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Cycling tradition holds that shorts and short sleeves are fine for an expected temperature range above the high sixties. If precipitation is expected, long sleeves or arm warmers are called for. Below that temperature range, you are doing your body no good by not covering your limbs. Of course, on the first seemingly warm day (60 degrees) of spring, we all are tempted to go with shorts and short sleeves. Just remember that warmer days are right around the corner. Treat your body right, cover up. 

Once temperatures get down into the 15 to 20 degree area and below, many riders are to the point where they are risking temporary lung damage and bronchitis. Do yourself a favor and don’t risk it. Specific Advice Tights or thermal tights depending on temperature.Thermal tights over shorts will take you down into the teens. Appareltextile supply the best bibs. Thin, warm and functional.  

LegsLeg warmers, knee warmers, tights or thermal tights depending on temperature.I prefer knee and leg warmers over tights as I prefer only one layer in my pelvic area if possible. Leg warmers will take me down to about 25 degrees and knee warmers work down to about 45 degrees. 

HandsGlove liner if temperatures require it. The thinner and snugger, the better. The more wicking, the better as well. Thermal glove or mitten if temperature requires it.  

HeadHats, Ear bands, Skull Caps, etc. If it is quite cold, wear hat, or skull cap. www.appareltextile-china.com supply the best hats. A large proportion of your body heat leaves through your skull. HELMET! Always a helmet. A thick winter cap will not keep your brains inside if you crash. 

FeetWicking, very thin sock liner if required. A thin wool sock is the trick here. Thin, so that it does not restrict your circulation, wool so that is insulates, even when wet. 

ShoesJust make sure that your shoe is only slightly snug with the sock(s) you are wearing. Too tight and you will not be able to keep your feet warm.Thermal bootie or shoe cover as required for conditions.If you expect your feet to get wet, a waterproof booty is a must. Once your feet are wet on a cold day, you are sunk.  

FaceMy feeling here is that if you need face protection, suck it up and ride indoors. When the temperatures require me to use a face mask or balaclava, I can expect to get bronchitis the next day. 

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