Notices
Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) Looking to lose that spare tire? Ideal weight 200+? Frustrated being a large cyclist in a sport geared for the ultra-light? Learn about the bikes and parts that can take the abuse of a heavier cyclist, how to keep your body going while losing the weight, and get support from others who've been successful.

How do you stay warm?

Old 03-10-12, 02:14 PM
  #1  
SuperGimp
Thread Starter
 
TrojanHorse's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Whittier, CA
Posts: 13,346

Bikes: Specialized Roubaix

Mentioned: 147 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1106 Post(s)
Liked 64 Times in 47 Posts
How do you stay warm?

I've honestly never really had to think about it before but I have a little issue now. I got up and hit the road at 6:30 this morning and it was about 50 out, so I wore my cycling windbreaker, which apparently doesn't breathe at all. That's fine if the weather stays cool, keeps my arms and torso warm. Toes still get cold but its only 50, no big deal.

So later on the ride it starts to heat up and at some point I have to remove the jacket, but it's too bulky to pack into a jersey pocket, so I wadded it up and just tied it around my waist.

Obviously arm warmers would have worked well for the first hour, and then rolled into a ball and stuffed into a pocket, but what's a good solution to keep my torso warm for just part of the ride?

I get very confused with talk of base layers - some appear to be for warmth and some appear to be for heat control on a hot day and I can't easily tell from reading about the products which is which (unless it's made of fleece or something) Is there anything that's dual purpose?

Anybody have the Cliff notes?
TrojanHorse is offline  
Old 03-10-12, 02:23 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: cherry hill, nj
Posts: 6,144
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 32 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
What works for me is Underarmour. I can link you to what I use if you need it. I use it for my upper body. I have the underarmour "pants" but only use them when it is really cold out. I also use wind breaker pants too which have been great.

For my feet, try neoprene socks. They are amazing. They do not let your feet sweat but they stay warm.
chefisaac is offline  
Old 03-10-12, 02:38 PM
  #3  
SuperGimp
Thread Starter
 
TrojanHorse's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Whittier, CA
Posts: 13,346

Bikes: Specialized Roubaix

Mentioned: 147 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1106 Post(s)
Liked 64 Times in 47 Posts
Link please!

Are those neoprene socks things you put OVER your cycling shoes? Like booties? I've seen those. I might have to get a pair for next year.
TrojanHorse is offline  
Old 03-10-12, 02:51 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Knoxville TN
Posts: 138

Bikes: Surley Crosscheck, 1988 Rockhopper Commuter

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I have a windbreaker that converts to a vest. I find the vest helpful this time of year. Wool is probably the most dual purpose of material for heat and cooling. It is mostly about moisture control in staying warm or cool.
Eric

Last edited by ericthered; 03-10-12 at 03:08 PM.
ericthered is offline  
Old 03-10-12, 02:52 PM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: cherry hill, nj
Posts: 6,144
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 32 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
no, they are socks that we wear and then put your shoes on.

https://www.gatorgear.biz/basicsocks.html

https://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/pid1220574-001
chefisaac is offline  
Old 03-10-12, 03:08 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
goldfinch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Minnesota/Arizona and between
Posts: 4,060

Bikes: Norco Search, Terry Classic, Serotta Classique, Trek Cali carbon hardtail, 1969 Schwinn Collegiate, Giant Cadex

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Liked 5 Times in 4 Posts
Typically, base layers are to keep you warm but they also should keep you dry through a wicking action. REI's site talks about different fabrics for base layers and how they are best used:
https://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/underwear.html

I have a problem with using a layer under a jersey because if you warm up it is hard to ditch the layer. I guess that is why people get arm warmers. So far, when it is cold I wear a wool top with a partial zip and a light jacket. I have a rain jacket that isn't vented much and a wind jacket that is well vented.

Today it is cold down here and my cousin and I are going for a short, maybe 6 mile ride. I am going to wear jeans and long underwear because I am a wimp.
goldfinch is offline  
Old 03-10-12, 03:21 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
Drew Eckhardt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mountain View, CA USA and Golden, CO USA
Posts: 6,341

Bikes: 97 Litespeed, 50-39-30x13-26 10 cogs, Campagnolo Ultrashift, retroreflective rims on SON28/PowerTap hubs

Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 550 Post(s)
Liked 325 Times in 226 Posts
Originally Posted by TrojanHorse
I've honestly never really had to think about it before but I have a little issue now. I got up and hit the road at 6:30 this morning and it was about 50 out, so I wore my cycling windbreaker, which apparently doesn't breathe at all. That's fine if the weather stays cool, keeps my arms and torso warm. Toes still get cold but its only 50, no big deal.
I have a long sleeve jacket sewn from parachute fabric (generically 0-3 CFM 1.1 ounce ripstop nylon) which fits in a jersey pocket.
Drew Eckhardt is offline  
Old 03-10-12, 03:40 PM
  #8  
Climbers Apprentice
 
vesteroid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,600
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I Only have about 50 miles on my bike so far, so I don't have a ton of experience with the increased wind load, but have years of long distance hiking experience where I have been in temps from mid 20's up to 90 all in the same week.

