On average I ride to work between 2 and 3 times per week... usually Tue, Wed, and Thu. I also try to do a longer ride on the weekend. Riding to work is primarily to get a workout/exercise, commuting is secondary.
I do have one base layer made of merino wool. I use it when there is a big chance I might get caught in the rain. The reason is wool will still keep you warm (up to a point) even if it gets wet by water/perspiration.
For keeping warm on longish rides, I wear a soft shell outer jacket which is wind-proof in the front but breathable at the back/back of arms. What I find is breath-ability is key when you are exerting lots of effort. Being dry actually helps regulate body temps. When your layers are drenched you are more susceptible feeling cold and miserable.
Depending on the temps I wear anywhere from 1 to 3 additional base layers... aside from merino, I use shirts made of polypro/polysester that does a good job of wicking sweat from the skin to the outer layers so it can evaporate. Note that sometimes I stop and remove some of the layers when it gets hot. One of the most versatile "layer" I have is a fleece lined cloth that is fashioned like a baby's bib. I can easily put it on and take it off depending on how warm/cold I feel. It is especially useful when I am battling cold headwinds. I used newspapers as additional layers before I got this bib.
The coldest temps I would probably go out to ride is -18°C/0°F. Below this it gets tougher keeping extremities/face warm on long rides (> 1 hour). Below 10°C I start using chemical warmers to warm my foot... otherwise they would be on the verge of getting numb after more than an hour of riding, despite the wool socks and neoprene covers over the cycling shoes.
I'm definitely impressed by your approach to the weather. I guess you develop whatever attitude it takes to do what you want. I grew up in Chicago and do know something about fighting the cold, walking miles in the snow and wind, dressing in puffy jackets or parkas, stopping in stores (to get some heat) along the way to high school when the buses weren't running because the roads hadn't been cleared of snow yet. I moved to a warmer climate after living like that for too long. So, now, I can also chase the critters in my forest - naked if necessary. Geno, maybe we could develop a new sport for the Olympics.
Comments
I do have one base layer made of merino wool. I use it when there is a big chance I might get caught in the rain. The reason is wool will still keep you warm (up to a point) even if it gets wet by water/perspiration.
For keeping warm on longish rides, I wear a soft shell outer jacket which is wind-proof in the front but breathable at the back/back of arms. What I find is breath-ability is key when you are exerting lots of effort. Being dry actually helps regulate body temps. When your layers are drenched you are more susceptible feeling cold and miserable.
Depending on the temps I wear anywhere from 1 to 3 additional base layers... aside from merino, I use shirts made of polypro/polysester that does a good job of wicking sweat from the skin to the outer layers so it can evaporate. Note that sometimes I stop and remove some of the layers when it gets hot. One of the most versatile "layer" I have is a fleece lined cloth that is fashioned like a baby's bib. I can easily put it on and take it off depending on how warm/cold I feel. It is especially useful when I am battling cold headwinds. I used newspapers as additional layers before I got this bib.
The coldest temps I would probably go out to ride is -18°C/0°F. Below this it gets tougher keeping extremities/face warm on long rides (> 1 hour). Below 10°C I start using chemical warmers to warm my foot... otherwise they would be on the verge of getting numb after more than an hour of riding, despite the wool socks and neoprene covers over the cycling shoes.
I grew up in Chicago and do know something about fighting the cold, walking miles in the snow and wind, dressing in puffy jackets or parkas, stopping in stores (to get some heat) along the way to high school when the buses weren't running because the roads hadn't been cleared of snow yet. I moved to a warmer climate after living like that for too long. So, now, I can also chase the critters in my forest - naked if necessary. Geno, maybe we could develop a new sport for the Olympics.