Gear

It is currently 18 degrees outside.  I've decided that 25 degrees is my low limit for temperature based on the gear I have currently.  Since I won't be logging any miles today, I've decided to review some of the gear I have for cold weather riding. 

Shoes: Shimano RO77
I love these shoes!  They are lightweight, stiff and comfortable.  I like the three easily adjustable straps for managing foot comfort before or during a ride.  They will be great in the summer with the air vent in the front, but right now they are a little chilly.  I definitely needs some toe or shoe covers.  Right now I am just layering socks which is a temporary and low cost solution. 

These shoes are deemed "entry level" and that is okay with me.  I am just getting into this sport and don't need super high end gear while I get going.  Being a family man with a one person income, I'm also on a tight budget.  I found these for about half off online.  Can't beat that!

Socks: Sugoi Liquigas Cannondale
Feel great and look great.  What more can I say.

Tights:  Pearl Izumi Elite Thermal Tights
I got these tights on sale at my LBS and I've been very satisfied.  They fit well and keep my legs nice and warm after I get up to speed.  I wear a pair of biking shorts with a chamois underneath for added comfort on the saddle.  I anticipate that these tights will take me through the spring and I can shed them in the summer.



Jersey: Liquigas-Cannondale Short Sleeve
I got this jersey in anticipation of spring/summer rides.  I layer a long sleeve base laryer under it for colder rides.  It is black with with and green accents so I look good and it matches my bike well.  I made sure there was room for a base layer underneath but still and nice fit.  I feel like a million bucks in this thing!  Let's be honest, feeling good about how you look is also part of what keeps you going.

I'm also looking forward to having it be more visible in warm weather rides.  My goal is to dazzle others with my sleek look to draw attention away from my poor riding skills.


Jacket:  Green fleece something
I have borrowed a green fleece from my wife. It is a tad too small, but I make it work.  It adds an extra insulating layer and seems to keep the wind out.  I will need something a bit bigger and a touch brighter for safety.  I'm think in of the Pearl Izumi Elite Softshell Jacket. 

Riding cap: Cannondale Winter Cycle Cap
My first test ride left my ears frozen and throbbing.  I bought this cap and have not had any difficulty with coldness or wind and my ears.  The salesman at my LBS suggested wool.  However, I could not find a wool cap with a brim like I wanted.  This one is polyester.  I chose it out of my love of Cannondale and some of its other features.  I have not been disappointed. I also like the matching green Cannondale logo embroidered in the back.  Nice touch!

Helmet: 2006 Trek MTB Helmet
An oldie, but a goodie.  I took the visor off and it works well.  It probably should be replaced soon given it is going on 7 years old.  It fits over my cycling cap well and does the protective job needed.  It is white and matches my bike well.

Glasses:  Cheap GAP sunglasses
I can't believe I just admitted that, but it is the truth and all I have right now. I got them for something like $10 over a year ago and they do the job of keeping the sun out of my eyes when I drive.  I need something designed specifically for cycling though.   My hopes are to get a pair of Uvex Blaze Multi-Lens sunglasses.  White of course.

Gloves:  Whatever I can find 
Just another thing I've temporarily "borrowed" from my wife.  I found her winter gloves and they have been keeping my hands from freezing on very short rides.  I need something more insulating for longer outings.

Most of this gear comes by way of my LBS.  I took my oldest son with me and he had fun for the first five minutes until we ducked into the changing room to try things on.  He seemed a little sheepish about being with his dad who was taking clothes off.  I was perplexed because this is the boy that will run in on you while you are in the shower or changing clothes without a second thought.  He did do a great job fetching me different sizes and I let him pick out some things to look at once were done.  He was interested in the kid's bikes and wanted to know which one would be best for riding in the snow.  I told him that his current bike was perfectly adequate and that he should try it out when we got home. 

My son took my up on my suggestion and took his bike for a spin in the snow.  He ran back inside and exclaimed, "Dad, my bike is a snow bike!"  Who knew?  He was thrilled.  I decided that I needed my wife to buy into the clothes that I had just bought and pulled them on for her.  I saw a look in her eyes that I have not seen in a long time.  It sort of made me blush.  She approved. 

I think I have the right gear for me: function with fashion with a dash of sex appeal. Next time I will take my wife with me instead of my son to try on new cycling duds.  Who knows what might happen!