Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.RainmanP
02-13-03, 07:58 AM
As you may know we don't get very cold weather here in New Orleans. Our winter weather is about like fall or spring to many of you. Figuring out how to dress is always a challenge. There are many days when it is too cool not to wear a vest or something, but even a cycling vest with two way zipper and vented back still usually results in some perspiration in back. I know there are vests with mesh backs. In either case, a vest covers up my good looking BikeForums (or other colorful) jersey so I decided to do some experimenting. I got the idea from the pros who stick newspaper under their jerseys for descents, specifically, of course, copies of La Gazetta di la Sport in the Giro. I figured that the temperatures they experience are about what I am talking about, in the 40s F. I wanted something that would provide some insulation, but without necessarily being a total wind barrier so that there would be some ventilation.
I bought one yard of fleece fabric for $5 at the fabric store. First I split the yard in half to make an 18 inch wide strip 58 inches long. By cutting a slit for my head I had something like a serape. It was too long but I left it for initial experiments. Over the course of a couple of weeks I cut here and there so now I have three different pieces that all seem to work pretty well. The most useful bit is about 12 inches wide and 19-20 inches long, just enough to cover the very front of my torso from collar bone to waist and be held in place by my bib straps. For cooler days I can just add a second layer. I am finding this setup much more comfortable than my vest because it keeps me warm enough with no sweat at all. My back feels cool, but not cold. I still carry my vest in my pannier when I commute in case I have to stop for some reason and need a little more cover.
Just thought I would share this in case others find it helpful. Beside the comfort, as I said before, it leaves my jersey visible and leaves me easier access to jersey pockets.
FWIW,
Raymond
I bought one yard of fleece fabric for $5 at the fabric store. First I split the yard in half to make an 18 inch wide strip 58 inches long. By cutting a slit for my head I had something like a serape. It was too long but I left it for initial experiments. Over the course of a couple of weeks I cut here and there so now I have three different pieces that all seem to work pretty well. The most useful bit is about 12 inches wide and 19-20 inches long, just enough to cover the very front of my torso from collar bone to waist and be held in place by my bib straps. For cooler days I can just add a second layer. I am finding this setup much more comfortable than my vest because it keeps me warm enough with no sweat at all. My back feels cool, but not cold. I still carry my vest in my pannier when I commute in case I have to stop for some reason and need a little more cover.
Just thought I would share this in case others find it helpful. Beside the comfort, as I said before, it leaves my jersey visible and leaves me easier access to jersey pockets.
FWIW,
Raymond