Why Most Cyclists Get Winter Gear Wrong

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

😏 If this video ruined your day, subscribing might finish the job: bit.ly/Subscribe_to_EBD

[@dipdip7250]

This is better than GCN

[@Pnut123e4]

Agreed 100%

[@andyjayso4551]

Agree

[@klarkolofsson]

I only watch GCN Tech to keep up with new cycling technology.

[@joeinglesfield]

Welcome to the club

[@jhgrd]

Yes you are right sir.

[@martindoonan198]

After 25 years of my own learning, I agree with all of this. The one extra I find essential is an under-the-helmet warm hat that covers all of my ears, especially the lobes.

[@MTB_FANATIC99]

I agree once my ears and fingers get cold the rest of my body does as well 😂😂❤❤

[@GummeeH3]

Try a helmet similar to the Lazer with an Aeroshell. I can ride all winter with just an ear warmer under there

[@Mikesbikerides]

Same with the hat!

[@andrewnorris5415]

As an extra hack, I found I can wear a balaclava but just lower it around the mouth. What this does is allows the neck section to fully cover my neck. Normal neck warmers slip down! It's like an effective neck warmer and head warmer over the ears. Can always cover the mouth area too if gets colder. And I got it from ali express and it works great. Can get them in different thicknesses for different temps.

[@skyriminspace]

Buff.

[@CrabgrassFarmer]

Having bags on your bike in winter is a game changer. Having places to put extra gear that you may need, or have taken off, really ramps the enjoyment and lowers the stress.

[@tymanski1]

this

[@Kristian_Saile]

Was going to leave this same comment. Riding in winter in MI’s upper peninsula can be super cold so I always bring extra gloves and an extra layer in case of a mechanical or getting wet. Have a frame bag (and a fatbike to handle the snow😆) is really crucial. Also using a buff as a hat under my helmet is key too to regulating body temp. Can wear it like a headband to keep ears warm and to release heat out the top or covering my head when it’s needed.

[@ErrinV]

Good lesson learned from hiking is "Be bold, start cold". That way you aren't stopping 10 mins up the road to ditch a layer.

[@TheRugEmporium]

My mountaineering club uses that mantra for the basic class

[@FloppyWaffle]

Agreed 100%

[@GummeeH3]

If you aren't cold for the first 10ish min, you're overdressed

[@squngy0]

This is true, but I still sometimes do it anyway. You just have to account for the fact you will be ditching layers, sometimes I prefer that over starting cold. Bring layers that are easy to remove and have a place to store them after.

[@Thomas5792]

True, my experience tell's me rather to cold then warm. Hands ands feet should be ok.

[@chrislehr07]

The boot and glove dryer is one of those "how didnt we get this sooner" purchases. So worth it. The whole family gets use out of it in rainy season

[@jealnoslyn]

I just got one this season and it's been amazing. I've lived in the Pacific Northwest for over 10 years so I feel pretty stupid for not having one earlier.

[@TheStarkmojo]

I have huge hands and feet and special shoes for me don’t exist. Motorcycle gloves are generally larger and better insulated then bicycle gloves and last better for the money. Motocross gloves are bomber

[@MatthewJonRainey]

best channel ever. Being a loyalist to Assos, Craft, and Gore, I have REALLY been impressed lately with Gorewear products. You get what you pay for. The Booties, both the insulated and the rain booties combined together are AWESOME!!!!! Up here in the Seattle mountains PNW baby,

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Matthew knows!!!

[@tevemullins8156]

Winter shoe covers are mandatory but a buff is the one thing I love that I didn’t think I needed. 👌

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

The buff is clutch! they are essentially my comfort blanket on all rides under 60 degrees ;)

[@PaavoKotiaho]

Absolutely brilliant as always! An important point for riders with prostates is the point on thermal bibs and over-shorts. I would imagine this applies universally, but keeping your down below nice and toasty is especially important for prostate health and you will thank yourself for it.

