Originally Posted by Bop Bop
Will someone please be kind enough to explain to me about evaporation?
I'm relatively new to biking, been doing it seriuosly for about 8 months. I'm still in the process of getting all the equipment I need (at this point I need mostly clothing). I live in Scottsdale, AZ and at this time of the year the temps are generally in the 40's and 50's when I ride mid morning. I wear a sweat suit with a light jacket over it. I ride between 20 to 40 miles per ride at about 14 - 15 MPH.
When I come in from a ride I'm drenched, underwear, sweatsuit, jacket, everything. I feel like I've just taken a shower, but know that's what I really need.
I know what I'm currently wearing is not the correct attire to be biking in. What is the correct attire? I do not mean Bibs and a shirt, I'm referring to material and why.
Thank you.
I also ride in the same area (Tempe, Chandler, Mesa) and during this time of year in the early morning (at 7am it was in 38-40deg range and humid last week) I wear a sythetic long sleve shirt (made for running, but not loose) with a synthetic short sleeve over it. For legs I have on short length bike shorts with Hot Chillis brand tights over them (they are just a brand of synthetic long underwear that doesn't look like long underwear since they are black). This combo works fine down to ~35deg when dry. I don't put on my jacket unless it is raining or below that temp and while the jacket (REI brand) does not breath that well it has enough vents in pits and I can make arm cuffs loose so that I can avoid sweat build up - if say it is 40deg and raining.
I think sweat pants and a jacket in the current temp (esp. this week as morning have warmed up to 51deg) may just be too much warmth that makes you sweat and doesn't breath away moisture (sweats are usually cotton which holds it)
Al