RobotMike

Looking into getting a winter jersey, to be worn with a base layer only. Ideally the two combined could get me right through the UK winter. Any opinions as to something that will do the job, and be visible?

Am thinking at the moment of the Altura Peloton Night Vision long sleeve jersey. I will still have a waterproof Gore jacket stashed away onboard too, so it doesn't need to be waterproof, although if it could cope with the odd light shower that would be great.

Any advice welcome!

Thanks

Leebo

Wool base layers work for me. Does not need to be bike specific. A 1/4 zip pullover works nice. I like the Pantagonia stuff.

caloso

Merino wool jersey is just the ticket.

MichaelW

Have you cycled a winter before?
I generally need a windproof or waterproof shell.
For midlayers I just use light fleece with a high collar and zip. Two of them if it gets really cold.

79pmooney

Mavic made a "Viz+" short sleeve jersey that is bright orange with large patterns of silver reflecting material that I picked up 4 of as apparently discontinued items last winter. Incredibly visible. Also a very high quality fall/spring or a size large winter jersey. Excellent wicking so quite wearable if it does warm up, but the fabric is a sturdy fabric like some of us wore 40 years ago, a fabric that stands up to loaded pockets really well. Details are all done right. Full length zipper.

I hope Mavic choose to do this again. Sadly, I doubt I will get to see it. If you can get your hands on one, grab it.

Edit: this is a short sleeve jersey, I often combine it with the fairly heavy Segoi armwarmers.

Ben

RobotMike

Thanks for these comments. I was hoping to cope with 2 layers only through the winter: base layer plus a jersey, with the latter being reflective. Last year I wore a thin base layer running t shirt (plus a sweat shirt on the coldest days) and then my Gore waterproof over the top.
Merino sounds like a possibility plus maybe a reflective jersey. Hadn't considered Merino before.

Will continue to browse.
Thanks

jfowler85

I wear a synthetic/wool blend base layer (meant for yoga, I think?) with a windproof hi vis outer Cannondale shell. Just those two get me through rides to -5f or so, give or take a few degrees according to how windy it is. Any colder and I add a single, cheap synthetic layer that is meant for hiking.

wolfchild

Merino wool jersey and a windproof jacket gives you two layers and may be enough for most days, depending on how cold it gets in your area and how hard you riding... Try it out and if that's not enough you can always add another layer on very cold days.

gregf83 

I suspect your winters are not much colder that in Vancouver. I get through much of the winter using a long sleeve merino wool baselayer and a windproof vest. I have a few different weights, 150 200 and 260. Not sure if these are universal or just some numbers Icebreaker uses.

Above works as long as it's not raining. For wet weather I replace the vest with a shell with lots of zippered openings. I think I'll try a Castelli Gabba 2 jersey this year which everyone swears by.

fietsbob

Wicking treated polyester unlike wool does not absorb sweat.. it is on the fiber surface , so you can keep it on when you stop,
or take it off, and it will be dry sooner than Wool..

But You in UK have a lot of sheep ..

Agreed, you will need a windbreaker shell over the other layers .. I dont Know the British Brand names ..

MichaelW

Pertex fabric windbreakers are commonly available from lots of brands. They are easy to carry and really useful in dry-> light rain.

chas58

Perfect.

Today's commute: 39 Degrees.
Short sleeve light merino woo lfrom Salvation Army $5
long sleeve light merino wool from Salvation Army $5
High vis windproof (front only, back open and ventilated) $too much.

I can't wear a windproof or waterproof jacket, as I will just sweat in them and get cold. A cycling vest that is windproof front, and highly ventilated rear works for me.

MulliganAl

I think I'll head over to the Army surplus (not Salvation Army but you gave me the idea) for some good wool stuff.

scoatw

I buy some of my clothing at Cycling Apparel, Bike Shorts, Bike Jerseys by Aero Tech Designs. A lot of it is made in USA.

RobotMike

Thanks for all your thoughts. I've now invested in a Merino wool base layer and am researching jerseys to go with that. Have my heart set on a Gore, as I'm delighted with my Gore rain jacket. However, budget can't stretch to the Gore Windstopper range.
Has anyone any experience of the Gore Power 2.0 Thermo jersey? Also looking at Castelli Classica Therma.
One thing that puts me off the Gore ones, though, is that there seems to be v little in the way of reflective material on them. Esp compared to the Altura Night Vision jerseys.

Leebo

Whatever layers I wear, I just use a reflective/bright green safety vest on top. You don't need bike specific wear to be comfortable. Look at xc ski stuff or running gear too. One of my winter top layers is a $ 40.00 New Balance windproof running jacket. Windproof on just the front, sleeves too. The back is just a knit material that breathes well. Usually under this are a wool base layer and a sweater, thickness temp dependent. My other top layer is a windproof fleece vest.

SloButWide 

If you can't find a jersey that's reflective enough, Google "Mesh Reflective Vest". In the US, Walmart and home improvement stores carry them from $10 - 30. Some have pockets; most are highly adjustable.