Windter Layering For Mid Weight Jersey
 

I'm looking for layering recommendations to ride(commute):commute: at night at 30 to 20 degrees underneath this: http://images.zyro.co.uk/ImageGen.as...s/_noimage.png

I'm trying to reduce my apparel bulk in this temp range. I already have on order from their outlet store the Assos skinfoil for winter and winter+. Now i'm $210 lighter in the wallet. :cry: I'm thinking about going with Gore Windstopper base layer, either ss or vest as the next to skin layer and skinfoil(winter or winter+ depending on temp) as a mid layer. FYI I went one size up on Altura NV peloton Jersey(both colors). I went with my regular size on the skinfoil since they're somewhat 'stretchy'. And I'd go a size up on the Gore WS if I go this route.

Do you have any other recommendations on a next to skin baselayer? The only requirements is that it has to be thin and windproof. Oh...I will be riding at full speed hence the reason for the windproof baselayer and definitely want the Altura jersey as the top layer, so gilets or other outer garments are verboden.:D ...unless it's below the above mentioned temp.

Is there any way to edit title?

I would have used a windproof jersey instead of a windproof inner layer. If you're stuck on using that jersey, I would just layer up with one or two wool baselayers. With enough layers the need for windproof goes away.

How long is your commute?

My commute is 25 miles(12.5 each way) about 40 to 45 minutes in the morning(no traffic). It's possible that the skinfoil(s) might be enough, but going 25 to 35 mph at say, 25 degrees results is a pretty hefty windchill even when calm. I also like to do intervals also after work, so I might be out for 3 hours sometimes. The jersey(s) are slim cut, so even though I sized up I still need the baselayers as thin/warm as possible. That's why I went with the skinfoil for the long sleeve. No room for 2 ls base layers.

I've used a thermal jersey with a long sleeved Icebreaker wool baselayer and maybe another short sleeve baselayer. I also have a tight fitting vest I can use. That works OK especially if you're working hard.

This year I've switched to a Castelli Gabba 2 jersey which is windproof and waterproof enough for a 1 hr ride if it starts to rain I use one or two layers of wool underneath.

I don't know if you're planning to buy multiple base layers or wash them every night but non-wool baselayers are more likely to stink than wool.

The Gabba 2 was on my short, short list of outerwear to buy, but I decided to go cheap on the outerwear and spend more on base layers for more versatility.

Yeah, that's one of the cons going with synthetics, but if it's below 20, out comes the Rapha Deep Winter baselayer with the Gore Xenon 2.0 jacket, and above 30, I can use a 200 weight merino underneath a DHB Classic Softshell Roubaix Jacket or under a DHB Flashlight thermal jersey, so I have plenty of options so I don't to do laundry more than once a week.

Regarding the visibility of the Altura NV peloton Jersey i would have chosen something with several single wide reflective bands at the back rather than 2 small one at each side. Can be seen from a longer distance. You can simply add it to your jersey so not a big issue.
Anyway, regarding visibility at night the priority is at moving reflective bands so reflective bands at the ankle or foot (i glue reflective patches directly at the back of my shoes so that pretty much solve the issue)

Regarding a midlayer i would go with something made of wool with a hood that can go under an helmet.
This one is more like another outer layer but can also become a midlayer: wind resistant, wool blend with reflective bands (lack one at the back but can be added)
http://www.mec.ca/product/5044-784/n...0+50089&q=wool
or this one
http://www.smartwool.com/shop/men-cl...ariationId=825

I used to be a national level cross country skier ,you might want to have a look at what they have clothing wise as even when I was still in it we had some fantastic gear ,paper thin ,good enough for a 50 km race at -30 and even a few 100km races .I used to have some training suits that were totally wind proof ,and some just the fronts were wind proof .

The problem is that it just doesn't really make any sense to put a windproof layer as the inner layer. The wind cuts through the outer layers and removes heat, the windproof membranes are far less breathable than less windproof stuff so you're still stuck with possible moisture buildup under the layer. It seems like it's the worst of both worlds - especially if you're doing high output stuff like intervals.

I own windproof "breathable" layers that I use in the winter (Minnesota), but I don't own any windproof base layers - but that's my opinion. A windproof membrane outer layer (like goretex active, event, etc) can still get a little clammy in not being quite breathable enough, but it is fantastic for keeping the wind out. Using one as anything other than the outer layer makes no sense to me. Either go with a windproof outer layer, or a more breathable but less windproof setup for all layers.

I have this one:Deep Winter Base Layer | Rapha

Underneath Xenon 2.0 jacket takes me down to well below 15 degrees comfortably.

Ok, I give up. Majority rules. Ixnay the Gore WS base layer. There's plenty time in spring, fall, early winter when I can have my way with my Altura jerseys with a merino or skinfoil layer underneath. Thanks to all for your input, expecially Paul Rivers. I'm thinkin' you might know just a tad more than I when it comes to dressing for the cold.:thumb: St. Louis isn't exactly Minnesota temp wise.

The hood doesn't seem to be removable which may reduce its versatility (might want to remove the hood after an intense effort or you might prefer a better hood). I would have gone with a separate hood for these reasons. I guess it might work for very cold weather.

That's what i do when i want to remove excess heat quickly while still keeping some wind protection. I use 2 slightly insulated windresistant midlayers and remove the outer one until i cool off. I will tend to use this system for colder temperature well below freezing as any cold wind that reach the skin when it is very cold creates discomfort. With a windproof outer layer based system when you remove the windproof layer you get cold wind though you can remove the insulated midlayer instead but it is slightly more work than just removing an outer layer.