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Cold Weather Gear Advice
Hey folks! I'm a pretty new rider. I bought a Nightster this past summer and really enjoyed riding in summer and fall. I had surgery, so the last time I rode was Thanksgiving and I'm itching to get back out. I'd really like to ride this winter, but I'm not sure I can afford all the cold weather gear I might need this year... maybe next year.
It doesn't really get below freezing much here in Memphis. Anyone have any advice on maybe using items I might already have or some less expensive alternatives to the good stuff? I'm fine with layering and the like. I think the biggest issue I would need to overcome is the wind. Obviously a hoodie and jeans ain't working like it did in the fall. Thanks! |
Get some heated gloves. You can probably get into a good pair for around 150 or so. They are worth their weight in gold. You can layer up pretty well for the chest and legs but a set of heated gloves will make a huge difference overall. At least it did for me. I rode once down to about 15 degrees and the heated gloves made it completely bearable if not actually comfortable. You can get gloves with separate batteries or a plug that will attach to the bikes battery. I have ones that attach to the bikes batteries. All you have to do is run the wires through your sleeves and down to the battery connector. Now that I have the heated jacket to go with it I just plug the gloves into connectors that come out the sleeves. The jacket also allows me to just wear a t-shirt under my leather jacket. Of course the jacket is another 200. Other then some heated gloves I'd suggest a good balaclava to go under the helmet and chaps if you don't already have them. Some people have had good luck with carhart wear also instead of chaps. Bottom line really is not to skimp on gloves since that's not just a comfort issue, but a control issue (think not being able to pull in the clutch if your hands frozen up)
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I purchased a heated vest a few years ago, and its GREAT!!! It's made by Widder and cost about $150. A buddy of mine got a bike a few weeks ago and we found him a heated vest on sale at a local bike shop for $100. He loves it and can't wait to try it out! I like the vest because you can wear it u der your jacket and when it gets a little warmer, you can wear it just as it is and nobody will ever know its heated. It's made with thinslate and looks real classy just by itself! There should be plenty of motorcycle accessory shops there in Memphis and I wouldn't look for one at Bumpus unless you have a platinum card from Visa! :)
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I'm basically a cheap bastard. So I spent the money where I thought I'd get the best use. Gerbing G3 heated gloves. You can get the entire heated setup for a small fortune. But with proper layering, you can do quite well. To me, the hands are the toughest part to keep warm.
I have long Johns I picked up at Walmart. One regular pair and one thinner sport pair. Under jeans and I'm warm in the lower 30's. The core I wear a T-shirt, long John, fleece sweater and my leather jacket and I'm good to go. I throw a flannel shirt in the bag just in case. I wear nice wool socks and can wear another thin pair if needed. No need for $40 long Johns, $30 socks, or $90 sweaters. I certainly don't need another $600 worth of heated gear to ride comfortably. |
Originally Posted by camden
(Post 10700340)
Hey folks! I'm a pretty new rider. I bought a Nightster this past summer and really enjoyed riding in summer and fall. I had surgery, so the last time I rode was Thanksgiving and I'm itching to get back out. I'd really like to ride this winter, but I'm not sure I can afford all the cold weather gear I might need this year... maybe next year.
It doesn't really get below freezing much here in Memphis. Anyone have any advice on maybe using items I might already have or some less expensive alternatives to the good stuff? I'm fine with layering and the like. I think the biggest issue I would need to overcome is the wind. Obviously a hoodie and jeans ain't working like it did in the fall. Thanks! From the waist up. 1. Base Layer: I double up on this step. A basic thermal undershirt that you can get at Walmart for next to nothing. And a better, heavier synthetic base layer (I prefer a mock or turtle neck). Here's an excellent one. It's $50 but you can find them cheaper. Don't waste your time with cotton shirts. It'll just add bulk and do little to keep you warm. http://www.goathleticapparel.com/sub...shirt?vmcchk=1 2. Mid Layer: A fleece shirt/sweater. This will insulate the heat your body produces. 3. Outer shell. You're leather jacket. I wear my heavy Fox Creek leather when it's cold. Below the waist 1. Thermal long underwear. 2. Jeans (flannel lined jeans are better if you have them) 3. Chaps. But you may not even need chaps. I ride without them in 40 to 45 degree weather....depending on how long I'll be riding. Other stuff 1. If you're not wearing a full face helmet. A balaclava or neck warmer that you can pull over your face. 2. Warm gloves. You can wear those latex gloves that doctors wear underneath. This will block wind that may be coming through your gloves. The key to staying warm is blocking the wind and keeping if off your skin. Make sure no wind is sneaking though the sleeves, pant legs, partially open zippers etc. Another very low cost solution is to get some of those heat packs and stick them in your gloves, boots and jacket. I feel your pain dude. I had shoulder surgery on 11/20 and haven't rode since 11/19. I'm itching to get back in the saddle too. Might be a while longer for me though...end of January maybe. Good luck, stay warm and ride safe. |
Originally Posted by camden
(Post 10700340)
Hey folks! I'm a pretty new rider. I bought a Nightster this past summer and really enjoyed riding in summer and fall. I had surgery, so the last time I rode was Thanksgiving and I'm itching to get back out. I'd really like to ride this winter, but I'm not sure I can afford all the cold weather gear I might need this year... maybe next year.
