One last (I hope) point. I've given it some thought and I can see how some of you are getting the mistaken impression that I'm layering up to six sweaters. I'm not. I have a drawer full of merino wool base layers. Some are really thin, like a tee shirt. I start out with at least two base layers. I also have a couple of lightweight merino wool sweaters that are not much thicker than the base layers. The outer layers would be regular/average weight sweaters. Even with all that I don't end up looking anything like the poor overdressed little brother in Christmas Story.



Pants--they're relaxed fit and wool too--the fabric has some give, not like blue jeans. No problems with them.

I undestand the reaction. The layer or two under a shell is pretty standard and I've done plenty of riding that way.

I also understand the 5 degree difference is OCD. If it could be boiled down, it's basically add a layer for every 10 degree drop.

If you're open minded, try one ride with a couple extra layers instead of the shell. Give it a fair chance. You might have to experiment on how many layers work for a given temperature. Then tell me I have it all wrong.

It's not evil, honest. Evolution has used fur and wool to keep a lot of mammals warm for millions of years. Mostly without nylon shells.