Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - below freezing and still sweaty

Yeah baby, I love it when I get to work and my coworkers are outside, shivering while they smoke their morning cigarettes. I pull off my hood and drips of sweat freeze on my eyelashes. Hell yeah.


but seriously though....is there any cure for overactive sweat glands? Is there even any such thing? Or does everyone else keep a reasonable body temperature? If I salt myself down every morning or rub antiperspirant over the top half of my body, will that help? In the summer, I'm a freakin' waterfall. Right now, my back is just damp. Not like I'm ever going to stop riding because of unsightly sweatiness, but I'd rather be dry sometimes. WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME!!!!!!

antiperspirant helps just rub it all over, get the good stuff and smell like baby powder all day.

No, you're dirty... face it... thats why no chicks replied to our CL ad... all cuz of your sweaty ass...

http://www.americarx.com/ProductImages/pictures/prod_certaindri.jpeg

A recommendation from the folks in the commuting forum. It's pretty weird stuff, you put it on at night when you go to bed (it's a liquid roll-on). I don't know how it works, but it does...it was the only thing that would keep the 'pits dry when I was commuting in the summer. If you put it on your back, I think you might explode.

You should be wearing a wicking baselayer. That'll pull the sweat off of your back.

It is freakin cold outside but don't put on to many layers. People think I am crazy cause my Jacket isn't that heavy for winter, but when you are riding, you don't need to the clothes to keep you warm. I do two shirts and a spring jacket and that keeps me fairly dry.

Some people just sweat more than others. I'm in the more category. I don't know of a way to stop it, and it's probably not healthy anyway. I just wear lots of layers so I can shed them as I warm up, and I usually wear a bandanna on my head to soak up the sweat. When I'm hiking or on a long ride in the summer I keep 2 bandannas and rotate them when one becomes drenched.

Wool/synthetic baselayers will help the sweat away from your body. Layering your clothes will help you regulate heat. If you feel too warm, take a layer off. Find a good jacket that allows some air in but isn't flimsy.

I wear a wicking base layer that just wicks my sweat onto my other layers.

I wear a wicking base layer that just wicks my sweat onto my other layers.

Just consider your baselayer and whatever you keep directly on top (cotton) as a unit. Sweat --> through baselayer --> absorbed in shirt. Remove shirt at work.

You can't make your sweat disappear...you've just got to manage it.

it's the sweatshirt, man. dump that for something windproof (breathable if possible) then something wicking under it.

I like my new jacket, it's from EMS, it has a bunch of Technology in it (goretex, primaloft, ???) but the best part is the zippers in the armpits and along the sides. I start zipped up, then as I warm up I unzip. By the time I get to work I have the front open and it does a cool wind-sock effect... I end up dry and not stinky, if I do smell so myself.

i sweat a lot too. there is no stopping it. don't get that stuff chicagoamdream posted. if your body is sweating like that, it's because it needs to. Right? Shouldn't try to stop it. The only thing i've found that works is the cold. Like shishi said, I don't need to wear too much because I'm a friggin' sweat/heat factory while i'm riding. Today, I wore a Capilene (synthetic) long sleeve shirt and my dorky PI neon yellow jacket. That was all. When I take that stuff off, I'm nearly dry. However, if I were wearing a lot more clothing, I think it would be the opposite.

With a messenger bag, for people like us, your back will always get damp b/c of the waterproof material. There's nothing you can do about it but switch to paniers.

PS - Do any of you new yorkers have a shop recommendation for winter bike clothing??

WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME!!!!!!

I do believe it's your medulla oblongata!





PS - Do any of you new yorkers have a shop recommendation for winter bike clothing??


bike shop prices are still a bit high, like paragon. try checking the various army & navy stores around town (8th ave, 42nd st, 6th ave, b'way) or modell's for an occasional item

go online to nashbar, they seem to have a good sale on right now too.

if your body is sweating like that, it's because it needs to. Right?

Yes, and also don't shave, because your face needs to grow a beard.

