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Hiya,
What are folk wearing for cold, dry, maybe windy days in the saddle? I mean between -5 and +5.
I've knocked merino into touch as once sweaty it stays wet and cold.
Synthetic layers do OK, but I need something on top - my shell jacket keeps the wind off, but doesn't breath that well and after a big hill the dampness can build up whereupon its very cold on the way back down.
Thinking about a warm/thermal cycling specific jersey over a base layer with a gilet in the pack for the downs?
random questions, would love to know folks techniques.
My current favourite is the Polaris AM Enduro jacket. I wear it with a thin (short-sleeved) baselayer and top it off with a waterproof if conditions demand. It's so good, I've ended up with one in each colour. In the latter case, it'll get damp from sweat but it is wicking enough to take quite a bit before feeling clammy and it will dry off if I remove the outer shell jacket.
Gilet is a good option over the top too. A waterproof one will keep your back dry when the ground is wet but it's not actually raining.
https://www.polaris-bikewear.co.uk/AM-Enduro-softshell-mountain-biking-jacket-p/pol01-5313-p.htm
Endura MT500 Full Zip. Down to about 2 degrees C I wear just a single base layer with it, below that I'll add a mid layer too.
Endura Synthetic base layer, oblig club jersey, Endura Stealth II jacket. Good for all but the very coldest days and even then would just add an extra, long-sleeved jersey underneath.
(It's a real shame they stopped making the Stealth, but you can still pick them up here and there. Recommended.)
A windproof jacket with big zip vents and whatever thick base layer or thin fleece underneath. Cold dry and windy often seems easiest to dress for, vents work well when it’s windy, everything breathes better when it’s dry, and you don’t need to keep the rain out. I’m liking my Paramo Enduro windproof jacket for this (not the fullbore waterproof jacket they sell which is many times the price and much warmer and heavier).
Gore Phantom jacket (the one with the zip off sleeves) and tailor the base layer to the conditions.
spoilt for choice youth................. ;o)
https://fatladattheback.com/mens-cycle-wear/technical-cycling-jackets
Gore Phantom jacket (the one with the zip off sleeves) and tailor the base layer to the conditions.
This, most versatile bike kit I've ever owned, by a country mile.
Exteondo softshell and a Craft base. The Exteondo is a lot like a Phantom (but better...)
I have a Phantom too. It's MUCH warmer/heavier than the Polaris so gets used a lot less. I've also never/rarely taken advantage of the zip-off sleeves, mostly because when I want bare arms, the body is too warm.
Thread title makes me think "thick soft shell", probably with a long sleeved synthetic baselayer underneath. I only really wear merino when it's freezing or below, as the sweat thing's not an issue then.
If you're medium and like turquoise drop me a line, I've got a nice posh Scott winter softshell I never wear now.
Cheers all. Chaka, deffo not a med, but a kind offer thanks.
will take a look at Polaris, that seems pretty good. How is it for sizing?
Ton - you know me too well! 😂
+1 on the Endura MT500. I wore mine on a long gravel ride there on Sunday. Started off with a touch of frost, about 2 degrees, ended up about 10 degrees by midday. A LS Endura base layer, MT500, gilet for first hour. Never too cold, never to warm thought the 3 hrs of the ride.
I’ve just got a buffalo jacket do loads of different styles wicks very very well
I'm wearing a DHB softshell hoody, cheap as chips right now, looks smart, is pretty good as far as water resistance goes, and is windproof.
Hi following from Scotroutes recommendation I had a look at polaris enduro wind stopper. Polaris are having a pretty g ood sale and that jacket is down to £30 from £90
I sold my Phantom, found it way too hot
My cold weather biking jackets (assuming no rain) are a mountain hardwear super chockstone and a rab vapour rise alpine lite. I layer up underneath depending on the conditions.
Also works teamed up with a breathable gilet (like polartec alpha or 100wt fleece)
Ah bugger. Polaris jacket ordered, be rude not to at that price!. Cheers Colin!.
Never found phantom too hot, but I tend to wear it as a top rather than a jacket. Great for running in too.
Castelli alpha ros.
I use an older version of this - truly brilliant jacket,
https://www.howies.co.uk/black-friday/mens-trackie-phantom-jacket.html?colour=628
Is the polaris totally windproof and how sweaty is it?
Planet-X Magma with a variety of base layers for me, add a gillet if needed. Does the job well, though make sure you size up as they’re snug.
Gore Windstopper.
Is the polaris totally windproof and how sweaty is it?
It’s fairly windproof on the body. I found the need to put a waterproof jacket over mine this week to block a bitter northerly wind more effectively. I doubt any one garment can be warm going down hill and not sweaty going up
Best bit of kit this time of year is a neck buff to warm the air up before you breathe it in.
