As the mornings grow colder, I am noting more condensation on the inside of the windbreaker I am using. (I'm trying to avoid spending oodles and oodles of $$$ on 'technical' gear, and use what I have instead).
Generally speaking, I am able to shed my layers, hang them up around my cubicle to air out, and don a shirt that I leave at work.
Still, thru the commute, if I take a break (dash in for coffee or a long stoplight) I note the I get a little chilled as the moisture cools down.
At 28-30F in the morning, I usually wear a silk t-shirt (Wintersilks here in town has an outlet shop and these beauties are like 5 bucks each), a cotton button shirt, a basic fleece pullover, and the performance rain-windbreaker with open pits. Today I did note that the silk tee did a nice job of wicking up my body sweat (I was not so drenched).

Anyway... the condensation thing... is this something I just learn to live with, or do I need to change my layers somehow.

Bear in mind, I am looking for LOW COST solutions

TANX!
Mark

Cheapest thing you could try is changing the order of fleece and cotton. Having the cotton right next inside the windreaker. The cotton shirt will then absorb more of the condensation. Also since fleece usually is quite breathable, the moisture is furher from your skin, that should help a bit.

I'm not quite sure if this what you want, but only thing I can suggest, except for buying a better breathable shell ($$$).

It almost sounds like too many layers to me.
When the temps are that cold here, I wear a coolmax base layer t-shirt, fleece shirt or jersey, and windbreaker.

You should feel a little cool when you start out in the AM. If you feel warm during the ride, try partially unzipping the windbreaker to let some of the condensation out and let in just a little cool air.

i say ditch the windbreaker....

wool sweaters (ain't nothin cheaper than a thrift store sweater) work for me. i sweat to much in anything windproof. breathability is your friend (but it does mean your a little cold till you get warmed up).

what max said. Ditch it as much as possible.

Another vote for wool.

A true windbreaker has almost no rainproof properties. It may be slightly showerproof but if it keeps rain out for long, it will not be sufficiently breathable. I used a polycotton windproof for years and recently have been using a polyester microfibre one whcih packs smaller and dries quicker.
Try the huff test. Hold the material over your mouth and huff some breath through.
A waterproof will not permit any huff through and you will turn blue and die.
A "civilian" grade windbreaker will rapidly let all your huff through.
A cycling-grade windbreaker will let your high pressure huff through the material slowly.
You need a higher degree of windproofing in cold winters than for cool spring/fall rides.

A fourth for wool, with a polypro long-sleeve shirt underneath.

IMHO, if you are going to decrease layers, I'd get rid of the cotton first, because it's nothing but a moisture sponge--soaks it up and holds it.

For an unlined windbreaker, you could try placing some re-enforced tape (like a shipping tape) on the inside shoulder blade areas and then use a razor blade to cut .5 to 1 inch slits within the taped area. You'll still be guarded by the wind, but you will provide a way for excess moisture to escape.

.

RE: Coolmax

I see the Coolmax T's available here and there, (e.g. at Sierra for 5-8 bucks)
I do have a few plain colored wicking cycling jerseys (short sleeved, summer type) w/zipper. How would these differ from the full blown Coolmax tee shirt?

I guess I underestimate the potential of my wool sweaters (I have a few, norski fisherman knit, etc)... and to be honest, I think they are a helluva lot classier than the plasticky looking shell... tho some shell for COLD will be neccessary

This is a good idea and I might try it with an old windbreaker. I've been a little frustrated because it's been cold enough in the mornings that I've wanted frontal wind blockage, but then I get too hot on my back. I saw some specially design gear at the shop addressing this problem, but didn't want to part with that much cash.

I ended up dispensing with the jacket and sticking with poly underlayer + wool, works a-ok for now so long as I have my wind-proof mittens. Love those. They're convertible so if they get too warm, I just pull back the top part of the mitten and thumb.

A wool sweater with a cheap quilted vest or something along those lines will keep your core warm. I'd make an old windbreaker into a vest, you could also wear it under the sweater to keep the retro look going.
I still have windbreakers, storm coats and the like, but wear them less than %10 of the time even thru Seattle winters. I don't need the vests here, its too warm.

Check the discount rack in the LBS. I picked up a vest, windbreaker front, mesh back, hi-vis yellow, for 50% off or more. Just a matter of luck.

I did a forum search and noted a place called campmor.com that has some Duofold Varitherm Hydroduct shirts for a good price... similar wicking qualities as Coolmax

this has been valuable info
thanks to all

The lowest cost solution is to leave a few minutes earlier and ride a little slower. Less exertion means less perspiration.

You may be overdressed in any event. In cold weather, you should dress a little lighter than if you were walking around because you will generate much more heat while cycling. Removing the windbreaker and adding anothe shirt would give you a little more warmth yet not trap so much moist air.

Another vote for wool. In the mid-50s and damp here in Sacto this morning. I rode to work in chinos and a thin wool sweater with a cotton t-shirt underneath. Stayed super comfortable from my driveway to the office.

Pit zips in a waterproof jacket can be finessed to allow just the right amount of air in under your arms. Wool alonw won't stop wind chill, but makes a great under layer. Also, it should be the right type of wool, one that has not been made of wool that has been chopped up and formed into fabric. it loses the properties of wool taken right off the sheep. I forget the proper name of it. Filson's outerwear uses a great grade of wool that can actually take on a lot of water if rained upon and still keep you relatively dry underneath the wool.

Nothing draws more visability than stopping to take off a layer or two So how about putting just a windproof swatch across your chest instead. Do a search for some old posts.

Or weird as it sounds, put the jacket on and zip it up an inch or two. Then turn the whole mess around. So the back is open.