Not trying to get into a big thing here, but I think leaving the armpits untreated, especially on the way to work, is a mistake for reasons other than sweat (odor-causing bacteria, which doesn't evaporate). Again, I suggested not putting this on your back. Anti-perspirant haters should read
this (http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2005/405_sweat.html#enough)...the take-home message is that it will do you no harm. Stink in the office surely will.

PS - Do any of you new yorkers have a shop recommendation for winter bike clothing??

Sid's on 34th has a pretty extensive clothes section. But check EMS, Paragon, etc. .. .sometimes you get lucky (e.g. my jacket has long sleeves and tail, perfect for biking).

As someone who works in the outdoor industry I am filing a complaint with the general public:

Please stop describing things as 'wicking.' Everything wicks. Cotton wicks. *head explodes*

Everyone - just buy 1 or 2 patagonia lightweight tshirts as your baselayer and shut yo moufs

Sid's on 34th has a pretty extensive clothes section. But check EMS, Paragon, etc. .. .sometimes you get lucky (e.g. my jacket has long sleeves and tail, perfect for biking).

I'll check out EMS. Paragon usually infuriates me, for whatever reason. I would love to order stuff online, but with expensive jackets and the like, I want to be able to try stuff on and if it's not too ridiculous of a mark up, I'll buy it at whatever LBS happens to have something I like.

As far as the anti-perspirant issue goes, whatever. I just don't think you should stop your body from performing one of its natural processes. It's totally different than shaving. I use deodorant. It probably has antiperspirant in it too. I'm just weary of a "super" anti-perspirant. You gotta sweat a little, right? :o

Now let's talk about genetically engineered produce ;) .

nycvelo has a pretty good selection of clothes, and the folks there are way more friendly and helpful than any other shop i've been in in NYC. it's on second ave b/t 3rd and 4th

edit: craft also makes some really nice base layers and they have em at NYCVelo

I use hippy dippy (Tom's) deodorant liberally under the arms, but antiperspirant is another thing entirely, and I won't go there. Sweating is natural. I may shave off my hair, but I wouldn't try to stop it growing, any more than I would try to stop myself from sweating, pissing or defacating. Sweat happens. Deal with it.

But don't certain materials "wick" better than others?

I agree that it's a silly word...but, c'mon, like it's not in your copy all the time?

You want to regulate your temperature so you are on the brink of being sweaty, but still warm. It's a fine line.

Many layers help with this. A jacket that you can vent/unzip/take off help a lot.

If you start your ride and you feel comfortable before you start moving, you are over dressed. If you start your ride and feel cold not moving around, you are probably dresssed more sensibly.

Don't skimp on the feet hands. Those are the main trouble spots for me.

Craft has the best base layer products. I haven't tried their jackets but if it's anything like the undershirts they make, it should be pretty good. I would recommend going to EMS for somethings because they are cheaper and still work right. Paragon's too expensive. Their shop's in Soho!!!

Anyone know where in the city can I get smartwool stuff? mainly socks?

But yeah, layering is important.

when your body is overheating it will cool itself down by sweating. so, if you keep yourself cool(er), then you won't sweat as much. how much water do you drink on a daily basis?

by drinking more water and taking in more potassium (bananas and avocado), your body will be able to keep cool, retain water for when it's needed and flush out any impurities.

Craft wool is part polyester part wool. It's smart stuff, and distributed by QBP, so if your shop doesn't have it, they can get it. I swear by it.

Another thing: Don't think that you have to buy the most expensive, high dollar zoot stuff from EMS or other botique outfitters to stay comfortable/warm/dry.

You can get a whole set of cold weather stuff from the thrift shop for cheaps.

Jeans work well as a lower layer, as denim is pretty windproof on its own. If it's really ****ing cold, throw a set of longjohns on under the jeans. You can probably get a set of synthetic long johns for <$30, local or online.

Wool sweaters from the thrift shop work great as an upper insulating layer, and are cheaps at the thrift store.

A nylon jacket/windbreaker is great for the top layer; and you do not have to spend $100+ on the goretex jazz. Waterproof helps for the rainy days, but is not essential. You could probably get a new nylon jacket/windbreaker for <$50.

Hint: Old navy has some very cheap and pretty good fleeces/jackets/synthetic clothing.

the problem is dealing with water. if you get sweaty, you should avoid cotton. in all weather.