[@Zyzzyx42]

An often very unknown base layer is mesh. The last couple years I've been wearing mesh base shirts from Brynje. Both wool and synthetic. Wonderfully warm and feels even drier than a merino shirt when you're sweating. and they work great in the spring or fall. I'll wear one up to 50-60F, works great at temperature moderation. And again with the staying dry, after a hard climb, don't have the cold clammy shirt feeling at all.

[@mayfieldcourt]

Exactly - Brynje is excellent.

[@TheKeeperofdeath]

You peaked my interest. Just ordered a mesh from Brynje. And I standby smartwool. But always in the market for something new

[@SuperJohnnyO]

The base layer in general is the one I always forget about. I'm heading to the Brynje site now. Thank you!

[@ketle369]

Brynje is amazing. We used cotton Brynje in the army. Very warm and so light.

[@deepzeliade-dk8uo]

Still my most favourite online cycling buddy, always coming with the truth and best, straightforward advice and help. Like the older bro I never had.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

🤜❤️🤛

[@StickmanAirsoftPH]

I live in a tropical country where there are only two kinds of weather. Hell on earth or the sky is attempting to drown you. Still watching this video because I enjoy your content.

[@jnatiw]

As a commuter 12/365, I'm pretty dialed, but I still learned a few things from this video. Super solid advice and love the delivery. Thanks, brutha!

[@markbailey2130]

As a bloke that works in sales and listens/tries to read people for a living.. I would just like to say your rapport and word skills to the camera are viewer inducing and hold my attention . Chapeau to you and your channel

[@MSUTri]

IDK, I felt like I was being talked down to in a borderline condescending voice for the length of the video. Not to mention highly mislead by the title. Every cyclist who rides in winter knows these things - because if they haven't been taught them, they'll learn them quickly through experience. In concept it's all easy to understand - but applying in the real world can be substantially more difficult. And if for some reason they are incapable of learning those lessons, they're going to be miserable and won't be winter cyclists any more!

[@jpro1985]

I commute everyday from Beaverton to South Waterfront. Ended up getting the Giro Blaze shoes after watching your video. No matter what the conditions are, my feet are warm, dry, and happy.

[@GummeeH3]

quick suggestion: mesh base layer first rather than merino. While merino does insulate when it gets wet, it's still wet. A mesh base layer moves that moisture away from the body and provides pockets of air everywhere there's an open spot. Think double pane windows for the body... If you have knee warmers, try putting them on before your tights. You only get one pair of knees. Knickers under (no pad!) tights does the same job and you can wear the tights for several days in a row before having to wash the tights. Which brings up no pad tights vs tights with pads. You can mix and match knickers (shorts and knee warmers) and tights if the tights don't have pads. Couse that means having different weights of knickers and tights to get you through different temperature ranges thru the winter. Since doing things this way means you can wear 30 year old tights to this day with knickers that are new, saving $ in the long run

[@flying_brick9756]

Man, good video - made me subscribe. I've been riding for 4 years and about 30 000km, still got some very good tips from this. Thank you, i'll be end of season bargain hunting with this video in mind.

[@Tilim1st]

My opinion: A cheap base layer and a cheap insulation layer are fine. I just run a synthetic sports tank top and a 5-10€ insulation bike jersey for cold weather from a german supermarket chain. If you pair them, they hold up extremely well. Just for the shell you probably need something more expensive, because in my experience you don't get rainproof and breathable shell for cheap. And for everyone getting to hot: I can recommend the löffler hybrid jacket. It blocks wind on the front but is very thin and breathable on the back. The downside is, it is not rainproof at all. If you wear 3 layers, it is perfect for -10 to-0°C

[@deanderek5494]

I live outside Portland Oregon and ride everyday. I usually was going through 1.5 to 2 shoe covers a year. This year I bought a winter cycling shoe and love it!!

[@Ethan-xq5bo]

Pogie lite's from Bike Iowa have absolutely changed my life. Flat bar and drop bar compatible, also easily convertible when you heat up too much.

[@adam__smith]

This x10. I ride in cold snowy conditions and only wear medium thick gloves all winter. Sooooo good.

[@FreeRadicalX]

Oh my god... I finally realized what Dustin's rhetorical style reminds me of... MR ROGERS. But like, a caffeinated hipster Mr Rogers. This is a good thing btw, we should all be more like Mr Rogers.

