The Ted Crow Challenge: Ditch the sweatshirts and get a good jacket

First up in The Ted Crow Challenge is to establish why wearing layers of cotton sweatshirts is not the best cycling clothing option. Cotton doesn't wick away moisture (read: sweat), so it won't keep you dry and warm -- key necessities for riding a bike in Cleveland in December. Sweatshirts also don't block the wind/rain/snow or reflect headlights on dim evenings.

What should you wear when you ditch the sweatshirts, Ted? Brent shows you here what he likes to wear to keep warm, ride well, and look good when he, too, commutes to work by bike:

Pearl Izumi Vagabond II Jacket ($99.99): Wind- and water-resistant, packable, and converts into a vest for fall and spring, too. Best feature: No "homeless serial killer" vibe.

Endura Gridlock Overtrousers ($89.99): Wear your own pants, Ted, but wear these over them! Waterproof, with extended ankle zips for getting them on without taking shoes off, plus 360-degree reflective detailing for safety.

And don't forget accessories that keep hands, feet, and head warm:

Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lobster Gloves ($64.99)

Pearl Izumi AmFIB Shoe Covers ($49.99)

Pearl Izumi Facemask ($24.99)

(Shown: Raleigh Sojourn featuring Avenir Excurson panniers. Photos: Doug Charnock)