Looking for decent a cycling top/base layer and jacket

[Holdsworth]

I have a hi-vis breathable, short-sleeved cycling jersey for use when the weather is warm, but now as the weather is becoming colder I am looking at doubling up for my commute.

I need something that could be used underneath a jacket for when the weather is cold and rainy, and not leave my back soaked in sweat. Something that wicks away moisture is definitely needed at this stage. I have tried using my cycle jersey hoping it would wick moisture but this hasn't worked, it does leave my the t-shirt that I wear over it nice and dry though.
I don't have a proper cycling jacket either, just a waterproof Berghaus one, and it gets quite wet on the inside from build of sweat.

I also wear a backpack when cycling which sits flat and adds to the problem. I will aim to get a new one with a mesh back in due course.

I am on quite a tight budget, I can probably afford to spend no more than £30 on each item which I realise might be inadequate. I might also be forced to buy one at a time over a couple of weeks so I'd like to know which of the two I should look at buying first.

Thanks all

 

[TrevorM]

I've been using this Helly Hansen base layer with just this jacket over it. The base layer does what you want and its within your budget. I also got a Lidl base layer for £8 which is just as good as the Helly Hansen but probably not be available again until next autumn.

The problem is jackets. If its waterproof or windproof it will trap moisture regardless. The Montane jacket is very good, warm, windproof and breathable but it's 'showerproof' not waterproof. There is some moisture build up but I never feel wet.

If its raining I use a Marmot Aegis jacket instead of the Montane. It's 100% waterproof. It's not a cycling jacket but it has good underarm vents which help with the moisture problem. It's expensive though - about £95.

I would try the base layer with your Berghaus first, then look at a new jacket if that doesn't work.
And the backpack needs to go.

 

[potsy]

I bought one of those HH base layers from Wiggle the other week,they had them in White for £13,absolute bargain.
Went to get another once I realised how good they were,but they'd gone back to normal price

I find that even the Montane featherlight leaves me wet from the inside after my 9 mile commute.

 

[rockyraccoon]

Agree with TrevorM about the backpack. I am also looking for the same stuff. Lidl is selling some ski jersey and base layer. I got both today for less than a tenner. You could try them with your jacket...

 

[darth vadar]

+1

I got the Ledl gear yesterday and it was great. Perfect for cycling.

The sizes are a bit strange but thankfully the stuff fitted me perfectly and was very comfortable.

Unfortunately, my kids thought I looked like a podgy Smirf (which, sadly I do!!)

 

[DaveP]

I have the HH base layers, and I just cannot get on with them

I think that my problem is that I do sweat quite a lot and after a couple of hours in the saddle find that I am starting to get a bit cold, now tempted to look into Assos and castelli base layers to see if they help, problem is they are a bit pricey . Not quite sure about the icebreaker stuff at the mo, that's another option I spose...

 

[amaferanga]

I have the HH base layers, and I just cannot get on with them

I think that my problem is that I do sweat quite a lot and after a couple of hours in the saddle find that I am starting to get a bit cold, now tempted to look into Assos and castelli base layers to see if they help, problem is they are a bit pricey . Not quite sure about the icebreaker stuff at the mo, that's another option I spose...

Sounds like you're maybe wearing too much on top of the HH. At this time of year when temps are usually about 5 - 10 degrees I wear a baselayer with a windproof gilet and maybe arm warmers if its nearer 5 degrees. I also prefer summer bibshorts with winter waist tights underneath as full on winter bibs get my upper body way too warm unless its below zero.

I don't think even an Assos baselayer will stop you from sweating

 

[DaveP]

Sounds like you're maybe wearing too much on top of the HH. At this time of year when temps are usually about 5 - 10 degrees I wear a baselayer with a windproof gilet and maybe arm warmers if its nearer 5 degrees. I also prefer summer bibshorts with winter waist tights underneath as full on winter bibs get my upper body way too warm unless its below zero.

I don't think even an Assos baselayer will stop you from sweating

Good point but at the mo I "only" go out in a base layer, arm warmers and a SS Jersey with shorts and knee warmers.....

Thinking about it perhaps I dont need a new base layer, but medical help

 

[TrevorM]

I find that even the Montane featherlight leaves me wet from the inside after my 9 mile commute.

Just back from 36 mile run this morning. HH base layer and Montane featherlight and was comfortably dry. I was wearing shorts do maybe that keeps me cooler.

 

[buggi]

i've got an Aldi base layer, and it's brill. wish i'd bought another one while i was at it because i'm sure it was less than a tenner.
i think you need to concentrate on getting some warm sweat wicking base layers and the aldi one is great. Wiggle.co.uk also do a few for around the £20 mark. arm warmers might help too.

i too find waterproofs are just "boil in the bag" and won't wear one unless it's heavy rain. i will just wear my quick dry stuff if it's light rain, it soon dries out between the showers,.

i've got some fleece like jackets from Corinne Dennis which are good but they are over £30. However, i've had them for 6+ years so well worth the money, my only gripe is that they are a dark colour (although they do have white stripes for visiblity). i also have their hi-viz top which is fab, and combined with my base layer and another one of their long sleeve jersey's (so 3 layers) i find it plenty warm on really cold days.

like i said tho, they are over £30 so may not be in your budget but they do last.

 

[Holdsworth]

Thank you all for the replies

I will aim to get the base layer first and try it with my existing jacket to start off with as suggested, and then think about another jacket if it doesn't work out.

As some of you said, the backpack needs to go. So what kind of backpack would I need, would a normal walking one suffice or should I look towards getting a cycling orientated one? Bear in mind that I need it to carry folders and paperwork to college and back.

Cheers.

 

[HLaB]

Thank you all for the replies

I will aim to get the base layer first and try it with my existing jacket to start off with as suggested, and then think about another jacket if it doesn't work out.

As some of you said, the backpack needs to go. So what kind of backpack would I need, would a normal walking one suffice or should I look towards getting a cycling orientated one? Bear in mind that I need it to carry folders and paperwork to college and back.

Cheers.

Just my 2p but have you thought about doing away all together with the backpack and getting a rack and pannier. They are IMO far better for carrying folders and paperwork without the sweaty back issue.

 

[John Ponting]

I think the original comment wa "get rid off" the backback - I.e. stop strapping it to your bag. Just a source of local pressure and condensation build up.

Do you have a rack? Strap the rucksack to the strap. If this helps then maybe look longer term at a more specific luggage bag for the rack.

 

[buggi]

even backpacks with a mesh back can still make you sweaty, it's a common problem.

 

[Holdsworth]

I can't fit a rack to my frame, Holdsworth racing bike from the early 90s and currently my one and only bike. I did go through a phase of trying in vain to attach one under the quick release, but I realised it was a waste of time. I will have to wait until I can get a touring bike before the rucksack comes off.