Fall Weather Clothing

Ahhh!!   We made it through Summer, and now we are enjoying the cooler temperatures of Fall!!

But, at least for me, dressing for my morning commutes has gotten a little more difficult.   In the Summer, it was easy to pick out clothes for your ride — short pants, short-sleeve breathable shirt, and be prepared to sweat.  But now in Fall we are seeing 20-30 degree temperature changes during the time I ride in versus when I ride home.  This is causing some issues on dressing appropriately for the temps of the time ….

Right now, when I’m leaving for work in the morning, the sun has not yet come up, and I’m facing the coldest temperatures in store for the day.  Yet I know when I leave work for home, I’ll be in the warmest temps.  How to dress?

The problem is that while we need breathability and moisture-wicking, this can let in too much cold.  Block the cold/wind, and you can trap moisture/sweat right where you don’t want it.

For me, right now, with temperatures in the high 50’s and low 60’s in the mornings, I can still feel comfortable in shorts.  I suspect that as temperatures continue to get colder, I will have to resort to something else to keep the legs warm.  For later on, I’m counting on lightweight polypropylene thermal pants … but those will have to wait for colder weather ….

Right now, I’m just a bit cold up top.    My regular, summer-wear short-sleeve shirt (like this) was not giving me enough warmth.  I then tried a long-sleeve version of a similar shirt.  Better …. it kept my arms warm, but my “core” chest area was still cold at times.    Solution:  I added my summer short-sleeve shirt over the long-sleeve.    Core area warm, a light covering over the arms.  Should I get a little warm in-route, I can easily pull off the top short-sleeve …..

Now, on the commute home, I simply choose one shirt or the other, based on how warm the day has gotten — the second shirt is packed away for the ride home.

That makes sense, of course.   Dressing in layers has always been the best way to deal with varying temperatures.  It’s just on a bicycle, we have to balance (1) heat retention (2) moisture-wicking and (3) ability to store clothing.  Too much clothing, and we sweat.  Too little, and we have a chilly ride.

Right now, I don’t feel a need for gloves or heavy socks — probably will want for when it gets colder.  And I have not had to experience cold and rain — yet!  I guess I’ll deal with those when it happens, and will report back in ….

What works for me may not work for you.  I admit I don’t like being cold for any reason, and can take the heat — rather be hot than cold.  But everyone is different. 

So what’s your technique for Fall commuting and attire?   🙂