Nothing like heartfelt advice derived from years of experience and thousands of miles on the bike. That my friend is worth its weight in gold. Thanks for the many tips.

You're killing it! Finally, somebody talking about winter gear that knows what they're talking about. Good job Chris. Here in Boulder, this stuff is critical for winter riding.

Valuable info here, thank you. A few things: -outer jacket better if neon bright color orange or yellow. W dark days less sun and more rain, riders are not seen nearly as well by car drivers -balaclava keeps the throat warm, wd start w it, switch to beanie after warming up. And a beanie and a balaclava together great when v cold, w a helmet cover. Sll 3 are tiny and easy to store in rear pkt -wind front thermal tights -I wd take x undershirt in my rear pocket, if got wet from sweat cd change the soaked undershirt. It is tough to work out! Too warm is as big a prob as too cold. Sweat is the enemy as much as rain. Some products c Horner mentions I am unfamiliar w, but am sure to try out so thanks for the tips, v gd help

Yes Craft Active Extreme 2.0 base layers are great, and those Assos gloves are the warmest 5-finger gloves I've found, good down to at least mid-20F's. Not a believer in windproof base layers, though. Rather have the windproof on the outside where the wind IS, not on the inner layers where the wind ISN'T, plus windproof might interfere with moisture transfer. Helps me to divide cold weather into "spring/fall" (down to 40F-ish), and "winter" (40F down to my use-the-trainer-instead limit of low 20's). For spring/fall I use fleece-lined bib shorts with thermal leg warmers, a lighter jacket, thin fleece LS base layer, and moderately insulated gloves (P-I Cyclone or Gore). For winter, bib tights (Assos Bonka EVO), a heavier jacket (Castelli Alpha ROS), Craft LS base layer, and Castelli Estremo or those Assos gloves. Castelli Alpha ROS jackets have a sewn-in "vest" with its own zipper, gives lots of options for handling different temps. Plus they have a Gore windproof shell. I add combinations of skullcap (Gore Helmet Liner has good ear flaps) and balaclava (Giordana knitted polypropylene), shoe covers, etc as needed. Nice thing about headgear is that it makes a big difference in how warm you are without taking up much space in your back pockets if you need to remove it. Factoring in that I'm older which means that I don't put out as much power and therefore generate less heat to keep myself warm!

I’ve ridden hard in extreme cold for decades, starting in North Dakota. Learning your own personal requirements is key. Feet and hands are typical weak points. I love including various neck gaiters (buffs) in cold especially in the mountains. Cover ears with it by putting over back of head before putting on helmet. Then vary by putting it under neck, over chin, over mouth or over nose depending on temps and speed. Most times a regular Buff does the job. Keeps ears and face protected.

I used to be a bicycle messenger in Wash DC, Seattle, SF and Vienna. Your cold weather advice is good. We used to use the bags the newspaper came in over wool socks in cold rain because booties weren't feasible obviously. Cold rain is absolutely the worst and as you said its quite terrible if you heat up and then cool down again. Layers that are easily stored are the best. Also those plastic gloves that you can find in gas stations are a great under layer for cold days.

Really enjoy your channel. Great, common sense information! Thanks. BTW, really enjoyed your TDF commentary as well. You and Christian do a great job together!

Gore makes a beanie with slots in the sides so you can slide your sunglasses earpieces through. It is a game changer for comfort.

Planning to ride through a Chicago winter, gonna add some of the items you mentioned to my cart so I can be ready for that frigid wind. Thanks for all the helpful info Chris!

Here in Maine 20F in winter is warm. For years I simply went to the supermarket and bought a box of suitably sized plastic bags.Put a bag over your foot, but on the sock, and you are good to go! In the old days this method of dealing with cold weather in sleeping bags was called VBL which stood for vapor barrier liner. The only thing bad about the plastic bags is your feet feel clammy because of the moisture retention. But hey 20 cents a pair sure beats $20 a pair!

Fantastic video! Just to add onto your wonderful suggestions, I also find pure merino wool undershirt (150 to 250 density-rating) works extremely well paired with wind-blocking front and/or jacket for hilly-chilly ride in Pacific NW!

I like to wear neoprene gloves made by Endura. Live in the PNW and it is cold and wet half the year. They work well when wet. Use them when the temps are between 45-55 degrees.

first time I've watched you on KZfaq. thanks for the practical tips. By the way, you may know my good friend Eric Whitworth out there in Bend.

