Looking for decent a cycling top/base layer and jacket

[snomaes]

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.

I have a Holdsworth Criterium with no rack or guard mounts, but I still have a rack and mudguards! I use Crudguards Mk 2s and have a Topeak seatpost mounted rack that can hold up to 7 kgs.

I have the version without the side racks which only cost me around £27 (http://www.chainreac...x?ModelID=28819), but if you want a pannier(s) fitted, you need the side arms http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=28767

I ditched the rucksack and instead use a Topeak rack bag, which holds my waterproofs, lunch and change of clothes for work and is a lot more comfortable.

 

[Holdsworth]

My Holdsworth is also the Criterium, no mounts or anything. I have recently fitted a pair of RoadRacer mk2's and I am very pleased with them, no complaints whatsoever. I don't really want to go and try attaching panniers to the bike, even the seat post mounted ones you have linked to. It would be nice to carry panniers instead of a rucksack but I have been advised in another thread to not bother with panniers on my bike and wait until I have one that is actually built for them.

Would a rucksack with a mesh back make any improvement at all compared to my current one which sits on my back flat with little space?

And also could the HH base layer be used on it's own when a waterproof coat is not required but the weather is cold, or would I need additional layers on top of it?

 

[TrevorM]

And also could the HH base layer be used on it's own when a waterproof coat is not required but the weather is cold, or would I need additional layers on top of it?

No. Its too light and thin. Only works as insulation if you have something over it to stop the wind, e.g. the Montane I use.

 

[Holdsworth]

Well I have finally received the H base layer from CRC. So far though I haven't had an opportunity to try it out at all so I'll have to wait until Monday for a test of it under my coat. General look and feel of it though are good, very light, good fit and quite warm in a quick walk outside this afternoon.

So now I'll be looking at getting a replacement jacket and/or rucksack for my commute, whichever is more important. I have seen cycling orientated jackets such as this for just a smidge over £30 which is bang on the money for me. I would like your thoughts on this and possibly some suggestions for something similar.

I know that a rucksack isn't ideal for commuting and that pannier would be better in the long run etc. But I don't want to go to the hassle of seat post racks that aren't capable of carrying much weight, and from I have heard can be unstable due to having only one mounting point.
I will happily wait for when I have a touring or hybrid bike to which I can fit a proper rack, I do have one ready to fit somewhere around the house.

 

[Holdsworth]

Ok hows about one of those carradice saddlebags? More specifically the Nelson Longflap 18 litre, which when combined with the bagman support should do me nicely, assuming it can hold a4 folders within it. The longflap seems to be out of stock at wiggle and I cannot seem to find anywhere else that stocks them. No rush anyway as the £50 + £20 price tag will require me to save up for little while.

What are people's thoughts on these bags, are they any good? I can't be sure though whether I have the clearance for one between my saddle and rear wheel, I don't have the seat post raised up much and I estimate there to be around 8 inches free.

 

[buggi]

i've never used one, but they look quite good.

 

[subaqua]

I used my scuba diving knowledge to help in getting the top layers sorted. wicking base layer, wicking mid layer and technical jacket ( when i dive i don't do it in a jacket

i use the Helly Hansen base layer mentioned on page 1, and have a regatta fleece top (thompson ?? from go outdoors for a tenner) and a regatta x-ert jacket 2 sizes too big so it covers my backside.

works really well in the pre dawn temps down to about -2 . in the summer was just the HH base layer if it wasn't raining. raining brought the breathable x-ert jacket back out.

early autumn was the H and the Xert.

works well for walking out in the wilds of wales too ( born and bred in Wales)

 

[Wardy]

I've been using a Buffalo Mountain Shirt for many years during Winter. Most times I wear it on its own (which you are supposed to) but if it's VERY cold I sometimes have a HH base layer as well. I perspire a lot during fairly hard cycling but even if I'm lathered the Buffalo wicks away moisture very quickly and keeps me warm. It has long zippered vents from armpit to almost the hem which help to regulate temperatures.