MonkeyBiker

I understand the baselayer is wear under my skin and does Jersey come after that or jacket? Or both?

I know jacket blocks wind and water but does Jersey do the same or jersey is just an extra layer for colder weather?

srry for the noob question

bragi

Wear what makes you comfortable. There's no algorithm.

Drew Eckhardt 

You live in the SF Bay Area like I do.

Most of the time you just wear a jersey. On overcast ~55 degree days like today you wear a long sleeve jersey.

On the rare occasions it actually gets cold and/or rainy and you're riding like my commute home last night at 41 degrees you add a jacket on top.

psee

There's so many different options these days. Everyone dresses differently.

In summer i usually wear Bib Shorts with a short sleeve merino jersey. If i'm expecting rain i have a lightweight showerproof jacket that blocks some wind as well, usually sits in my jersey pocket.

On colder days i wear a pair of long legged tights on top of the bib shorts, and a long sleeved merino jersey. Sometimes a short sleeved baselayer (merino tee) underneath.

Another option is to wear arm & leg warmers, basically just sleeves that take up less space in your pockets.

During fall/winter there are thicker jerseys that can be used as a jacket, but they're not very waterproof.

CrankyOne

All depends on what kind of riding you're doing. Most days I wear an oxford or mock turtleneck and a jacket (lighter if it's moderate out, tweed if below 50f). I'll also throw on a scarf if its below about 45 or extra windy and add a sweater (between shirt & jacket) below 40.

For 25-50 mile training rides, see above.

KenshiBiker

In the winter I use a merino wool base layer (over my skin), then a long-sleeved winter jersey. I may add either a wind shell, or a softshell jacket (if colder), or a rain jacket (if wetter).

As others have said, YMMV.

KB

PatrickGSR94

Long sleeve base layer shirt, long sleeve jersey, and wind breaker shell is my usual combo for cold rides. Sometimes I add another shirt under the jersey if I feel like I need to.

Bike shorts, then thermal tights if it's cold, thinner tights if not as cold. Or both tights if it's REALLY cold.

gregjones

While there are things that do get under my skin, no article of clothing ever has.

Except crappy zippers. I hate zippers that get hung up.

NOS88

I think the general theory in cold weather is the base layer should move sweat away from your body. The next layer(s) - regardless of what it is - should serve as insulation. And, the outer layer ideally should block wind and at least repel rain, snow, etc.

caloso

You need a windvest. You'll be surprised how warm it keeps you.

RPK79

What is your stance on socks? I usually wear them under my shoes, but in the cold should I wear them over my shoes?

Dave Cutter

Perfect! And remember that the outer layer/layers must be able to vent away sweat/moisture... by say.. unzipping the windbreaker. In colder climates two insulating layers may be required. In which case at least the outer insulating layer should be zippered for venting.

I like the windproof jackets with the mesh rear zippered pocket. With the front zipped-up and the rear pocket zipped closed... precious warmth can be trapped inside... and cold wind kept out. But moisture can also be vented (or sweat evaporated) by lowering the front zipper/closure.... and UNZIPPING the rear pocket... to vent away sweat.

fietsbob

It has been done; 1pair in 1 pair over your shoes , But there are specialist shoe covers
you buy to do that job .. bikes have zillions of accessory companies making stuff

for Your Pro Look (if that is Your Goal).


My jacket is like the guy driving the tow truck A heavy duty Parka ..

cooker

You basically have about 4 conditions:

warm day - 1 layer
cool dry, non-windy day - base layer and jersey
cool wet and/or windy day - base layer and jacket
cold day - base layer, jersey and jacket

tarwheel 

All of the above. In colder weather, I always wear a base layer and have several different thicknesses to choose from, depending on how cold it is. If the weather is dry and cool, a long-sleeve jersey is sufficient over the base layer. If it gets a little colder and still dry, I wear a vest over the jersey. If there is rain or any threat of it, I wear a rain jacket over the base layer -- without a jersey unless it is really cold (less than 20 F). If the weather is cold (less than 35 F), I wear a jacket or rain jacket over the base layer, again with no jersey unless it's really cold.

mstraus

Where in the SF Bay area do you commute to/from? Weather conditions can vary a lot in the bay area with microclimates. Speed you ride, hills, etc can impact what you want to wear as well.

I commute from Marin into SF (southbeach/SOMA). Summer or warmer weather. I pretty much just wear a short sleeve jersey and shorts. I have windstopper arm warmers and a windstopper vest I bring with me for windy days. If its supposed to be cooler I also have some very light weight bike specific base layers that help with moisture management.

As it gets cooler or if its a cold wet wind/fog I might do a light jacket or longs sleeve jersey and baselayer.

I have both a light jacket and a softshell for cooler weather and a rain jacket for wet weather. I try to dress so I am cold at the start of my ride and comfortable about 15 minutes in but not TOO hot at the end of my climb up to the bridge. I often need to open/vent my outer layer as I often have big temp differences between my home and work.

PatrickGSR94

One afternoon recently I was riding home and it was around or just above 50 degrees. I used only a long-sleeve jersey and wind shell. After awhile I got much too hot and sweaty, so I stopped and removed the jacket, stuffed it in its own pocket, and stuffed that into my jersey pocket. Rode some more, but after awhile it dropped below 50 with some wind, and I started to get cold again. So I took the jacket back out and put it back on. Above 50 is really too much even for just the jersey and shell jacket.

Main reason I wear the jacket even above 50 is that it's the brightest article I own. I suppose I should get a reflective vest one of these days.

nkfrench 

My baselayer shirts aren't all opaque. The jersey goes over them to provide coverage when the jacket comes off.

If it is warm enough that jacket+jersey+baselayer is too warm, I'll go with either a summer-weight jersey over the baselayer or use a warmer jersey no baselayer. Or just wear a vest over the jersey (and get wet if it's raining). I don't like having the windbreaker jacket over bare arms.

It is also nice having the jersey pockets, the ones on the jacket are kind of crappy and baselayers don't have pockets.

RPK79

50's are shorts and short sleeved jersey weather. I might throw on some arm warmers, but that's as far as I would take it.

no motor?

Does it even get cold enough there to wear layers? If so, get the windvest and start experimenting.

rumrunn6

if using all 3, it's base layer, jersey, then jacket over everything

layer with discretion ...

mstraus

They have some shell jackets that covert into a vest by taking the sleeves off. Get one of these in a bright color and your set for a wide range of conditions.

mstraus

I tend to ride in 50 degree weather throughout the year in the bay area (sometimes as the daily high and sometimes as the low). Not all 50 degree weather feels the same. In the SF Bay area the wind, fog, sun, etc can make 50 feel warm or cold. While shorts, short sleeve jersey, and arm warmers are often fine I would add a wind vest and maybe knee warmers depending on the other factors besides temp alone.

mstraus

Yes, it can get cold enough for layers in the SF Bay area, not to mention our relatively mild temps compared to many areas makes us less tolerant of the cold

A lot is dependent on WHERE in the bay area, but I have had it as cold as 28 when I left my house, and high 30's to low 40's at the start my commute are relatively common in winter. We do get large temperature variations, which means adding and removing layers can be important

erig007

Baselayer? Jersey? Jacket? jersey + jacket?....

Nah! Too complicated.

Occam said one day...

...better show you.....