Winter Cycling - Base layer clairification..(Capilene)

I have two Patagonia Capilene long sleeve tops. one is very thin and silky,
and the other is much thicker, and smooth on the outside,like the first, but is rough, and fleece/like on the inside.
I have done much reading on "base" layers", to try and figure out ,when I am wearing them both, under a wind proof fleece jacket which one goes next to the skin???? ie. which is really the "base layer"???? anything over 40ºF and I get really wet
Any direction would be greatly appreciated....Thanks !
Bud

I wear the thin layer next to my skin and the thicker one over it.

Ok , Thanks ,, I was not sure, as I bought this stuff 20+ years ago for skiiing,And vaguely remembered that the thin went close to skin..but was not sure.
I guess I will have to figure some venting thing for the outer layer so I don't get to wet...The stuff I have read on Gore stuff does not sound to promising.
Thanks again...
Bud

I have thin Patagonia Capelene (polyester). For cold weather i prefer Cabelas thick polypro, then some polyester or wool over that. Assuming your top layer will allow moisture dissipation (if under a shell), polypro keeps your skin dryest. For shorter rides, polyester or wool next to your skin are fine. With long rides they can get clammy.

I agree thin, then thick, but you might try not using both. meaning they both sound like base layers. the next layer can be a fleece vest or s fleece shirt and then a wind breaker of some kind. what I do is decide on weight of the base and weight of the 2nd layer depending on the predicted weather. I'm kinda stuck on my current choice for my outer layer so it's just those 2 inner layers that I've been jockeying. personally I don't use my thin light grey Capilene because I feel it is almost too thin - maybe it's a summer weight. it also has a low neckline and I like the options provided by zip necks. I was out in the cold yesterday for 3+ hours cycling in the 30s then high 20s and my mix was just right, zip neck base (black Patagonia Capilene), fleece vest, cycling rain jacket.

Great info guys!!!,As soon as the ice melts on the streets and paths I will be trying out your suggestions....(have not been out since day before Xmas eve),
and the spinning bike at the gym is making me crazy, (er!!)
Thanks forThe help!!
Bud..

I ordered some studded tiresy. I can find dry pavement, but I have to transport my bike to it or do some walking. Or else descend to indoor "riding" which I hate.

I went out with my bike in the back of my SUB today to find ice-free riding. It was 14 F at the start, 17 to finish. I wore three layers of mid-weight polyester fleece under a Showers Pass Elite 2.0 shell. After warming up, with zips closed, I had to unzip majorly, and stayed minimally damp. I'm not into the start shivering and warm up theory, I like to be warm throughout my rides. A little sweat-feeling is okay if I don't get wet enough to feel the clammy chill. The SP 2.0 is unmatched for temp and sweat-removal versatility, due to bottom-up unzipping, pitzips, airflow-scoop cuffs and a backvent.