Bike Through Cold Weather In Style

Q. I am 60 years young and weigh in at a svelte 218 lbs, at 5-foot-11. Since my bypass surgery and subsequent cardiac rehab, I have been riding my Giant mountain bike to work and back (7.5 miles one way) at least 3 times a week. I would like to continue this as far into the Chicago winter as is possible (barring ice and unplowed streets). I have little knowledge of the type of clothing to wear in very cold weather. Can you give me ideas?

Michael Garrison

Way to go, Michael! Why let something minor like a re-plumbed heart slow you down? There are several things available for cold-weather bikers. Several companies, for instance, make fleece jackets that have a windproof nylon front, to block wind while letting warm air vent out the back. These are great; good well into the teens provided you have some long underwear on.

My version of that piece comes from Performance; I haven’t seen their winter catalog yet and can’t recall what it sold for in the past, but I think around $75. Under that you’ll want either lightweight or midweight long underwear (depending on the weather) such as Patagonia Capilene or several equivalents made by REI and others.

For your legs, I’d probably suggest something like Pearl Izumi’s Super AmFib tights ($109). These fleece tights are waterproof, and breathable panels in the front keep out wind and water. For your feet, start with wool socks like cycling socks from SmartWool, then put a pair of neoprene cycling booties over your shoes.

Silk glove liners under long-fingered cycling gloves should generally keep your pinkies warm, although you may want a three-finger mitten such as Pearl Izumi’s LobsterGlove ($40). Several makers offer fleece caps that fit under a cycling helmet, and a helmet cover will also cut down convection cooling. So there you go! You’re warm, you’re stylin’, you’re bikin’ to work in the winter!

xxxx