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Old 11-05-12 | 03:45 PM
  #59  
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banerjek
Portland Fred
 
Joined: Oct 2005
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Bikes: Custom Winter, Challenge Seiran SL, Fuji Team Pro, Cattrike Road/Velokit, РOS hybrid

Originally Posted by idc
The main one I use is this (the lightest one I have). It's very thin with a mesh lining. Underneath I'll wear as little as a wicking technical tank.
http://www.motorhelmets.com/library/...adult-jackets/
(I got it for $20.)

I have various road cycling specific vests/thermal jackets as well as outdoorsy layers (shells, fleeces) but they're way too warm.
The type of shell that works for cycling is going to be so thin and light that you can easily stuff it in a jersey pocket. I'm not familiar with your jacket but a few things jump out at me. One is that it appears to have quite a few pockets. Those degrade the performance of any jacket for the simple reason that body heat/sweat has to deal with the pocket material (and whatever you might carry in your pockets). Another thing it mentioned was a "breathable mesh liner" -- I read that to mean that the shell isn't (which is why you have vents) If the exterior isn't breathable, you'll roast even if the material isn't any thicker than a ziploc baggie.

I suspect your jacket is much heavier than you realize. But even if it isn't, it's very likely that it doesn't breathe well at all.

There is a lot less need for fleece and thermal layers than people expect. Most people dress way too warm. I don't ever wear fleece when cycling, including when the temp is well below freezing.
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