Another great video Chris. Could you cover your off season diet when you were a pro and how your weight would change? Also and tricks or strategies for keep weight off during the off-season. Tks

Hey Chris, great video on prepping for the mean season. A little tip for the problem of muffled hearing when wearing headgear with wind proof ear panels. Most wind proof material is made with a membrane sandwiched in between the fleece material. The solution I found was to perforate the ear areas with a pin about 12-15 times each side. This allows ambient sound to enter without comprising its’ wind proof properties. Has worked for me for decades. Now if only we can solve the problem of endless miles of frozen toes. Cheers!

This video was awesome! I am so glad to know those echos in my head are caused by my beanie, thank you! I cancelled my psychiatric assessment and scheduled another winter ride!

Thank You for this Chris, Its great advice. I have used those Craft Undershirts for years, always serve me well hiking and cycling here in England.

I never got into the arm/leg warmer scene. My riding stops below 26°F because my glasses fog up at stoplights, but the cheap Chinese thinsulate lined garments worked fine for me. A base layer if it was really cold on my way to work. But a long sleeved Jersey, insulated tights/pants run me $40 US and last forever, comfort too has come a long way.

Really helpful, Chris. I've not found someone as simple and thorough as this. Fantastic! I'm in Nashville, TN and look forward to trying the "winter" season here riding. Thanks man

Another great combo is a Helly Hansen Merino wool base layer and the Bontrager Velocis Softshell Jacket . This jacket keeps your chest and arms warm but vents heat out the back panel. This is good down to around 4 or 5 Celsius. Be advised the Bontrager Jacket is fitted so nothing flapping around . My bottoms are Sugoi full length Bib pants with fleece lining which are bit on the cools side till you warm up. Anything close to freezing is just too dangerous , so I don’t go out on the bike.

Great stuff Chris - thanks so much for passing on all your wisdom. Can you please do a video on rain specific items / tips and techniques like anything specific to wear and tire pressure..... that would be super helpful... Thanks in advance

vermarc has made my riding so much more fun in the cold weather. Thanks.

Bend, Huh? I'm in Eugene, neighbor! Thanks for the Christmas list!

Your videos are the very best there are on cycling. I learn so much from every one. All the details and nuances (particularly when you analyze a race/stage) make it happen. I'm 59 and started riding when I was 13, and racing during the Lemond days in Nor Cal (ughhhh! I wasn't very good). I watch these and now know how little I know! Keep these up because they are going to continue to get really popular. Happy Holidays to you and your family!

I fully endorse what Chris says about Craft underwear. I have several in various thicknesses and they are excellent.

All the cycling video folks are putting out their winter cycling shows. It'd be nice to see one do a show about extreme winter biking in northern climates. There are a lot of neat clothing and gadgets options that make that possible- 45NRTH boots, Bar-Mitts, Hotronic electric toe warmers, studed tires...

Great discussion... hope you can weave more gear overviews in the future (training jerseys, mid weights, etc)... 🍻

Always a fan ...Loved to watch you climb ! Thanks-love these !

Another good tip for cooler weather... FOOD. Empty tummy = shiverfest

So much out there now. Every condition is covered. Appreciate the video.

Really helpful information. Thanks!!

Thanks! This is advice I can really use. Not going to stop riding this winter!

Excellent video Chris, the small details described by someone like yourself certainly add up in winter weather. I have the same LG Course jacket and it does exactly what you described, extremely light, water resistant, and surprisingly warm. I hesitate to sometimes use that jacket as it's so light and thin but every time I do I'm amazed by how it traps my body heat.

Great gear list! The only thing I'd add, if you're riding a lot and you're feet run cold like mine do, is to get winter specific shoes. I have a pair of Northwave's that I love and always wear if its mid 40s or lower. Really mitigates the sufferfest.

I'm constantly learning new things from your videos, Chris. Thank you!

I love cold weather riding. No bugs, no crowds, no sweat, no sunburn. Hate the heat! Feet: neoprene shoe covers, 2 plastic bags over each sock inside my shoes. Keeps feet warm enough 3 or 4 cycling shirts (2 short sleeve, 2 long sleeve) Bib winter tights Headband over ears. If colder I add a balaclava. Neoprene gloves. Did I mention I love winter riding?

Congrats on keeping the weight off in retirement. BTW, when I was living in Bend and riding on 12 degree mornings, I had to resort to gloves, jackets, and hats designed for skiing, nothing else was warm enough for those temps.

Chris another great show. I ride in the pa and nj areas all winter. Cant wait for the off season nutrition you mentioned below.

Thank You for all the info Chris.

Vermarc is awesome! Just a windtex jacket and vest.

