Originally Posted by
Oilsooner
I'm new to cycling, and my lbs is having a big sale (50% off) on long sleeve shirts and pants, but I don't know if they would get used often enough to justify the expense. Brands are name brands, but even a the sale price they are $75 or more each.
How often do you use your cold weather gear? Is it worth it, esp considering that I am losing weight as I ride, so it will likely only fit for a year tops?
I go with what is comfortable other than the very important Maxis and m - "Cover your knees below 60 degrees" ( If you don't you WILL get tendonitis)
I ride all year round and we have four seasons here in the inland Pacific Nortrhwest - "near winter, winter, still winter and construction", so I have lots of cold weather gear. I use thin layers, cotton only when it is warm and dry as it is hydrophilic, and prefer to wear hydrophophbic, (polyester, polypropylene, wool etc.), fabrics at most times. MY preferred fabric when is very hot, cold or "changeable" is wool hands down. I wear two layers on my torso at all times for several reasons especially as it saves losing skin in crashes. I've found "base layers" for as little as $15 in running stores and lightweight wool sweaters for $25 or less on sale at Macys etc., second hand and surplus stores are good bets too., finally I love wind-vests and prefer jackets that have breathable backs in all but the very coldest weather.