Winter Cycling - Sweaty back shirt

I typically wear a merino wool shirt and a windbreaker nylon jacket on top of it in temps from 20-35 F. The problem is I always arrive at my destination ( 1 hour commute ) with a wet back. The wool shirt absorbs a lot of the sweat. How can I arrive with a dry back shirt? Is there such a thing as a breathable windbreaker? I do open the front zip, but it does not seem to have much effect getting air behind me.

It is not a big problem as the wool still keeps me warm even when wet.

Most nylon windbreakers are not breathable enough. Whichever material you use, try the huff test. If you can breath through the material easily it will not stop cold wind. If you cant huff your breath through, it wont breath enough. If your breath goes though under a little pressure it should be OK.
I prefer a more breathable fabric to opening vents.
When the rain stops and I can switch from a goretex to a polycotton windbreaker I can feel myself getting warmer and dryer.

The windbreaker is the problem. Have you considered a cycling vest with a mesh back (to block the frontal breeze), over a fleece vest (for insulation)? I sweat like a pig and this has helped me stay dryer.

A cycling-specific jacket with rear vents and pit-zips can help. It's the main reason why I broke down and bought one. It helps, but it's not a complete solution.

I've also found my HRM strap causes sweating front and rear, no matter the temperature. I don't wear it in the cold.

Part of my problem is too much insulation on the core. I have stick-figure arms which get cold easily. If I wear enough long-sleeve shirts to keep my arms warm, my core overheats. My solution is armwarmers under the baselayer. Gives an extra layer on the arms without adding one to the core.

Try another layer of wool on top. I use a Woolrich felted wool hunting jacket. Something merino, like an icebreaker outer layer, would probably also work.

I find that even in light rain, wool does okay since water doesn't soak through as easily as with cotton, etc.

This jacket solved the problem for me. It was worth every cent.

https://www.taigaworks.ca/images/products/515.jpg

https://www.taigaworks.ca/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=162

This jacket solved the problem for me. It was worth every cent.

https://www.taigaworks.ca/images/products/515.jpg

https://www.taigaworks.ca/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=162

Looks great, but that is almost $400!

Looks great, but that is almost $400!

It's US $275, and worth every penny.

It's US $275, and worth every penny.

That's better, but still pretty spendy. I do know that many quality products are worth their price though. I would love to have one. Maybe next winter.

I got my windbreaker used for $35. I don't have any vents or fancy stuff, but keeps the wind and rain off. Does collapse into a bag the size of a pack of cigarettes though.

I typically wear a merino wool shirt and a windbreaker nylon jacket on top of it in temps from 20-35 F. The problem is I always arrive at my destination ( 1 hour commute ) with a wet back. The wool shirt absorbs a lot of the sweat. How can I arrive with a dry back shirt?

Ditch the wool (I know, that's heresy on this board). Use polypropylene as a base layer and polyester fleece as your insulating layer.

If you don't primary need protection from rain, then you need to consider getting a wind proof soft shell outer layer. I started my 1st winter with a fleece pull-over covered with a nylon shell to keep the wind out. Temperature wise it worked fine, but moisture was a major problem.

My solution was to get an EVap coat from Lou at www.foxwear.net. Sure you can get soft shell coat locally, but Lou will make one to your exact needs, all for around $85 shipped to your house. Lou is great to work with. You explain to him your riding conditions and how your body reacts and he can help you figure out what the right materials are. No longer do I ever get a sweaty back. The sweat is able to evaporate easily while I stay warm and dry. The coat is fine in snow and light dristle. Any sort of "real" rain and you will have to put on something that can shed serious amounts of water. The modern soft shells are remarkably water resistant, but there are limits to the materials.

Happy riding,
André

You need a better windbreaker. Mine's a Helly Hensen model and it's designed properly for sports.

Mine has a rear vent that keeps me from overheating. Plus, I have velcro straps for the sleeves and I can adjust the tightness at the neck, waist, and hips. If I get too warm, I loosen the coat at those spots.

Others have pit zips, which are great.

I don't think the wool sweater is the issue--I wear wool some days, poly the others and it doesn't matter much. The wool works better on the clammy, colder days, imo. But the key is the windbreaker design.

As others have mentioned, you need an outer shell with better ventilation...pits zips, rear vent, adjustable cuffs, etc.
A windproof vest with a mesh back is another option, when combined with a poly base and a wool mid layer for below freezing temps.

I only cycle in one jacket...

http://thenincompoop.com/surfstyle.jpg

Use a softshell....http://www.foxwear.net/
Great for temps from 0F to 50F(probably colder), can layer underneath, only $80.00 USD, rain resistant(NOT waterproof). The best I have ever used. Best, Charlie

I ride when possible 24 miles each way and understand your issues.
I'm 215 , 6 ft and ride my road bike, here are a few tips I've learned based on the weather.

Sweating on certain parts of my body can show me certain things about what I am wearing.
I wear a thin merino wool base layer, a mid weight jersey and wind vest with a mesh back if temps are
say 25 - 45 degrees.

Back is wet? Look UP to your head. Most likely sweat running down your neck onto your back is from your head being overheated. I solved part of this by wearing a cotton cycling cap (NOT WINTER WEIGHT), with a thin winter ear band.
If it gets colder or windier, I use a thin wool balaclava.

The Wind Vest helps against wind or if I start to get wet on my chest.

You can stay drier also by the effort you use on the ride. You may be working too hard, back it down even one mile an hour will get you there a few minutes later, but drier.

Outer layer MUST breath or you are screwd. I have a gore tex jacket that can not wick at all. When I wear that sucker it has to be 0-25 or raining and only the one thin layer.

good Luck

ROb