I've been mountain biking for roughly 2 or 3 years now and this year I decided I want to ride throughout the colder months here in Kentucky. So far we've had an inch or so of snow and it's probably been at the coldest in the teens. If you have any relevant suggestion please list them and post a link or a picture. I've read a few threads on this topic, but I'm not familiar with the item they're talking about. I would like to get effective non bike specific clothing if at all possible.
Here's what I currnetly wear
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5555395 this long sleeve wicking shirt as a baselayer
I also have this same material pant
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10263202
This is my pant with elastic at the ankles
I also have a jacket by Louis Garneau. It has zip off sleeves, rear pocket, windproof, waterproof, and rear vents. I'm not sure if it is vented under the arms.
I have hiking wool socks that I got at wal-mart as well that work great.
Last I have a simple beanie.
Questions: Sorry for the long post, but I'm trying to be detailed.
Gloves and shoe covers I'm just not sure about. If I can still find them I have some army issued trigger finger mittens with wool insert. I used while riding my atv in the winter so they may be too warm. I just know my full finger mechanix gloves aren't going to be good enough. Edit: I found a link to them http://www.loadup.com/static/270.html
For a shoe cover should I get something like this, save up for some lake boots, or just wear my insulated hunting boots with flat pedals.
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=24344&subcategory_ID=1344
The wool socks seem to work great thus far, but I don't believe I've been out in 35 degree temps or less with only them. It just got cold extremely fast in the last couple of weeks.
Should I just put tape over the vent holes in my helmet?
What temp would it have to be for a balaclava?
Edit: What's a good wind blocking pant to go over my baselayer. So far I've just been using some windproof athletic style pants or jogging pants. I thought about sewing velecro on the athletic pants so they won't get caught in my big chainring, but haven't bothered since the jogging pants work.
Last I'll probably be riding mostly fireroads unless it's frozen so I can ride the trails if they're not destroyed by the horses. Oh yea, I'm trying to do this as effictively and cheap as I can. I just graduated college and will be returning for grad school so I don't have a lot of money. Thanks in advance.
Here's what I currnetly wear
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5555395 this long sleeve wicking shirt as a baselayer
I also have this same material pant
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10263202
This is my pant with elastic at the ankles
I also have a jacket by Louis Garneau. It has zip off sleeves, rear pocket, windproof, waterproof, and rear vents. I'm not sure if it is vented under the arms.
I have hiking wool socks that I got at wal-mart as well that work great.
Last I have a simple beanie.
Questions: Sorry for the long post, but I'm trying to be detailed.
Gloves and shoe covers I'm just not sure about. If I can still find them I have some army issued trigger finger mittens with wool insert. I used while riding my atv in the winter so they may be too warm. I just know my full finger mechanix gloves aren't going to be good enough. Edit: I found a link to them http://www.loadup.com/static/270.html
For a shoe cover should I get something like this, save up for some lake boots, or just wear my insulated hunting boots with flat pedals.
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=24344&subcategory_ID=1344
The wool socks seem to work great thus far, but I don't believe I've been out in 35 degree temps or less with only them. It just got cold extremely fast in the last couple of weeks.
Should I just put tape over the vent holes in my helmet?
What temp would it have to be for a balaclava?
Edit: What's a good wind blocking pant to go over my baselayer. So far I've just been using some windproof athletic style pants or jogging pants. I thought about sewing velecro on the athletic pants so they won't get caught in my big chainring, but haven't bothered since the jogging pants work.
Last I'll probably be riding mostly fireroads unless it's frozen so I can ride the trails if they're not destroyed by the horses. Oh yea, I'm trying to do this as effictively and cheap as I can. I just graduated college and will be returning for grad school so I don't have a lot of money. Thanks in advance.