Shared this like a hundred times already... Timely... For some reason, I would wear more in the winter here in the NYC area. I never felt warm enough - despite how hard the ride was or the distance. Daily during the week, I would do 30 to 50 miles (you know dad, job, life) and between 50 and 100 miles per day on weekends. Now I do between 40 and 60 per day on weekends, 30 to 36 per night - at 52 I have nothing to prove and was never very good anyway. One thing that I hope you cover next is how you kept your johnson warm! LOL - I can't tell you how many times that area literally froze - getting stuck in snowstorms while still 25 miles from home and now cell service.. I know you can relate..

We are in the time of year, when I am happy to live in Phoenix, cold means mid 40s is worst I have to deal with and generally mid-50s ....the summer that is a whole different beast but sometimes a base layer tech tshirt, maybe a long sleeve jersey, and a wind vest, normal bike cap...and I am good to go -- this was a well laid out presentation -- my brother in Salem...his solution is purely Zwift

Great video. A couple of years ago I cycled in the cold and was frozen. I got a shower when I got home, but I was cold for hours. I did augment my attire on the cheap. I use a Nike Cold Gear baselayer with an Amazon $37 windproof insulated jacket and it does OK. I am thinking about some of the more expensive gear as it really seems to perform well. I wish I could get a Goretex-like material that is less expensive. Thanks for the video. I may have to use the Visa, after Christmas.

Hey Chris I enjoy your tips. One thing you might consider is to include your observations regarding sizing on the products. When as you know dealing with different clothing manufacturers the sizing can vary pretty extensively. Your input on sizing might save on returns and frustration. Like, it runs true to form or seems to run small or large based on your experience.

Thanks sir. Super informative. Man I hate winter 😒 Be safe out there

Most excellent Chris - thanks so much for the excellent insights.

For the really cold days (30s or lower), I've been a big fan of PI AmFIB tights over the years. Also, Voler makes a great thermal jacket. I have winter-specific MTB shoes from Shimano that I really like. Expensive, but if you ride in the cold a lot they are warmer than a regular shoe/bootie combo. Also, get a helmet cover if you don't have an aero helmet. It's a small thing, but makes a big difference.

Awesome video! Appreciate all the great info. Very helpful! Hope you make more videos about gear.

Chris your baby powder trick worked great . I had another flat lots of flats this year.

Loving the vids man! Would love to hear more talk about training and stuff as well!

Great post! Very helpful. I might add the Castelli toe thingy, or other equivalent, work great when you don’t need a full shoe cover.

Great information!

Awesome advice on winter gear. Like the helmet cover idea and 2-in-1 windbreaker gloves! I got a pair of Specialized Defrosters (look like ski boots lol) but fortunately it's still in the 40's F here in Boise. How about a rain jacket like Primož's from the Vuelta :-D

I don't get a thing from saying this but the last two years I have been using the Pactimo Vertec jackets and tights. IMO, the best cold weather stuff I have ever bought.

This is another great video. I have implemented your saddle bag recommendation and the Noxema recommendation -- I may have to try some of those arm and leg warmers now!

Excellent advice. Thank you!

Being comfortable on long winter rides is clearly a function of clothing choice. For a base layer, Byrne Super Thermo can't be beat. It keeps you warm AND its mesh poly weave ensures you never feel damp. I used Craft undershirts in the past, but the Byrne outperforms Craft.....

Vermarc is such an under-rated brand. If you like them cheaper, you should check their outlet shop, they carry the yesteryear items for 20to 30percent cheaper.

Good advice as always. Thanks.

Thanks Buddy! I'm in Seaside and enjoy the Route over Lewis & Clark Hwy to Astoria and back through the Country..new to Oregon and hope the Cycle Oregon Events happen in 2021? Do you know? my cycle videos are more about the ride and not being a "tour guide" lol stopping every 5 miles... Hope to see you out someday

My fave cold weather gear is living here in Chiang Mai, Thailand....

watched and enjoyed so many of your Horner's Corner during races, and your advice videos...look forward to a ride and conversations should I visit Bend!! for clothes without logos Chris, go check out Cafe du Cyclistes - awesome French brand from south of France, just sayin'....and oh, love the Woodstock shirt!!

Brian Worthy approves of this video.

I always treat overshoes as disposable items.the GoreTex Shake dry prob the go to rain jacket now, but at a price. Well explained vlog.

OMG so much near gear these days. Back in the 70s I used whatever i could get, often rode in the snow in 20-30 F. insulation was a newspaper lol (really)

excellent review with some great products but I keep it simple, Castelli large in everything, based on the temp they recommend Plus castelli have some clever products (eg Gore windstopper chest piece) for the cold and some great extreme cold products, (double expreso / gloves etc)

Great video

Great stuff as usual Chris, as for your legs, just your standard bib-shorts + leg warmers? Or do you use a long-legged bib? ... how about socks??

