Equipment 411: Part Four - Winter Training Gear for the Bike

This is it's own special category b/c of several reasons. First, it's critical to get the layering right so that you can survive (A) in the winter time w/out freezing your bits and pieces off and (B) survive come next year when you face the competition. Let's face it, regardless of the type of trainer that you have, you aren't getting the same workout as you do when riding outside. If you are going to continue riding outside, however, you need to be prepared for all conditions. Here's a list of what you need...

Why Ride Outside In The Winter?

1. B/c you look like a bad ass. Impress your friends and nemeses alike by braving the bitter cold to get a workout in.
2. B/c it's better for you. No trainer can replicate riding outside. Period.
3. B/c you have an excuse to buy some super technical gear. One word: Wind-block. Astronauts don't have it this good.

40-Degrees and Up:
You have it pretty easy. In fact, I wouldn't call what you have "winter", but let's not get into that. If you are planning to ride outside, in addition to your shorts, short- and long-sleeve jerseys, you will need:

• a solid base layer
• a pair of lightweight gloves. Make sure the fit is just slightly loose (helps keep you warm).
• a pair of booties. Even good w/ shorts in some weather, booties keep those poor little toes warm. Once these bad boys get cold there is no going back.
• a pair of ear warmers. Thin and lightweight, they'll do just the trick to take the edge off the air.
• a pair of knee warmers. The perfect "i don't know what to wear in this weather" gear.
• a pair of long spandex. No pad needed (your run tights will do)
• a pair of arm warmers. These are good in any weather and can make a cold ride that much better.
• a wind block vest. Money for those long descents and super light to carry.
• a winter jacket. If it's just too cold, you can always reach for this over your base layer. try to get one w/ pockets in the back and armpit zippers to manage your temperature.

40-Degrees and Below:
You will need all of the above gear, including:

• a pair of winter gloves. Lobster gloves come to mind as they keep a nice buffer. Not easy to flip off those drivers, but you can't win them all. :)
• a pair of wind-block bib-tights with a zip over the belly. Think Assos. Your winter riding will be super easy. Note: You get the one w/ out the pad so you can wear your bike shorts under it for another layer. You're so smart.
• a balaclava top. So money. You will thank me again and again.

Why all this gear? It's pretty simple: riding outside is tough. You are working against the clock. You only have so much time before something becomes unbearable. Once your toes and fingers get cold, you have like 45 more minutes before things get dangerous (ie. they stop working - hint, bad for braking or trying to drink). Your toes and fingers get cold only if you haven't wrapped up your belly and head. Unless you forgot your booties and gloves (don't be THAT person!), the increased blood flow to your belly (think internal organs) and head (think BRAIN), there is less to go around for the rest of your body. So, start off right by protecting your core and you can stave off the inevitable...at least for another 30 minutes or so! :)

Happy riding...

Coach P