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Old 02-17-08 | 07:19 AM
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NealH
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Joined: May 2003
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From: Triangle, NC

Bikes: S-Works Tarmac

You probably need something made of Power Dry fabric, such as the Capilene 4 from Patagonia. You can also find PD baselayers at places like Cabelas.

Having said that.....

Sometimes wool is best for these conditions because, the wool wicks and spreads the moisture into the fabric thus allowing evaporation to happen while still somewhat in contact with your skin. This provides the evaporative cooling effect which, theoretically will mitigate the sweating (your body will sweat less). Polyesters on the other hand, tend to take the moisture off the skin in blotches making evaporation a slower and less efficient process unless there is plenty of air moving around it. Also, since the perspiration is detaching itself, when you move on the bike and contact a wet area you receive a dose of cold shock.

I think you're one of those type that will be difficult to satisfactorily address. I would try a true Power Dry baselayer and, if that doesn't work to your satisfaction then try a mid weight wool garment like the Ibex Skyline or, the slightly heavier Shak top. Or the Rivendell Zip-T wool midlayer is a great baselayer. Another good option is the Baked Alaska top by Ground Effect. It is basically wool with a windshield front. The back of it is specifically designed to move perspiration quickly though the fabric. Whatever you wear for an outer layer (jacket), be sure it breaths. I specifically like the Ibex Hybrid jacket for this very reason (and a bunch of others). You need as much evaporation taking place as you can get. The plastic (polyester) jackets, generally don't breath as well (though much of this depends on the specific jacket).

Poeple have talked of getting nice custom cycling garments from Lou at Foxwear.net. This is also a good option. I believe Lou is well versed in these subjects and, his prices are no more than mid-line products you get on the internet.
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