[@Jennifer-w6g]

@@FreeRadicalX nice! Agreed, he was a cool, fair dude.

[@yayajosh]

Oh man I need to know what that vest you’re wearing is!

[@edsassler]

Pretty good! After watching countless videos about winter clothing I’ve come to a few conclusions. First, most cyclists have flunked thermodynamics class. You got the three layer system right, but then you use the same material for the first two layers. The base layer can’t be thermal, because wicking doesn’t happen across a temperature drop. The temperature on the inside is body heat, if there is a significant drop in temperature to the outside of the base layer, capillary action doesn’t happen. You’ve gone with wool because it still insulates when wet, but it’s not really acting as a base layer. A good base layer should not be thermal. Craft makes a base layer that has air channels to move moisture to areas of lower concentration. The thermal layer is exactly as you describe, a dead air space that acts as insulation. The thermal layer is also where the moisture produced winds up. I’ve seen the marketing for outer layers that also wick moisture, what I’ve never seen is salt residue from sweating on the outside of one of those jackets. The materials have a rating system that tells you how much moisture the material can pass. What they don’t tell you is that the number is per square meter, per 24 hour period… A working 3 layer system is pretty simple. Base layer is non-thermal, the thickness of that base layer is based on time on the bike. It’s just room to move moisture away from the body. The thermal layer is based on outside temperature. I love the idea of thrift store wool because most of the cycling companies have lost the technology to make thermal layers without zippers. If you’re ever in the Boston area with a bike, we should ride!

[@Stuntman175]

Scandinavians use Merino wool mesh sweaters as a first layer and insulation. The holes in the mesh trap air warmed up by your body heat and it serves as a thermal bridge between you and the next layer of clothing. It's lightweight, breathable, warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

[@jp37829]

Little late here but can vouch for the overbar mittens. They're very good at keeping hands warm. I use those and skiing gloves down to -10C. Then in colder, lobster gloves. I haven't found a good way to keep my toes warm yet. Tried shoe covers, extra layers of sock etc. And I wear winter shoes hiking shoes. Usually I just walk the bike for 5 minutes for about every 40 minutes of cycling to warm up my toes again.

[@kineticarl]

For your consideration: you can bundle up you hands and feet as much as possible, but that won't do much good if the blood that gets there is already cold. The arms and lower legs typically don't generate much heat nor do they have much body fat. They're actually supposed to lose heat. Try more insulation on those bits to give your hands and feet a fighting chance.

[@sedricmalonejr]

I need that purple fuzzy vest in size 2xlt! 😅

[@FloppyWaffle]

I've been riding my entire life 12 months a year, great Tips. Some I've already figured out but some I'm going to have to try. Defiantly going to invest in a set of winter cycling shoes next. Favorite piece of gear that I thought I didn't need but got on sale would be my Fox 3L water coat with the hood that will fit over a helmet as well as back/pit vents.

[@og_lookman]

Riding year-round in northern Illinois, I am a big fan of winter cycling boots, toe warmers, as well as hand warmers.

[@pernilsson2394]

Worst weather is around 0 celcius, windy and high humidity. For hands i recommend wool liners, wool mittens and a shell mitt.

[@kineticarl]

We often dress so that our core and quads don't overheat. But i think that often means that our arms and lower legs are under-insulated. These bits are very good at shunting heat from the body, and if your blood is losing heat on its way down to your hands and feet, no amount of gloves and socks are going are going to retain heat that isn't getting there in the first place. So throw on some arm and leg warmers for extra heat retention in order to give your hands and feet a fighting chance.

[@SyLens1]

My best advice for winter training when its not too cold (between 10-3 degrees celcius) dont do coffee or cafe stops. When u cool down in your sweat. Getting back on the bike will be miserable. Do it at the end of the ride and you’re golden!

[@JustJake77]

I agree, proper waterproof winter riding shoes, with a waterproof sock. Absolute must have!

[@neilgoebel]

Bar mitts! I'm dealing with Winnipeg winters of -20/-35C and for some reason avoided getting bar mitts for a few years.. Once I got them I felt foolish for not having them sooner. The wind never gets to your fingers and that makes so much difference.

