How do I keep warm while mountain biking?

Question

I ride in chilly weather (not below freezing, but getting there) and I find it hard to keep my extremities warm.

Also, I alternately boil and chill due to sweat. What can I wear that will keep me relatively comfortable when the temperature drops?

Answer 1

I don't know why Falkovitz and Alex got thumbs down, They're right. I just gave them both a thumbs up to balance it out.

You need to dress in layers of fabrics that wick moisture away from you. Neoprene booties for your feet, and 'lobsterclaw' style gloves. In extremely cold weather, I wear a thin full fingered glove under a fleece lined mitten.

There is no one solution fits all, it's all about layers.

Answer 2

You need bettter clothes. You need a windbreaker inner shirt with long sleeves one that effectively transports the sweat to the surface. Odlo make some that are absolutely awesome, but other brands can be used as well, Vangard for instance. Any survival/outdoor equipment store will know what your talking about if you ask for it. Usually these types of under garment come in a non-windproof version, but some with a special windproof membrane on the front are available for cycling.
Second, you need a layer of insulation, IMPORTANT! Is has to be a sweat transporting type as well!, don't go for you dad's ol' sweatshirt, Nike, Giordana, Odlo, Assos and several other companies all make thermo stuff, or again, ask you local outdoor shop, they know your needs.
Last you need some piece of outer protection, and this can vary quite a bit depending on your needs, just remember, that the more protection this layer yields, the narrower is its comfort zone when it comes to your activity level. Quite a few brands brag about incredible effective ventilation and breathability, but trust me, even the best goretex will make you boil on your mountainbike. Go for something in the mid-zone, somewhat protective, but hugely breathable. True it won't cover your *** or keep your torso dry if its raining buckets, but it dosen't really matter, the "steaming" issue is far more important when biking.
As for gloves, use the same tactic. Thin inner glove, and semi-protective outer glove.
Remember a high quality hat under your helmet. Nike makes a skullcap for biking, the best I've ever used, but many other brands are also good. Don't buy your hat too cheaply, it's the best place to spend a little extra, it will last for years. A good hat will keep you warm when you need it, and it will allow the heat to pass through when your activity level raises. It's your single most important piece of clothing when sporting outside in cold weather.

Answer 3

It's about layers. Start off with a one way base layer (Works like a nappy, water is only allowed one way.). The item I like in winter is the tights with built in braces. This gives you an extra body layer in itself. If it is really cold, Extra T shirt. Long sleeve cycling jersey. Sycling jacket (I tend to just have a shower proof, since the other layers will be doing their job.

This will take care of the most important bit, the body. For the extremeties, a good set of half neoprene gloves thick socks. Also, you might consider overshoes, neck warmer and ear warmer.

However, the best way to keep warm is to peddle faster. I find that, if I lose a layer, don't wear a neck warmer and peddle more, that sweat/cold are not an issue.

Luck

Answer 4

When the temperature goes down almost thirty-two degrees. I make sure that I wear a thick scarf hat, heavy gloves, scarf around my neck. Most of the time a jean jacket, few a heavy coat. Body will generate allot of heat. I put on clothes on layers.

Answer 5

Put some god damn underwear on