Northern California - Good base layer fro the bay area winter?

I need something to put under my jersey that will keep me warm above about 40F, but not too hot at 65F, and blocks wind to a degree, but is still breathable.
I went to sport basement, and they have Craft Windstopper Pro Zero and Castelli Wind (stopper)?
Is the craft garment going to be too hot as morning ride goes on and air warms up?
Anyone have experience with these, or can recommend something else?
http://www.craft.se/products/layer1/pro-zero-ws.html
http://www.castelli-us.com/pc-956-11-sg06-wind-shirt-short-sleeve.aspx

I use the Craft wind block underwear for the 50-65F temperature range (light jersey in the upper end of that range; thick jersey at the lower end). Below that, I'll add a wind vest. I don't have any experience with Castelli underwear, but if it fits you better, it may work better for you. These work best if they fit close and they don't stretch as much as UnderArmour.

Of course, temperature ranges vary a lot from person to person. People with lots of natural insulation will need less clothing to stay warm.

I am also using a short sleeve Craft underwear with wind blocker. It is very effective. When it's cool like last Saturday morning on Mt.Diablo I put it under a short sleeve jersey with arm warmers. The wind blocker material works very well, I was very comfortable getting down Diablo even at the top.
I understand the new Windstopper material is even better than the older version I am using.

I have two base layers I use. One PI tank top and a Nike Dri-Fit t-shirt I got at the Nike outlet for the cooler days. (Under Armou shirts and others with like materials will all work well and are cheaper than the name brand cycling gear.) I use it along with arm warmers. I also have a PI vest just in case since it rolls up easily to fit in my jersey pockets if it gets too warm.

Good luck!

T-Shirt works for me or except when it gets into the 30's then I go to Goodwill and find some nice long sleeve merino wool sweaters.

I just picked up the Craft Windstopper at SB last week as a warmer winter baselayer. I've used it a couple of times and have been pretty impressed. I haven't gotten too warm while the temps hover around the 60's. I've been using it in the early mornings and it's usually mid-50's when I set out. Baselayer, jersey and arm warmers and I'm very comfy. I'm hoping it'll perform just as well when the temps drop to the low 40's

If you want to get it at Sportsbasement I'd jump on it because they can run out of stock pretty quick and 'tis the season for people picking up warm stuff.

The skin tight Under Armour or Target Champion tops are good and cheap.

The skin tight Under Armour or Target Champion tops are good and cheap.

Cheap, but not windproof like the Craft. Also, the thicker UnderArmour doesn't wick as well as Craft.

I use a long sleeve wool Patagonia undershirt, feels great in a wide range of temp's. No itch factor, very soft, highly recommend this shirt. Got at REI on sale. :thumb:

If the temps don't hang around 40 too long you could also just stuff paper in front under the jersey until it warmed up.
I've gone out in 42 degrees with that and only found the lack of toe/shoe covers to be the most uncomfortable.

I just use my Goretex waterproof/windproof jacket over my jersey, then stuff it in my jersey pocket when I get warm.

my absolute favorite base layer is a thin Merino v-neck my parents picked up in New Zealand a few years back.

i think the patagonia ones are pretty close. it's toasty starting out, stays warm even if it gets wet, and vents nicely with either a top layer or rain gear.

honestly i'm pretty excited about the weather getting cold and wet this year. my commute is getting boring with all this nice sunshine :)

I just use my Goretex waterproof/windproof jacket over my jersey, then stuff it in my jersey pocket when I get warm.

Goretex jackets I've seen or have are pretty heavy to stuff in one's jersey.? What specifically is the make of your Goretex jacket. Winter thickness.?

Goretex jackets I've seen or have are pretty heavy to stuff in one's jersey.? What specifically is the make of your Goretex jacket. Winter thickness.?

It is Gore bike wear, thin but warm. If it's really cold I'll have on a long-sleeved jersey underneath.

I think I am gonna get target champion stuff. I used it as base layer when I traveled, and I like it a lot. It's not wind proof, but I think it's OK for fall, will reevaluate for winter. I went to SB and tried the two, Craft was nicely made, but definitely an overkill in terms of warmth. Castelli was probably more of what I will need later in winter, but also too warm in front for now. I got some Champion short sleeve duo dry jersey on clearance, and put it under my jersey, seemed OK on Bohleman this morning, not too cold riding there at 7am, but also not overly hot later when temps and tempo rose.
BTW, there are two kinds of Champion duo dry stuff, the summer and winter ones. The winter ones have this brushed feel inside are really great below 60 but no short sleeve. Summer is slicker and cooler, but seems to block at least some wind. I got summer one for now. I will get winter ones later or maybe just cut off sleeves from the ones I already have since I want to use arm warmers.

In a word, wool. It was the only thing out there when I got serious about riding waaaay back in the 70s. Then it was almost impossible to find. I've got lots of high-tech miracle fabric jerseys, but I reach for wool nearly every time. Old school trick: when it's really cold, Stick a section of newspaper against your torso under the jersey. Windproof and surprisingly warm. When the weather warms up, the paper can be dropped in a trash bin. I may be the only cyclist in central coastal ca. who actually suffered a case of frostbite (on left hand fingers) during an early winter ride in which the fog condensing on our bikes actually froze. Newspaper: it's the new miracle fabric.

I've been mountain biking in the foothills with Under Armour and Reebok base layers.

Costco is currently carrying a base layer (named something like "Performance") that are under $20. I've been using them for the last few weeks and they are pretty good

Costco is currently carrying a base layer (named something like "Performance") that are under $20. I've been using them for the last few weeks and they are pretty good

Are these sized like the UnderArmour compression shirts? Or are loose fit?

XL fits my 240 lbs frame well (not tight). I wear them around the house or at work. I would not call them "compression"

My brother-in-law is from Marin, and he recommends 'the marine mammal layer.' You can't slap it on, but instead must earn it through a rigorous regime of six-packs, wine, chips, and brie. If you can find some salmon, good for you. Within a decade, you should be able to swim to Alcatraz.

Good luck!