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What are people's recommendations for a good long sleeve mid layer for when it's proper cold while mtbing? I currently wear a long sleeve merino wool base layer, an old thick-ish long sleeve windproof road jersey and a thin windproof soft shell.
The road jersey is totally not breathable so I am looking for a mid layer that will insulate a little bit, but is also breathable. The soft shell will do the job of keeping the wind and a bit of rain off me.
Do you need the windproof road jersey as well as a thin windproof soft shell?
For riding in local woods for a couple of hours, I'll use a thermal baselayer a fleece and a lightweight windproof/waterproof. As I warm up if its dry the windproof goes in the backpack.
If I'm out in the elements for a long ride, I'll wear a more robust outer.....( https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15904599/montane-men-s-flux-jacket-15904599)
But I plan on buying the below for this winter.....
https://www.wiggle.co.uk/buffalo-mountain-shirt/
Polaris AM enduro jacket. Regularly available for under £50. I usually wear a short-sleeved synthetic top under mine. A full waterproof will be required when the weather is proper minging.
Edit: currently £35 at Polaris
https://www.polaris-bikewear.co.uk/AM-Enduro-softshell-mountain-biking-jacket-p/pol01-5313-p.htm
Proper cold? How cold is that, In North East Scotland that's -10degC, which has the bonus of not needing to worry about waterproofing and membrane fabrics with terrible breatability. I wear a 200GSM Icebreaker Merino long sleeve baselayer and an old fashione roll neck heavyweight wooly jumper. With an ultralight pertex jacket over the top to keep the wind out on long descents.
I only wear a mid-layer when it's sub-zero and I'm up high, but then I'll usually go for a tight-ish L/S base layer with a jersey over the top and a softshell jacket.
Keeping feet and hands warm is more of a priority usually though.
Not cheap but I love my Ground Effect Baked Alaska, I got mine on eBay.
Polaris AM enduro jacket. Regularly available for under £50. I usually wear a short-sleeved synthetic top under mine. A full waterproof will be required when the weather is proper minging.
Edit: currently £35 at Polaris
Any advice on the sizing for these, scotroutes? I appear to fall on the L/XL divide.
I think two layers of soft shell/windproof is what's knackering you here, and making the inner one seem 'unbreathable'.
Basically, the secret is layers under a windproof and breathable outer. I use a Merino t-shirt under a tatty old long sleeved top, under a softshell jacket or a waterproof if it's raining. If it's proper cold I'll use a long sleeved Merino base layer instead of the t-shirt, and if it's PROPER cold, both.
And tuck your base layer into your shorts.
+1 for Polaris gear though. No nonsense, well made, well priced. I have this, it's great:
https://www.polaris-bikewear.co.uk/Tornado-Windproof-Road-Cycling-Jacket-p/pol01-5498-p.htm
A Rab powerstretch top.
Do you need the windproof road jersey as well as a thin windproof soft shell?
For riding in local woods for a couple of hours, I’ll use a thermal baselayer a fleece and a lightweight windproof/waterproof. As I warm up if its dry the windproof goes in the backpack.
If I’m out in the elements for a long ride, I’ll wear a more robust outer…..( https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15904599/montane-men-s-flux-jacket-15904599)But I plan on buying the below for this winter…..
https://www.wiggle.co.uk/buffalo-mountain-shirt/
/blockquote>Yeah I think the double windproof layers are what is trapping the sweat in too much. The Flux is a lot of insulation! I'd get far too hot in it (I already have it). I also have the Prism and think that would be too hot as well.
Polaris AM enduro jacket. Regularly available for under £50. I usually wear a short-sleeved synthetic top under mine. A full waterproof will be required when the weather is proper minging.
Edit: currently £35 at Polaris
https://www.polaris-bikewear.co.uk/AM-Enduro-softshell-mountain-biking-jacket-p/pol01-5313-p.htm
I will check that out.
Proper cold? How cold is that, In North East Scotland that’s -10degC, which has the bonus of not needing to worry about waterproofing and membrane fabrics with terrible breatability. I wear a 200GSM Icebreaker Merino long sleeve baselayer and an old fashione roll neck heavyweight wooly jumper. With an ultralight pertex jacket over the top to keep the wind out on long descents.
I am thinking for 4c and below really.
I only wear a mid-layer when it’s sub-zero and I’m up high, but then I’ll usually go for a tight-ish L/S base layer with a jersey over the top and a softshell jacket.
Keeping feet and hands warm is more of a priority usually though.How thick is your jersey? I have my Sealskinz socks and 100% brisker gloves to keep my hands and feet warm.
Not cheap but I love my Ground Effect Baked Alaska, I got mine on eBay.
That looks interesting, I'll check that out too.
I think two layers of soft shell/windproof is what’s knackering you here, and making the inner one seem ‘unbreathable’.
Basically, the secret is layers under a windproof and breathable outer. I use a Merino t-shirt under a tatty old long sleeved top, under a softshell jacket or a waterproof if it’s raining. If it’s proper cold I’ll use a long sleeved Merino base layer instead of the t-shirt, and if it’s PROPER cold, both.
And tuck your base layer into your shorts.
+1 for Polaris gear though. No nonsense, well made, well priced. I have this, it’s great:
https://www.polaris-bikewear.co.uk/Tornado-Windproof-Road-Cycling-Jacket-p/pol01-5498-p.htm
Agreed, and I do tuck in my base layer 🙂
A Rab powerstretch top.
Another one I will check out.