[@123moof]

Bar Mitts/Pogies are also great for drizzly weather. No "waterproof" gloves actually stay so for more than about 3 rides, and they breath terribly for anything beyond a very short ride. With Bar Mitts you can run summer weight gloves down to about freezing. You can also more easily bring extra dry gloves if sweat becomes an issue than if using thick bulky gloves.

[@rono.3692]

Hi Neil. I am also dealing with Winnipeg winters! Which bar mitts would you recommend for my cross bike's drop bars? Also, my Specialized Defroster boots do not love temps below -25C. Any suggestions?

[@neilgoebel]

@@rono.3692 not sure on drop bar bar mitts, i've just been using a pair of Raleigh from Canadian tire until they give up then I might upgrade. Boots have been a struggle to find what keeps the toes from freezing but I am having some success with north 49 wolvhammer boots and wool hiking socks.

[@rono.3692]

@@neilgoebel Thank you!

[@nathantoney.1501]

I’ve read most of louis L’lamour books. Many are about winter survival. The most important thing to survive below zero temps is to never sweat. Back in the day if you sweat even a little a layer of ice will form under your clothes.

[@Schlem]

I have all the gear I need for crappy winter weather... what I lack, however, is a SPINE.

[@gerhardthartlieb8308]

Have you thought about a career in politics?

[@Thezuule1]

Bar mitts. I bought some for my hybrid bike and liked them so much I put a set on my road bike. It's nice being able to just wear a light pair of gloves and still have waterproof and wind proof hands.

[@PaulJulienVAUTHIER]

I second this, Bar mitts were game changer for me

[@Thezuule1]

@@PaulJulienVAUTHIER my only concern when I first got them was that I wouldn't be able to get into the drop bars but I've found I can still grab them a couple ways and the bar mitts actually seem to divert the wind away from my hands despite them not being in the mitts. Gives my hands a chance to dry off a little without getting cold. They're just a win all around imo.

[@freezechill]

I found that a simple helmet cover is super comfortable against cold wind or rain.

[@Jennifer-w6g]

@@freezechill that’s a clever idea. I like it, cover up all those holes.

[@FLY1NF1SH]

9:45 100% agree, shorts are to legs what a windbreaker vest is to your core, and the last place you wanna get wind blasted is your uhhh... "lower core" 😅

[@mhuzzell]

My surprise-indispensible winter riding gear is a pair of those slim little earmuffs that wrap around the back of your head. I live in a cold climate and wear them for 75% of the year. Even if it's warm enough to not wear any other cold-weather layers, those and gloves are the first things I start putting on in autumn, and the last things to drop off in spring.

[@jabehauber]

Buffalo NY year-round rider here. The game changer for me was insulated boots/cleats. I have the 45North Wolvhammer boots. They look like they would be clunky and heavy, but they are surprisingly lightweight for what you get. Waterproof, Thinsulate warmth, Vibram sole, SPD cleats all mean I can stay out in the coldest weather for hours. Second are good gloves. I use the Pearl Izumi thinsulate lined gloves. When the temp drops below 25F/-4C, I'll carry silk liners, but I rarely use them. Third is a poly skull cap under the helmet. I have Pearl Izumi's version with the modest ear flaps. Even a little ear coverage does the trick. And if I want to go out in real subzero weather, I put a rain bonnet over my helmet...just like you would a shell jacket...for insulation. To avoid "lung burn" on crisp days under load, I use cheap bandanas over my nose and mouth; that heats the incoming air just enough to avoid damage.

[@TheKeeperofdeath]

FYI. Those boots no longer sale in NY as of January 1st 2025

[@pocketsearch]

I bike where it's frequently around -15 to -5°C and a neck tube is my fav piece of kit! Too cold? Pull it up! Too warm? Scrunch it up and push it down. Furthermore, I think anyone that bikes in freezing conditons can benefit from cross-country skiing attire.

