What I wear on the rides now.

My last outside ride  was November 13th. I am making the transition to rides on the trainers and look forward to a good day to go outside for a short ride of  one to two hours through the next months.  

My cut off for riding outside is 50 degrees F and I chose to wear these items so I enjoy my time outside. Not all 50s are the same. The wind makes it colder due to the windchill. The items in the photo were comfortable with conditions in the upper 30s.  For weather below freezing I would add a leg base layer, a second long sleeve layer and windproof gloves.

I consider the jacket and the fleece neck gaiter to be the keys.  The jacket is windproof to 30 mph winds with pit zips that help keep my inside free of sweat.  The neck gaiter allows the incoming air to warm up to help my lungs and having a toasty neck really helps with comfort.

The legs will do fine with just sweatpants.  I do have winter fleece lined cycling pants, but the sweatpants work great for the winter short daily rides.

Your body may handle the cold differently, but most people complain about cold hands or feet. Trail and error is how we find what works best for our thermostat.  If your first few minutes feel cold you may have the layers right. 

Insulated boots and hunting gloves.

I found that regular cycling or hiking shoes work great for about an hour and after that my toes get cold.  I already had the winter outdoor boots and they work great on my flat pedals. You will find some winter specific items that will work on your winter rides, but you might find effective items already in your closet.  For awhile I just used my Carhart winter hooded jacket.

Enjoy your winter rides.