can u guys suggest a quality base layer t shirt and long sleeve that wick the sweat etc?? Im looking at izumi's etc and they get pretty pricey

I really dont plan on riding below 35/40 degrees....I was thinking just getting a long sleeve and short sleeve...do u think that should be good enough?

thanx

Base layers designed for running should work well for bicycling, but make sure you get the right size since running gear tends to run wide and short. I've bought lightweight and thermal New Balance brand base compression layers on Amazon for $10 to $15 that are pretty nice for the price.

I have a stockpile of still-in-the-package polyester/spandex tights that I found at a GoodWill after they didn't sell at a sporting-goods store. They were for women, so I don't get the easy access panel for road side relief, but otherwise fit the same as a men's thermal tight.

I have a stockpile of merino wool garments for layering, bought new from stores like Ross, Marshall's, etc. when I find them for an excellent price. Picked up a few Columbia fleece tops this way too.

If you are watchful, year round, you can build a good collection on the cheap.

Thrift stores are a good place to find base layers as is wally world and the like.
I use under armour which works well and so does anything with a polyester/spandex/wool combo.
I have rode in temps at -30/-40 below with the windchill factor and have been fine.
The biggest thing is not to over dress (you should be a bit chilly when you start out or you will quickly overheat and be in trouble if you have to stop for repairs).

The most important thing is to keep your extremities warm, I use wool socks, mittens and a polyester, nylon,lycra blend balaclava.

I refuse to pay bike shop prices just for the "name brand" so I agree with you.

I buy my cold weather gear at Cabelas and LL Bean. Sierra Trading Post is worth a look also. They have good, cheap balaclavas. Riding in 30 or 40 degree weather doesn't take much.
For the really cold stuff I wear Sport Hill cross country gear. Light, durable and warm.

need cheap? hit the Charity shops ..

Omniwool is available through Sam's Club and other big box stores. Not super cheap at about $25 for each the top and bottom, but they are warm with a poly/merino wool blend and have a half zip crew top that works well for cycling for a lot less than most of the sports specific wool blend base layers.

My go to for that temperature is a Patagonia polypro. The thinnest they make.

Have you checked Sierra Trading Post? I've been buying pretty much all my cycling and winter sports apparel from them. FYI never ever purchase anything less than 30% off coupon which they send out pretty much everyday once you sign up to their mailing list. I bought my Columbia omniheat baselayer tops for 25$.

I was in the Army for 21 years. Dang, that makes me sound old but I'm only 39. When I retired I had duffle bags full of cold weather stuff including a half dozen or so sets of the base layer cold weather long underwear. It's good stuff. If you search "ECWCS" and "silkweight" you should find some good deals on ebay or surplus websites. I'd wear a jacket/jersey and running pants over them in the winter. I regularly rode in subzero wind chills last winter. 20 to 40 degree days were no problem at all.

I just bought a lightweight merino blend top at Costco for less than $20. It's been way too hot to try it, but I will post a report when if finally cools down enough.

For winter riding I'd stress the outer shell more than the base layers. I like rain bibs of reasonable quality. Cheap PVC stuff is okay. But something woven, with good pockets, is even better.

At 35-40 deg F I simply wear gym shorts under that cover-alls. I'm more than warm enough.

At lower temps --and you might find yourself tempted in that direction-- basic sweat pants are very comfortable.


On top a basic sweat shirt plus cotton jacket works for me. Rain jacket when necessary, of course.

Lots of technical clothing out there at Marshalls, TJMaxx, Ross, etc. For $15-20 you can get Nike Drifit, Underarmor cold, etc. Shop around. It's the time of season when these stores are getting winter clothing on the hangers. I've also gotten some nice wool socks pretty cheap too.

Around here, Target has wicking poly long sleeve shirts for $15-$16 (plus tax, of course).

The thrift shop suggestion sounds like the best one so far, if you can find stuff you need.

If Costco still has that merino sweater, run there today and buy two! I've bought a few over the years. Quality varies from year to year. The latest one I bought was slightly disappointing but still worth $20.

You could also take an old shetland sweater that is intended to go over your shirt and wear it as an undershirt. Sounds crazy, I know, but if you want non-cotton to be against your skin, it's one way to do that.

Also, sporting good stores are likely to have decent stuff at below-pearl-izumi prices. The difference might be fit. Cycling clothing generally is long in the back and sleeves. That shouldn't be a huge problem, though.

If you can, look for stuff with raglan style sleeves. They allow better movement in the shoulders when you're in a cycling body position. Not a big deal, but if you can find it, you'll be glad.

I have a pretty good assortment of stuff now......the piece that I have found makes a WORLD of difference is a $15 used sugoi windbreaker i bought off the bay. the past 2 days have been around 55 windy and no sun. I brought it along and started getting a bit cold as evening was coming I put that on and it really worked perfect to cut the wind chill...today same thing. Im sure I could keep layering as it gets colder and throw that on as top layer. I guess this is all obvious to u all but I alway thought to use a windbreaker on its own for a cool summer day or something... i started cycling last march so im approaching my first winter

I just picked up base layers at Costco

Paradox Top 17.99
Paradox pant 15.99