you stick your hand in the envelope and hold the grips. Will keep your hands way warmer than just gloves. Cost - very little maybe even free if you look around
How about regular clothing for starters.
it's not inexpensive, but how many here use any heated vests, gloves, shoe inserts and such?
I’ve tried about 80 pairs of gloves for bike and RC driving and the Mechanix regular and arctic worker gloves are the most comfortable and lets your fingers still be usable Also you can use a phone touchscreen with them on
Handlebar mitts help a ton. Linked some below but there are a lot out there so shop around for what you need and what's in your budget. Also, you can find some cheap stuff at second hand stores. If you're just worried about temp and not rain a good windbreaker over even just a light down/down alternative jacket or vest can be enough. If that's not in the budget don't underestimate the power of layering. Undershirt, long sleeve shirt, sweater, jacket, windbreaker will keep you plenty warm. Go buy some cheap snow pants that you can take off once you get to work and you're good to go. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bike-Handlebar-Mittens-Windproof-with-Reflective-Bar-Oxford-Cloth-Mitts-Thermal-Gloves-for-Cycling-Motorbike-Autumn-Winter-Road-Bikes/2871924467
Lots of layers and find something to keep your face warm. Balaclavas are a great option, but I usually just use an old covid cloth mask and a beanie. Also turn down your assist if your bike isn't too heavy.
For me, a balaclava and gloves are a must.
I used to do this [https://www.dickies.com/coveralls/long-sleeve-coveralls/48611.html](https://www.dickies.com/coveralls/long-sleeve-coveralls/48611.html) with a blanket on my lap when I rode a scooter in Chicago's winters. If you are pedaling, maybe some of those shorts for skiing?
charge base layer and a cheap sierra design windbreaker and moto gloves has worked for me. Light, and packable..
As a kid my grandmother would make me tie plastic bags around my feet (socks) and then put boots on. She also tucked newspaper into my snow suit and jacket. Worked like a charm tbh.
Cold weather doesn't give you a cold.by the way. The cold virus gives you a cold.
Get a proviz fleece lined reflective coat. I wore mine commuting in the rain jn the Puget Sound region. It helped with driver visibility of me in the rain, as well as kept me warm (sometimes too warm for my liking). Under 50, you may end up spending more on layers just to stay warm.
Layers. A few stacked sweatshirts and sweatpants under your jacket are great.
Get a bike without electric assist, will keep you warm. Don't forget to mount spiked tyres.
I saw no one mention it, but a hot water bottle in the shape of a scarf and another one that you can put next to your tights, fill it with warm water when leaving home, fill it with warm water from the break room at work when leaving, should be plenty warm at minimal cost
Not cheap but Merion Wool clothing items are the best.
Based on NYC bike delivery, plastic bags over your handles to cover your hands from wind + normal gloves.
I ride down into the teens in slacks and a button up as the base with the following: Windproof coat, neck gaiter, ear muffs, gloves, wind cover on my helmet, and nylon warm-up pants as an over layer.
Use a motor cycle helmet, gloves, and a heavier winter coat. That’s what I do. I still ride my bike even when it’s freezing.
I reguarly ride about an hour a day commuting It may be something to save up for next year but milwaukee has a really good heated sweater mine is going on its 3rd year now but it needs to be worn just over a base layer or it has less effect. Winter ebiking would be a lots less enjoyable without it and nearly umbearable under -5c. Layers/balaclava/wind breaker would be cheaper but if you lose heat your body will take away from your extemeties to heat your core so even colder toes and fingers. Insulated gloves/boots should help too
Get yourself a pair of lobster tails gloves so much better then gloves https://preview.redd.it/1rblnrfilw0c1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=137993fdc3f7d2b8d092bdbcea35bc2f2d086229
I bought the north face whimzy powder hood. Pretty much cover neck and head warmth with one item. The hood can cover the helmet