Another thread got me to thinking. I keep reading where so many people are wearing all three layers and I keep wondering how? I simply would cook if I were to wear all three layers. I guess to be more precise, I would cook if I were to wear a heavy mid-layer. I have tried, and can't stand it. I simply get too hot, regardless of the conditions.
Generally speaking, I guess I just wear an insulating base layer. I have a couple winter jerseys, one is light to midweight and the other is light to midweight fleece. If I wear the heavier fleece winter jersey, than i really have to compensate by wearing my very lightweight jacket.
If I wear the lighter weight jersey, I wear a heavier gore-tex outer layer. My point is that i guess, i don't officially wear all three layers very often and I especially never wear a heavy mid layer.
On my legs i wear a base layer (lightweight tights) under my midweight winter tights when temps are closer to single digits. (F)
Machka
01-10-06, 11:59 AM
I think some people are warm cyclists, and some people are cold cyclists. I am a cold cyclist.
I will actually go for a bicycle ride on a day when it is about 30C/86F in order to cool off. I rarely feel too warm on the bicycle.
I have been teased because I'll show up for rides dressed in a jacket and tights when everyone else is in shorts and jersey. But the thing is ... I am comfortable in the jacket and tights. I would be too cold in shorts and a jersey. I know that from experience.
I do not ride in a short-sleeved jersey and shorts until the temperature is well above 27C/80F. A bit cooler than that and I'll add a vest. When it gets down to about 20C/68F, I'm thinking about arm and leg warmers, and a full jacket. By the time it gets down to about 10C/50F, I'm into the three layers you describe above . . . a base layer, a heavy mid-layer, and my lined winter jacket (or 4 layers if I decide to use my rain jacket). Below freezing, and I've added another layer . . . . . . and by the time it gets down to about -10C/14F I'm into 5 layers, which is my "normal" winter wear. And my 5-layer system allows me to feel warm, comfortable, and happy when I'm cycling in the winter. :)
The thing is that I don't think any one system works for everyone everywhere.
Portis
01-10-06, 01:21 PM
The thing is that I don't think any one system works for everyone everywhere.
That's a good point. I am not aware of the variations because i never ride with anybody. In fact i never have ridden one meter with anyone in cold weather. It is suprising to see how you are always cold considering that you live in a very cold climate.
So much for the theory of adapting to the climate. :D
When i ride i generate a LOT of heat. I suppose everyone does. That is why it is hard for me to understand how somebody could wear a wool sweater or any other heavy mid layer. I simply can't dump the heat fast enough with something that heavy on.
chipcom
01-10-06, 06:59 PM
From 45 down to freezing and just below I wear my bellana wool base, a merino wool sweater, my Yellowjacket wind jacket, klondike tights, smartwool socks (thicker crews), windstopper gloves, beanie, and toe covers. Colder than that I might add another sweater, nashbar pants, booties, glove liners and bacalava. The wool isn't really heavy, it breaths real well and wicks the moisture away, so by adjusting the front zipper on the wind jacket I can get more cooling air, and by adjusting the pit zips I have someplace for the moist warm air to escape. Works pretty good and I really don't overheat or get very wet at all. I seriously think the key is a light wind/water resistant shell with good venting, using wool layers below. Everytime I try some windproof/waterproof or winter softshell jacket, I heat up like a tea kettle. The J&G wind jacket is probably the best piece of outerwear I have ever had, good for use most of the year, from cool summer nights to bitter winter cold.
mgalex
01-12-06, 02:24 AM
hi guys. I have always found that I cook in anything over one layer. That layer simply adapts to the conditions. either thin and short sleve or thick and long. After that it's tights or shorts depending on the wind chill and that's it. I have to admit tough it rarely dtops below 0 degrees in Wales unless it's in the depths of winter and very early in the day.