It seems as though winter has finally come to a close, and while this may not be of any benefit to anyone right now, I wanted to reflect on a few cold-weather items that earned a lot of my appreciation while on the bike this past winter. This, of course, is not all that I wore, but rather a few of the pieces that I couldn't do without.
no.01 The Rapha City Rain Shell
I purchased this jacket on 'super clearance' a few years ago because I needed a good rain/windproof jacket and it was Rapha and it was on sale . It was part of the Rapha/Paul Smith collection that no longer exists and is now currently sold as the City Rain Jacket in colors that don't include pink or purple. If I had the budget to allow me to purchase Rapha items regularly at full retail I would, because they truly do make superior products. This is the single best thing I have ever put my arms through. The fit is perfect, it's fairly breathable, it keeps the cold wind out, and repels water very well. I think it looks good too, and I wore it on every single ride this winter. When paired with a couple layers of wool, it's all you need to keep insulated.
no.02 The Vulpine Longsleeve Wool Shirt
Vulpine is a company that I've had a lot of interest in lately. Their aesthetically-minded garments and high quality fabrics are great for both commuting and more "serious" rides. This longsleeve shirt is 100% merino wool and is the perfect baselayer. The fit is excellent, the sleeves are the perfect length, and the rear pocket is a nice touch. This is something I plan to wear all year round. As most cyclists know, merino wool wicks moisture to keep you nice and dry (in cold or warm temps), insulates you even when the fabric is wet, and doesn't retain odor the way cotton and synthetic fabrics do.
no.03 DIY Knickers
Sometimes a pair of thermal tights just isn't enough. My low-budget solution was to cut an old pair of pants into knickers and wear them over my bibs/thermal tights. They did a pretty good job of blocking a lot of wind and added some insulation. They also protected my thermal tights from getting snagged on branches and stuff while rippin' around in the woods.
no.04 Farm & Fleet Wool Gloves
Another wool item. It's the most crucial material for cold weather riding. I found these gloves at the local Farm & Fleet. They cost me about $10. They have durable leather palms, a Thinsulate lining, and they kept my hands warm down to 20 degree temps. You don't have to spend a lot of money to stay on your bike in the winter, you just have to think outside the box and look for things in places you might not typically look. Not everything you wear while riding has to be super technical and "cycling specific". It just has to work, and these gloves worked.
no.05 Surly Bandana
Any bandana will do, I just happened to be given this one from the nice fellas at Surly. Keep your face or neck warm and keep some wind/snow off. Use it in addition to a balaclava or just carry it with you to wipe snot and "beardsicles" off your face. If you get too warm, just shove it in your pocket. No reason not to bring one on a ride. It makes you look like a badass too.
no.06 Surly Wool Socks
Again with the wool. If an article of clothing is available in wool, it will almost always be superior to one that is not. Wool socks are a no brainer. They keep your feet warm and dry. I like the Surly ones because they're tall and fit snugly so they keep your entire calf warm.
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