A COLD WEATHER STYLE GUIDE
First things first. For those of us who keep the pedals turning through the cold winter months know that it's more about how you feel than how you look. With that in mind, I had Chris Tolsma, from Bingham Cyclery, showed me a few items that can help anyone riding around this winter, feel warm and cozy. Being equipped with the right gear can make your brisk morning commute, afternoon lunch ride or weekend on the bike much more enjoyable and there are plenty of head to toe cold weather options to keep you just as warm and cozy as your buddies that decided to say inside and sip hot cocoa.
First off we'll start with a nice jacket. And when I say nice jacket, I mean it. There's no better investment than a good wind and waterproof top. I've got a few in my quiver that I've had for nearly ten years and they're still just as useful as the day I brought them home. Chris showed me the Pearl Izumi Elite Barrier WXB Jacket. This is the jacket of jackets. It's fully waterproof and has excellent breathability and extremely light weight. It comes with a detachable hood with stow pocket, reflective elements so you're sure to be seen, waterproof back pocket and integrated cuffs that interface with gloves. It's a bit of an investment at $200.00, but if you're in to staying warm and dry, you should consider adding it to your wardrobe. Also, don't forget about the legs... Pearl took the jacket and sewed it up to fit your lower body with the Elite Barrier WXB Pants. Same as the top minus the detachable hood for $175.00
If the Barrier Jacket is a bit much then take a look at the Specialized Deflect Hybrid Jacket. Also waterproof and breathable, the Hybrid Jacket has removable sleeves so you can roll "vest-style" when you turn up the heat on the climbs. This is a pretty sweet jacket and although I'm a big fan of the black Barrier jacket, I do like the option of getting this jacket in the bright yellow color and it's only $114.99.The second best (or equally the same) winter clothing investment you can make is to find a nice set of thermal bib tights. Well look no further than the Thermal EX Deflect Bit Tight, also by Specialized. Non bib tights are nice and often times do the trick, but nothing beats the comfortable fit of a bib. No pressure on your waist and a little extra insulation on your core from the bibs is just an added bonus. The extra nice aspect of the Deflect Bib Tight are the wind-proof laminate panels that are placed in key areas over your legs that help keep out old man winter. These tights are sure to keep your muscle warm and pumping raw power to your pedals instead of shivering to keep you warm. You can pick these up for $129.99.
If you prefer a more traditional thermal tight or have issues with bibs, I highly recommend the Pearl Izumi AMFIB tight. At $130.00, these have set the standard for non-bib tights for years. I've owned a pair of the AMFIB tights for quite some time now and they're still one of my top choice when it comes to winter activities. Also wind and waterproof in key areas to help keep you warm and dry when you're pounding the icy pavement or sliding the trails on the Wasatch.Of course we can't forget the extensions of the core. You know, your grippers, your rippers and that precious melon that sits on top. For your grippers, Pearl makes a wide variety of gloves to keep your hands from freezing. The Soft Shell glove for $45.00 is the ultimate for warmth and wind-stopper in one. It's been redesigned and a bit more streamline with a super silicone print on the palm that provides extra grip. If you already have a nice base layer glove, simply pop on the Pearl Izumi Zephrr Shell Glove. This is the ultimate water proofing to any glove on the market. The nice thing about the Zephrr shell is that it's extremely light weight and packable. So if you're not using them, they'll slip nicely inside a jersey pocket or your pack.
For the rippers, I'd suggest a nice toe cover to do the trick, but when it gets real cold you're going to need some extra TLC for those feet. Pearl's Barrier Shoe cover gets the job done and looks more streamline than most shoe covers. They're not completely waterproof or wind-resistant, but combine with a nice wool sock, you'll be spinning those toes faster than ever before.
And for the melon... The most important coverage you can do is here. Without proper head/neck insulation, all that heat your jacket and tights are keeping in will slip right out the top and before you know you'll have a brain freeze that worse than any slurpee could muster up. Keep in the heat with a nice neck gator or try the Barrier Skull Cap, also from Pearl. It's made with wind-stopper material and fits nicely under your helmet, keeping that salon hairstyle and your big ears nice and cozy.