With overnight temps now below freezing, bicycle clothing for Indianapolis riding has too include tights. A good cold weather/winter cycling tight must offer wind protection, insulation and breathability, along with the freedom of movement needed for cycling. Bicycle Garage Indy offers a wide selection of cold weather cycling clothing from Sugoi, Gore, Cannondale and Pearl Izumi.
When giving cold weather clothing advice, I divide conditions into 3 zones; above 55 degrees (F), 35 to 55(F) and below 35(F). As discussed in an
earlier post, for most riders, when above 55 degrees, you will just need knee warmers or light lycra tights. But when riding below 55 degrees, and when conditions are wet or windy, a middle weight tight with some insulation is going to be needed. (If you choose a tight without padding, to be worn with cycling shorts, you gain an extra layer from your cycling shorts. Consider this in your selection as well.)
Typical for this middle range (and my personal favorite) are Pearl Izumi Slice Therma Fleece Tights. Thermal Fleece is a non-piling fleece bonded to stretch fabric, and will insulate when wet. The Slice tight feature an anatomic, 8 panel design and 8" ankle zippers. The Slice model does not include a chamois; you wear them over your cycling shorts.
Cannondale's Midweight Chamois Bib Tights are worn without cycling shorts. They are made from Cannondale's 4-way-stretch Midweight Jersey Plus fabric for a custom fit and feel from the brushed fabric interior.
For the below 35 degrees, you will need more wind protection. The Gore Vista Tight relies on Gore breathable Windstopper Soft Shell, a breathable, water resistant fabric that moves with your body. It is available with or without padding. Peal Izumi offers a tight with its own AmFIB windproof and waterproof fabric. From Sugoi, the Subzero Zap tights offer wind resistant fabric and 3M Reflective accents additional visibility.
Depending on how cold you will ride, and your tolerance for cold, you may want a couple of different weights and styles for different conditions. A quality pair tights will provide years of service, and are worth the investment.
We welcome your comments on this or any post. If you have a topic you would like to learn more about, drop me an email at jhardcastle@bgindy.com.Jay Hardcastle
Bicycling gear is great. It is one of the cool things about our sport. If you like gadgets, you will love cycling. I have just fell in love with a couple of new items. One is big the other is small, but equally as important to bicycle racers.
The Cyclops Power Tap SL is a marvelous tool to help the local Indianapolis bike racer fine tune her racing fitness. This simple to use tool measures your power out put as you are riding along on the Indianapolis bike trails. Not only power, but speed, heart rate and cadence too. It even works while you are training in the garage on the indoor trainer! The software that comes with the hub set is equally as simple to use. It is definitely a must have bike accessory.
The second must have accessory is the simple Camalback Podium Bottle. this little hydration gem uses a great leek proof bladder to help stop the dreaded bottle dribble. Staying hydrated during cycling training and bike racing is very important.
Both of these products will help get you to your cycling goals.
Bicycle racing can cause stress. Some of the biggest stress comes from getting to the race. There is packing all your bicycle gear and bicycle clothing. Want to make sure you have your bicycle helmet and cycling shoes.
One stress you can get out of your mind is bicycle racks. Getting a good, trustworthy
bike rack for your car will ease some of your pre race stress. Get a secure bike car rack and even mount the bike the night before. This will help you sleep.
Like training for the riding on the bike, training for the departure will help too. Plan well in advance what you need to bring. create check lists on your computer to help you stay focused.
Remember, the less energy you expend running around the morning of the race searching for your cycling shoes or other clothing, the more energy you will have to burn out on the course.
Triathlons are increasing in popularity. I am seeing more and more of them riding and running around. Strong riders too. I had some motor pas me on an Indianapolis Greenway the other day. heads down, gears high, they pulled away and left me in their dust.
I have also found that most Triathletes are serious about their bike accessories. They have all the newest bike gear in Indianapolis too. everything from hydration to bike racks.
Their bikes are cool too. Trek Bicycles makes a very notable tri-bike, the Equinox TTX9.0
That bike just screams fast. I am sure you will see several of these out on the roads at the Muncie Endurathon.
Why a triathlon specific bike? Well it is just the best bicycle tool for the job. Road bikes will work, but if you are trying to keep up with the Jones and they are on one of these..well you get the picture!
Bicycle Clothing is an important part of bicycle gear. Experienced riders collect quality gear over the years. they have learned that quality is more important than price. Bicycle training in Indianapolis can be a mix bag of weather. Start a ride in the low 40s and end in the mid 60s.
Some of my favorite gear is the
bib-knickers and
wind vest. These two help keep you just warm enough in the cool of the early morning and won't over heat you as the tempature climbs through the morning.
If you need a little more on the legs in the morning, don't forget every pro's favorite,
embrocation.
After you have visited the
coolest Indianapolis Bicycle Shop. After you have had a great
Bicycle Fitting. After you collect all the best bike gear in Indianapolis, what do you have left...Your best friend. Yes, a racers best friend is their race bike. You spend hours and hours with your bike. Racing and training. You become partners
in every way. As an example, the above happy customer is riding his new
Giant TCX in one of the OVCX races last fall. He and his bike flatted out of the race early, but both were all smiles and ready for the next race.
Can't think of a better way to kick this thing off than to announce a ride:
On Friday morning, wipe the trainer sweat (or dust) off road road bike, meet here at the shop, and be ready to roll at 7:30 AM. We'll be back by 8:45, with plenty of time to grab Starbucks, shower, talk about how awesome the ride was, etc. Planned pace will be 17-18ish, but no one will be dropped.
Come on out and we'll talk about our new bike gear, how we feel about our winter training (or lack thereof), and how great Indianapolis will be once all the bike paths and lanes are done.
For several years now, we have had a group of as many as 15 of us who start at 146th and the Monon Greenway in Carmel and pick up folks along the way to downtown Indianapolis. We stop in Broad Ripple at the McDonalds for some coffee, breakfast and an opportunity to solve the world's problems! Some are true commuters and some of us ride our bikes for the training and companionship.
We have young and old (I'm 60) and about half guys and half gals. All kinds of bikes are represented including road bikes, hybrid bikes and mountain bikes. We head down the path at pretty casual speeds so you don't have to have the latest bike, bike gear or heroic skills to join this group.
We ride all year round and down to about 25 degrees so having the right cold weather gear does help. Check this out:
http://bgindy.com/page.cfm?pageId=1074&preview=yes.
If you are interested in joining the group just drop me an email at
rclark@bgindy.com.
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