Conference noted::bicycle

    For tops, you want something in Goretex or a similar permeable fabric.
    These keep the wind and rain out while allowing water vapour (read
    sweat) to diffuse out. Good but pricey, I paid �60 for a fairly simple
    Goretex top.
    
    For bottoms, lycra tights in cool weather, wool tights in cold.
    
    
    Rod

    When the weather gets cool I recommend some lycra tights, neoprene
    boots to wear over your cleats, cheap cotten garden gloves will do if it's
    above 30 degrees, any windbreaker, polypro longsleave, and any T-shirt.
    One of those cycling caps with the fold-down ear flaps is also useful
    if it's below 40 degress (they're in the Nashbar catalog, not too
    expensive).
    
    The first few miles are sometimes cold, but once I warm up this outfit
    seems to be enough to get me through December.  After that I'm
    sentenced to the rollers for 2-3 months.
    
    Phil

    I like to wear a wool jersey under a wool jacket.  My wool jackets
    have nylon wind shell.  When it get in the 20 to 40 F range I might
    where a polypro jersey under all that.
    
    I generally wear lycra tights when it's 40 - 60 F, tights with a fleece
    layer when it's 20 - 40, wool tights below 20 F.
    
    A wool or other cap with ear flaps is good to 30 F, below that consider
    a balaclava.
    
    Booties are great for below 50 F.  Performance has some insulated
    insoles which are good for below 40 F.
    
    Gloves are essential.
    
    And then if you take your bike off the wind trainer and go outdoors,
    you need your head examined ...  :-)
    
    Sorry, I couldn't resist.  I find the above to be usually sufficient.
    
    ed

A couple more related questions:

1)  Any of you people ever wear ski goggles to bike when it gets real cold?

2)  What kind of equipment is there for "indoor riding" (I've heard of
things called wind trainers, and other various and sundry things, but
I'm not sure what they are.  If you could include price ranges in the
descriptions, I would be most greatful!!


					Thanks once again,

					Dave.

    	RE: 1301.1
    
    	"Windbreaking"
    
    	Remind me never to ride behind you Dave. 8-)> Sorry, I couldn't
    	resist, especially because people who ride behind me say I break
    	a LOT of wind (because I so wide).
    
    	RE: 1301.4
    
    	Windtrainer - a stand on which you can attach you bike, usually
    	              with the front wheel removed. You attach the bike
    	              at the forks and at the bottom bracket. Once the 
    	              bike is tight, you can slide a shaft with two
    	              fans against the rear wheel for resistance.
    		      Because the windtrainer holds the bike, you can
    		      probably ride one of these things while daydreaming.
    		      Beware, these things are BORING.
    
    	Rollers - Basically, riding rollers is like riding on the road,
    		  except it take more concentration and skill. Rollers
    		  are made up of (usually) 3 cylinders attached by 1
    		  piece of steel on each side. Your rear wheel sits
    		  between the two rear rollers and you front wheel rides
    		  on the front roller. I've never ridden them (yet),
    		  but they take a while to get used to, basically
    		  because you have to balance the bike like you would
    	 	  on the road. Any miscue and you're off and usually
    		  down in a heap.
    
    	Scott

    Goggles, you bet. Last winter we had a stretch of below 0 weather in
    C.S. (About 15 to 20 below at 5:30am when I commute). During this time
    goggles were a must along with - balaclava (SP), union  suit, turtle neck
    shirt, wool sweater, heavy gortex expedition shell, wool tights with
    nylon rain pants..... Looked like an Eskimo
    
    
    Largest pain was getting it all home in the afternoon when it all was
    not needed...

55�-60�F Tights and long sleeve jersey, or a short sleeve jersey with a set of
	 arm warmers. I have a pair and like them a lot. I just pull them off
	 when it warms up and put them in my pocket and I don't have to stop.

45�-55�F Poly-pro nylon front jacket over short sleeve jersey with nylon front 
	 poly-pro tights. Gloves and an earband under the helmet.

35�-45�F The above with poly-pro long underwear, booties and a helmet liner
	 that is used for construction helmets under my helmet. The liner is
	 the best liner that you can find warmer than anything on the market.

25�-35�F The save as above just ride faster.	

15�-25�F I've done this a few times and stayed warm. Add a neoprene face mask
	 to the list and look out for ice. Don't ride too far and don't stand
	 around outside when you stop or you'll really freeze.

I like the challenge of riding or hiking in adverse conditions. It's fun to 
laugh at the cold.

Tom

    I agree with Tom's suggestions, only I suggest putting the road bike away
    when it's below 45 degrees, and taking up other sports.  (That's easier
    to say in Italy than in New England!)  Mountain biking is good for
    another 10 degrees or so (~35).  
    
    MATT
    
    PS - The most important thing is to protect your knees, even when 
         the temperature is as high as 55.  You can do real damage in the
         fall, without realizing it until a few hours after the ride.

re. 1301.8                  
    
>    PS - The most important thing is to protect your knees, even when 
>         the temperature is as high as 55.  You can do real damage in the
>         fall, without realizing it until a few hours after the ride.
    
    	I strongly agree since I have an ITB problem with my right knee.
    To protect it (keep it warm) as soon as it starts to get brisk I
    wear a neopreane (sp) cuff that you can pick up in a drug store or
    sports center for under $10.  If you do buy a pair for cold weather
    riding, get the ones with the hole in the middle.  My doctor says that
    for bike riding, the hole also helps to stabilize your knee cap.
    				
    							_Jerry

    Bellwether makes some great winter riding pants.  They are made
    out of one of those fabrics that pulls the moisture away from your
    skin and still keeps you warm (polywick I think it's called), but
    on the front of the pants is this layer of windbreaker type material.
    They even have these neat little pleats over the knees to helpwith
    pedaling.   They even make matching jackets.
    
    	-Nancy

    	If you will send me your full mailstop/address, I'll mail you
    a copy of my "Cold and Wet Weather Clothing" workshop handout. It
    lists the principles of cold/wet weather clothing, suppliers, and
    suggestions for various temp. ranges. (I gave this workshop at the
    LAW Nat'l Rally in Salisbury and at NEAR this year.) 
    	If anyone else wants a copy, also send your mailstop. - Chris

    I like the thick wool pants that I got at an Army surplus store.
    (I think that they are German army surplus)

    They have drawstrings around the ankles to keep the wind out,
    and they are thicker on the front of the knee and upper thigh
    than on the back.

    I also use them for skiing and winter hiking.
    $19.95 at Central Surplus.  Wot a deal.

    The only drawbacks are that they are heavy, and my girlfriend
    says that I look like a member of the Syrian army ski patrol.

    -Jeff Bell

    re. .11  It never ceases to amaze me how much readership these notes
    get: a fair amount of participation, but much more readership. I
    have mailed out over 35 copies of the handout, some to people who have
    never written anything in this conference, to all over the US, and
    some to the UK, Europe and Oz.                                    
    	Moral: if you make an offer, don't be surprised at the acceptance!
                - Chris (having fun filling a couple of requests a week,still)

>>    	Moral: if you make an offer, don't be surprised at the acceptance!
>>                - Chris (having fun filling a couple of requests a week,still)

	Tell me about it!!!!

	
	The jersey man ;^)