clothing layers

[Steve B]

Can someone give me some advice on clothing please? I have, up until now, been quite happy with cycling in a t-shirt and shorts, or track suit trousers. Going to be taking on a longer ride soon however and want to be prepared as possible but not as far as 'all the gear and no idea' if you see what I mean! Specifically, do you wear anything between a base layer and waterproof/windproof jacket? Or does it depend on the weather, adding or removing layers as you feel cold/hot etc? If so, what layers are suggested - looking at clothing on wiggle etc gives a vast array of options. Will be dropping into my LBS this evening or tomorrow but don't want to get the 'buy one of everything sir' advice that I suspect I might get.

I have ordered a pair of proper cycling shorts but not sure if I will be brave enough to wear them when out and about with others - my derierre is not the smallest in the known universe and I know I wouldn't want to cycle looking at it wobbling in lycra so don't want to inflict the sight on anyone else either Normal shorts over the top are a possibility, but if its cold and I put a tracksuit on over that I think it will start getting a bit bulky and restrictive.

Cheers, Steve.

 

[just4fun]

steve dont worry about your behind. The shorts will hold it in and they are a must imo. As for the rest of the gear, cycling goves a cycling top and a thin cycling jacket which is waterproof . wearing these i dont look like a professional cyclist but i have light, waterproof and appropriate gear which reduces the wind factor.

If its cold i wear my light 'everyday' jacket and just put it in my pannier bag when i get warmed up.

My OH just has cycling shorts, gloves and a thick cycling jacket which is warmer than the thin layers i use. She also wears a generic t-shirt. when she gets warmed up i also put her jacket in my pannier bag.

I guess it depends on the weather.

 

[jimboalee]

Knowing what clothes to wear; and how many layers, comes from years of experience and 'trial and error' outings.
Is also depends on how you as an individual can tolerate the extremes of temperatures.
It also depends on how you feel on the day and how much sleep you had; how much you ate the previous day and whether you take hot or cold drinks with you.

Wind direction should be taken into consideration too.

All this said, it is better to be cool rather than hot.

 

[rich p]

If it's as cold as it has been lately I wear a long sleeved base layer (Helly etc), a short sleeved lycra top and a wind jacket that I can take off and put in a pocket if I want. Bib longs or bib shorts help with the waist of the larger gentleman(!) and overshoes when it's cold enough.
The other invaluable item in the cold is a buff. They are very versatile to warm your neck, ears and head depending on the temperature. Maybe I'm a wimp though, as Jimboalee says - each to his own.

 

[Lazy-Commuter]

+1 on the cycling shorts. I've got a voluminous wobbly bottom and so don't look great. But I am comfortable and that's the important thing.

Also, recommend some "proper" cycling gloves. Again, padding where you want it !!

I wear wicking t-shirts (which I also use as a base layer for walking) or sometimes a long sleeve version of same: Mountain Warehouse normally have both at a reasonable price. The t-shirt alone does me if it's above about 10C - I generate a fair amount of heat when on the move!

If I need more, I put either a thin long-sleeved mid-layer (or a second wicking t-shirt) over the baselayer, or I put a Montane Fetherlite smock thing on: that keeps the wind off and is also waterproof. I have the Fetherlite waterproof trousers as well, which were a God-send in the winter but I've not needed to wear them since about February.

On the coldest days in the winter, I wore the baselayer, midlayer and waterproof top; plus shorts and the waterproof trousers. I did "upgrade" to a cheap old pair of ski gloves on my hands. That did for me, even on frosty mornings and snowy days.

But ... I am quite well insulated and was only out in the weather for 30-40 minutes at a time. I'm sure I'd have wanted more had I less subcutaneous or been out in it for longer.

Layers that you can easily add or subtract are always good ..

 

[jimboalee]

Knowing what clothes to wear; and how many layers, comes from years of experience and 'trial and error' outings.
Is also depends on how you as an individual can tolerate the extremes of temperatures.
It also depends on how you feel on the day and how much sleep you had; how much you ate the previous day and whether you take hot or cold drinks with you.

Wind direction should be taken into consideration too.

All this said, it is better to be cool rather than hot.

It also depends on what you ate for breakfast.

The 'leftovers' from last night's Madras, and I'm ready for sub-zero without leggings.

 

[montage]

I am nearly allways in shorts, unless there is frost on the ground

I have a thin cycling jersey over the top of a long sleeved tight T shirt, sometimes I put and extra T shirt on etc, sometimes Just the jersey.

Better to over-prepare than underprepare if you can, but after a few longer rides you will soon get the gist of what you are most comfortable in. I tend to heat up and sweat more than other people so tend to be wearing the least layers, some people get cold at any temperature!

Is one of those annoying cases of personal preference

 

[Steve B]

Thanks for the advice peeps, will start with a base layer and a windproof top and maybe take an extra layer in my rucksack. If I get cold I will just have to peddle harder

Steve.

 

[Lazy-Commuter]

You'll be right.

It took me a few weeks as Winter came on to work out what combinations to go with for different conditions (that was my first winter commuting on the bike), but one thing I did quickly spot was that it was a good idea to feel a little bit cold as you set off .. if you're comfy as you start you'll be baked after a couple of miles once the blood starts to flow!!

 

[Randochap]

Top: 3-season base-layer in autumn, winter and into spring (and for cold nights on long-distance) of poly or merino wool. Long or short-sleeve.

If you wear short sleeve base and jersey, use arm warmers. This is the most versatile method. Warmers can be rolled down or removed to moderate temp.

Jersey of poly or merino wool.

Depending on weather: windbreaker or breathable/waterproof rain jacket.

Bottom: Shorts or bib shorts. Cold weather: Leg warmers or tights. Padded socks (poly or wool). Shoes of choice. For cold/wet or nights: booties (coated nylon or neoprene).

No cotton anywhere, except jaunts to the shops in summer.

See VeloWeb rando tackle page for more info.

 

[scook94]

Steve, I was pretty much in the same dilemma as you re the Lycra, but realised I was more embarrassed about wearing trackie bottoms when I passed other "properly attired" cyclists. The 3/4 bib tights I subsequently ordered arrived today and I can't wait to try them out on the road!