Head

Since about 30% of your body's heat loss is through your head, it pays to keep it covered and insulated. In the winter opt for a full face helmet and a balaclava inside. Knit caps and bandanas alone are not going to cut it on a cold day. If you don't want to wear a helmet, then try a leather skull cap under your knit cap. Even a bandana under the cap will go a long ways to insulate heat loss. Remember, if 30% of your body heat is being radiated from your head, your body is going to steal from your extremities to keep your core warm.

Core

Proper layering will insure your stay warm. If your core is well insulated, your hands and feet will stay warmer longer. Cold blood from your extremities pass through your heart from recirculating and heating. Warm chest/abdomen means hands and feet stay warmer longer.

Lower Body

Your biggest muscle group is in your thighs and buttocks. Again large amounts of heat loss. Most of the time the wind is directly on your shins and feet. The poorest circulation in your body is in your feet. A small air space between your toes and the outside of the boot can make all the difference. Doubling up on your socks can provide just enough extra airspace. Also full length boots and long socks will stop the heat loss from wind up your pant legs. Also, steel toe boots get cold slower but stay cold longer.

Layers

Remember, dress in layers. Sweating defeats the entire process. Put on coats, gloves and your helmet outside to avoid overheating inside.

Upper Body

• Coolmax or cotton shirt (Long sleeve is better.)
• Some type of windblocker/warm layer (Fleece does well.)
• Finally windblocker outer layer. (Leather)

Lower Body

• Polyprop or silk long underwear
• Windblocking /warm layer
• Finally windblocker outer layer. (Leather)

Hands

Smokers have poorer circulation in their hands than non-smokers. Use gauntlet style thinsulate lined leather or Gortex outside. Also, find some thin cotton liners to go inside your gloves this will create a small air layer to retain the heat.

Pack and extra pair of gloves and hat. When you get off the bike if you are just standing around it's nice to have a light pair of gloves and a hat to wear to keep warm, in between rides. Food high in carbs (candybar) will help rewarm you by providing instant fuel. One other thing, cold air is very dry. Staying hydrated will also help keep you warm. Alcohol and caffine will dehydrate you quickly.