Polaris are having a pretty g ood sale and that jacket is down to £30 from £90
I'm not convinced it's a £90 jacket but it's a steal at £30. I have other stuff from Polaris and I'd say the same about it -great value at their (regular) sale prices. Neoprene gloves are another thing I'd recommend.
Why do you want to warm the air up?. Genuine Q, never heard of, or considered that....
Why do you want to warm the air up?. Genuine Q, never heard of, or considered that
Because sucking freezing air into your lungs isn’t what they’re designed for. Likely to trigger wheezing and all sorts of unpleasantness.
How does that work? I guess possibly when you exhale it warms the fabric of the scarf and moisturises it, then when you inhale, some of that warmth and moisture is transferred to the inhaled air. Maybe.
I’ve just got a Paramo Velez adventure smock (the lightweight version) and it works a treat with a thin base layer. It’s waterproof but feels more like a soft shell. Added bonus that of it rains I’m sorted too 🙂
I have also just ordered the Polaris jacket.
How does that work? I guess possibly when you exhale it warms the fabric of the scarf and moisturises it, then when you inhale, some of that warmth and moisture is transferred to the inhaled air. Maybe.
Basically you trap a pocket of warm moist air around your nose and mouth. A thin buff works well. Thick fleece things will be too stuffy.
Gore Windstopper.
Indeed
Because sucking freezing air into your lungs isn’t what they’re designed for. Likely to trigger wheezing and all sorts of unpleasantness
Really? Most people seem to manage breathing cold air without any of those symptoms. :]
+1 to Gore Windstopper, I think it's the Phantom jacket I've got, it's got removable sleeves.
+1 to using a buff or facemask to cover mouth and nose. Cold air in your lungs isn't a problem per se but you are cooling yourself from within by continually refreshing that volume of air. What you are doing by using a buff is moving the heat exchange from your lungs to the front of your face.
Don't use jackets as much these days as insulated gilets work so well. Try a £20 'Forclaz' synthetic insulated gilet from Decathlon. Brilliant kit.
Added to a decent jersey, base layer and hat etc as needed. Waterproof over the top if wet. Works out much less clammy and warmer/more adaptable when needed than any softshells I've used, keeps my core warm but doesn't overheat easily.
Paramo velez smock. I’ve had it for donkey’s years, but a good wash and re-proof and it’s as good as new again. Too warm for cycling in most of the time and doesn’t cope with extended heavy rain as well as my rain jacket, but it’s great for those cold dry (or snowy) winter rides.
Another recommendation for the Polaris soft shell here, I've picked up a couple when they're on offer. They do get a bit sweaty but because of the fleece lining they don't feel clammy like a hardshell. I wouldn't go out in proper rain in it, mind.
i have been using one of these; great price, windproof, waterproof, no sweat on the inside, underarm zips, very comfortable to ride in, stormproof great sleeves to get gloves under, hood massive and could be cut out as its bulky. Just make sure you have enough lights about you as its camo!
I rode for an hour in solid rain and no leaks
https://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/french-army-jacket
Another vote for the Rab VR Alpine lite - never found bike specific jackets to be as good as the stuff for mountaineering.
Is the Polaris jacket all windproof material? I have the Endura Windchill jacket, and get a cold back as it isn't.
+1 for the endura stealth 2 jacket. Under Armour cold gear base layer and a buff round neck/ over mouth and nose. Keeps me warm enough but not overheating. I have a Gore jacket that’s years old and has an inflating tube that allows you to blow up various compartments but it’s boiling in anything above freezing.
On my road bike I wear a Gabba with a couple of thin layers underneath and am always comfortable up here in Scotland through winter. Hands are a bigger issue.
On the MTB I have a OneTen equivalent to the Gabba which was heavily discounted on CRC a couple years back. Has a silver lining across chest and fore arms for added wind resistance.
I use these both all year round with varying base layers. In winter it’s usually a thin base layer mesh T-shirt, then an old Nike dry fit T-shirt , with a Helly Hansen long sleeve base on top. The Gabba or OneTen over it all. When it gets to spring I drop a layer or two.
Phantom jackets for £60 in small and medium (an extra 20% is knocked off when you put it in the basket)
Going back to the Polaris kit on sale, there is a quite nice windproof gilet on sale at £15
https://www.polaris-bikewear.co.uk/AM-Apex-Mountain-Biking-Gilet-p/pol01-5853-p.htm
Really? Most people seem to manage breathing cold air without any of those symptoms. :]
That’s because most people are equipped with a nose that warms and humidifies the air. If you’re belting along on the bike sucking in air through the mouth this doesn’t apply.