[@StefanPolak]

@pocketsearch Hi! I would love to hear how you keep your toes and fingers warm. I often ride below 5°C but my fingertips and toes start to freeze off after an 40-60 minutes on the bike. For the toes (yes I have winter shoes), I started to use heated socks which seem to save my toes during a 2 hour ride, but my fingers still start to freeze off even though I have winter gloves. Not the lobster styled ones as in the video, but still winter gloves.... I suspect, poor blood circulation into the fingertips might be one of my issues... Not sure how to keep them warm. I can't imagine to get out below 0°C with my current gear, so I am hoping to get some tips from you specifically for the fingertips issue. Thanks!

[@marceloalbuja]

I was about to ask the same thing! Using Agu Merino wool socks, doesn’t do it at all ⠀ And I ride with Leather motorcycle winter gloves, also terrible ⠀ In need to learn a thing or two!

[@pocketsearch]

@@StefanPolak I'd start off with Marino wool socks or skiing (alpine or xc) socks. You should be fine using any of those and shouldn't need to layer up if you're using winter shoes. In the worst case you may have to look into a shoe cover to stop cold air seeping in. In regards to fingers freezing you're better off layering up. So a thin wool glove and xc skiing glove on top (proper winter gloves for really cold days). Hope this helps!

[@MiesvanderLippe]

I recently bought rainlegs. They only cover the top of your upper legs / knees. Also easy to take off, less sweaty, does not need to go past muddy shoes.

[@stanmustard7292]

You're absolutely right, the best winter gear can be found at the thrift stores.

[@scotthepworth5976]

I've been using a nordic skiing jacket as my midlayer. Warm, wicks well and has vents. Great video Amigo!

[@ab763]

I’m in southern Ontario and usually take December - January off to lift and climb. Keeping your core, hands, feet, and head is the most important. I run neoprene booties and gloves or none at all. Merino headband, neck gator and, base layer. Either a patigonia raincoat or jersey with a gillet. Long tights without a chamois are the best as you can wear your good summer stuff underneath. It’s not about going fast, it’s about getting KM’s early in the season. I personally can’t watch a screen so outdoors it is.

[@jbratt]

I’m watching this from South Texas. It’s been in the 80s all week but your videos always have great entertainment value anyway. Thanks for your channel! Happy New Year !

[@HDub16]

Rain Proof Gilet is one of the things I thought was completely idiotic. Turns out if it’s not actually raining, just misting or occasional showers it’s way better

[@joowwwllllll666]

An insulated gilet I bought at a sale. Turned out to be the most worn peace in spring, fall and winter so far.

[@Elbrasch]

My biggest surprise was a 1mm thin wind proof cap for my head, I am bald and don't need anything else for my head at 3 °C. Wind proof everywhere makes a huge difference

[@LozGroverMastering]

Excellent video :) For the cheap and the less organised.. two hacks are, on a day a bit colder than your gear is made for, a few sheets of newspaper under the final layer to keep the wind out and most of the heat in, and, for those without the spare cash for winter boots, a thick and fluffy thermal sock sandwiched between your shoes and an overshoe. Cut holes for your cleats and you're good to go. Works surprisingly well (but only for a day where rain is not expected).

[@JaccoSW]

I will add one more suggestion for baselayers, mesh baselayers like the ones still made by Brynje in Norway. They are an old style of clothing worn by fishermen. But they hold more air than a regular baselayer but dry much faster. I've used Merino for ages but I splurged a bit on one of these as an experiment this year and they're surprisingly warmer than regular baselayers. Mine is synthetic but maybe I will get a merino one later.

[@tetraultp]

I would suggest using the layering method for hands too. Mittens are often way more dextrous than people think, and you can throw in an aditionnal glove liner. Also, I like having waterproof over-mitts, since it's way easier to dry the insulation and waterproof layer if you can take them appart.

[@winstonsmith8236]

ride year round in Coastal Maine , down to 0F, here are my super-finds: Walz ear/neck flap merino wool cap, Rapha merino wool neck/face snood (wool lets you breathe regularly), Baselayer-Smartwool IntraKnit cycling base layer tank top (gotta let the pits breath or sweat-waterfall occurs), Rapha Brevet Goretex infinium jersey, Rapha Classic winter shell with chest vents,, Rapha cargo fleece winter bibs, Gore winter lobster-gloves (lobster really helps fingers from going numb), Smartwool cycling socks, Fiziks winter booties & Assos toe-warmers, tinfoil inside my shoes.. I can easily ride 3 hrs, still relatively aero.