When I was a messenger I always wanted to be a little cold for the first half hour or so of the day, then once I warmed up I'd be fine(not sweaty) for the rest of the day. But now that I'm commuting and it only takes a few minutes, I end up usually overdressing, and sweating a bit as well. But, as a bunch of folks have already said, it's best to use wicking fabrics that don't get damp and stick to you.

Another shop that has a pretty good selection of winter clothing, and surprisingly good prices is R&A out in Brooklyn. I know some of the guys there are jerks and all, but if you can get past that it's worth a look.

And S_9, how was the Manhattan bridge? Any ice up there still?

I took the Brooklyn this morning. MSNGR told me he bit it on the Manhattan Bridge yesterday before I even left my apartment, so I figured it wasn't going to get any better.
Bklyn Br. is fine.

Ride shirtless.

nothing wrong with sweating .....just make sure you drink water to replenish

my problem is that I have to wear so few layers that when i want to take one off, I get ****ing frozen. I've been fine so far with one t-shirt, one wool sweater, and one rain jacket. I get one mile from home/work and I need to remove the sweater. What I really need is a place to pop into to remove the layer and stay warm.

With this system, I arrive warm and (relatively) dry. My Chrome backpack means my back still gets sweaty, but there isn't anything to be done about that.

I sweat ... a bunch. I find that the only thing that works to help reduce sweat is nothing. So bring a change of clothes, and put on some anti-persperant before you head out to keep from smelling like a beast later in the afternoon.

Anti perspirant can cause pain for some. If you're fit and you perspire as soon as you begin exertion and don't cease unitl you've chilled your heart rate don't sweat it (no pun). You're body is doing just what it's supposed to do. Unless you're wearing too much. If it's below freezing but above -20 or so I like to be a little cold (some might consider it a lot) as I go out the door to work in the morning. Below that you're gonna be cold til you get going no matter what you do.
Deodorant instead of anti-perspirant. Less clothes on the commute, except your hands and feet which you should adequately protect in sub freezing tempertures.
That'd be my advice.


Oh and yeah, the sweatshirs no good. Ditch all cotton if you can, doesn't so a damn thing in the cold anyway. cept make it less bearable

edit-yah agree with chimbly, ditch cotton

But don't certain materials "wick" better than others?

I agree that it's a silly word...but, c'mon, like it's not in your copy all the time?

Yes. Certain materials 'wick' better than others. Also clothing that has a waffle pattern does a better job of moving moisture around than clothing that doesn't. I'm just sick of the term because wicking is a universal property of all fabrics. It's just how well certain fabrics and fabric patterns manage the moisture ONCE they have 'wicked' that is important. Cotton handles it poorly. Something with a mix of spun polyester and microdenier polyester will handle it well.

I'm just venting. Don't mind me.

Can we all say 'moisture managing clothing' rather than wicking? It would make me happy.

p.s. sweating is a part of cycling. if you want to be sweat free when you get to work just don't ride. bring a change of clothes and some wet naps and embrace the sweat.

hey I was thinking of ordering the craft wool baselayer set, but does its polyester element make it stink more? my smartwool longjohns can be worn for a week without odor. They stretch out and fit kind of strange, though.

Polyester does hold onto smell more than wool/synthetic blend. it's a trade off.

p.s. sweating is a part of cycling. if you want to be sweat free when you get to work just don't ride. bring a change of clothes and some wet naps and embrace the sweat.

slow roll it in to work and dont break a sweat

Or tape some wet naps in your pits?
hah

Polyester does hold onto smell more than wool/synthetic blend. it's a trade off.

I'm aware. Specifically, to the people actually wearing this (http://www.craft-usa.com/products/images_anc/193084_1999.jpg)--what is the stink retention level involved?

I have a synthetic long sleeve shirt and a heavy loden wool sweater from Ibex. Wool stays warm when wet, unlike cotton. The sweat wicks into that no problem. Staying dry makes a huge difference.

Good advice from all...

Don't use anti-perspirant... That stuff stops sweat by jamming up your pores with aluminum.

i used to have a problem with sweating excessively. i cut all of the caffeine out of my diet and i haven't had a problem since.

