Jarery

Wool has the best thermal ability.
Wool has the best temperature range of comfort
Wool has the close to the best for 'best feeling next to skin" (some cant wear it at all without itching)
Wool keeps you warmest the best when its wet.

Wool does not wick near as well as a synthetic. Which makes the fact it keeps you warm when wet a good property since it generally ends up weter than synthetic. Synthetic when used in the correct temperature range beats wool for keeping you dry, which is a base layers main purpose. Thats why synthetic is usually a better choice when used in the right circumstances. Wool is easier choice since you have a wider temp range to work with, and still feel 'nice' even when at the extremes.

Spring and fall when its huge temperature changes from morning ride and afternoon ride, i wear wool since it works for both rides temps. Summer and winter when the temps are similar for both rides, I find synthetics better for my commute, less cleanup at work if I arrive dry compared to arriving in a damp wool base.

garydhatch

Wool, Ibex or Smartwool.

kill.cactus

So I'm thinking (sorry if I didn't include any of your ideas - I have a microscopic budget) underarmour or polypro base layer, longsleeve thin cotton shirt, ski jacket.

As for the pants I was thinking baselayer with jeans on top as my commute won't be more than 30 minutes one way. I don't use clips or clipless or whatever, I just have regular pedals and so I'll use goretex winter boots from Asolo.

Sound good?

vrkelley

Hmm...In temps above 50, I've had limited success with wool. It's just too hot esp. for the late afternoon return ride. What sort of temperature ranges, distance and speed are you riding in? How thick is this wool stuff you're wearing?

Jarery

All my base layers are the silkweight variety, regardless of material. As thin as possible. I also 'usually' find wool too warm. I also find wool holds too much sweat/ But it does feel great leaving the house in the am This time of year Im same temps as you (Vancouver BC) . I leave for work at 6:30 am, and leave work at 5:00 pm. 45 min each way. Speed? well.....only cars pass me....occasionaly..

I got a few peices of wool as xmas gifts, so I create opportunities to wear them. Heh. My favorite base layers are polartech powerdry, with capalene a close second, but it costs a lot more. So bang/buck i find powerdry the best.

tmacias

patagonia base layers come in different thickness ranges. They also provide a wool version. I picked up the thinest wool and the next thickest wool base layers and took them on a backpacking trip last week. Nights were about 35 - 40 degrees F. Was able to just have the two base layer without an additional layer when around the camp site. These are great feeling and worked well.

I didn't wear either when wearing my pack (aprox. 65lbs) since the weather during the day was perfect for a tank top, so I can't comment on the wicking ability. Snowed the day after we left Go figure...

As already mentioned, they are expensive ($80 for the thin and $120 for the next thickest layer) but I think I have a solid start on my winter riding gear.

urban rider

I just picked up some short sleeved wicking shirts for $3.74 each in the clearance rack. I use them as a base with a long sleeve shirt. So far it works.



Gas, the price of a can of beans.

urban rider

Run to the nearest Salvation Army store or Target's clearance rack and look for winter cycling clothes, i.e. wool tops etc. I don't care for bluejeans or cotton anything.


Gas, the price of a can of beans.