Winter Gear; how do you stay warm?

[Ryephile]

Hey Ninjette's

I'm still building my gear collection, and something that I'm working on finishing is a competent winter/cold weather setup.

So far my cold/cool weather setup [above freezing to 60°F-ish]
*windproof balaclava from REI under my Shoei Qwest or RF-1000
*Alpinestars GP Pro non-perf leather jacket w/upgraded Bionic chest/back protection over an Under Armour base 3.0
*REV'IT Bastion gore-tex gloves
*AGV Sport Telluride pants
*Knox cold killer socks over Wolverine wool boot socks


A big aspect I'm struggling with are boots. My main boots are Alpinestars Supertech R vented, and they're very vented. I'm looking for advice on another set of cold weather boots that retain excellent protection but add some warmth and block the chilly temps.

So far I'm considering:
*Dainese TRQ-Tour gore tex
*Alpinestars SMX-Plus gore tex
*something off the deep end, like a Sidi Adventure Rain boot.
*TCX X-Five plus gore tex, which appear to lack the ankle hyper-extension support I prefer to have.


Let's hear your winter warmth gear, and I'd appreciate any input on boots!
Cheers,
Ryan

[Alex]

Heated gear. Run a heated jacket liner, and nothing else matters; you're warm all over.

[Jiggles]

Silk socks! Not only will you're feet be warm but you'll be a fabulous bitch

[Joshorilla]

Don't get suckered into the bike specific thermal gear, think of your jacket, trousers and gloves as the outer skin, then you have to think in terms of layers, wear a light vest two long sleeved t-shirts and a fleece top, layers work by pocketing the air more effectivly which is the basis of insulation.

Glove liners and full length hose socks that go past your knee are a great way of keeping the hands and legs warm, you can get silk sock liners, plastic bags over your socks also work quite well.

I also like to wear a buff but I would stretch as far as an open face balaclava if cold enough.

None of this will bust the bank, and personally I don't care what I look like, that's other peoples problem

Edit: before riding put a plastic bag over each boot, vent problem sorted.

[NevadaWolf]

For my perf'd boots, I bought a pair of rain covers that slip over my boots. It's kept out the cold wind and my feet only get chilly from the sub-freezing temps i'm riding through. Once it gets that cold I just toss in one of the toe-warmers and manage.

Still want one of the battery powered heating vests though.

[Jiggles]

Originally Posted by Joshorilla

Edit: before riding put a plastic bag over each boot, vent problem sorted.

And then post a picture of your hobo boots

[Ryephile]

Originally Posted by Alex

Heated gear. Run a heated jacket liner, and nothing else matters; you're warm all over.

Originally Posted by Jiggles

Silk socks! Not only will you're feet be warm but you'll be a fabulous bitch

Heated silk socks might be the ticket. Then I'd be fabulous and toasty.


No offense @Joshorilla but I'm gonna pass on the plastic bag idea. Fabulous is fine, ghetto fabulous not so much.

[REDCOMET]

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle-h...atured&tab=all

Gerbing's Heated Clothing. You can get the whole set (for a price) or just the piece you want.

[himynameisjoe]

First Layer: C9 by champion (at target) thermal pants and shirt. Middleweight with wool

Second layer: jeans, second long sleeve shirt

Third Layer: 2nd pair of Jeans, 2 pairs of socks, boots, balaclava

Final: Jacket, helmet, just some cheap winter waterproof gloves.

I've ridden 50-80 miles in 20 degree weather. Only thing that started to get cold nearing the end of my trip were my hands. Also optional is a hoodie right underneath the jacket. I don't need it and I can't tell the difference besides feeling more bulky. But I do sometimes wear that if I'm going to be walking around and don't feel like wearing the bulky moto jacket.

[rojoracing53]

heated jacket liner and gloves FTW I use mine every day best investment since I've own a street bike.

[Ryephile]

A lot of great suggestions guys, thanks!

Any thoughts on my winter boot ideas?

[Byakkotai]

I've got the Dainese TRQ Tour Gore-Tex Boots. Temps have been dipping here lately in the mornings (mid/upper 40s by noon). I don't notice my feet getting cold in these boots or the wind coming thru the boots either, probably the Gore-Tex fabric.

I don't wear moto socks - black crew cut socks from Target. Soles are grippy, no squeak yet (hopefully never), comfortable to walk in - sizing is a little bit more narrow out of the box if you've tried on Dainese boots before. Quick break-in and a pricey option.