Polyester does hold onto smell more than wool/synthetic blend. it's a trade off.

and how. my polyester top is possesed with the stink. i could have sworn one of our cats did her deed on it, but nope... smeller is the feller.

spend money on one of the other synthetics.. polyester aint worth it.

Paragon's too expensive. Their shop's in Soho!!!
...
But yeah, layering is important.

Yes, I agree that Paragon is expensive (though they just sell all their stuff at MSRP; its just that the stuff is that expensive) But, since when is 18th and B'way considered SoHo?

S_9, i agree with some of the other posts in the idea that one should wear less layers. A base layer and a lightweight windproof outer should do the trick. On my cold weather rides (20 degrees), that is pretty much all i'll wear. Of course, needing to wear your office/work clothes when riding (so that its not wrinkled/folded in your bag) may just act as an absorber for whatever sweat there is. I don't have a good answer for that (likely) situation.

The following are my recommendations. Note that these are all Patagonia products. I prefer these over other brands for product quality as well as faith in their business ethics (not ideal but better than anyone else out there). But the other major outdoor companies (Arcteryx, Mountain Hardwear, Cloudveil [a personal favorite]) make similar high-quality products.
Recommendations for base layer: Patagonia Capilene Silkweight Longsleeve $34
[/URL]http://www.patagonia.com/za/PDC?OPTION=PRODUCT&merchant_rn=7385&cgrfnbr=366040&sku=45004&ws=false&promo_cat=&promo_cat_id=[/URL]
Recommendations for outer/windproof layer: Patagonia Figure4 Jacket $180 (i know a lot! but there is a lifetime satisfaction guarantee!!!)
[/URL]http://www.patagonia.com/za/PDC?OPTION=PRODUCT&merchant_rn=7385&cgrfnbr=365993&sku=84965&ws=false&promo_cat=&promo_cat_id=[/URL]
Recommendations for a single layer to do all of the above: Patagonia Wind Shield Top $125
http://www.patagonia.com/za/PDC?OPTION=PRODUCT&merchant_rn=7385&cgrfnbr=365993&sku=24340&ws=false&promo_cat=&promo_cat_id=
For bottoms, I wear these (probably too often): Mountain Hardwear Transition Featherweight Tights
[/URL]http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Product.aspx?top=1&prod=1361&cat=36&viewAll=False[/URL]

And in regards to going to a store to try some of these on before purchasing, Paragon is worth checking out, but just don't listen to any of the garbage that their sales(wo)men tell you. Definitely not outdoor enthusiasts working there. Nonetheless, I would highly recommend going to Tent and Trail on Park Place
[/URL]www.tenttrails.com[/URL]

Man, I love talking outdoor apparel. If anybody is going to be attending the Outdoor Retail Industry convention in Salt Lake this January, PM me. I'm already here. We should ride.

^thatpostishardtoread

Lots of good info on this thread. Some random musings of my own:

No need to sweat when cycling in the winter. Just open vents or take off layers. Sweating is no biggie if you're stepping straight into an office, but its seriously bad news (hypothermia?) if you are going to be outside for a while after you stop. Espescially if you don't have proper clothes. (Like, if you're wearing cotton.) I sweat like crazy too, but if i'm sweating when its 35 degrees outside, i'm wearing too many clothes.

Good polypro stinks way less than the old-fasioned kind or the cheap kind. Underarmor or patagonia works best for me. I've got old stuff that never smells good, but goes nuclear as soon as it gets warmed up with body heat. Wool is always good, but heavier/bulkier/scratchier. Then again won't melt onto your skin when you accidentally fall into the fire.

No need to spend lots of money but i did just spluge on a softshell jacket which works amazingly well for biking.

Happy riding

Try thinner sinthetic layers and a very thin windbreaker. It works for me. pretty well.
When below 30 the polar fleece is on.

The following are my recommendations.
.......

Man, I love talking outdoor apparel. If anybody is going to be attending the Outdoor Retail Industry convention in Salt Lake this January, PM me. I'm already here. We should ride.

I think I'm just going to copy & paste your post onto my Christmas list. Thanks!