It doesn't really get below freezing much here in Memphis. Anyone have any advice on maybe using items I might already have or some less expensive alternatives to the good stuff? I'm fine with layering and the like. I think the biggest issue I would need to overcome is the wind. Obviously a hoodie and jeans ain't working like it did in the fall. Thanks! Hey- I'm just a little south of you in Red Banks. We're getting freezing rain as I type this. For decades I layered up, just recently got a gerbing jacket liner...should of done it years ago. I ride year round, cept when the roads are icy. Same before and now: Wool socks, good boots. Target brand underarmor type shorts and shirt Long johns Sliders jeans Before: Long sleeve cotton shirt Quilted flannel shirt Leather jacket and vest Wool neck wrap that I tuck the ends into the jacket before zipping it up (this is great at retaining warmth and blocking wind from going into jacket) Gauntlet Gloves Sometimes on long rides the cold would get into my fingers, I keep a pair of wool gloves that will work inside the gauntlet gloves. Now: T-shirt, gerbing jacket liner, leather jacket & vest, Gauntlet gloves. Can ride all day in the 20's and be toasty warm. |
Heated gear....it doesn't matter which brand (I prefer gerbings...others don't). You may not be able to go all out, at once, but start with gloves,a jacket liner, and dual controller. Sure it's "pricey"... but you'll be done!!!
You can "save money" by buying non-heated gear.... but over a few years, the money you spend trying different gloves, and under layers....etc... you could just bite the bullet and be warm. Regardless of "layers"... the best they can do is conserve what heat you have... for short ride (half-hour or so) that's fine.... but if you put on miles.... there isn't anything better than reaching a controller, and turning a knob |
Gerbing or other brand heated jacket liner and gloves. Was nice and warm over the holiday weekend and I only needed to wear a long sleeve tshirt underneath.
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Long sleeve thermal shirt w/ t-shirt underneath and Under Armour hoodie
thermals under jeans 2 pair of socks leather jacket w/jean vest over top as a wind break cheap knit stretch gloves under leather gauntlets or Scott brand ski gloves when in the 20s F Fleece neck warmer Full face helmet *The heated gear is tempting but don't have the scratch for it. Should I get the cash I would probably buy heated gloves as keeping my hands warm has been the biggest challenge. |
You're not going to beat heated gear. I'm one that can be a little hard headed about just spending the money the first time around instead of trying everything else first. Guess I just have to learn the hard way. Anyways, I would say to think about what bothers you the most when cold. For me it's my hands. My hands get really cold really easy, so I bought heated Gerbings (sp?) gloves and I love them. Before just riding in 40 degree weather, my hands would be freezing even with insulated gloves on. Also got the dual zone controller for it in case I add something else with the gloves in the future. My next issue would be my feet, but I can wear gortex boots and wool socks and do ok. I'm still gonna add some dessert dog lower covers for my crash bar eventually. You may also consider a detachable windshield. That will help knock off a lot of wind and can help keep the core warm with layering.
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If you can't afford leather go to walmart (or the like) and buy a cheap rain suit that's made out of rubber to stop the wind, you can also get large rubber gloves to cover your hands as well. If you want really cheap shove newspapers inside of your pants and shirt.
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Originally Posted by DYNAmiteBuzz
(Post 10700734)
You don't have to spend a lot of money. You may even have everything you need right at home. I'm guessing, for the most part, it doesn't get too cold in Memphis during the day this time of year. 40 to 45 degrees? Piece of cake.
