Bike Forums - Staying Warm

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Quote:

Originally Posted by alcjphil (Post 18196600)

My favourite socks, even for very hot summer rides, are wool. I have quite a few pairs of good synthetic socks, but there is nothing like a good pair of wool socks. Ride today was a good example, Starting temperature was about 8C, so I opted for toe warmers. Later on, the temperature climbed to almost 20C. Toes stayed warm and dry throughout the whole ride. I have many Merino wool undershirts I bought in Costco for about $12 each. I wear them year round as T shirts in summer and as base layers for cross country skiing in winter. As a bonus, they were sold in several different colours. I am wearing a nice green one as I type this

That's one of the reasons why I like wool so much. It can be comfortable to wear all year round, not just when it's cold but also when it's warm. It also smells a lot less then synthetics.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RFEngineer (Post 18195018)

So my morning commute has regularly been in the 50s F. I only have regular short sleeve jerseys and one long sleeve thermal jersey (overkill). After being cold for a few weeks, I wore a regular cotton undershirt under my cycling jersey this morning. I was definitely warmer, but I don't really think it's the right solution. Is there an alternative to $40+ cycling "base layers." What should I wear, that is cheap, under my jersey in this temperature?[

Nothing.

You want a wind jacket or vest to go over your jersey. It'll block the wind, fit in a pocket if it gets warmer later in the day, and not need washing as often as something worn against your skin.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnDThompson (Post 18195567)

I think the OP asked for affordable solutions… :innocent:

Yeah, and don't have those dickie little tags on them that say: The materials that this garment is made have been identified in the State of California as containing chemicals that are detrimental to your health if consumed in quantities greater than a microgram".

Personally, I like polypropylene as a base layer, with a light polarfleece over it and then a windshell. Polypro in combination with polarfleece, in my experience, is very good for wicking moisture away from the skin, better than wool even.

The essential layer for mine, however, is the windshell. When temps get below 50 deg, I will use one of my rainjackets. Pit zips are essential, along with perhaps a shoulder vent. Knee and leg warmers come in materials with smooth or fleecy finish on the inside; but if commuting, I would use trousers that are made of fast-drying material that also provide a large degree of windproofness.

The danger warnings for cotton can be overstated. In dry, temperate conditions (60s F), when riding at an easy pace, there really is no problem. I have merino, polyester etc, but I also ride in cotton T shirts.
The danger comes when temperatures fall to 40s, with rain and wind, when you find yourself far from home with wet, non-insulating clothing. Even with polyester, I may remove a soaked baselayer after a big climb in winter.