Keeping extremities warm in cold weather is a challenge because the body attempts to preserve its core temperature by reducing blood flow to its outlying parts. This is why it’s often said that the best way to keep hands and feet comfortable is to cover your head. It’s smart advice when you realize that more than half of heat loss can occur through the head, particularly with us older males who have minimal hair.
In cool weather, a helmet cover, ear band or skullcap is usually enough. Be careful not to overprotect the head and cause sweating. When the temperature dips into the 40s or lower, switch to a lightweight balaclava. This garment pulls on like a hood, covering the head, ears and neck but leaving some or all of the face exposed. A thin balaclava protects well without making your head too hot, and it has the added advantage of fitting inside your helmet without the need to change to thinner sizing pads. If your head covering does make your helmet too tight for comfort, remove the pads or buy a larger size for winter.
Hands
Hands are particularly vulnerable to cold, being forward in the wind and locked in position with pressure on them. In merely cool weather, thin long-finger gloves will make your hands more comfortable on chilly metal brake levers. As the temperature drops, insulated gloves become necessary. Look for models made with Thinsulate or another non-bulky, heat-retaining material. Around freezing or below, switch to “lobster” mitts. These pool hand heat by putting the first two fingers in one compartment and the last two in another. They’re almost as warm as mittens but allow more dexterity to operate the bike. For even more warmth or when it’s wet, wear thin synthetic liner gloves inside. These trap more heat and wick moisture to keep hands drier and warmer.
Feet
Feet are tough to keep under any circumstance but particularly when it’s wet. Start with good-quality, medium-weight wool, Gore-Tex or double-layer socks. Consider adding thin synthetic liner socks for extra cold conditions. Beware, however, of wearing so much that your shoes fit too tightly and reduce circulation — a sure recipe for cold feet and numb toes. For this reason, some riders own a pair of cycling shoes one or two sizes larger than normal to wear in winter.
In cool weather, covers over the front of your shoes (toe warmers) may be all that’s needed. As it gets colder, switch to full booties made of neoprene or water-resistant fabric. You can find models with fleece lining for extra insulation. In extreme conditions, winter cycling boots may be the only way to keep feet warm. These have soles like regular cycling shoes but with an ankle-high, insulated top. Some riders use battery-heated socks or chemical foot warmers when none of the above works well enough. Keeping feet dry is a key to success, so if you ride frequently in wet and slushy conditions, install fenders to reduce wheel spray.
Legs
Cycling shorts should always be worn under tights that don’t have a built-in padded liner. For merely cool conditions, thin tights made of Lycra or polypropylene are appropriate. When it gets colder, switch to fleece-lined tights. In subfreezing temperatures, consider tights with a windproof material on the front of the legs. In brutal conditions, some riders wear a thin insulating base layer of silk or polypropylene under their tights.
Eyes
Wear eye protection for comfort and safety no matter the time of year. Eyewear blocks UV rays, wind, precipitation and flying debris. In winter it does something else crucial for your safety by preventing excessive tearing that makes it hard to see on fast descents.
Finally, don’t forget to use lip balm with a high SPF rating. UV rays and cold, dry air can irritate and crack unprotected lips.
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