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Gear Temperature Ratings

This page is a tribute to my analytical nature.  In my quest to perfect my gear for my daily bicycle commute, I have very analytically plotted out what clothing I use at what temperatures.  This is a work in progress, and my goal for the upcoming year is to keep a log of what I am wearing at what temperatures and if I was comfortable.  It is a nerdy thrill for me to have exactly the right stuff to be comfortable in any conditions.  The data are limited in that they are collected under extremely narrow conditions.  My daily commute is a short ride over the same route.  If I were on a longer ride, I'm sure some of this gear would need to be changed as I warm up.  Oh well, most of my riding occurs during my commute, so I guess it is perfect for what I actually do, even though the real goal is to be prepared for extended bike tours.

I have never ridden outside the temperature extremes of 3° F to 114° F. but I'll add more data if those records get broken.  In the chart below, I have listed the items I wear on my commute and what temperature ranges they work in best.


 

 

Bicycle Clothing Details
 
Smartwool Trekking Heavy Socks : below 20° F
The heaviest Smartwool socks I own, these do pretty good to keep my toes warm when used with the Gore Alaska socks.
Pearl Izumi Amfib Gloves : below 30° F
I just got these, and it hasn't been under 30° yet, but I am hoping they will work well.  I wore them once at about 33°, but they were a little too warm.
Outdoor Research Balaclava : below 30° F
This Windstopper product is great for keeping my head, neck, and face warm.  If it gets too hot, a Velcro flap can open removing the entire face mask part, but it is not really compatible with the helmet.  You have to unbuckle the helmet to open or close it.  I also have some problems with my glasses fogging up when I wear it.
Gore Alaska Socks : below 30° F
This Windstopper product makes the Smartwool socks very warm.  They work great with my sandals, but one time I tried them with some hiking boots (not for cycling) and the seams were very uncomfortable.
Mountain Hardwear Micro Dome : 30° to 60° F
I often call this the warmest hat I have ever had, and I only replace it under 30° to add face protection.  This Windstopper hat fits perfectly under my helmet.
Gore Stream Gloves : 30° to 55° F
Although I was originally disappointed with the lack of insulation on these Windstopper gloves (online descriptions suck), they turn out to be fantastic at those middle temperatures.
Mountain Hardwear Windstopper Tech : below 60°
This is the real workhorse of my winter gear.  Once I start moving, I have never been cold in this jacket on my bicycle.  Don't expect it to keep you warm if you are standing around!
Bellwether Tights : below 60° F
I have had these poor old tights for so long (15 years maybe) who knows what the exact model was.  They keep me pretty darn warm, but some of the seams are starting to show some wear, and I should be shopping for some new ones.
Patagonia Wool/Capilene 3 : below 70° F
I love these shirts.  They work great with the Windstopper Tech Jacket when it is cold, and by themselves when it is a bit warmer.  I just got my first Wool one, so it is still getting tested, but the Capilene has worked great for years.
Smartwool Medium socks : 20° to 70°
These socks with the sandals are perfect in cool weather.
Trek Bike Shorts : 3° to 114° F
For something I wear at all temperatures, I am not married to any particular style or brand.  This one just happens to be what I am wearing now.
Shimano Sandals : 3° to 114° F
I have literally not been on a bike since 1997 without a pair of these on.  The clouds parted and these cycling shoes came down from heaven.  I have had several pairs of these over the years, but none like the ones pictured.  This year they added a third strap, which seems stupid.  I guess I will have to try it when my current ones wear out.  Or maybe I'll defect to Lake's version, which incidentally use the same sole.
Trek Traditional gloves : 60° F and up
I like the old-school gloves.  They make funny tan lines on the back of your hand; like you have spots.
Patagonia A/C Print Shirt : 70° to 100° F
I like these shirts a bunch.  Too bad Patagonia discontinued them a few years ago.  I like the funny looks people give me when they see me riding my bike with a button down collared shirt.  Oh, they are also freakishly comfortable on warmer days.
Silkweight Capilene or equivalent :  above 100° F
I don't have a favorite in this temperature range yet, but something that deals with moisture management better than cotton is required in extreme heat.

Rain Gear

It is shocking how little I run into rain on my daily commute, so I have very little data to put temperature ratings on this stuff.  I can say that this stuff keeps me pretty warm, and it has to be under 50° F for me not to be wetter on the inside due to sweat while it is raining on the outside.  That being said, warm and wet is a million times better than cold and wet.
 
Mountain Hardwear Epic Jacket
Mountain Hardwear Epic Pants
Sealskinz USA All-season Socks

 

This site is best viewed with just about anything.  I am not smart enough to make a website that requires fancy stuff.