When I am active I find I don't need a great deal of clothing if I layer correctly. My MOST versatile piece is a very light highly breathable windbreaker. With one or two layers below this I am comfortable from 20's to the mid 60's.

Done three different rides so far and here is what I found. One day in the 40's required bike shorts, and wind pants over them with a long sleeve jersey and wind breaker. The other two days have been in the 50's and I found that either just a long sleeve jersey and shorts, or a short sleeve jersey with arm Warmers was fine.

I was cold for the first few miles, but quickly warmed up.

I did at least have my windbreaker stuffed into my jersey pockets on the last two rides but never needed to put it on.

Cliff notes version, don't wear cotton in any layer and spend the money to get a super light BREATHABLE wind jacket.
vesteroid is offline  
Old 03-10-12, 04:03 PM
  #9  
Senior Member
 
troutbreath's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: The Dash, North Carolina
Posts: 200

Bikes: Trek 4300, Cannondale Synapse 6

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by chefisaac
What works for me is Underarmour. I can link you to what I use if you need it. I use it for my upper body. I have the underarmour "pants" but only use them when it is really cold out. I also use wind breaker pants too which have been great.

For my feet, try neoprene socks. They are amazing. They do not let your feet sweat but they stay warm.
I'm in the Under Armour camp, too. Cold Gear, under my jersey. Works great.

I have some long tights with a chamois built in, and they get a workout all winter. Neoprene shoe covers, full-finger gloves, and we are ready to rock down to about 50*. Below that, I sometimes wear a balaclava mask under my helmet.
troutbreath is offline  
Old 03-10-12, 04:13 PM
  #10  
Am I evil? I am Man!!!
 
Mr Sinister's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Mass.
Posts: 441
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I wear a pair of golf gloves, just enough to cut out the wind. About 2 pairs of socks. 2 to 3 shirts (short sleeve), a pair of arm warmers, and a wind breaker jacket. That does me good for down to 37 degrees... I like the cold. Oh and a pair of sun glasses, just to keep the cold air off my eyes.
Mr Sinister is offline  
Old 03-10-12, 05:21 PM
  #11  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,428

Bikes: Cervelo RS, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Pro, Schwinn Typhoon, Nashbar touring, custom steel MTB

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
For cool to cold riding, I use some or all of the following clothing:

- Craft ProZero Windstopper short-sleeved base layer
- Pearl Izumi Thermal Arm Warmers
- Pearl Izumi Thermal Knee Warmers
- Pearl Izumi Cyclone gloves
- Gore Phantom Windstopper jacket
- Gore Contest Windstopper tights without chamois
- Louis Garneau Toe Covers

Craft's short-sleeved Windstopper t-shirt is really a phenomenal piece of clothing! The wind-proof front panel goes a long way toward keeping you warm. The t-shirt combined with arm and knee warmers and wind-proof Cyclone gloves is often all I need for early- or late-season rides. When it really gets cold, I use the Phantom jacket and Contest tights. The Phantom jacket converts to a vest, which adds to the versatility. Tights don't have chamois, so I wear them over my regular cycling shorts. Toe covers and a slightly thicker sock keep my feet warm, as long as it isn't raining heavily.
sstorkel is offline  
Old 03-10-12, 06:26 PM
  #12  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: cherry hill, nj
Posts: 6,144
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 32 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by goldfinch
Typically, base layers are to keep you warm but they also should keep you dry through a wicking action. REI's site talks about different fabrics for base layers and how they are best used:
https://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/underwear.html

I have a problem with using a layer under a jersey because if you warm up it is hard to ditch the layer. I guess that is why people get arm warmers. So far, when it is cold I wear a wool top with a partial zip and a light jacket. I have a rain jacket that isn't vented much and a wind jacket that is well vented.

Today it is cold down here and my cousin and I are going for a short, maybe 6 mile ride. I am going to wear jeans and long underwear because I am a wimp.

Gold is right. I would add that it protects your chest from wind and the arm warmers do not.
chefisaac is offline  
Old 03-10-12, 06:29 PM
  #13  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: cherry hill, nj
Posts: 6,144
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 32 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by vesteroid
I Only have about 50 miles on my bike so far, so I don't have a ton of experience with the increased wind load, but have years of long distance hiking experience where I have been in temps from mid 20's up to 90 all in the same week.