[@arokit]

For those folks who debate bar mitts, and ride in sub zero temps (below 32f/0c) they are wonderful. I can wear thin summer full finger gloves down to -7c and will be completely cozy. If colder i'll only step up to a neoprene light ski glove. Keeps you dexterous for braking and shifting. The only drawback is when you start to get too shredy for conditions you're likely following the bike to the ground. (location reference Calgary, AB)

[@fookie-fone]

Best winter gear that I love that I thought I didn’t need? Pogies. Freaking amazing in the winter. Throw a hand warmer in there and it’s cozy AF.

[@ornotbike]

👏🏼👏🏼 very through - liner gloves are crucial. Love the mix and match. I still swear by “portex” under shoe covers on rainy days ( but my feet are always cold ).

[@HalJikaKick]

I’ve ridden through probably 9 Portland Oregon area winters. Some of the best rides I’ve ever had were in shit weather. Having a bike with full fenders front and rear with mud flaps at the bottom are the key to keeping road spray and grime off you and the biscuit behind sucking your wheel. 😄

[@andrewnorris5415]

Great advice. I find the meshed Byarn base layers work very well. Better than light merino. Stops the chill when restart. I also found 50/50 merino/synthetic mix not only performs better - but it's stronger and lasts longer too! I also tend to buy off season. Got my shimano winter shoes that way used on ebay, bargain.

[@michaelbonade4667]

Spilling my coffee in the kitchen or on my porch right as I’m heading out the door......and having it just start to rain as I’m heading out for a ride, will turn me into a stark raving lunatic in right around one second....

[@funfunfanfun]

Hi, I liked your video. Funny. You forgot mentioning head/nose/mouth covering. If I go out cycling at temperatures below 3 degrees Celsius, I'm dead without my Wedze neck warmer (that I actually use to cover my nose and mouth - otherwise I get inevitably sore throat, running nose, and other whatnots nature envisaged for us) and of course wearing a hat in those conditions is a must.

[@ktdefron]

Just got recommended your video in my feed and really enjoying it. Also you're giving off strong Alton Brown vibes

[@Tandborste13]

Got me subbed just because wearing shorts over the bibs to not look like a goon. Way to go! Love the vids.

[@lelwil2]

I enjoy your content so much. Between your quirky, ADHD, talk to yourself mannerisms that match mine to your factual no nonsense approach to your creativity. Always enjoy your content.

[@joshuarebennack68]

Thoughts from a MN rider: 1. Wool, wool, wool. If you think your wool is wearing out too fast, its either cheaper wool or you aren't washing it right. (Turn it inside out, hand wash it 3 out of 4 times with wool safe soap, and every 1 out of 4 times, when machine washing it, put it in a pillowcase and wash on gentle with wool safe soap. Flat rack dry.) The 70% Smartwool base layers aren't bad, though I prefer the 100% Varusteleka stuff. 2. Endura makes spray trousers and jackets - thin shells with vent zippers made for English weather - wet and (relatively) warm. But over base/insulation layers they are great to stay dry with. And if you get hot, zip down the vents and get that hot air out. 3. Keeping hands warm - this is so person specific there is not a "magic" answer. For me, my fingers are cold till my core get up to temperature, about 20 min. Thin silk or wool under gloves are a must, with a waterproof glove over that. 4. I really recommend some kind of bag with you in the winter with spares. Backpack, bike mounted, whatever. Makes it easy to take spares.

[@CookingMike]

Have you tried duckworh? Montana based wool . Been using their Polaris Henley as my base layer , commet hoodie mid and Wyoming traders wool vest.

[@joshuarebennack68]

@@CookingMike No, but I would like to. For a lot of the Duckworth items, I already have some version of them (usually Varusteleka) and I don't want to buy just to buy. I will say I'm getting Cima Coppi bike specific items now. Not inexpensive by any means, but wow, the quality is amazing.