[Lychee]

The last few days have been pretty cold (for California). I only wear short running socks that end where your ankle starts. The Alpinestars SMX-5 non perforated model boot does the rest.
I used to use knee pads under my jeans which blocked a lot of the wind to my knees, but left my thighs cold. I ended up getting a pair of Rev-it over pants for Christmas which have a great wind liner that is kinda bulky does the job quite well. It is also brighter at night and has its own built in kneepads so I don't have to put on the loose kneepads under my jeans anymore.
I wear a non perf leather jacket and wear the liner and a light hoodie underneath. Keeping the neck out of the biting wind is done using one of those cycle gear $10 neck guards. The main issue I have is with the visor fogging and the rf1100 "crack open lock" coming loose when I raise and drop the visor at a light.

[dfox]

never had issues with my feet being cold... i just keep 'em tucked in, no issues

i wear...
textile jacket with zip-in liner
scorpion deuce overpants with waterproof liner
mid-calf cotton socks (same ones I wear in the summer)
sidi ST boots
a* goretex gloves
neck-gaiter (not full clava)
helmet with all vents closed, visor popped at lights to avoid condensation

thinking about getting heated grips, but with all the rock-salt and gravel on the road here, I'm staying away from the bike for now. some rain this weekend should wash away most of the salt, so I might get back on the bike next week, but it's supposed to get cold again by late next week, so...

[sharky nrk]

If it gets below like 45 I don't ride, its just too dang cold for me.

[sharky nrk]

Originally Posted by Ryephile

A lot of great suggestions guys, thanks!

Any thoughts on my winter boot ideas?

Tourmaster Solution

[pimpybra]

I wear the Cortech Latigo WP Boots, they're waterproof and therefore windproof, and I've been down to 28F without issue, and just normal socks.

I have Tourmaster Flex pants, and with all the liners in them, they're wind/waterproof and I can be warm with just shorts on underneath.

[allanoue]

Originally Posted by sharky nrk

If it gets below like 45 I don't ride, its just too dang cold for me.

Get the right gear and you would be warm. What is the real reason?

[JeffM]

Cortech HRX jacket with liner over Cycle Gear Freeze-out shirt.
Cortech Caliber pants, liners in over jeans.
Old SetUp Vision boots.
Freeze-out balaclava under my helmet.
Fieldsheer Eskimo gloves.

I wear my contacts as glasses tend to collect ice inside each lens when it is this cold.

Anti-fog insert on face shield (Why did I wait so long to get one of these? Works like a charm.)

I have heated grips and Winter Wings on my bike.

This kit works for me down into the teens for rides up to around 20 miles; however, my feet and finger tips will start getting chilly. For longer rides, or rides at faster speeds, I'd have to rethink my boots and add handle bar muffs.

Jeff

[nycsteve]

Originally Posted by pimpybra

I wear the Cortech Latigo WP Boots, they're waterproof and therefore windproof, and I've been down to 28F without issue, and just normal socks.

This.

[Ryephile]

Originally Posted by pimpybra

I wear the Cortech Latigo WP Boots, they're waterproof and therefore windproof, and I've been down to 28F without issue, and just normal socks....

Those boots look great and appear to be have great protection too, all at a reasonable price. Thanks for the pointer.

[sharky nrk]

Originally Posted by allanoue

Get the right gear and you would be warm. What is the real reason?

just don't want to, its cold . I have and can be warm enough but in general I ride for pleasure and if its not pleasurable enough I don't do it.

[sharky nrk]

Originally Posted by JeffM

Cortech HRX jacket with liner over Cycle Gear Freeze-out shirt.
Cortech Caliber pants, liners in over jeans.
Old SetUp Vision boots.
Freeze-out balaclava under my helmet.
Fieldsheer Eskimo gloves.

I wear my contacts as glasses tend to collect ice inside each lens when it is this cold.

Anti-fog insert on face shield (Why did I wait so long to get one of these? Works like a charm.)

I have heated grips and Winter Wings on my bike.

This kit works for me down into the teens for rides up to around 20 miles; however, my feet and finger tips will start getting chilly. For longer rides, or rides at faster speeds, I'd have to rethink my boots and add handle bar muffs.

Jeff

how does the freeze out stuff work? I see it on sale from time to time along with the heat out stuff.

[rojoracing53]

Originally Posted by sharky nrk

just don't want to, its cold . I have and can be warm enough but in general I ride for pleasure and if its not pleasurable enough I don't do it.

Yeah I don't ride in 29 deg weather cuz I want to I do it out of necessity to save gas money.

[allanoue]

Originally Posted by sharky nrk

I ride for pleasure and if its not pleasurable enough I don't do it.

That is why I do not ride when it gets below 23* At least until I find a better solution for my hands

[rojoracing53]

Originally Posted by sharky nrk

how does the freeze out stuff work? I see it on sale from time to time along with the heat out stuff.

