Comfort during cold weather rides

What would be the first piece of advice?  Don't sweat.  Sweating cannot be avoided because you are exercising and you want a workout.  If you do not sweat you do not hope for improvement.  In the colder temperatures the sweating needs to be managed better than when it is hot.  Let's consider some aspects of sweating.

Why do you sweat? It is your way your body cools itself down when it gets too hot.  Your body will get too hot based on the clothing you are wearing.  You know that your body will heat up with exercise.  There are rules of thumb that may guide you: dress like it is 15 degrees warmer than the outside temperature, when you start riding you should feel cold.

Learn what helps you feel comfortable.  The extremities need your attention.  Hat for your head. Gloves for your hands and socks plus shoes.  Each body reacts differently.

The wicking capability of the material on your head cover is so important.  I tried a stocking cap first and it was too hot. I picked up a cycling specific cap that also covers my ears and that  worked much better. This item also noted that it was wind resistant.  I do not like the feel of wind penetrating my layers and reaching my skin.  There are a variety of winter cycling items to consider and it is good to read the reviews.  

How long will you be out on the ride?  When I was riding in temperatures of 20 and 30s my feet and hands would start to get cold after about an hour when using my standard shoes and  gloves. Another thing to consider is whether there is snow or rain. I will sometimes pack an extra pair of gloves and hat. 

This was on one of my first cold weather rides and the rain shell was plastic.  As you might imagine, this jacket did not let out my perspiration and the layers got soaked.  You learn by trial and error.   I decided to get a rain jacket that had a breathable air transfer. This new jacket was wind resistant to 60 mph and waterproof for the rain.  The pit zippers help to regulate the inside  temperature. I very much appreciate the wind resistance. 

I found that the jacket worked well with temperatures from 60 down to single digits. The membrane is water repellent and windproof. The jacket has a two-way zipper that works to open the front and there are armpit zips.  I keep the armpit zips open all the time.  The only time I close them is on terribly cold and windy days.  These zippers allow the free flow of air to maintain a dry environment.

The fleece buff is something that I really find comforting.  I find that an exposed neck in the cold really adds to my discomfort.  This model easily covers my ears.  I need the neck gaiter to cover my mouth and warm the air that I breathe. I can easily pull it up to also cover the nose.

I am usually comfortable with just basic full fingered gloves.  I will also bring a pair of heavier gloves to warm my cold hands. I also found a pair of hunting gloves that worked great and they are orange for visibility.

I found my insulated boots comfortable for the super cold long rides.

What suggestions do you have? Enjoy your winter rides.