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Well, the weather outside is frightful,
but riding is so delightuful.
So what is everyone's secret for staying warm?
I personally go with the layer method.
Start off with a some nice, soft, fleece long underwear. Can get it at walmart in the hunting section for pretty cheap. Nice, soft, and comfy. I think it was called polar fleece. The cotton stuff is good too, but thinner.
For a sweater, I wear one of those fleece pullovers, usually a size smaller than normal so it doesn't bunch up under my jacket. It has a little bit of a collar, that fits snug around my neck when I zip it up. I'm a big fan of fleece.
And over the top, a nice layer of black leather. Like a good friend once told me: "Buy leather, cows will keep you warm." If the sun ever comes out, black will get warmer quicker than a lighter colored suit. I've had a set of Fieldsheer pants and jacket for years, no perferation at all, and zips up with a full circumference zipper so it'll seal you up pretty good. One piece Aerostich suits are supposed to work pretty good, especially when it gets wet. I just personally like leather better.
Socks, usually two pair, I'm a big fan of Thorlo's. Thick, and warm.
They got just about any size/color/thickness you can fit under a boot. And boots, definitely. I got an old set of Gearne's, no perferation. I've heard steel toed boots suck when riding around freezing, but never tried it.
http://www.thorlo.com/
I finish it up with a balaclava, and shut all the vents on the helmet.
Gloves: I personally haven't found a set of gloves that kept my hands warm, still gave good feel on the controls, and had good styling. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd be interested.
I've found that for emergencies, a set of those latex mechanics gloves worn under your riding gloves, will warm your hands up a good bit, actually make them start sweating. And a newspaper under your jacket will keep in some heat, and the the wind off your chest.
Personally, my limits for long distance comfortable riding is about 40 degrees. 'Bout the coldest I've ever ridden is 20. I'm sure there's people out there that ride all day at 50 below on black ice, but that's not my bag, baby. Just haven't found a way to keep my fingers warm. Maybe heated grips? Anyone tried that?
Or a heated vest?