From the waist up. 1. Base Layer: I double up on this step. A basic thermal undershirt that you can get at Walmart for next to nothing. And a better, heavier synthetic base layer (I prefer a mock or turtle neck). Here's an excellent one. It's $50 but you can find them cheaper. Don't waste your time with cotton shirts. It'll just add bulk and do little to keep you warm. http://www.goathleticapparel.com/sub...shirt?vmcchk=1 2. Mid Layer: A fleece shirt/sweater. This will insulate the heat your body produces. 3. Outer shell. You're leather jacket. I wear my heavy Fox Creek leather when it's cold. Below the waist 1. Thermal long underwear. 2. Jeans (flannel lined jeans are better if you have them) 3. Chaps. But you may not even need chaps. I ride without them in 40 to 45 degree weather....depending on how long I'll be riding. Other stuff 1. If you're not wearing a full face helmet. A balaclava or neck warmer that you can pull over your face. 2. Warm gloves. You can wear those latex gloves that doctors wear underneath. This will block wind that may be coming through your gloves. The key to staying warm is blocking the wind and keeping if off your skin. Make sure no wind is sneaking though the sleeves, pant legs, partially open zippers etc. Another very low cost solution is to get some of those heat packs and stick them in your gloves, boots and jacket. I feel your pain dude. I had shoulder surgery on 11/20 and haven't rode since 11/19. I'm itching to get back in the saddle too. Might be a while longer for me though...end of January maybe. Good luck, stay warm and ride safe. Also, if you have the $ a quick detach windshield is your best friend in the winter time. You can usually find them fairly cheap in like new condition on CL. It makes all the difference in the world. Forget about appearance here as it will take the wind off your chest and face & is well worth it. |
I wear a pair of Duluth Trading fleece lined jeans when it's 45 or below and they work very well as far as keeping warm and blocking wind. Granted, I'm not riding for hours on the highway, but around town they work well.
http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/p...ans-86127.aspx |
Its a little colder here in Colorado. So I bought the Gerbings heated jacket liner and gloves. I've used them more when I'm sitting on the tractor pushing snow than when I've been riding!
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Go to a military surplas store and find an older US Air Force extreme cold weather gauntletted mitts. Take out the wool mitt insert that comes with them (because you may actually sweat using them) inside the shell and use older US Navy wool flight deck gloves inside the mitt. Get a couple pairs of the navy glove inserts in case they get wet from persperation.
I have left for Florida from Mass at 5 degreess on the mercury with this mitts/gloves combination. Fugg electrics. |
You can layer everything but your hands. I know they are expensive, but try and find the money for some Gerbings gloves with an on/off switch. Thermostat/jacket liner, etc can all be bought later.
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I went 5 years without owning a cage when I was younger and dumber.
I wore a set of insulated overalls and a down jacket with long ski gloves. It worked well. Now I have have a heated jacket liner, heated gloves and a cage for when it gets really cold. |
Originally Posted by DYNAmiteBuzz
(Post 10700734)
You don't have to spend a lot of money. You may even have everything you need right at home. I'm guessing, for the most part, it doesn't get too cold in Memphis during the day this time of year. 40 to 45 degrees? Piece of cake.
From the waist up. 1. Base Layer: I double up on this step. A basic thermal undershirt that you can get at Walmart for next to nothing. And a better, heavier synthetic base layer (I prefer a mock or turtle neck). Here's an excellent one. It's $50 but you can find them cheaper. Don't waste your time with cotton shirts. It'll just add bulk and do little to keep you warm. http://www.goathleticapparel.com/sub...shirt?vmcchk=1 2. Mid Layer: A fleece shirt/sweater. This will insulate the heat your body produces. 3. Outer shell. You're leather jacket. I wear my heavy Fox Creek leather when it's cold. Below the waist 1. Thermal long underwear. 2. Jeans (flannel lined jeans are better if you have them) 3. Chaps. But you may not even need chaps. I ride without them in 40 to 45 degree weather....depending on how long I'll be riding. Other stuff 1. If you're not wearing a full face helmet. A balaclava or neck warmer that you can pull over your face. 2. Warm gloves. You can wear those latex gloves that doctors wear underneath. This will block wind that may be coming through your gloves. The key to staying warm is blocking the wind and keeping if off your skin. Make sure no wind is sneaking though the sleeves, pant legs, partially open zippers etc. Another very low cost solution is to get some of those heat packs and stick them in your gloves, boots and jacket. I feel your pain dude. I had shoulder surgery on 11/20 and haven't rode since 11/19. I'm itching to get back in the saddle too. Might be a while longer for me though...end of January maybe. Good luck, stay warm and ride safe. Just a word of caution on the heatpacks. Make sure they aren't busted, as in don't have holes in them. We used to empty them out into each others boots during deployments as a practical joke. Funny watching grown ass man hopping around screaming that their feet are on fire haha. |
Just a thought, search Craig's list.
I was able to get a Gerbings Heated jacket liner for $75.00! Although it took 2 years of hunting, I couldn't be happier and saved a lot of money. With Heated Gloves, Jacket liner and my 3/4 lit with bubble shield..... It's like summer all year round! :icon_razz: Good Luck and Ride Safe, YB |
The hell with all this crap.
Pack up & move to Florida. I did. |
Originally Posted by dickey
(Post 10706168)
The hell with all this crap.
Pack up & move to Florida. I did. |
Gerbing heated vest and HD heated handgrips work great for me. Not all bulked up with layer ontop of layer
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Watch these videos, then decide and ride. You can't beat the informational videos from Revzilla.