[@alanmckellar908]

Shoe covers. Where I ride, it's pretty dry so I don't need the winter shoes. This is great advice overall and I wish I found your channel years ago. Stay awesome!

[@martinhusfeldt9583]

I always use overshoes over my wintershoes, not in order to keep the feet warmer but to keep the shoes clean, so that I can store them in the kitchen near the radiator while the overshoes sit in the shed. By that I can start off with nice warm shoes. That works really well for me.

[@PumpkinVillage]

A lot of good points. I like a light rag wool glove with an over mitt. To warm take off the over mitt and your ready to go. Going to buy a pair of long bib shorts this winter. Never had any and also going to try an squeeze in a pair of winter boots too. I but a pannier on my bike and carry extra stuff . Feel better being ready for this Vermont weather. Thanks for the video and take care, Al

[@samuelschmid5046]

Totally agree, but had to learn it the hard way myself… Will go for the winter shoes next.

[@gullywhumper]

Great stuff Dustin, I ride fixed all winter and I’ve been struggling with my layers and your tips were super insightful!

[@Connor_WK]

It took me 8 years to finally buy a vest that was $20 on sale. Its amazing and I already want a higher quality one.

[@Ahats5]

Bar mitts for sure. -30 degrees plus (minus?) some windchill and I was comfortable in summer gloves. Lots of good tidbits in here!

[@TheDonaldG]

The rain pants have been a surprising boon to my pre-dawn sub freezing commutes. I got them specifically for rain (s/o GORE) but they work so well against the wind & I can easily slide them over my work pants. Probably my biggest surprise win.

[@Cherokee140Driver]

"recently I swindled a bunch of brands..." This is why I'm a big fan! MOAR swindlin'!

[@davidsprick6150]

Gillet or vest was my gear I just added. That shell over my specialized winter jersey/ winter long sleeve you talked about solved my issues. Whether in 20s or 40s works.

[@Anihalas]

I have a shortsleeve and longsleeve synthetic baselayer from craft that have been doing the job for 20+ winters now. And those gloves! so recognizable! After I found my pair I bought 3 more. So I have a few drawers with 3 pairs of gloves for multiple situations.

[@adoj105]

Pogies for the win. When it gets really cold it just gives you a pocket of warmer air and you can throw in a chemical hand warmers in there if need be.

[@mr59301]

Most solid. I'm taking these winter gear tips from Fargo's first citizen to the bank or, at least, the grain elevator. Buy nice or buy twice; and try not to lose fingers and toes in the winds and snows.

[@bretbender2992]

Agreed on bringing two pairs of gloves! When it's near or below freezing I like to use a ski helmet instead of a bike helmet for the extra head and ear coverage/warmth.

[@Flying_Skier]

I just wear a bunch of trail running and nordic skiing gear, but I also run hot enough I almost never need anything warmer than just shorts. Waterproof socks have been a game changer too.

[@mathijsprovoost]

Gear I figured that I need, regular winter shoes (non-cycling). Cleats get clogged with snow, eventually turning into ice and impossible to clip in pedals.

[@rohangayle9130]

Yes Dustin, good blog,only thing I can add is for hands, petroleum jelly, rub a small amount the hands,then the"Not A Mechanic "" latex or tpu gloves on beneath your chosen winter gloves,,,then you're golden, good to go,can get sweaty,but believe me😂 Man of colour,!! Winter is not the norm for my heritage,but strange as it seems,I ride more on the winter, must be less distractions maybe Good job again Dustin

[@soarstar]

For hands, look into light and medium Merino liners. Paired with an oversized shell-type glove, they are very flexible / functional & dry fast. Pearl Izumi *used* to make a great shell glove for this called the Zephrr. This combo has been my go-to for a couple of decades in virtually any conditions.

[@DrewPeabawls]

Completely agree with this layering system. I’ll add that a shell with arm pit vents is crucial. I also bike with an old pair of ski pants with leg vents (not very aero but that’s not my priority).

