colder weather

i have a race in October and was wondering the same thing, so thought i would take long sleeve bike jacket, but would love to hear what Triathletes who run in cooler weather do.
Sarah 

Arm warmers in T1 just in case.

How long is the distance and how cold are the averge temps?

Its personal, and depends on the race distance, but my preference in cold races (below 60, windy, maybe rain) for anything but a sprint distance is that arm warmers are a must and knee wamers, vest and gloves could make sense.  The longer the race; the more it makes sense.  It takes very little time in T1 and it's more important to be warm and allow me to perform at my highest level.  Caveat - Don't know what the pros would do as they fly though T1).

Other things to think about:  I'm typically sockless, but I'll also wear socks or my toes go numb (Ok - I'm a wuss, but numb feet coming into T2 and the first part of the run is no fun).  Same with gloves - ever come into T2 and had trouble taking off your helmet?
Speaking of helmets, try taping vents on your helmet (its warm and aero) or wear a skull cap.
The colder it gets, the more any kind of wind and rain will effect you  (I'm remembering stories from friends at IMWI in 2006 when lots of racers were pulling off to the side during the bike and being treated for hypothermia - lots of DNFs that year).

Arm warmers, possibly knee covers. Remember, that if you are going 20mph on the bike, you are creating your own personal wind chill factor.

Also, there are a lot of fairly tight fitting rain jackets that trap body heat wonderfully.

John

What about something like the Under Armour Cold Weather Gear - could you wear that to swim but it would still keep you warm on the bike? I've never used it, so I don't know if it works when wet, or dries quickly, or whatever. Was just thinking it might be easier than pulling something on.

A tip I learned on here is to wrap chemical handwarmers around your handlebars. The things last for-ev-er, so you can pop them open before your swim start, tape them in place, and then have nice toasty hands while riding. Stick one in your helmet, too, and do the flat, sticky toe ones in your shoes.

For a few early season tri's, I'd put on a long sleeve cycling jersey. One with a full zipper as I think they are easier to put on than pulling something on over your wet body.