When I am active I find I don't need a great deal of clothing if I layer correctly. My MOST versatile piece is a very light highly breathable windbreaker. With one or two layers below this I am comfortable from 20's to the mid 60's.

Done three different rides so far and here is what I found. One day in the 40's required bike shorts, and wind pants over them with a long sleeve jersey and wind breaker. The other two days have been in the 50's and I found that either just a long sleeve jersey and shorts, or a short sleeve jersey with arm Warmers was fine.

I was cold for the first few miles, but quickly warmed up.

I did at least have my windbreaker stuffed into my jersey pockets on the last two rides but never needed to put it on.

Cliff notes version, don't wear cotton in any layer and spend the money to get a super light BREATHABLE wind jacket.
Vest brings up a good point. When I started commuting, I wore WAYYYYYY too many layers. Now I have scaled it back down to 25ish degrees. And the funny thing is that with more layers, I find that it actually takes more energy to ride.... like the over heating sucks out the energy in your body.
chefisaac is offline  
Old 03-10-12, 06:30 PM
  #14  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: cherry hill, nj
Posts: 6,144
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 32 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by troutbreath
I'm in the Under Armour camp, too. Cold Gear, under my jersey. Works great.

I have some long tights with a chamois built in, and they get a workout all winter. Neoprene shoe covers, full-finger gloves, and we are ready to rock down to about 50*. Below that, I sometimes wear a balaclava mask under my helmet.
Where did you get your long tights? I am still a heavy guy so..... I need big boy stuff. Are they bib style?
chefisaac is offline  
Old 03-10-12, 06:42 PM
  #15  
Senior Member
 
009jim's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,289

Bikes: Giant CRX3, Trek 7100

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Liked 3 Times in 2 Posts
I go faster.
009jim is offline  
Old 03-10-12, 06:44 PM
  #16  
SuperGimp
Thread Starter
 
TrojanHorse's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Whittier, CA
Posts: 13,346

Bikes: Specialized Roubaix

Mentioned: 147 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1106 Post(s)
Liked 64 Times in 47 Posts
Thanks for the tips and links so far...

I'm particularly looking for something that will function in cool to hot weather OR can be removed easily and stowed in a pocket. It sounds like there are some better options out there now, like jackets with removable sleeves or maybe that wind stopper T-shirt.

How's that windstopper t-shirt in warmer weather? Annoying or unnoticeable? That + arm warmers would be slick.
TrojanHorse is offline  
Old 03-10-12, 06:45 PM
  #17  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: cherry hill, nj
Posts: 6,144
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 32 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by 009jim
I go faster.
Impractical for sure. Todays ride was a great example. 30 degrees out with 15 degree winds. Going faster only really keeps the legs warm, not the upper body.
chefisaac is offline  
Old 03-10-12, 07:43 PM
  #18  
SuperGimp
Thread Starter
 
TrojanHorse's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Whittier, CA
Posts: 13,346

Bikes: Specialized Roubaix

Mentioned: 147 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1106 Post(s)
Liked 64 Times in 47 Posts
Not sure how going faster deals with wind.

What do you go faster than?
TrojanHorse is offline  
Old 03-10-12, 08:25 PM
  #19  
Lover of Old Chrome Moly
 
Myosmith's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NW Minnesota
Posts: 2,949
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 143 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 23 Times in 17 Posts
I just went on a 3-hour ride at about 48 degrees with a light wind. I wore a light beanie under my helmet, department store knock-offs of UnderArmor long sleeve shirt and long pants baselayer, a quarter-zip winter-weight long-sleeve tech fabric jersey, bicycle shorts, jeans (yeah, I know), merino wool socks, and light hiking boots. I honestly would have been fine in regular shoes but the conditions are pretty sloppy around here so I wore the boots more because they are waterproof. I was comfortably cool heading into the wind and warm but not sweaty with the wind at my back. When I changed clothes, my waistband and pits were damp but the rest was dry, so I figure I had it about right.
Myosmith is offline  
Old 03-10-12, 09:23 PM
  #20  
Senior Member
 
Seve's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: The GTA, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 735

Bikes: 2009 Rocky Mountain RC30 D

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by TrojanHorse
Thanks for the tips and links so far...

I'm particularly looking for something that will function in cool to hot weather OR can be removed easily and stowed in a pocket. It sounds like there are some better options out there now, like jackets with removable sleeves or maybe that wind stopper T-shirt.

How's that windstopper t-shirt in warmer weather? Annoying or unnoticeable? That + arm warmers would be slick.
In similar conditions where it is going to warm up as the ride progresses, this is what I generally do.