It's nithing ground breaking its just a thin thermal layer meant for layering. It's similar to Under armor but cheaper.

[tfkrocks]

The freeze out stuff is well worth it when they're on sale! I got the glove liners and boot liners for $10 each. Neck guard for $8. I don't know how much I'd want to get them at full price though.

[himynameisjoe]

Maybe it's just because I'm new and the thrill hasn't worn off yet... but even if I'm freezing I still enjoy it. There is something about sitting on the bike even if the weather is ****, it's just fun! Plus I think it actually makes it better. I've noticed on these warm days we've been having. I can go out and ride straight for 2 hours without even thinking. But when it's cold I might ride 45 minutes, my hands get cold, so I stop somewhere and get a cup of coffee. It's nice, sit there drink your coffee and warm up and maybe have a friendly chat with some people.

[Whiskey]

My cold weather set up is
cold killer balaclava / neck tube (depends on just how cold it is out)
Richa ballistic jacket, water proof liner, thermal liner.
Cold killer thermal top
Canterbury rugby thermal top

Waterproof over trousers
Richa viper leathers
Canterbury thermal leggings

Sidi b2 goretex boots
Thick cotton sports socks/army issue cold weather socks

Alpinestars apex drystar gloves
Lowe alpine glove liners.

Depending on just how cold & wet it is I'll pick from that list.

With the full lot on I'm toasty in pretty much any weather that rainy cold Ireland & the UK can offer (53° North, further north than most major cities in Canada, a couple of hundred miles south of southern Alaska's latitude)

[allanoue]

Originally Posted by Whiskey

With the full lot on I'm toasty in pretty much any weather that rainy cold Ireland & the UK can offer (53° North, further north than most major cities in Canada, a couple of hundred miles south of southern Alaska's latitude)

Is it true there are coconut trees along some of UK beaches?

[Whiskey]

Originally Posted by allanoue

Is it true there are coconut trees along some of UK beaches?

None that I've seen, there's some palm type trees planted in some gardens (probably grown in a greenhouse until they're strong enough to survive the weather), but I've never seen coconut trees here.

[JeffM]

Originally Posted by sharky nrk

how does the freeze out stuff work? I see it on sale from time to time along with the heat out stuff.

Get it if it is on sale (or not). It works. It is quite warm and I'm tempted to get the pants and socks. If you get the balaclava be warned that the opening for your eyes and nose is really small to the point that it very slightly intrudes on your peripheral vision. I may go to a seamstress and have the opening enlarged slightly.

Jeff

[lgk]

i have good success with the freeze out neck guard, in as low as 25f weather.

[Ryephile]

Originally Posted by pimpybra

I wear the Cortech Latigo WP Boots, they're waterproof and therefore windproof, and I've been down to 28F without issue, and just normal socks...

I bit the bullet and ordered a pair of these Cortech boots. I'll follow up when I get them.

[fleemos]

Sedici Napoli Jacket
Sedici Veneto Pants
Revit Summit H20 Gloves
Freeze Out Glove Liners and Neck Warmer

[Ryephile]

By the way, thanks everyone for sharing your winter gear lineup!

[pimpybra]

Originally Posted by Ryephile

I bit the bullet and ordered a pair of these Cortech boots. I'll follow up when I get them.

Sweet, hope they work out for you

[ilovemotocicleta]

I ride year round here. Where I live only gets cold like 2 months out of the year, and maybe a month of really cold weather. But ill share what I do. I wear a windproof jacket and sometimes a hoodzip under, with insulated waterproof overpants, and a balaklava (I can't spell lol). Sometimes I use latex gloves under my normal gloves. So far I've been good. Most important is STOP WIND

Ps jiggles you wish... whites fastest color its so sexy the air faints in its presense and the bike just rides right along with 0 drag coefficient lol jk

[Mr.E]

Doesn't really get cold here in florida. But when it does, that Freeze-out stuff from cycle gear works awesome. Used to work over night security which during the winter was pretty brutal (for a floridian) so I got the freeze out and worked like a charm, bit under my gear and uniform. Even kept me warm while on the job. So far though, I havn't had reason to whip it out yet. lol.

[nycsteve]

Yesterday I rode from PA to NYC in 20ish degree weather and today I took the bike in to get a valve adjustment in 18ºF weather with flurries!

My feet had to be defrosted several times. Overall, I was warmish. Heated glove liners did the trick for my hands. AGV Sport Telluride Pants and Jacket held up great. My core was a little to the cooler side of warm while wearing the jacket with a tshirt. Next time I'll wear the thermal shirt that was in my tank bag.

Again, feet were pretty cold. I had only one pair of socks on. I think I'll cough up the money for the Gerbing Heated Socks now.