Winter cycling clothing

The forecast for Monday is for cold and wet, but I had left most of my winter cycling gear at the office. That's as good an excuse as any for a shopping trip to REI, and this is a good excuse for Christmas gift ideas for the year-round cyclist in your life.

In this photo, the hat, gloves, and pants are new. From top to bottom:

• Hat: REI Novarra cycling beanie.
  
• Jacket: REI waterproof cycling jacket with the all-important pit zips.
  
• Torso base layer: Off-brand polypro base.
  
• Gloves: Seirus outdoor activity gloves. Fleece lined, waterproof and windproof, but not seam-sealed. We'll see how that works out.
  
• Legs base: Patagonia featherweight Capiline long underwear. Pricey but comfy. I'll also wear cycling shorts under these.
  
• Legs shell: REI Novarra Express pants. Waterproof, windproof, ankle zips, articulated knees, reflective trim.
  
• Socks: Bridgedale hiking socks.

The gear in this photo is for riding in California winter rain. In my experience of real winter cycling in other locations, though, this gear is good for down to the 20s F (minus single digits C) with perhaps the addition of a balaclava, especially for shorter distances.

Related:

• My son's cycling rain gear.
  
• Bridgedale & Smartwool socks comparison.
  
• Colorado winter cycling clothing guide.
  
• Winter cycling advice.

Tags: winter, cycling, bicycle, outdoor, gear, clothing, gloves, jacket, hat, wool, active, rei, novarra, seirus, cold+weather, rain