What to Wear When Bicycling

Now that spring has arrived, it is time to dust off that bicycle and get out for a ride. Make sure you do a favor for your bike and yourself by 

This time I'd like to cover "What to Wear?"

Remember, bicycles are more than just recreational, they are utility and commuter vehicles too. You may need to be dressed for work or the theater, but here are some suggestions ...

Wear a helmet. If you fall off your bike, you are just about guaranteed to hit your head. You might not fall off your bike very often, but when you do, a helmet can save you a lot of grief. Helmets are inexpensive (much less than a trip to the hospital), comfortable, fashionable and help keep your head cool in hot weather.   Add a balaclava, head band or ear muffs when the weather gets cold.

Just in case you were wondering, I've averaged falling off my bike about once a year. Through the years, I've broken two helmets, cracked my right clavicle twice and dislocated my left thumb. I can assure you I would have suffered some nasty head injuries if I hadn't been wearing a helmet.

Gloves are essential for any bicycling. They cushion your hands and provide some protection in a fall. In cool weather, they keep your hands warm.

I recommend wearing either clear safety glasses or sunglasses when riding. They protect your eyes from UV damage, bugs, road grit, low hanging branches, pollen and dust.

Dress in layers. If you are out for any length of time, the weather can change and your level of exertion can change. A comfortable shirt is a good first layer.  Cotton may feel great when it is dry, but it turns evil when it gets wet. I prefer some of the moisture wicking synthetics, such as a polyester blend for warm weather or a long sleeve polypropylene shirt for cold weather riding. I've heard there are some wonderfully soft wool blends but I haven't had a chance to try them yet.

In cool weather, you will probably need an insulating layer. Polyester fleece is my favorite. A jacket with a full length zipper makes it easy to shed once you get too warm. Next is an outer layer to protect from the wind and occasional rain. There are some great breathable and waterproof jackets.  There are also some marginal ones. Again, a full-length zipper makes it easy to change as conditions change.  Pick a bright high visibility color. Lime green is super visible. Reflective striping or a reflective vest is a good idea if you are out in the dark.

The same layering applies to your legs. I find my legs stay comfortable in cool weather with regular long pants. I add rain pants in wet weather or wind pants below about 20 degrees. Shorts are best for most riding.

Wear comfortable shoes suitable to the weather. Due to my wide range of riding conditions I like hiking shoes. I add plastic shopping bags for fashionable protection from the rain and switch to waterproof insulated winter boots when it is really cold.

Perhaps one of the best pieces of advice comes from my Norwegian ancestors. (Yes, the Norwegians thought of this first.)

"There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing."

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* The role of Spring is being played by Summer.  Spring had already stepped into the lead after the untimely demise of Old Man Winter.

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Here is a summary of what works for me. You may want to shift the temperature range to suit your comfort level.  I have thick skin.

• Above 50F — T-shirt and shorts.
• Below 50F — Add sweat shirt, maybe jacket.
• Below 40F — Add jacket, ear muffs and full gloves.
• Below 32F — Change to long pants.
• Below 30F — Add scarf, change to mittens.
• Below 20F — Add wind pants and change to thermal boots.
• Below 10F — Add balaclava and extra socks.  Change sweatshirt to fleece jacket.
• Below 5F — Add sweatpants under wind pants.
• Below 0F — Add face mask and ski goggles. I've ridden as low as minus-9 degrees.