Bike Forums - Why silk base layers?

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- - Why silk base layers? (https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/707572-why-silk-base-layers.html)

KiuBWhy

01-17-11 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steppinthefunk (Post 12090543)

You're right... I should've included the mandatory "WTF" image to go along with the joke.
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/g...ai-cyclist.jpg

I feel as if the first part of your post was just to allow the use of the second part. Which you must have had saved on your HD for years.

Either way, big thumbs up.

bikerjp

01-17-11 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WickedOne513 (Post 12091609)

Silk is also the oldest and lightest natural insulator. That is why it started out with backpackers. I don't know how it would work with riding because its so fragile that it would have to be worn loose.

I have a silk base layer that I use when riding in below freezing weather. It's thin so I don't notice the extra layer and has held up fine. I think I would use wool if it was much colder but sadly I don't have any yet.

merlinextraligh

01-17-11 11:02 PM

IMHO,

Silk is not a good base layer for high intensity activites. You sweat through it too fast. Synthetics these days do a better job in managing moisture.

Rowan

01-18-11 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seattle Forrest (Post 12091297)

Thanks for the info, everyone. Sounds like these are worth a try this time of year.

I asked one of the skiers, but he said he doesn't sweat all that much taking a lift up, then sliding down the hill. He said it's a little bit of work navigating down the slope, but that he's lazy. This thread has been a lot more helpful. :D

Thanks for answering the question that was on the tip of my fingers. I figured that downhill skiers, snowboarders and the like wouldn't be expending much energy, and certainly not as much as a cyclist.

I haven't used silk as a base layer, but the silk shirts I have worn, then sweated through were not at all comfortable... clammy and clingy. I've seen silk blends available at outdoor equipment retailers, but figure polypro and wool, along with various jersey fabrics have served me well without the expense.

rogerstg

01-18-11 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merlinextraligh (Post 12092778)

IMHO,

Silk is not a good base layer for high intensity activites. You sweat through it too fast. Synthetics these days do a better job in managing moisture.

+1. That's been my experience. Great stuff if you don't sweat, acts like cotton if you do. I understand that some of the new high dollar stuff has coatings that help with moisture management, but regular silk - no thanks.

cooleric1234

01-18-11 08:59 AM

I picked up a silk base layer for $1.50 at the second hand store. I really wish I had merino wool though.

Seattle Forrest

01-18-11 11:00 AM

It's mediocre...

After reading some replies that said silk isn't as bad as I thought for this, I gave one of these shirts a try last night. I dressed a little warm to make sure I'd sweat, and did hill repeats and descents in my neighborhood. Then I got a flat, so I had some time to stand around not working very hard ... good test.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rowan (Post 12092947)

I haven't used silk as a base layer, but the silk shirts I have worn, then sweated through were not at all comfortable... clammy and clingy.

Yup. That's exactly what it feels like. Wet and clammy, and it sticks to you. But it's not cold like cotton is, when it's wet, at least while you're working. And it dries a lot more quickly than I expected it to. I had worked pretty hard going up an 18 % hill, and was almost dry by the time I got home. It seems to block the wind better than wool, on the bright side.

I'm gonna stick with cashmere and merino.

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