[@davidpancerz5820]

First time viewer to your channel and respectfully you're the quirky Woody Allen of cycling. Love the thought & humor that went into this. Acknowledging your salient tips, I still dress incorrectly for the winter months here in The Great State of Texas. I either don't wear enough and freeze my tuchus off or dress too warmly which produces sweat & results in freezing my tuchus off for the latter half of the ride. I'm right there with you investing in quality gear and am embarrassed at the amount of Rapha & MAAP clothing I have at my disposal. Favorite bit of kit is the insulated windblock base layer from Rapha although I don't feel it wicks away sweat effectively. I've almost resigned to failing at dressing for winter cycling and far prefer the 110 degree summers where at least I know what to wear. Enjoyed your video, thanks for posting and the effort imparted.

[@christoph4794]

You are just hilarious. Can watch your videos forever. Very entertaining! Keep going 💪

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I appreciate your kind words Chris!

[@tacconelli]

fave piece of winter kit i love and i didn't know i needed is a really nice, insulated columbia gaiter with a drawstring -- the drawstring really helps with fogged glasses!!!

[@ChrisPicado-er6or]

Two hats for big climbs: one for climbing and the other for descending also arm sleeves. At the top of the climb, take in your accomplishments and the views while you putting a dry hat on, pulling up your extra sleeves and zipping up. Now, you are ready for a fast descent without chattering teeth.

[@brushylake4606]

Here in Central Florida, I just had to find my long sleeved Henley this morning. It was in the high 40s this morning...brrrr.

[@neilfox9540]

One of the best videos on winter cycling clothing - wished I'd found this a few years ago instead of learning the hard way. Only thing I'd disagree with is shoe covers - they work well, although I haven't tried boots yet. Best brands for winter clothing in my opinion are Castelli, Sportful and Le Col.

[@lauratimmins2177]

I have a collection of gloves too. Lol Plus I carry an extra pair of gloves if there is a lunch break and no hand dryers in the washroom. I use thick winter booties and plus toe warmer inserts on the top of my foot between my sock and shoe. The big thing with winter riding is to just do the ride with no stops to cool down. I'm a 65 year old gal riding for over twenty years in the winter here in Ontario, Canada. Sure beats riding on an indoor trainer. Ride on!

[@banana122049]

Merino wool balaclava and water proof gloves are my biggest aha moments this winter

[@davomoto42]

Smartwool lightweight neck gaiter is my single favorite accessory, and my pogies - they are so warm I can wear summer gloves with them and be totally fine down to 15°F. I also love my Gore thermal bibs.

[@discplayersports]

Come to Florida, the weather is great this time of year.

[@mrcrowley1977]

Bar mitts all the way for me. Below 5 Celsius due to having Reynaud's my hands run cold in any gloves. With bar mitts I can use fingerless gloves and my hands are still warm, even in sub zero.

[@trekker750]

All good stuff, plus one on winter shoes over shoe covers. I’m in CO and it can get cold. I always bring a pair of chemical hand warmers just in case. I also bring Bike Iowa’s poogie lites. Packable, fit any bike and will save the day.

[@jaybobd]

I've had high tech sweat-wicking allegedly temperature regulating base layers. Then got Merino shirt baselayers. Nothing beats it for temp control, sweat wicking and odor control.

[@georgestraz2984]

Really good! Thank you.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Glad you liked it!

[@JamieTec]

Waterproof shorts are my fav I didn't know I needed it gear. Keeps your ass dry when the trails are wet (snow/post rain) but lessons the chance of overheating.

[@RemarkaBIL]

Overshoes! As much of a pain as they can be to don and doff, the comfort of having dry, warm tootsies makes up for. Started with (and still recommend) Velotoze, but have since upgraded to Spatzwear.

[@davidhocevar8510]

for commutes up to 1hour and temperatures to -5C normal clothes works fine, but in thin layers complete with something like goretex outer layers, two or three socks, heavy hiking boots, two pants, t-shirt, merino base layer, wool sweater and goretex jacket, two hats and helmet works fine, 3 essentials: dont go to hard so you dont sweat, mudguards and bags.... bags and mudguards are far the best thing you can do for commute, also always have rain gear in one of the bags, that way you wont be anxius about weather when you must go home...