LS crew neck standard (not cold weather) compression top, then a regular ss or vest jersey and a light windproof cycling jacket. When it warms up I remove the jacket (folds up into pocket) and it's always comfortable. The compression top and jersey wick away the moisture and for me at least, this combination is fine. Now strangely enough the compression top protects from the chill and yet when the air temperature warms up it doesn't feel uncomfortable.

As you well know there are lots of variables such as wind, how much effort is being expended and so on, so ultimately it will involve some trial and error on your behalf to find what works best for you.
Seve is offline  
Old 03-10-12, 09:59 PM
  #21  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Foothills of the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, NY
Posts: 501
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
My windproof vest is one of my favorites and very versitile. It keeps my core warm and is also easy to vent. It is also easy to store. I also have a sleeveless shirt that I like. I put over a long sleeve jersey or shirt. I can take both the vest and shirt off if need be. I think the shirt is a Champion C-9. I picked it up at Target for 10 or 12 bucks. I rather have my arms cool, than overheat.

I have an expandable saddle bag. I put it on my bike when I am on along ride or when the weather is in between...50s. I also put it on and think I'll be shedding or adding clothes.

I also do the beenie under my helmet. I think that make a big difference in keeping me warm. It is easy to take off and store.

Underarmour works well. I like Nike dry-fit too.
lenny866 is offline  
Old 03-10-12, 10:02 PM
  #22  
Senior Member
 
nkfrench's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 1,846

Bikes: 2006 Specialized Ruby Pro aka "Rhubarb" / and a backup road bike

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times in 4 Posts
For your ride, I would wear:
* l/s mesh light baselayer
* s/s cycling jersey
* softshell light jacket (breathable, could even be a l/s jersey)
* cycling shorts
* light unpadded running tights (no fleece)
* medium-weight wool cycling socks
* my keen bike sandals
* long-fingered gloves
* lycra beanie cap (comes down over ears)
* safety glasses or sunglasses
* drawstring bag to carry jacket or tights when they come off

The windbreakers I save for when it's windy or there is chance of rain.
breathability is very important to keep you dry and comfortable
nkfrench is offline  
Old 03-10-12, 11:11 PM
  #23  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: NZ
Posts: 3,841

Bikes: More than 1, but, less than S-1

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
I do not have either arm or leg warmers. Subsequently my progression goes something like this:

Warm and Sunny = SS jersey and bib shorts
Cool to cold but expected to warm up during the ride = lightweight LS polypro base layer under SS jersey and Bib shorts.
Cold but expected to warm up or light rain = as above with the addition of a wind breaker (mesh backed) vest (packable)
Cold and not warming = LS jersey, mesh backed vest or jacket (packable), tights over bib shorts
Steady rain = light LS jersey or LS base layer under SS jersey, breathable jacket w/o mesh but vented along bottom of shoulders (not packable), tights over bibs

It rains here quite a bit so I have a pretty good selection of jackets and vests, both packable and non, to choose from. I really, really wish I had shoe covers. My feet get wet and cold. Anyone want to recomend some for size 51's? And I've just ordered but haven't recieved yet, some 3/4 length bibs to help keep my knees warm on cool weather days. Which, seem to become an issue before I need the full length tights.

The LS polypro baselayer under SS jersey is one of my more frequent go to combo's for larger temperature swings, as it provides more core than arm warmth and then removes that extra core warmth when the arms come off. However, it does require that you're not particularly modest or adverse to stopping in order to remove it. I don't see as much value in arm warmers. However, I've never tried them and Mrs. Fred really likes hers. She combines them with a packable vest for transitional rides.
__________________
Birth Certificate, Passport, Marriage License Driver's License and Residency Permit all say I'm a Fred. I guess there's no denying it.
bigfred is offline  
Old 03-10-12, 11:17 PM
  #24  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: NZ
Posts: 3,841

Bikes: More than 1, but, less than S-1

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
With regard to your baselayer question. I go for polypro or capilene type polyesters over lycra style garments. They (polyester) do a decent job of both providing some warmth and helping transmit moisture away from my skin. I hate the clammy sandwhich bag feel of wearing a waterproof jacket over bare arms. So, I frequently call into action a silk weight LS baselayer before the temperature alone would require it.
__________________
Birth Certificate, Passport, Marriage License Driver's License and Residency Permit all say I'm a Fred. I guess there's no denying it.
bigfred is offline  
Old 03-11-12, 04:25 AM
  #25  
Perma-n00b
 
Askel's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Da UP, eh.
Posts: 423
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by TrojanHorse
Anybody have the Cliff notes?
Wool.

I really like the Ibex stuff. Especially when my mom buys me some for christmas as it's really freakin' expensive.

And 50 degrees? That's warm already!

Askel is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.