Hey Chris - thanks as always for info...any comments on full leg bibs vs leg warmers? If know its a cold day I prefer the full bib to avoid those seams overlapping but curious if there is any reason you didnt discuss a full leg bib?..thanks!!

No wind-Tex material over the ears is deep knowledge. “Lock the elbow”

Am I again weird. I just use long cycling pants and shirt but with (can't find the word in english) a sort off thicker shirt over it that's good against wind. Then some winter gloves and I'm good to go. I don't have it cold even when it's like 3 degrees Celcius. And why not because I just get cold on my hands very easy. The rest no. Also this winter I finally will go with Zwift. Only problem again will be is it fun? Because I like it a lot better on the road. And what's a good thing for using zwift? So good but not like 2000 euro(s)? Edit: that's why I'm 1m89cm

The hardest thing to keep warm is feet. I used to train down to -15 Celsius and just let the feet go numb until you can't feel them anymore... Problem solved.

Hi Chris, great advice as always! I'm in the market for the Vermarc armwarmers but need to order online (I live in Chile!) and cannot try before buying... my cyclist arm's are 25 inches long (from shoulder bone to wrist bone) and muscularly 10 inches in circumference around the biceps area... would you say a size S would be right for me? (may thanks! and please let us know if you visit Chile anytime!)

BOOYA!

Thx for another good video! Any experience with Merino wool undershirts? Theoretically not so efficient with removing sweat, but wool is supposed to keep the temperature better. Prologo gloves with this lobster 'thing' are a killer - thanks for showing them!

Great video! What about thermal bib shorts? I've thought about picking up a pair. Looks like it's gonna be in the upper 40s low 50s for awhile here in Durango but it is gonna get cold soon and I love my Bontrager softshell bib tights for when it gets into the 30s. Seems like every winter I forget how to stay warm enough or I get too warm. Thanks for the info

Chris, love the channel, great information as always. One question: When driving through Bend on 97, do you follow the posted speed limit? No one else seems too.

It's ok Chris, you can call us fans instead of viewers 😀👍

The only arm warmers that fit me are the leg warmers.

Chris, help me out! I loved this video, but, being 76 I can feel the cold air in my breathing. What do you suggest. Love your knowledged-shared. jim

What about bib shorts / tights? Did I miss something?

4:16 - Was this Tour of Alberta--Kananaskis to Olds? That was a nasty day!

Just thought of something, what are your favorite cycling socks for winter? or all around favorite socks?

Great info Chris! I get cold in the nether regions-if you know what I mean...are you wearing your typical bib shorts with the leg warmers that you mentioned-do you add any other layers for “the boys” and such?

Any advice as to the sizing of the Vermarc arm/leg warmers? Not sure about the European sizing chart; i.e., do they run small?

Chris- got any further tips for cold toes? Have been going out pre-dawn in 15-20 degrees and cannot seem to keep the toes from numbing out. Even bought some Sidi road boots. Thx

With a beanie, where do you put your glasses’ temples?

Nice video. Thanks. I'm a new cyclists and I'm about 185lb. I have yet to find the proper approach to stay warm in Temps of 45 or lower. A cyclists buddy of mine told me to always take 10° off the actual temp when on a bike. I wear an under armor cold gear compression shirt as a base and normally add a second cold weather gear shirt over that then my winter riding jacket. I find that as I begin to sweat, I eventually get cold from the wind. Is a merino wool base layer a good choice? Any other suggestions? Thanks

My favorite cold weather gear involves slippers and a TV remote control.

36x18

Chris, just saw your note about lotion. I have this issue (wamers falling down) with all of my warmers. What kind of lotion are your referring to? TIA

What about bibs? Is there any winter version (superrubaix material or similar to Wermarc leg warmers)?

They know who I am and I pay full price.

Jacket loose fitting can be great for training. Did you lose your hair from the stuff you took or was it heredity?

Zwift !

Hey Chris.. Is there a place in the US that I can buy the prologo gloves? I have tried the progolo site in Italy but it's so hard because everything is in Italian and I cant figure out what the heck they are saying... lol

Any experience with battery powered heated clothing?

Got that folks? Chris rides bikes in Bend, Oregon during cold weather and he knows how to dress himself. I learned so much about how Chris dresses himself, or does he¿

Were you a fan of a wind vest? Just curious

how come the only item you talk about, that you don't provide a link to or tell us which one you recommend, is the only item I need (head beanie). No link in the description ?!