typerflip
11-09-2004, 04:18 PM
Let's face it, a 5:30AM commute is down right COLD!! In October I think it averages to about 45 degrees in the AM and add the 85+MPH wind chill and we're talkin' icicles on the testa . . .
Well since I prefer not to cage it, I decided to try and find a cost effective winter commuting solution that had to be:
1. WARM
2. Minimal "stuff to haul" i.e. needing a bigger bag to carry normal clothes
3. waterproof
4. inexpensive
So here are the things I tried:
WARM UP SUIT
I basically wore a warm-up suit under my jeans, then the warm-up top over my shirt and my leather jacket over it. This works until the temp is around 50 then it starts to get cold . . . every where. Great for when the AM is at 55 degrees or so but not much colder.
PLUS: cheap, I had the warm-ups already
MINUS: cheap, I got cold when the AM temp is 55deg or less
HOT CHILLYS (Top (http://www.sportchalet.com/product/index.jsp?productId=439338&cp&searchId=0&brandId=2014&parentPage=search))
I got these cold wear pants and top from Sports Chalet. These things are WARM and not as bulky as the warm-ups and worn the same way. The big disappointment here was the wind would cut right thru the "weak points" i.e. inside elbow, upper thighs, etc . . . Once the temp was around 50 deg I was shivering.
PLUS: Warm above 50, not bulky
MINUS: no wind protection, expensive for long johns $110
FIRSTGEAR THERMOGEAR (linky (http://www.firstgear-usa.com/products_raingear.htm#thermo1piece))
AHH WARM . . . so warm and windproof that all you need underneath is your regular clothes. These things are great but you look like the stay puff marshmallow man. But the advantage far outweighs the looks. These things are nice and toasty down to 40 deg (my experience) but maybe even less . . . you could layer some warmer clothes underneath if it gets below that. I would prolly stop using it when the high is in the 70's. No real weak area's for wind to cut in besides your ankles (I just make sure the leg goes over my boots) and your neck (just below your helmet, it has a very nice and high collar). With this suit I upgraded my gloves to waterproof winter from Frank Thomas and even used a cold weather mask. I don't have any problems commuting in the AM or in the PM (usually getting dark by then). The only logistical drawback is the need for a jacket only when I need to run quick errands during the day. I brought my other leather one into work for that and it stay in my office. The thing is pretty easy to get in and out of with your boots on.
PLUS: Warm above 35, waterproof, windproof, price $135, 1-piece, you can wear you work clothes under it.
MINUS: Bulky (like a ski suit), price $135, 1-piece, no armor
AREOSTICH
I looked at the site and it seems like the best at being a "coverall" and offering protection but at $700 - $800 it was way out of range and a heavy investment for 3-4 months or use per year.
Hope it helps and happy commuting!
Well since I prefer not to cage it, I decided to try and find a cost effective winter commuting solution that had to be:
1. WARM
2. Minimal "stuff to haul" i.e. needing a bigger bag to carry normal clothes
3. waterproof
4. inexpensive
So here are the things I tried:
WARM UP SUIT
I basically wore a warm-up suit under my jeans, then the warm-up top over my shirt and my leather jacket over it. This works until the temp is around 50 then it starts to get cold . . . every where. Great for when the AM is at 55 degrees or so but not much colder.
PLUS: cheap, I had the warm-ups already
MINUS: cheap, I got cold when the AM temp is 55deg or less
HOT CHILLYS (Top (http://www.sportchalet.com/product/index.jsp?productId=439338&cp&searchId=0&brandId=2014&parentPage=search))
I got these cold wear pants and top from Sports Chalet. These things are WARM and not as bulky as the warm-ups and worn the same way. The big disappointment here was the wind would cut right thru the "weak points" i.e. inside elbow, upper thighs, etc . . . Once the temp was around 50 deg I was shivering.
PLUS: Warm above 50, not bulky
MINUS: no wind protection, expensive for long johns $110
FIRSTGEAR THERMOGEAR (linky (http://www.firstgear-usa.com/products_raingear.htm#thermo1piece))
AHH WARM . . . so warm and windproof that all you need underneath is your regular clothes. These things are great but you look like the stay puff marshmallow man. But the advantage far outweighs the looks. These things are nice and toasty down to 40 deg (my experience) but maybe even less . . . you could layer some warmer clothes underneath if it gets below that. I would prolly stop using it when the high is in the 70's. No real weak area's for wind to cut in besides your ankles (I just make sure the leg goes over my boots) and your neck (just below your helmet, it has a very nice and high collar). With this suit I upgraded my gloves to waterproof winter from Frank Thomas and even used a cold weather mask. I don't have any problems commuting in the AM or in the PM (usually getting dark by then). The only logistical drawback is the need for a jacket only when I need to run quick errands during the day. I brought my other leather one into work for that and it stay in my office. The thing is pretty easy to get in and out of with your boots on.
PLUS: Warm above 35, waterproof, windproof, price $135, 1-piece, you can wear you work clothes under it.
MINUS: Bulky (like a ski suit), price $135, 1-piece, no armor
AREOSTICH
I looked at the site and it seems like the best at being a "coverall" and offering protection but at $700 - $800 it was way out of range and a heavy investment for 3-4 months or use per year.
Hope it helps and happy commuting!