Riding in freezing weather

[Epy]

Hello all, I moved to Ohio about 3 years ago and just got my bike running again this Feb. I was so excited to ride again that I rode while it was about 30-40 degrees out. That may be normal riding weather for some (I've seen some guys riding without too much protection at this temp!), but I'm from CA so the coldest I've really rode in before is probably 50-55.

All that being said, what would you guys suggest for cold weather riding? If there's not snow on the ground, I want to ride, even if it's 20 degrees out. I have a balaclava to keep my head and neck warm. Pretty sure I'm going to have to pick up some heated gloves or something else to keep my hands warm.

[Falban]

  Epy.
There are a bunch of threads here with some great info info on them.
Do some searches in the Riding Gear board, and elsewhere.
I searched 'winter' and got a bunch of threads, including this one: http://nighthawk-forums.com/index.php/topic,7424.0/highlight,winter.html

Also check out HippoHands http://www.hippohands.com/ as another option.

Oh, keep your eyes open for the 2011-2012 Refrigerated Rider Contest - beginning sooner than we think:
http://nighthawk-forums.com/index.php/topic,7041.0.html


Hope this helps.

[bajakirch]

Oh, keep your eyes open for the 2011-2012 Refrigerated Rider Contest - beginning sooner than we think:

Really? It's going to be 90 today, and I already have to start thinking about cold-weather riding? Curse you!

 

[Falban]

Ahhh, 27°             

[hppants]

Down South, 40 is considered cold, so I'm no expert.  However, I've found that layering is a big help.  Also, a good set of long handles goes a long way.

I bought these pants too - the quilted removable liner is very warm.

http://www.jafrum.com/Motorcycle-Gear/Mens-Textile-Motorcycle-Pants/LP2821

[ariwhiteboy]

  Also, a good set of long handles goes a long way.

Cajun Translation- Thermal Underwear...which in HP's case are some really long handles. 

[LOKi]

HEATED JACKET! seriously nothing matches the warmth of basically a heated blanket formed into a jacket. When it's 60* out you can still use it as a wind breaker under a mesh jacket. That same setup will take you all the way into the low 40's sometimes upper 30's. Anything below that and you will want to cut the wind a little more. I resist going to textile as long as possible so I'll add a wind breaker over the heated jacket. For 30's and below I wear a long sleeve thermal, heated jacket, then textile jacket. If it's really cold I'll leave the liner in the textile jacket. Keep the core worm is first priority. Next are the hands.

Some like heated gloves and if you have the funds that is probably the best option. I like heated grips personally. Heated grips with even my perforated leather gloves will take me into the low 40's. Though I do have hand guards too. Hand guards keep the wind off the fingers. Bet with HippoHands grip heaters are really nice.

Some "Long Horns" for the legs and liners in the textile paints are all I usually need. Sometimes if it's really cold I'll leave my flannel PJ's on.

Good boots and warm socks. Go with wool. They retain their thermal properties even if they get wet. They also make some electric foot beds. I haven't really looked into them yet though. It doesn't get cold enough for that in Louisiana.

Neck and face. Everything else covered but don't forget about your neck and face. On really cold days I like a neck gator. Basically a fleece tube you slip over your head, down to your neck. Cover the lower part of your ears with it and the helmet will hold it in place.

[Burgi]

Oh, keep your eyes open for the 2011-2012 Refrigerated Rider Contest - beginning sooner than we think:

Really? It's going to be 90 today, and I already have to start thinking about cold-weather riding? Curse you!

 

Yeah, I am thinking someone is certainly planning ahead....and this comes from the queen of planning. 

[Epy]

Don't know how I could've forgotten that, I have been using thermals as well. I have been looking for a good pair of pants...been trying to find flannel-lined jeans in the right size but they're all too short for me (that I could find). I might snag those pants when I have the money. The Hippo hands look like they'd be well worth the money too.  Thanks guys.

[Wahrsuul]

My record so far is 19 degrees - I'm using a Cortech GX Sport with the quilted liner and a TourMaster heated vest. (Should've got the heated jacket liner)  I had some heated gloves, but they gave out last season and I'm just waiting to replace them.  I have heated grips on the bike, but unlike Loki, I'm not fond of them.  I find I get a death grip on them trying to keep my hands warm.

[bajakirch]

The National Cycle Plexistar 2 that I got last year extended my riding season by a good month on either end. With my current gear and no additional heat source, I can regularly ride my bike comfortably down into the mid-30s. And I'll do my 25-mile daily commute into the mid-20s.

[muttstang]

definitely be aware of ice though.  a motorcycle + ice = 

[Floridamtbiker99]

The coldest I rode in is 29 at night on a cold day in Florida.

When I worked third shift for a Steel Fabricator in Indian as a Supervisor.   I had 2 employees that would ride thier Harley full dresser to work in snow at night at -10 below sometimes.   They put the bikes near the furnace so they could start in the morning.  They told me they park thier bikes in the living room so they can start them.

To cold and to much snow for me on 2 wheels.