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http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h5...A/IMAG0443.jpg
It gets this low sometimes in SoCal for my ride into work and it's a solid 1 hour ride in at about 70-80mph... The cycle gear "freeze out" stuff is great and it's on sale now with a 80% mark down on some items... I use no heated gear, but to tell you the truth I think heated gloves are going to be my next purchase. Gerbings most likely... Cycle Gear "freeze out" sale link http://motor.cyclegear.com/lp/&modaf...Post_Christmas UPPER: -freeze out thermal -long sleeve shirt -HD Skull hooded Cotton canvas jacket LOWER: -freeze out thermals -cotton thermals -Levi's 596 jeans FEET: - freeze out booties - cotton socks - Georgia Wilmington boots HANDS: - freeze out liners - SEDICI Verona Waterproof Leather/Textile Motorcycle Gloves HEAD: - Outlaw ultra low - beanie - Zan headgear NeoDanna It seems like a lot of gear, but it's super thin with multiple layers. Mobility and textile feel is still awesome... So riding in 20 degree weather for an hour is not a problem with all listed... This is how I look arriving into the fire house... http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h5...A/IMAG0444.jpg Head shot... http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h5...1f2d5d8a2c.jpg :) |
Originally Posted by o-townFLA
(Post 10716803)
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h5...A/IMAG0443.jpg
It gets this low sometimes in SoCal for my ride into work and it's a solid 1 hour ride in at about 70-80mph... The cycle gear "freeze out" stuff is great and it's on sale now with a 80% mark down on some items... I use no heated gear, but to tell you the truth I think heated gloves are going to be my next purchase. Gerbings most likely... Cycle Gear "freeze out" sale link http://motor.cyclegear.com/lp/&modaf...Post_Christmas UPPER: -freeze out thermal -long sleeve shirt -HD Skull hooded Cotton canvas jacket LOWER: -freeze out thermals -cotton thermals -Levi's 596 jeans FEET: - freeze out booties - cotton socks - Georgia Wilmington boots HANDS: - freeze out liners - SEDICI Verona Waterproof Leather/Textile Motorcycle Gloves HEAD: - Outlaw ultra low - beanie - Zan headgear NeoDanna It seems like a lot of gear, but it's super thin with multiple layers. Mobility and textile feel is still awesome... So riding in 20 degree weather for an hour is not a problem with all listed... This is how I look arriving into the fire house... http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h5...A/IMAG0444.jpg Head shot... http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h5...1f2d5d8a2c.jpg :) |
I've been keeping an eye on the replies here and there's certainly some great info!
Thanks everyone! If the Freeze Out gear works as well as y'all say, it's a steal with the sale that's going on! I think I can afford to pick up some of their products. :) |
Yeah the freeze out stuff has strategic panel placing that doesn't let air through, such as the knees and elbow areas...
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Originally Posted by camden
(Post 10718755)
I've been keeping an eye on the replies here and there's certainly some great info!
Thanks everyone! If the Freeze Out gear works as well as y'all say, it's a steal with the sale that's going on! I think I can afford to pick up some of their products. :) |
Found it. Anyone know the difference between the pull over shirt and the zip up Gilet? There's decent price difference.
Plus, how much warmer are these compared to long John tops? I was out today in the mid 30's with a T-shirt, long John, fleece top and leather jacket and I was warm. |
You made it clear you don't have a lot of bucks to spend and guys are still talking about heated gear. haha.
Seriously, some cheap thermal pants and under shirts would be a great place to start. The kind you can get at KMart. Double layer them on both legs and body and you'd be surprised how much that helps in the Southern winter. Double up on your crew socks too. Instead of new gloves, maybe some Thinsulate glove liners under the ones you own. If you want a jacket that can't fail you, but will cost at least a bit of money, I recommend a used Schott Perfecto off Ebay to go over that hoodie. An old scarf tucked securely into the Perfecto is a good thing too. Here's some Perfectos. Just a good condition used one, not a more pricey vintage one, is a great buy that will last a lifetime: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trks...at=0&_from=R40 |
Silk glove liners are a cheap upgrade for warmth, paid around $12 for a pair and they work very well inside a thin pair of summer leather gloves so they'd be magic in a thicker pair of gloves.
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I ride through the winter in New Jersey without electrics. I don't care about the biker look, gear either works or doesn't.
Jacket: Tourmaster Transition - 3/4 length with thermal/waterproof lining, lots of coverage to keep the core warm Pants: I use a couple of Goretex overpants from the Air Force Gloves: $39 for these Sliders Cold Pro Kevlar gloves from Competition Accessories, lots of protective features, see user reviews , http://www.compacc.com/p/Sliders-Col...Armored-Gloves Full face helmet I use a tactical pullover neck gaiter to cover neck and lower face. |
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